Summer Jam and Amsterdam Canal Tour Highlight Student Life at Wittenborg

22.06.2026

Students and Staff Celebrate Start of Summer at Annual Social Events

Wittenborg recently hosted its annual Summer Jam 2026 at Buddha Garden in Apeldoorn, bringing together more than 120 students and staff for an evening of live music, social activities and a relaxed summer atmosphere.

The event formed part of Wittenborg student life activities and included music, snacks and informal networking, offering students and staff an opportunity to connect and celebrate the start of summer.

One of the highlights of the evening was a live performance by a newly formed staff band, which performed in front of students for the first time.

Education Assistant Ranen Thomas said the experience was both exciting and meaningful given how recently the group had come together.

“Performing at the Summer Jam was great. It felt amazing knowing that something we started just a few months ago has grown into what it is now,” he said. “There were nerves, but we had a lot of fun and that was the most important thing.”

He added that the opening song stood out despite minor technical issues.

“The first song we performed was my highlight. Even with a few technical difficulties, the crowd seemed to enjoy it and we could feel their energy.”

HR Coordinator Anastasija Marusova described the performance as both enjoyable and challenging, particularly due to the preparation involved.

“It was our first time not only performing as a band but also assembling the equipment together,” she said. “Some things worked well and some did not, but overall it was a rewarding experience.”

She added that the support from colleagues and the audience made the performance memorable.

“My personal highlight was being on the same wavelength with the band and feeling the support from colleagues. It made the experience very special.”

Students described the evening as lively and welcoming, with strong engagement throughout the event.

Student Sonia Maghami said the atmosphere was a key highlight.

“The live music, great energy and seeing everyone enjoying themselves together were definitely the highlights,” she said, describing the event as “energetic, relaxed, joyful and full of summer vibes.”

She also said the staff band performance was a pleasant surprise that added to the atmosphere.

“The staff band performance was a great surprise and made the evening feel more personal and lively.”

Fellow student performer Ziying Chen said the audience reaction made the performance especially memorable.

“The performance went really well and the audience was very supportive. One standout moment was seeing people enjoying the music with us.”

Amsterdam Canal Tour Extends Summer Celebrations

Wittenborg continues to prioritise student life and community-building through a growing range of events beyond the classroom. This commitment was also reflected in the Amsterdam canal boat tour organised by the Amsterdam Events Committee on 19 June.

The event brought together around 40 students and staff across two boats, split between bachelor’s and master’s groups. With lively conversation, the two-hour cruise offered a memorable way to experience the city from the water.

Admissions Administrator Kejli Kadiu, who joined the event, described the atmosphere:

“It was one of the hottest days we’ve had so far this year here, which honestly made it the perfect day for the boat tour. About 40 students attended the event, and we had two large boats. It was vibey: people were chatting, laughing, and just enjoying the two hours together with drinks.

"At one point there was a short rain shower, but instead of ruining anything, it actually made it more fun. Everyone just laughed it off. One of the master’s students even said it was the best event of the year so far. I believe everyone really enjoyed themselves and had a great time.”