Project X Haren - yes, he certainly remembers that, says one of the 'Students of TU/e' (the organizers of the Facebook event). “Of course, it could escalate in all manner of ways,” the student realizes, “that's why we want to remain anonymous. But we are doing this with the best of intentions; we simply feel it's a great shame that Dies Natalis (or Founders' Day) and the academic year opening, among others, are being scrapped”.

In terms of characteristic traditions, their academic ceremonies are the very thing Dutch universities like TU/e have, say the student, and they are worth preserving. Moreover, as he says: “It's Executive Board policy to encourage a sense of community and to involve the city in university life. It is precisely these events that afford the opportunity to do that, and we must make the most of that.”

He continues: “I've attended Dies Natalis a couple of times and I always found it enjoyable. Okay, as an event it's a tad boring, but if you want to revitalize it, you could just inject a little more fun, couldn't you? Besides, the TU/e had the most enjoyable academic year opening no question about it, that's what we often hear from students at other cities.”

Contact with the instigators of MomenTUm (as the new TU/e day of celebration has been dubbed) or with the Executive Board is something the students have not had. “We simply wanted to start a light-hearted campaign; we don't want to create any unnecessary fuss.” ‘We’ are a number of friends, mostly Master's students from various departments, he explains.

Under control

First and foremost, the instigators hope to garner plenty of attention for their Facebook event (now fait accompli) and for their underlying conviction that “the community needs this sort of thing”. According to their spokesperson, with just two weeks to go it is simply too late to actually organize anything. “Nor is there anywhere for people to gather; which means we can keep this initiative under control.” But, as he also says, “If say a small group wanted to join us, it might be possible to arrange something.”

And that Jan (Mengelers, Board President at TU/e) shouldn't hear of the Facebook event ('Shush! Don't tell Jan!') - is nonsense obviously, acknowledges the student. “In fact we're assuming that the Executive Board will see it. And, of course, we would like to discuss it with them, if they are open to that.”