Nyenrode Fund holds Thank the Donor Day 2018

On Saturday 22 September 2018, Stichting Nyenrode Fonds (SNF) once again opened the doors of the Koetshuis to celebrate the seventh annual Thank the Donor Day. During this event, SNF shared its latest developments with donors and other interested parties. The program also included a festive ceremony in which eight students were awarded their scholarships by (representatives of) the donors who made these scholarships possible.

University update

In his introductory speech, Rector Magnificus Miša Džoljić discussed the developments at the university. He spoke about highlights such as the success of the expansion to Amsterdam. “There is a group of students who want the experience of a Nyenrode education, but in a big city.’ The university is also exploring how it can further expand to the south in order to accommodate the growing number of students, including by reviving the BSc program and increasing the range of executive degree programs offered.

Past, present and future

The mission of Stichting Nyenrode Fonds (SNF) is to invest in the past, present and future of Nyenrode Business Universiteit. The fund makes money available for maintaining Nyenrode’s past, such as its monuments, heritage and traditions. Focusing on the present, SNF invests in the facilities that we have as an institute. SNF also contributes to the future by providing scholarships for students who otherwise would not have the financial resources to study at Nyenrode.

Ambitions for the future

As is tradition, Tanja Visser, director of Stichting Nyenrode Fonds, gave an update on developments surrounding the university fund. She shared that in 2017, revenue exceeded expectations and costs were drastically reduced; this allowed for more investments in the past, present and future of the university. An example is the restoration of the Luctor Oranjerie, which the guests visited after Tanja’s speech.

Efforts are also being made with respect to the further professionalization of SNF. Ambitions for the future include implementing the online strategy, innovating the existing donation possibilities, involving companies in fundraising activities and engaging in more meaningful contact with donors.

New fundraiser

Tanja also took a moment to acknowledge the departure of her former colleague Guy Thoms. After two years as fundraiser for Stichting Nyenrode Fonds, it was time for Guy to take a new step in his career. Colleagues will mostly miss his passion for Nyenrode’s heritage, his knowledge of the university and its students today, and his presentations during homecoming events.

Fortunately, SNF was able to smoothly bridge the gap upon Guy’s departure. As of 1 August, Alex Hoogendoorn has taken on the role  of fundraiser. He may not be a Nyenrodian, but he nonetheless brings a wealth of knowledge in the area of (online) marketing and communication.

Projects in 2019

Below are a few of the projects planned for 2019:

• Restoring the monumental Menagerie on the estate, with a duck decoy, aviary, pheasant cottage, dovecotes and bird feeder
• Requesting the status for professional maintenance of monuments, allowing the organization to more easily qualify for maintenance subsidies (ANBI status)
• Offering the possibility for companies to adopt lecture halls
• Starting to fundraise for the construction of the Forum Building
• Starting to fundraise for the restoration of the castle’s foundation
• Creating new scholarships for various degree programs

Presentation of revolving scholarships

Thank the Donor Day concluded with a ceremony in which revolving scholarships were awarded to eight selected students. This year’s group included two BSc students, four MSc students, one student who will start an International MBA program and one student who is completing a transition year. The scholarship donors were alumni from the classes of 1953, 1955, 1958 and 1976, the American Friends of Nyenrode University, RoNEMBA, Jan Bots, Stichting Oukha and IMC Europe.

These scholarships, which were presented by representatives of the donors, make studying at Nyenrode possible for talented students who otherwise would not have the financial means to do so. The scholarships are “revolving” in nature, which means that after the recipient graduates, he or she will in turn make a new scholarship possible for a future student.

After the ceremony, it was time for a drinks reception where the guests had a chance to socialize and meet the scholarship students. But such an unforgettable day also has to be captured on film, of course, so the students once again braved the rain to take photos in front of the castle with their certificates and flower bouquets.