Graduation ceremony BSc Security Studies: 'Look beyond your own beliefs'
On Monday, August 26, there was a big party at Wijnhaven for the graduates of the BSc Security Studies. Among other things, a blue carpet was rolled out for them. While enjoying live music, congratulatory speeches and applause from friends and family, they received their bachelor's degrees.
The auditorium soon filled up with all the attendees. Programme Director Anneleen van der Meer took the floor first and looked back on how the students had started their studies in a remarkable period, namely in 2021 during the covid pandemic. She also highlighted how, thanks to their own perseverance and the support of their families and friends, the students were able to receive their diplomas on this day.
Look beyond their own beliefs
As the keynote speaker, Michael Kowalski (Dean NCTV-Academy & Chief Science Officer) mentioned the challenges the students could expect in the world of security, but in addition he stressed how important it is to remain optimistic. He emphasised the great adaptability of humanity. In addition, he encouraged students to look beyond their own beliefs and connect with people who look at the world differently.
In closing, alumna and student ambassador ’23-’24, Maria Beckers looked back on beautiful and inspiring years of study: 'It has been great to be part of Class 2024. I can confidently say that I have never met such an interesting group of people as in Security Studies. The passion that many of us share for Security Studies was what made this year so united and memorable. Class of 2024, I would like to congratulate you all on achieving this milestone, and the exciting times that are now to come.'
Diploma time!
Then it was time for the students to receive their diplomas. One by one, the students were allowed to come forward for their diplomas and have their picture taken with Bibi van den Berg, Professor of Cybersecurity Governance, and Anneleen van der Meer.
Concluding, there was a reception for the graduates and their guests.
Graduate Madelief Alserda about her time as a student: 'I have truly loved the last three years at Security Studies and will greatly miss all the amazing friends I made along the way and the teaching staff who have passionately guided me through the emerging theories and challenges of the safety and security field. It has been incredibly rewarding to study such an interdisciplinary bachelor that continuously develops to adapt to current challenges and the environment of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs has greatly nurtured a continued interest in the security field. As such, I will continue my studies at FGGA pursuing the Msc. Crisis and Security Management master specialising in the field of Cyber Security Governance.'
Graduate Karolina Wróbel: 'The three years of Security Studies ended very quickly, and I will forever be grateful for the memories and knowledge I gained at Leiden University. The graduation ceremony was a perfect way to celebrate the hard work we have put into our degree and say goodbye to this chapter of our lives. For me, the next chapter means joining the MSc Crisis and Security Management in the Cyber Governance track and working as a Security Technical Specialist at Microsoft. I couldn’t have done that without my degree and the support of my family and friends. My new chapter is waiting to be written, so let’s see what this journey will look like.'
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Some of the graduates of the 'class of 2024' -
Alumnus Job Van de Waeter -
Graduates with their friends and family in the auditorium -
Programme director Anneleen van der Meer -
Michael Kowalski, Dean NCTV-Academy & Chief Science Officer -
Alumna and student speaker Maria Beckers -
Alumna Madelief Alserda -
Karolina Wróbel 'It is sad to end this chapter, but it is even more exciting to start a new one.' -
