Wittenborg Kicks Off September Block with Annual Barbecue

15.09.2025

Students, Staff and Alumni Gather for Food, Fun and Community Spirit

Wittenborg welcomed the new academic block in true community spirit, hosting its Annual Barbecue at the Brinklaan campus on 29 August. Held in the campus parking lot, the event brought together over 70 people including students, staff and even alumni for an evening of food, music and conversation.

The barbecue was aimed at providing new students with an informal setting to meet classmates from other years, get to know staff members and experience Wittenborg’s international and inclusive atmosphere firsthand.

For Allegra Zazzaro, the school’s Digital Content & Community Administrator, the highlight was watching students embrace the event’s friendly atmosphere. “With the arrival of new students at Wittenborg, staff members and current students joined together. The feedback we received was very positive; they really enjoyed it. What stood out to me was seeing some students start dancing and freely expressing themselves. I think it’s wonderful when you can create a safe, fun and entertaining environment where everyone feels comfortable and enjoys their time.”

Zazzaro, who captured moments behind the camera, was impressed by the enthusiasm. “While taking photos during the event, I was amazed at how many students wanted to be included. It was great to have the opportunity to capture those memories on camera. These are moments they will carry with them and never forget.”

She also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers. “I would like to extend a huge thank you to the student volunteers: Darvon, Susheela and Salma, who did a fantastic job helping to arrange the event and serve drinks. Their support truly contributed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”

Head of the School of Business Rauf Abdul praised the quality and organisation of the barbecue. “Joining Wittenborg’s Annual Barbecue was a real pleasure. Compared to previous years, the event stood out with its exceptional organisation and top-quality food, served in a truly professional and inviting way. It was a wonderful chance to socialise with new and current students, staff, faculty and neighbours. The lively atmosphere and rich diversity of attendees perfectly reflected Wittenborg’s inclusive and international spirit.”

For many staff members, the barbecue also offered a rare opportunity to connect outside their usual working routines.

Human Resources Administrator Anastasija Marusova, who joined Wittenborg in June, explained: “I really enjoyed the event because for me it was a great opportunity to meet colleagues in person with whom I’ve communicated before via email or Teams, but haven’t had a chance to meet in person. I think it is a great ending to the summer and start of the academic year. The barbecue has a more relaxed atmosphere and informal setting, where we can chat with our students and neighbours, and experience the beauty of our international community. Bonus points to the people who created the music playlist; we enjoyed dancing to the 80s as well.”

Bachelor’s student in Sports Business Management, Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh, shared: “I really enjoyed being part of Wittenborg’s Annual Barbecue! For me, the highlight was seeing students, staff and even alumni coming together in such a relaxed atmosphere. Normally, we meet each other in classrooms or offices, but at the barbecue, it felt more like a family gathering. I especially liked the mix of different cultures sharing food and stories. It really reflected Wittenborg’s international spirit.”

Arshia added that events like these help foster long-lasting connections. “Students get to know their teachers and fellow classmates on a more personal level, which makes the community stronger. For new students, it’s a great way to feel welcome and included from the start. And for staff, it creates an opportunity to connect with students beyond coursework, which makes communication and collaboration during the year much smoother.”