In front of a lecture hall filled with family members, friends, other students, as well as ambassadors and embassy representatives from several countries, 81 international students at Wageningen University from 33 countries received their masters diplomas on 17 March. “You came here as candidates and you are leaving to enter the world as scientific ambassadors and respected alumni of this university”, said Prof. Bert Speelman, Rector Magnificus of the University, in his salute to the graduates.
The ceremony was especially notable because the MSc diplomas were being presented to the 25th generation of international Master of Science graduates at Wageningen University. The international MSc programme began in Wageningen in 1972. The students who are now receiving their diplomas began their 18-month study programme in 2003. Every year, the University welcomes about 350 international masters students.
A very colourful group filled the main lecture hall in the chemistry building at the De Dreijen complex. Many of the candidates wore traditional clothing from their own countries. The largest group came from the People's Republic of China, with 14 candidates, followed by Ethiopia with 9, Indonesia with 8 and Vietnam with 7. There were also candidates from Ghana, Nepal, Belgium, Egypt, Estonia, Kenya, Taiwan, Zambia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ecuador, the Philippines, Greece, Iran, Italy, Yemen, the Netherlands Antilles, Uganda, Romania, Russia, Spain, Suriname, Tatarstan, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.