Company Profile
Utrecht University
Company Overview
Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality and the alma mater of many leading names, academics and scientists who have made an important contribution to the quality of society.
Utrecht University has powerful ambitions when it comes to the quality of education and the success of its students. The same applies with regard to its clearly-defined research profile, based on four themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. Utrecht University is a key part of society and makes a significant contribution towards finding answers to the issues facing society, now and in the future.
For its Alumni Relations and University Fund office, Utrecht University is looking for a new director. The objective of the Alumni Relations and University Fund office is to encourage the growth and development of Utrecht University. The office was created as a result of the enduring partnership between the university and the ‘Stichting Utrechts Universiteitsfonds’ (‘Utrecht University Fund foundation’). The University Fund was established more than 125 years ago by alumni and donors, making it the oldest university fund in the Netherlands.
The office helps to develop an ambitious future alumni policy and fundraising strategy. The boards of the university itself and of the University Fund are jointly responsible for the policy. The policy is aimed at achieving and maintaining an involved alumni community that actively contributes to making the university future-proof. It is also aimed at strengthening the national and international reputation of Utrecht University, at enhancing the opportunities of its students on the employment market, and at creating an international, attractive, and competitive community for excellent students and academics.
The Alumni Relations and University Fund office is, therefore, a platform for more than 100,000 registered alumni and 12,000 friends, volunteers and donors. The University Fund supports student life through grants for the numerous activities of student, sports, and music associations and social clubs, and of academic projects and special chairs. It also awards study grants for foreign students. Finally, the University Fund has the option of setting up special chairs, in close consultation with the university.
Company History
Utrecht University has its origins in the seventh century. Anglo-Saxon monk Willbrord of Utrecht established a school for priests and noblemen in the city. The priests' school was affiliated to the cathedral and later became known as the Dom School.
In the 17th century, the City Council founded an Illustere School ('Illustrious School'). In 1636, this officially became Utrecht University, which status gave it the right to confer academic degrees. It was officially opened on 26 March 1636, which remains the Anniversary Day or Dies Natalis to this day.