Students and employees celebrate 450th anniversary at sunny LAWLANDS

Published on 26 June 2025

On 19 June, the grounds of the Kamerlingh Onnes Building were transformed into LAWLANDS! It had everything: sun, music, science, beach, games, quizzes and, above all, an enthusiastic audience of staff and students.

Something for everyone

It was a special celebration organised for and by students and staff of the faculty. Students and staff (including from the University Services Department) helped remove bike racks, build up the festival site, give lectures, sell merchandise and serve beers. And when the work is done, it's time for a spin in the aqua roller!

Speeches & talks

Dean Suzan Stoter addressed those present and welcomed everyone to LAWLANDS. In her speech, she reflected on the history the faculty has written and the history it will write in the future. Spoken word artist Elten Kiene gave an inspiring talk about the faculty and the anniversary.

Then Vice-Dean Jan Crijns announced the winner of the Faculty Spelling Test: Peter van der Zwan. Congratulations on the win and enjoy the beautiful print of the KOG! Finally, together with student Jill Stoelinga, assessor Roel Kwast unveiled the painting of her design that won the 450th anniversary art competition. The painting will get a place on the wall in the faculty's A-corridor.

In the tent, Philippe van Gruisen and Hilde Woker each delivered a 450 talk. They were expertly moderated by Egbert Koops. Van Gruisen spoke on 'Thorbecke and the European "Constitution"' and Woker on 'The Law of the Sea: The Past, Present and Future'.

Dean Suzan Stoter
Suzan Stoter and spoken word artist Elten Kiene
Winner of the Faculty Spelling Contest: Peter van der Zwan
Reveal of the painting
Philippe van Gruisen
Hilde Woker

Op de dansvloer!

Gelukkig was er ook genoeg tijd om te dansen. De sfeer zat er goed in met optredens van DJ LouLou (studente Pascalle van Rechtsgeleerdheid), Economie docenten Marion Collewet en Eduard Suari, de band Bocadillo met promovendus Jan van Staalduinen op de toetsen, DJ Hap en Bar (twee studenten van onze faculteit), Uptown (9 koppige band met onze collega Publieksdiensten Bryan Beemer), een opzwepende DJ PJ en een knaller van een afsluiter: de blazers van de virtuoze band Jazzalike