TU/e President Robert-Jan Smits bids farewell with a royal decoration and honorary medal

Smits was made Officier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau). He handed over the chairmanship to his successor, Koen Janssen.

After six years as President of the Executive Board, Robert-Jan Smits bid farewell to Eindhoven University of Technology in a special way. During the farewell ceremony in the Blauwe Zaal, Smits was appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem. The departing president was also presented with the honorary medal of TU/e by Peter Wennink, the president of the Supervisory Board.

This royal decoration was awarded to Smits as a token of appreciation for his impressive career and valuable contribution to science, innovation, and higher education, both in the Netherlands and at the European level.

Billions to Eindhoven

The mayor praised Smits for his significant contribution to the realization of the Brainport Deal and the Beethoven Deal, through which billions in public investments, thanks to the persistence of our former chairman, found their way to Eindhoven and the surrounding region. Dijsselbloem also highlighted his achievements for the National Growth Fund.

"You have given me and your successors much to build upon. We hope that in Brainport we can continue to benefit from your valuable advice, wisdom, and network in the future," said the mayor before pinning the royal decoration on him.

Additionally, Smits was presented with the honorary medal of TU/e by the president of the Supervisory Board, Peter Wennink. This medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Eindhoven University of Technology. Wennink spoke about the 3 P’s that characterize Smits: perseverance, patience, and passion.

Wennink: "Perseverance, patience - or rather, the lack of it - and passion. This honorary medal is not only for the immense contribution you have made to this university but for everything you have achieved in your impressive career."

Impression of the ceremony

Photos: Bart van Overbeeke

Great journey

Smits himself referred to it as a ’great journey’. "I have learned an incredible amount and met fantastic people, from students to researchers and staff. My thanks go to this wonderful community, but there always comes a time for arrival and departure. It is an honor to pass the presidency to my successor Koen, in whom I have great confidence, given his career in industry and at research institute TNO. Good luck, Koen!"

Koen Janssen, his successor, expressed it as a privilege to follow in Smits’ footsteps. "You’re leaving big shoes to fill, and I have small feet," he told the departing president. "As President of TU/e, I carry a great responsibility. I see it as my most important task as a member of the Executive Board to create the best conditions for students, researchers, and staff to excel, so that we can make the greatest possible contribution to a more sustainable world. I begin my journey on the solid foundation you have left behind."

Pragmatic and focused

During Smits’ farewell ceremony, there were lectures by researchers Aida Todri-Sanial, Carlo van de Weijer, and Maarten Steinbuch. In the presence of family, friends, and his national and international network, rector Silvia Lenaerts spoke about her first encounter with Smits. He quickly reminded her of Emperor Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire.

Lenaerts: "Emperor Augustus was described as pragmatic, focused, and forward-thinking. Robert-Jan shares these qualities, but adds his own personal touch: a talent for bringing people together with his energy, humor, and directness. Whether speaking with students, staff, or external partners, he knows how to inspire others to pursue their high ambitions."

Farewell Interview

In a farewell interview last month, Smits looked back proudly on his six years as president. Highlights for him include the intensified collaboration with the Brainport high-tech industry, the international position of TU Eindhoven, which has been boosted under his leadership, the Irène Curie program, the development of Challenge-Based Learning, and the establishment of the institutes EIRES, EAISI, and EHCI.

Smits: "I hope that over the past six years, I’ve been able to help everyone progress. I’d also like to encourage our community to stay on the path we’ve set and continue supporting each other so we remain the tight-knit community we are."