Anka Mulder receives ‘own research prize’ at farewell as Saxion President

There were many admirable words and fond farewells for Anka Mulder on a stage full of attributes built in the main hall of Saxion in Enschede. After more than seven years, she is exchanging Saxion for the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, where she will become vice-president on 1 May. These attributes, or rather ‘props from previous successes’, referred to the many moments when Mulder had given extra symbolic significance to her stories and ideals in recent years. With humour, but also enormous drive and a rock-solid belief in the strength of higher professional education. For the region, but also on a national and international level. For example, she had opened the Saxion Climate Square in Enschede wearing gardening wellies, watering can in hand. In Deventer last autumn, she stood on the theatre stage holding a large banner to draw attention to the plight of higher professional education. These, and many other moments when Mulder blended humour with decisiveness, were remembered on Thursday afternoon at her farewell.

Professional Doctorate pathway

Martje van Ankeren of the Saxion Research School, who linked the various parts of the programme, referred to Mulder as “a director who set a distinct and clear strategic course, knew what she wanted and combined two special qualities: having little patience and a lot of staying power.” It was precisely these qualities which enabled Mulder to “bring about great results,” according to Martje. Such as the Post Doctorate pilot scheme, the doctoral pathway in higher professional education, which is being included in the Higher Education Act. A huge step for higher professional education. “A week after starting at Saxion, you saw exactly what was needed. And one of those things was that research had to be given a clear position in higher professional education. During your portfolio tenure, the funding of higher professional education was doubled. You also put the funding of higher professional education, and in particular for universities of applied sciences in demographically declining regions, on the map,” said Martje. Her introductory words were met with enthusiastic support from those present.

Promoting research in higher professional education

Supervisory Board Chairman Karl Dittrich spoke “words of appreciation and respect, but also sadness,” at Anka's departure. To paraphrase Julius Ceasar, he found that Mulder “came, saw and conquered,” initially finding her switch from TU Delft to higher professional education surprising, but looking back with “great wonder and admiration” for the way in which Anka promoted research in higher professional education and put it high on the agenda not only within Saxion, but also at the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences.” said Dittrich. And, he continued, “not only for the necessary connection with education, but also from the conviction that it was necessary to make a stronger connection with the region. With a clear agenda and a planned approach. You listen, you read, you think and set out the lines. And then you are ready to implement,” Dittrich told her. He also recalled how difficult it was at times for her to exercise patience when things were not going as fast as Mulder wanted. “Sometimes as a director you have to sit on your hands, wait until the time is right.”

Visible

Director Dittrich referred to Mulder as a visible director: “You saw and you were seen. Not only within Saxion. You were also out and about a lot in the region, the country and even far-off lands. You tirelessly drew attention to and emphasised the strength of Saxion and Dutch universities of applied sciences. This has not only benefited Saxion, but also been a huge help to the entire higher professional education sector.” In doing so, the Supervisory Board chairman concluded that Saxion has developed enormously in recent years under Mulder's responsibility, with the focus increasingly shifting from Twente towards Salland. Also across the IJssel to the westernmost Saxion location in Apeldoorn, where Saxion plans to further expand in the coming years. There were also words of appreciation for Mulder’s constant attention to personal safety and a climate of openness and equal opportunities. Just as for sustainability. “Topics that may seem obvious, but are often overlooked. In the public domain in particular, people are needed who dare to act. People who stand for their cause. Today we say farewell to a president who has achieved a great deal, with clarity and decisiveness. You have earned and received a memorable place in Saxion’s story,” Dittrich concluded.

Great commitment to the region

This memorable place was also mentioned in relation to the Twente region. Ank Bijleveld, Chairman of Twente Board, emphasised that Mulder was always backing the region, in a committed and enthusiastic way. Especially for higher professional education in a demographically declining region such as Twente. “Together with the border regions of Maastricht, Zeeland and Leeuwarden, we fought in Twente, for higher professional education and the position of international talent, with regard to the Internationalisation in Balance Act.” Bijleveld also complimented Mulder on how well she had set up the “educational range in Twente,” referring to the continuous line between MBO, HBO and university, in good cooperation with other education partners in the region. “That continuous line has really helped us in a number of areas. From a European perspective, where we are referred to as a Smart Region. To a large extent we owe that to you,” said Bijleveld.

Personal involvement

There were personal words of appreciation from Richard Wielinga, from the Saxion Executive Board. He called Mulder “anything but colourless or boring,” and praised her humour. Just like her personal commitment and attention to Saxion as an organisation: a director who was there for everyone, from a personal thank you per email to caring for employees and students who were experiencing difficulties, according to Wielinga. From students who received a ‘Buddy box’ full of gifts from Mulder during corona lockdowns, to her intense conversations with Ukrainian and Russian students after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. He also thanked Mulder for her unwavering commitment to Saxion, in the period after she had announced her departure. “Many people already take a big step back in such a situation. You did that one small step at a time. You continued to work hard up to the very end, for policy in the area of internationalisation and our research groups. All intended to help Saxion on its way even in your final days here.”

Anka Mulder Research Award

Hans Vossensteyn (Director of Saxion Research and Graduate School) presented Mulder with a golden pin as a symbol of the newly created ‘Anka Mulder Research Award’ that she may award annually during the Saxion Research Conference. It surprised and moved Mulder, who in her own closing words “didn't want to recap on everything she had done these past years,” but above all wanted to thank everyone who had helped her, both privately and professionally. Within Saxion, but also beyond, in the region and in many other places where she had been active. However, Mulder did ask one last time for attention to the important role that universities of applied sciences have in society, in order to combat polarisation. She also spoke warm words to the new Saxion board, which will be strengthened on 1 June, 2025 when Inge Grimm will continue Mulder’s role as President of the Executive Board, after Richard Wielinga who has now taken on the role of Interim President for a brief period

Emotions

Finally, there were words of thanks to all Saxion employees and students. “Without you, students,” Mulder said, “it's just a boring place, not to mention all the talent you possess. Thank you for all the inspiration you give us every day.” Then employee Marcel van Oosterwijk started playing the renowned Billy Joel classic Piano Man, on piano and harmonica, the song traditionally played at Saxion to conclude events such as the Opening of the Academic Year and New Year’s Reception. This closing anthem was now for Anka Mulder, who was surprised by a large procession of representatives from the student associations. As they descended into the hall on the escalator, waving their banners, Mulder's emotions could no longer be contained. The students. Ultimately, they were the ones that Anka Mulder had done it all for these past years.

Photography: Carolien Kortman
Translation: Graeme Cunningham