Last Thursday, the organising committee polished the plaque at the so-called Kreiken tree on Drienerlolaan. These are the opening salvos for the symposium commemorating Jan Kreiken, who was born a hundred years ago. From 1968 to 1986, he was professor of business economics and served as rector magnificus from 1974 to 1976. In 1968, he laid the foundation for the Business Administration programme at what was then the Technische Hogeschool Twente. Kreiken passed away in 2001.
Study association Stress will celebrate his legacy this Friday with a symposium. ‘His son, UT alumnus Boet Kreiken, reached out to us,’ says Cleo Ballon on behalf of the organising committee. ‘He wanted to make a donation so we could create something tangible. The committee also took initiative to organise a symposium.’
Symposium and study space
With co-funding from the association itself and sponsorship from the Alumni Office and Twente University Fund, both ideas are becoming reality. ‘We’re not only hosting the symposium, but we’ll also renovate and modernise Stress’s study space before the end of this year,’ Ballon explains. Near that study space, an alumni office initiative will place a memorial for Kreiken. Emeritus professor Koos Krabbendam will give a lecture during the symposium on Kreiken’s influence on UT.
However, Friday’s symposium is not solely about the founder of business administration, Ballon adds. ‘We selected four topics for alumni and academics to speak on: aviation, innovation, procurement, and healthcare. Ultimately, this symposium is a platform for students to connect with alumni and other professionals. It’s especially important for students to gain a clear picture of their future prospects.’
Constant change
One of Kreiken’s famous sayings was: ‘The future cannot be predicted, we have to make it ourselves’. His ideas remain deeply embedded in the Industrial Engineering and Management programme in 2025, Ballon notes. ‘Especially the concept of constant change within the context of innovation and problem-solving. That’s something first- and second-year students are taught from day one.’
