42nd dies natalis and handover of the rectorship
During the celebration, prof. dr. Theo Bastiaens will bid farewell as rector magnificus after two terms in office and hand over the rectorship to prof. dr. Thomas Vaessens.
Programme and venue
The annual science award will also be presented during the celebration. In addition, the American educationalist prof. dr. Curtis J. Bonk will receive an honorary doctorate for his contribution to online and blended education.
Before the ceremony, the procession of professors will make its way through Heerlen. During the reception afterwards, you will have the opportunity to thank Theo Bastiaens personally and meet Thomas Vaessens in an informal setting.
Date: Friday 11 December 2026
Welcome from: 14.00
Dies natalis celebration: 15.00 to 17.00, followed by a reception
Venue: Parkstad Limburg Theater, Heerlen
Address: Burgemeester van Grunsvenplein 145, Heerlen
Registration
Would you like to attend the dies natalis? You can register by filling out the registration form via the button below.
Symposium
Earlier that day, the Expertisecentrum onderwijs (Center for Teaching and Learning) will organise the symposium 'Learning without limits: The future of higher education'. For more information and registration read the news item.