A Better Future Requires Knowledge of the Past

A brand new History Alumni Group was launched this summer, led by Associated Professors Sonja Kmec  and Andrea Binsfeld  from the Department of Humanities and Valérie Schafer, Full Professor and Chief Scientist in Contemporary European History from C²DH. Although mainly for graduates from the Bachelor en Cultures Européenes - Histoire, Master en Histoire Européenne Contemporaine and Docteur en Histoire, the group is open also to others who have a keen interest in history.

The group organised their first event just before the summer holidays, a picnic in Belval park. We spoke to the three co-founders to find out where the decision to create this group came from and what their plans are for the future. 

The idea to create a History Group dates back to the beginning of the year. “We often keep in contact with former students and colleagues but on a one-to-one basis,” shares Sonja. “The History Group allows alumni to connect beyond study programmes and years, beyond different professions. It's a truism that recruitments often happen through networks and recommendations, but the same can be said for innovations and new practices of ‘doing’ history - encounters are always enriching.” 

Valérie agrees that keeping in touch with alumni is crucial: “For us, it's important to see what history students become in the professional world. Did we prepare them well? What could we improve? And how can our current students benefit from the experience of young professionals?” 

The professors are now using the Alumni platform independently as administrators of their own events, photo albums and other group functionality. “The Alumni Network is wonderfully uncomplicated and has a 'can-do' approach,” says Andrea. “It greatly helps us in managing the database and planning events. Since students are now systematically informed about the network when they graduate, it's much easier to reach former students.” Sonja adds to that: “The platform is user-friendly and easy to use. For the very first steps and some special features or requests, Andy Adams and his team are available to advise, support and help.”  

The organisers were positively surprised how many people came to their first event, some from quite far. In the future, they plan guided tours of exhibitions curated by their alumni as well as conferences and social events. Any initiative launched by the alumni themselves will also be very welcomed. “We now regularly invite alumni for our BCE information welcome session so that our new students get the alumni perspective on the BCE and learn something about possible career paths,” shares Andrea. 

With another event planned in November already, there are exciting times ahead and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for those who know everything there is to know about the past!