"The Best Celebration of the Year"

"Respect human rights!" This was the core message of ST V 2024: "Honour the treaties, stay true to Verhaegen." The unrest in the world looms large—wars that deeply affect us, mistrust in authorities, stark societal divisions, harsh words, and crude behaviour. These concerns reverberated loudly at Brussels' City Hall, where one speaker after another expressed their worries. VUB Rector Jan Danckaert remarked, “We are living in times of extreme polarisation.” In the afternoon, however, students suggested a simple remedy: a good party.

In the early morning of 20 November, a colourful group gathered at 7:30 a.m. in the Marble Hall on the ULB campus. After a cup of coffee, the series of ceremonies for ST V 2024 began. The first act was a floral tribute by rectors, alumni, and students to the founders of the universities, Théodore Verhaegen and the Spanish anarchist and freemason Francisco Ferrer. Their statues stand on the busy Franklin Roosevelt Avenue, where motorised officers had to halt traffic to ensure the safety of those laying wreaths. The officers escorted buses throughout the morning as the university community visited the commemorative sites.

The next stop was Brussels Cemetery, where, under the emerging autumn sun, floral tributes were paid at the graves of Théodore Verhaegen, Frans Kufferath, and Henri La Fontaine. The following ceremony took place at the National Shooting Range in Schaerbeek. Here, an impressive commemoration featured songs and the solemn recitation of the names of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom during World War II.

After a concluding trumpet call, the buses proceeded to Brussels City Hall, where Mayor Philippe Close welcomed attendees in the Gothic Hall, and speeches followed.

Rector Jan Danckaert carefully chose his words in the Gothic Hall of Brussels' City Hall. “Every misinterpreted word can spark a cascade of indignant reactions. But for an engaged university, silence is not an option.”

Emiel Van Weert, president of the Vrij Onderzoek student circle, called for greater effort from the VUB in his speech. “The war in Gaza echoes on our campus. We see a small group of vocal, protesting students, but also a vast majority of apathetic ones.” He pointed out that this is not unique but symptomatic. “VUB students are losing their connection to the university's values. Is the VUB doing enough? An Instagram post and roundtable discussions are not sufficient. Personal growth is a right for every student. A university must provide the space to develop—it cannot become a diploma factory.”

Jonas Brüll, president of the Brussels Student Society, shifted focus to the digital realm, highlighting issues of safety, privacy, and the "right to be forgotten" online. He cited the 2009 ClimateGate scandal, where leaked emails were used to discredit climate science, with the resulting fake news still circulating. He urged respect for human rights on the internet to create a better world.

The official programme concluded at 1:30 p.m.—a rarity, as the schedule was adhered to for the first time in years—with a Glass of Friendship in the Militia Room of City Hall.

In the afternoon, it was the students’ turn. They gathered in large numbers at the Grand Sablon to celebrate their ST V. Each year, the students select the theme. Nils Mens, Vice President of the Brussels Student Society, explained: “With ‘Respect the treaties, stay true to Verhaegen,’ we want to remind everyone of the importance of protecting innocent lives.”

The large crowd on the Sablon made it clear that Brussels is Belgium's largest student city. Ruddy Verbinnen, head of the University Association, proudly calculated that the VUB, together with the Erasmus University College, accounts for no less than one-third of Brussels' 100,000 students. Brussels is the biggest—eat your heart out, Leuven. And all of this in a real city.

Students Nhi, Kars, and Thomas, all members of the medical student society, stood on the other side of the square near a chocolate shop, radiating cheerful energy. Nhi exclaimed, “The best party of the year!”

The study friends had already been enjoying a few hours of revelry on the Sablon. “It’s a beautiful spot, and you also meet fun people from other generations,” they said. Thomas added enthusiastically, “Yes! We’re celebrating student life!”

When asked about ST V’s theme, they paused for a moment to reflect. Nhi remarked, “It’s intense abroad: war in Gaza, women in Afghanistan aren’t allowed to speak in public, and in the US, abortion rights are under threat...” Thomas chimed in, “But here in Belgium, things are good. We can live freely.”

With that said, they were keen to move on. “Soon we’re joining the parade to the Stock Exchange in the city centre, and then we’ve got plans.” Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to bring people together.*

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.