Dear reader,

A new face this time! My name is Sari Hermans. I'm studying Econometrics & Operations Research and will be the Student Assessor on the faculty board of the School of Business and Economics this year. In this role, my primary responsibility is to advise the board on matters affecting students and to explore how its decisions can positively impact their daily lives.

You likely remember how formative your student years were: a new environment, new friendships, and new ways of seeing the world. Academic knowledge is essential, but personal growth is equally transformative.

Every stage of growth brings change. By embracing change rather than resisting it, we open the door to self-development and meaningful contributions to society. My own journey of growth led me to join the faculty board, where I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how changes within a faculty are shaped. It has been an incredibly enriching experience!

As Student Assessor, my goal is to embrace change by listening to students’ concerns, ideas, and perspectives, ensuring their voices are integral to faculty decisions.

One thing is certain: change is on the horizon this year. Together with the faculty board, I am committed to addressing these challenges with optimism. I look forward to representing students’ perspectives and fostering stronger connections between students and the board throughout the year.

In this edition of Vuurwerk, you will read about alumni, scholars, and students who are navigating change in inspiring ways. For instance: alumni Wendy, Arif, and Hakan, who are connecting fellow accountants to societal changes; scientist Sacha den Nijs, who reveals how the Netherlands’ competitive position is shaped by gas prices; and econometrician Neha Gupta, who pursued econometrics to create meaningful change in the world.

Happy reading!

On behalf of the Faculty Board,

Sari Hermans Student Assessor