Our Alumni in East Belgium Have Started a Brand New Tradition
An evening that truly brought people together
Eupen. With an atmospheric and surprisingly lively start, the first RWTH Aachen University alumni meeting for East Belgium took place on December 5, 2025, in the Parliament of the German-speaking Community of Belgium. What initially began as an experiment quickly developed into an evening that exceeded all expectations and which the participants agreed should become a permanent fixture in the annual calendar.
When they arrived in the impressive plenary hall of the parliament, it was already apparent that this premiere was destined to be successful. The guests shared two defining characteristics: their time at RWTH Aachen University and their roots or life in East Belgium. This dual identity created an atmosphere that was both familiar and inspiring.
The event was officially opened by Patricia Creutz-Vilvoye, President of the Parliament, Jérôme Franssen, Minister of Education, Training, and Employment for East Belgium, and Professor Bernd Markert (RWTH Rector's Delegate for Alumni). Their presentations covered key topics that are important to both the region and the RWTH community: the importance of networks and the alumni spirit, innovative educational pathways, scientific development, and prospects for the future of East Belgium.
Nicole De Palmenaer's keynote speech was particularly noteworthy, as it opened up new perspectives on public participation. Dr. Lucyna Zalas then presented the location project, which showed participants the opportunities and development potential that their old or new home is blessed with. The lively discussions that followed showed how much knowledge, experience, and creative energy there is in the alumni community.
After the official part was over, the meeting moved to a nearby restaurant – and that's where the evening really came into its own: over cocktails, fries, and informal conversations, new contacts were made, memories were shared, and unexpected connections were discovered. These are the parts of an event that you can't plan, but that really make an evening unforgettable – the feeling of being part of a vibrant, growing community.
Afterwards, many participants expressed how much they needed this meeting – as an opportunity for discussion, for inspiration, and for a sense of coming home. This being so, we have already decided that we will continue organizing events like this. Anyone who was unable to attend this year is warmly invited to become part of this newly established tradition.
Finally, a big thank you to all the speakers, to all those who asked questions, to the audience – and to those who made the evening special just by being there. These first steps are truly promising!
– Author: Christine Cox