Thirty years Illuster – a fresh look
On 1 December 1995, the first Illuster came out. When I realised we had an anniversary on our hands with this issue, I took a dive into the archive. While flipping through piles of old issues - almost one hundred of them – I saw beautiful stories about academia. I then realised very well how the world around us, but also Utrecht University and life on and around the campus have developed throughout the years.
Illuster was once started to maintain the connection with alumni. Anyone who leaves UU stands at the start of a career. And you are then of course far from done with academia and the way in which academic research contributes to a better world. For 30 years already, Illuster looks in from behind the scenes with research projects and the people behind research projects at UU. Illuster has the goal to inspire alumni and contribute to the realisation that academic research is incredibly important.
Reading Illuster – in print or online, via social media or our newsletter – is the most low-threshold way to stay in contact with UU. Alumni are asking more and more often to stay in contact with their alma maters. So they can stay up to date on developments in academia and innovations in their fields. They are seeking inspiration for life long learning. This is why UU organises various events with lectures, debates and excursions. But the programme Continuing Education (CE) has an interesting range of available training programmes and courses for alumni. Because staying curious – that may very well be the best way to keep your mind young and flexible.
An anniversary asks for a fresh start. This is why we gave Illuster a new, sunny, UU yellow makeover. But besides this, the magazine is still filled with alumni, interviews, background articles and research we are proud of, just like before.
Enjoy reading it, and on to the next thirty years.
Annemiek Vermeulen