One of the speakers pointed out that Jo van Ham had managed to perfectly synchronize the official opening of Atlas with his farewell as vice president of the Executive Board after more than ten years. Van Dam was honored with speeches throughout the day, and his past was thoroughly disclosed in the main lecture hall of Atlas. From his short-lived career as trumpet player and drummer in the Sint Jozef brass band during his youth, to his ‘restless’ hippie years as a law student in Nijmegen and his long-term career at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).

Former rector Hans van Duijn gave the most ebullient speech. He said to have had some reservations when Van Ham took office: “Not only did he vote for the liberal VVD party, he was also an Ajax supporter and he came from Limburg.” Van Duijn said his relationship with Van Ham soon became close and he proceeded to praise his former colleague for all his accomplishment within his fields of activities. “Jo made sure there was money, which I was then able to spend.” He told Van Ham somewhat cynically that he better enjoy this moment. “The next time people will have this much attention for you as person, it will be at your funeral.”