The City of Brussels’ graduation ceremonies commenced on Sunday morning at the Grand-Place with students from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Approximately 5,000 graduates will celebrate the end of their academic journey at the Grand-Place and the City Hall, in the presence of their families, friends, and various university and city dignitaries, until next Saturday.
For the fifth consecutive year, students from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the VUB are being honoured in this way.
Clad in their blue gowns, the VUB students marched on the City Hall balcony before receiving their diplomas in person from their university rectors.
Ceremony highlights Brussels as 'smart city'
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close hailed the ceremony, stating, “The graduation week is an emotional moment that undeniably positions Brussels as a hub of intelligence. A ‘smart city’ is not just about technology; it’s also about creativity and innovation.”
To mark the occasion, the Manneken-Pis statue will be dressed in a gown throughout the week, with a logo representing the honoured institution changing daily.
VUB Rector Jan Danckaert emphasised the importance of the university’s connection with its local environment, saying, “As an ‘urban engaged university,’ our relationship with Brussels is crucial. We want our graduates to become and remain ambassadors of our university and the City of Brussels. We rely on them to contribute, as free spirits and critical thinkers, to a more sustainable and just world.”
