Last week Brussels was once again immersed in the spirit of St V, but the VUBâs annual celebration is gaining traction internationally as well. In New York, for instance, and on 25 November also in London, where alumni living and working in the UK attended a special reception featuring guest speaker Karel De Gucht, president of the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG).
The gathering took place at Flanders House in London, jointly organised by the VUB and hub.brussels, which also provided financial support. Hub.brussels, the Brussels Agency for Business Support, works to stimulate entrepreneurship, attract international investment, and promote Brussels as an economic hotspot. The event offered an excellent opportunity to highlight the international dimension of both Brussels and the VUB.
Wim Vandenbussche and Karel De Gucht
The reception was hosted by VUB Vice-Rector Karin Vanderkerken, with keynote speaker Karel De Gucht, currently President of the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) and formerly European Commissioner for Trade, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister. "Internationalisation has always been at the core of the VUBâs mission", said Karin Vanderkerken. "As alumni living and working in the UK, you embody this commitment. You act as ambassadors for our universityâs values: critical thinking, openness, social engagement, and the belief that knowledge thrives through dialogue and diversity."
An evening focused on connection
The programme brought together alumni, policy representatives and academics for an informative and festive evening. During the central conversation, Karel De Gucht and Professor Wim Vandenbussche discussed a range of current topics: UKâBelgium relations, the UKâs re-association to Horizon Europe (and hopefully Erasmus+ in the near future), the state of higher education, and the VUBâs international role as an urban engaged university. âWe should not underestimate ourselves, nor should we overestimate others. The creation of the EU is remarkable. The EU remains a defender of the idea that democratic systems can have influence at the global level", according to De Gucht. Professor Vandenbussche also reflected on Pierre-ThĂ©odore Verhaegen and the lasting relevance of his legacy.
Why celebrate St V in London?
The international presence of alumni is increasingly important for the VUB. In cities like London, former students form valuable networks that enable collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation. The event gave alumni the opportunity to reconnect with one another as well as with representatives of Brussels and Flanders.
This significance was also highlighted by the eventâs partners:
âWe are proud to help strengthen the VUB alumni network in London. Such a network is a source of Flemish and Brussels soft power, it connects people, ideas and experiences, and creates space for collaboration. From joint research projects to innovative initiatives that advance our societies, VUB alumni are building strong bridges.â
â Jeroen Deckmyn, Deputy Representative at the General Representation of Flanders to the UK
âBrussels alumni are powerful ambassadors for their city: some choose to start businesses in Brussels, while others go abroad, forming an invaluable network of first-line experts that Brussels companies can rely on for international growth.â
â Samuel Servaes, General Representative of the Brussels Capital Region Government to the UK
A growing international tradition
With the London St V event, the VUB reaffirms its ambition to connect its community across the globe. For alumni abroad, it offers a chance to maintain their ties with Brussels and contribute to the international visibility of our university.
St V is no longer solely a Brussels tradition. It has become a worldwide moment of connection, free inquiry and urban engagement.
