Geert Sanders: UEF supporter for future generations

A strong connection to Groningen

Geert Sanders still lives in Groningen, overlooking the Vismarkt. His connection with the city and the University of Groningen dates back to 1963. After completing the first half of his psychology degree in Nijmegen, he chose to continue his studies in Groningen. ‘Nijmegen was too sociable, too comfortable. I needed more of a challenge.’ In Groningen, he met Professor Snijders, who invited him to continue his studies at the University of Groningen. ‘I felt so welcome that I decided to stay on the spot’.

That decision proved pivotal for his career. Geert specialised in social psychology, earned his PhD and remained at the university, first as a researcher and later as a professor. His academic career eventually led him into the field of business administration, where he focused, among other things, on organisational culture and organisational change.

‘It was quite a big step. I moved from academia into the dynamics of international business. My wife, Harmke, encouraged me to say yes. She sensed that I would thrive in this new field of research. And she was right: I loved conducting applied research in areas where there was a real demand for it, while involving students along the way. Every now and then, I still run into former students who fondly reminisce about their experiences back then.’

From professor to UEF director

In 1997, Geert received an unexpected phone call from Eric Bleumink, then a member of the University’s Executive Board. A few days later, he found himself nervously waiting in the University Administration Building. To his surprise, Bleumink asked him to become the first director of the Ubbo Emmius Foundation alongside his position at the Faculty of Business Administration.

‘Bleumink explained that the University of Groningen wanted to become more active in fundraising and had conducted preliminary research in the United States and the United Kingdom. They were looking for someone with what they called the “scent of the RUG” – someone who knew the university from the inside. Intrigued, I agreed.’

For ten years, Geert combined his work as a professor at the Faculty of Business Administration with building up the UEF. He had joined the faculty after funding for his research dried up in the 1980s. There, as part of a collaborative project with Geert Hofstede, he began researching corporate culture and organisational change.

His own experience of conducting research within the university proved invaluable in his work for the foundation. ‘From my experience in raising funds for research, I knew how important it is to first establish a relationship of trust with the people and organisations providing financial support.’

He involved alumni in the foundation and built a network of people who felt connected to the University of Groningen and were willing to use that connection to open doors. This helped create more opportunities to support scientific research and talent development.

From boarding-school pupil to professor

Geert’s interest in research and social issues shaped his academic career. In Groningen, he chose to study social psychology. ‘In fact, I had already spent six years at boarding school gaining practical experience in group dynamics. During my studies, I discovered the theories behind what I had experienced.’

As a student, he and another student conducted a study at the request of the COC in Amsterdam into the life stories of gay people. The research was groundbreaking at the time. While psychiatrists had primarily focused on the origins of homosexuality, they examined the developmental processes and life experiences of the people they interviewed. The findings attracted considerable attention.

As a junior lecturer, Geert conducted research into the living conditions of young homosexual and heterosexual individuals in the Netherlands. He subsequently obtained his PhD on this subject and led a project to develop educational materials for secondary schools which enabled young people to explore their future from a broad perspective, covering topics such as sexuality, career choices, culture and religion.

As a professor, these themes of diversity and culture later re-emerged in his research into organisational cultures.

The value of education

Education has always been close to Geert’s heart as well. With great pleasure, he looks back on the more than 43 years he spent at the University of Groningen as a researcher, professor and director.

‘It;s a wonderful gift to see students become excited about what you are teaching in a lecture hall.’ Even today, he occasionally meets former students who fondly remember their time at the university.

It is precisely this combination of research, education and the special bond between people and the university that keeps Geert closely connected to the University of Groningen and the UEF.

‘I want to give something back to the university’

Since becoming emeritus in 2007, Geert is no longer on campus every day, but his connection with Groningen and the University of Groningen remains strong. He is still closely involved with the UEF, which is why he became a UEF supporter.

‘I believe it is important to contribute to valuable research and education. So much is happening at the university that would be difficult to make possible without additional support. As a former member of staff and alumnus of the University of Groningen, I would like to give something back to the university that has played such an important role in my life.’

That commitment is also reflected in his will. ‘That is why I have decided to include a bequest to the UEF in my will. I hope that, even after I am gone, I can continue to contribute to research and education at the University of Groningen.’

When he meets alumni at lectures or other gatherings, he notices how strongly many people still feel connected to their student days in Groningen. ‘When I hear alumni speak enthusiastically about their memories of Groningen, I realise once again how many people feel a strong connection to this university. I hope they will find their own way of passing that connection on.’