In Memoriam: Marjan Minnesma

This weekend we received the sad news that Marjan Minnesma has passed away.

Marjan studied Law and Philosophy at Utrecht University from 1990 to 1996. In 2015, the year in which the Urgenda Foundation’s lawsuit against the Dutch State made global headlines, she was named Utrecht University’s first Alumnus of the Year for her leading role in the case. This award is intended for someone who has made an impact and brought about progress in their field. An alumnus who dares to think outside the box, is a source of inspiration for students and makes a significant contribution to addressing society’s challenges. This year marks the selection of the tenth Alumnus of the Year. This was to take place under the chairmanship of Marjan, who had held this role for the university since 2022.

Marjan was widely praised as a major source of inspiration within the world of sustainability. Through Urgenda, she drew widespread attention to this socially urgent issue and managed to influence the public debate on it in a positive and impactful way.

In the 2016 jury report, she is praised as “a true game-changer in a field where Utrecht University (UU) is also committed to making research and education in the field of sustainability one of the strategic priorities of the university’s agenda for the coming years. She knows how to deploy her knowledge and skills with impact and effect in a positive way, thereby bringing the subject of sustainability to the attention of politicians, government and the general public in an urgent and unavoidable manner. Through a combination of substantive knowledge, enthusiasm, strong logical and fact-based reasoning, and the associated debating skills, Minnesma ensures a sharp, substantive discussion that commands great respect from both supporters and opponents. “Thanks to her unifying, integrated and goal-oriented approach, she fits well with the profile of Utrecht University as a multidisciplinary institution where researchers from various disciplines systematically work on impactful, groundbreaking research.”

It is important for the university to maintain ties with all its alumni. Some of them go on to become role models and ambassadors after their studies, for which we feel extra pride and gratitude. Marjan Minnesma was such an alumnus. We remember Marjan with great respect and warmth and wish everyone who loved her much strength.

On behalf of the Alumni Office and the Utrecht University Fund,

Annemiek Vermeulen