A Celebratory Gathering for Past and New Alumni
This year’s Alumni Breakfast was hosted on a Monday morning rather than a Friday, allowing alumni to discuss the week ahead, and plan events around their studios and work commitments, as Dutch Design Week is often the busiest event of the calendar year for DAE alumni. Held in Microstad, a former KPN telecommunications building and the same venue as Graduation Show 2022, the gathering had a refreshing energy. The cleaner, updated entrance with large glass windows now featured an alcove where Cakethingzzz presented a beautiful, eccentric cake for recent graduates and alumni alike. They were joined there by Studio Co-Pain, who also served up freshly baked sourdough for visitors.
The cake and bread served as both breakfast and a celebratory gesture, symbolising the union between past alumni and the latest graduates joining their community.
Metallic, confetti-like stickers brandishing numbers like 81, 76, 05, 22, 24 and 99 floated throughout the courtyard, the glass room, and the alcove spaces.
Then, an announcement was made in the repurposed shed at the centre of the courtyard, which served as a retreat for staff and students throughout the week. People rushed in to escape the rain and heard the Executive Board members, Raf De Keninck, Joseph Grima, and Alumni and Housing Officer Ned Kaar speak.
Joseph began by emphasising the significance of this year, marked by uncertainties about DAE’s future location.
“Eindhoven is changing rapidly; there was concern there might be no place for DAE within this shifting landscape. However, it turned out for the best, as we’ve secured space in the Kanaalzone.”
He concluded by noting that the challenges had, in fact, been beneficial, as they had prompted the Executive Board to reflect on DAE’s identity and core values—an essential process that had often been overlooked in prior years.
Alumni jokingly remarked on the likely boost of business for Praxis and Gamma after the move. As applause grew louder than the rain on the roof, Raf De Keninck took to the podium, explaining that the goal wasn’t only to find a new building for the students but also to increase the availability of student accommodation.
“We’re very pleased to announce that we can now offer 250 homes for first-year students, giving them a warm welcome to Eindhoven’s vibrant creative ecosystem.”
By creating this new foundation of school and housing at the Kanaalzone, DAE is establishing an initial framework to integrate students and future alumni into Eindhoven’s rich creative ecosystem.
Finally, Alumni and Housing Officer Ned Kaar addressed the crowd, sharing how he has increased the range of alumni events for current students and graduates.
“These events are designed to prepare students for life post-graduation, helping them navigate the world as independent designers.”
He noted, “The school is the common denominator between the city, employers, alumni, and other professionals.”
Ned encouraged alumni to return for future events, strengthening connections and building a stronger community. “Today is a special day as we welcome this new group of graduates to the alumni community. This event is fully driven by alumni of the Academy, culminating in the largest graduation show in the world, with over 20,000 visitors throughout the week.”
He urged everyone to reach out, attend events, and support and collaborate with each other.
