History and traditions

The U.G.V. was founded in 1946, in honor of the first N.G.M.S.O.-congress. This is a Students' organization for all geology and minery students in the Netherlands. Leiden and Delft already had students’ organizations, but Utrecht did not. According to Mr. van der Sijp, member of honour of the U.G.V., the U.G.V. was at that time a "loosely structured sociability club", with an annual contribution fee of but 3 Dutch Guilders per year.

Over the years the Society has grown and established a history of traditions which are now still honored. A structure of committees and disputes formed, allowing a higher variety of activities, excursions and services.
For example: The first Saint Barbara Celebration took place in 1951. Saint Barbara is the patroness of people in dangerous professions, including miners and geologists, and the official patronesses' day is December 4th. The celebration party was preceded by a meal, as it still is. The meal consisted of a typical Dutch winter-menu, but ended in a food-fight, where tables were used as barricades.

Another tradition is the freshmen rowing through the famous canals of Utrecht. Utrecht citizens still remember how the freshmen would be bombed with dirt and food. However, since this now is forbidden by Dutch regulations, the tour has turned into a peaceful ‘fox-hunt’.
Since the beginning of the society some attributes have been collected, which still fulfill an important role at Members’ meetings. Another characteristic unique to the U.G.V. is the manner of spelling certain words (like accessor, beandth, vorum). Finally I would like to mention the U.G.V.-song, which is sung at special occasions. The song is based on an ancient Belgian tune, and expresses our pride to be field-geologists, and members of the U.G.V.
Though our history is rich in events and traditions, we do not stop evolving new ones. This is stimulated by the members attaining activities and taking place in committees.

Furthermore, the U.G.V. provides almost all books to her student members, at reduced prices. The Society organises drinks, readings, and symposia for the entire Department. Several excursions are organised each year to companies, institutions and geologically interesting and beautiful areas.
The navigation menu above will provide you with more information on the U.G.V. and its activities. Some of these pages may however be in Dutch, but we are working on that.