Wageningen University & Research: The Wageningen Experience Day – a hybrid feeding ground for alumni throughout the world
Once a Wageninger, always a Wageninger. Once you have studied in Wageningen, you have the Wageningen DNA, which links you to others across the globe. But what precisely is Wageningen DNA, and what does it represent? We will answer this question during the Wageningen Experience Day on Saturday 8 October – in person ánd online.
Team leader of Alumni Relations, Maarten van Schaik, explains: ‘Our approach this year differs from previous years. While we used to be able to welcome alumni to the campus with open arms, we were forced to hold the last few editions online. This year, we combine the two; the Wageningen Experience Day 2022 is a hybrid event. Thus, alumni from the Netherlands and abroad have ample opportunities to meet, catch up and participate in our interesting programme.’
Registration Wageningen Experience Day
Theme: Connected, discovering the Wageningen DNA
Connected, discovering the Wageningen DNA is the theme of this Experience Day. This theme fits in well with the core topics of the university, such as biodiversity, circular economy, climate change and the protein transition. Interlinked topics that are more pressing than ever. At the same time, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) aims to connect with the alumni themselves by encouraging them to join the conversation and share their experiences.
Talk shows
The live part of the programme and the online part are linked through three talk shows hosted by Eveline van Rijswijk, assisted by WUR student Olaf Rhijnsburger. Van Rijswijk is a producer, presenter and science journalist. The guests operate in different domains, thus contributing various perspectives (this is, among other reasons, why the interviews will be English spoken). Visitor can take a seat among the audience and the talk show will be live-streamed as well.
Every show will feature a host of interesting subjects and guests. Ricardo da Silva Torres, Professor in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence will talk with Marian Stuiver about the symbiotic city of the future. Arnold Bregt, Dean of Education, will tell about his perspective on university education. And during the third show Emmeke Vierhout will tell her story about her farm in Ukraine and the 10,000 water filters that she and her husband are going to bring there.
Questions or reactions? The live audience and the international online audience can both connect to the guests in their own way. In addition to the talk show, there are live and online breakout sessions during which the attendants can discuss with the speakers.
What else can you experience?
‘The talk shows and breakouts are not the only activities we have to offer’, says Van Schaik. ‘Our 25-year and 50-year reunions are planned for 8 October. Moreover, there is ample opportunity to stroll over the campus. Virtually if you join online or during one of the campus tours if you attend Wageningen. During the event there will also be a compilation on view. In it alumni talk about what makes them ‘Wageningers’.