Transcription of the speech by Mathias Quertemont, Student Body Representative, at the 2022-2023 Academic Year Start

Student body speeches

Summoning the reason of students is at the very foundation of university life. But it's to their hearts that I turn this evening. If we are all united by the same breath, what is the flame that animates us? From syllabi to Carré, when are students a source of inspiration?

Let's take an example. Since 2007, under the impetus of student representatives, the Unifestival has brought us together, students from the University and beyond, in October. If it has become the biggest free festival in Wallonia, we owe it to its independent committee, who struggle every year to obtain agreements, organize logistics and close the budget - all in their spare time. By keeping this event free and open to all, this committee bears witness to solidarity, curiosity about others and pugnacity in dialogue. These three values are not only those of Unifestival, but of all students.

Solidarity. Solidarity is the thread we weave through the labyrinth that is the university. Crises have come and gone, but student solidarity has remained. It can take the form of tips for exams, grocery stores, tutoring or carpooling on campus. Times change, the wind shifts, but students in difficulty will always have the support they need to succeed in their courses. The wind changes, but initiatives will always germinate to help the most disadvantaged or the victims of fate. The wind changes, but students will never abandon each other.

Curiosity. Curiosity comes in many guises. Curiosity about a discipline, about the profession to which we dedicate ourselves. But it's also curiosity about knowledge in general, from which critical thinking stems. The critical spirit that once drove Socrates to drink the hemlock is to be defended - today more than ever. Curiosity, however, is much broader. Students are curious about other people, their identities and their values: a non-judgmental way of looking at the world. When Newton took a new look at the world, a concept of force, let's think that the student apple didn't fall far from the tree of knowledge.

Pugnacity in dialogue. Because our logic is respect, listening and conciliation. Because this logic is also accompanied by unfailing determination. The student world is vast, and here as elsewhere we take up the causes that inspire us: open and affordable access to education, inclusion of all identities, the quality of our campuses, ecological crises or sometimes simply respect for our rights. It's hardly positive to move forward when the destination is questionable; students know this, and get involved when the future of the community is at stake.

Here, briefly, is our inspiration, some of the principles we believe in. Today and tomorrow, no slump can surpass our enthusiasm. Today, the student community is full of hope: a new academic year is beginning, and on behalf of the students, I wish our university, and its new Rector, all the best.

Thank you for your attention.