First Intro Festival was a success
A new tradition has been born! Thousands of students from vocational colleges, universities of applied sciences, and universities celebrated the start of the new school year yesterday in the center of Eindhoven. This is the first time all educational institutions in Eindhoven are organizing this Intro Festival together. Summa was well represented with over 300 students.
For some Summa students, the festival was part of their introduction week. They came to Stadhuisplein with their teachers. It wasn't just first-years who joined in, either. Summa Legal Professions was by far the largest group, with several dozen third-years.
Getting to know the city
After a short stopover at Stratumseind, they arrived at the festival with their lecturers around five o'clock, ready to mingle with the other students. Lecturer Thom Janssen of Legal Professions: "The Intro Festival is meant to introduce our students to the city in a festive way. Many of our students have been here for a while, but they don't always know about student life, options for further study in the region, student associations, and so on. This is a great opportunity to get a little preview!"
Teachers Anoesjka Schellekens and Lieke Bongen-Van Horrik of Summa Healthcare & Welfare had, partly due to their own enthusiasm, gathered a good group of students (second, third, and fourth year students). Not all were 2+, but that was well-planned. After a thorough ID check, everyone received the required, correct access wristband for Stadhuisplein.
Watch the aftermovie
It's great that this is possible
There were also spontaneous registrations. Students from Aviation Services and a few fourth-year students from Summa Technology (BIC) were eager to party. "It's great that this is possible. That we can join in the festivities," said one of the technology students. "We only heard about it this morning from a teacher. We don't want to miss this!" said a student from Ster College (vavo), who came with his friend to pick up two bands. Two students from Summa Beauty & Lifestyle had their own reason for coming: "We want to see and hear Yes-R!"
The atmosphere on the square was immediately electric. The lineup certainly contributed to that, with big names like Lampegastuh, Dansado&deFeestmeester, Yes-R, and LukasPrins.
Intro Festival also in 2025!
In the Eindhovens Dagblad, Renate Reijmers, member of the Executive Board of Summa, expressed pride in the fact that this festival came about on the initiative of Summa’s Central Student Council (CSR). “This is a recognition for our students, who really wanted this festival themselves. We asked them about it beforehand via a poll. Many of them enjoy connecting with other students, and this festival fulfills that need.” It was therefore wonderful to see that, around six o'clock, the festival was co-opened by Sanne Weijers, the chair of Summa’s CSR. That brought things full circle.
Teacher Janssen has already made plans for the next edition in 2025. "The Intro Festival was truly valuable. A large group of us stayed until the end. There was a great atmosphere; it was a truly wonderful start to the new school year. We'll definitely be back next year!" So, on to 2025, because then too, Stadhuisplein will be the setting for a joint student party!