KIT Alumni Event 2025: Reconnect, Reflect and (Re-ignite)
On Saturday, 30 August 2025, more than 200 KIT alumni came together in Amsterdam and online for the first alumni-initiated and alumni-led KIT Alumni Event. Under the theme Reconnect, Reflect and (Re)ignite, the event brought together alumni from across the world to renew connections, reflect on their shared experiences and explore how to build a more active, visible and supportive global alumni network. Also more than 2000 alumni had the opportunity to vote online for the volunteering alumni candidates running to serve as elected members in the first KIT global alumni council.
The alumni event opened with a welcome from the event’s alumni hosts and KIT. Lisanne Gerstel, Head of Education, reflected on KIT’s mission and the role that shared experiences and professional connections continue to play within the global health community.
Alumni involved in designing the alumni event and conceptualising the alumni global council shared their journey leading up to the event, while personal reflections highlighted how studying at KIT has shaped professional paths and inspired alumni to stay involved and give back to the community.
A central part of the programme was a series of interactive hybrid breakout sessions: five rooms at KIT in Amsterdam and twelve online. In smaller groups, alumni from different study cohorts, countries and professional backgrounds had the opportunity to talk, reconnect, laugh, reflect and look ahead together.
The conversations explored five themes:
- fundraising and regional mobilisation;
- KIT education and training;
- strengthening regional alumni activities;
- collaboration and networking; and
- fostering belonging and social connection.
The discussions highlighted the many ways in which KIT alumni are contributing to health, education and equity around the world. They also created space to dream about what a stronger alumni network could offer: new connections and collaborations, more active regional networks, opportunities to share knowledge and expertise, and a greater sense of belonging to a global KIT community.
A milestone for the KIT alumni network
Another important moment during the event was the announcement of the alumni election results for the first KIT Alumni Global Council.
Five alumni were elected to serve on the Council for its inaugural 2025–2027 term. The alumni-led Council will help strengthen the network, support engagement at global and regional levels and contribute to shaping its future development.
Meet the first KIT Alumni Global Council (2025-2027)
Voices from the alumni community
The energy and sense of connection experienced during the day were also reflected in the feedback shared by participants afterwards.
“ It was great to meet many KIT alumni that I otherwise would not have encountered. The event also supported meaningful networking for future career opportunities. ” ”
“ The KIT alumni event was very well organised and went far beyond a regular reunion. Meeting alumni for the first time and seeing how well they are doing professionally was inspiring and made me proud to be part of the KIT community. ” ”
“ It was wonderful to reconnect with colleagues and faculty, hear where life and work have taken everyone, and exchange insights on key public health issues. Seeing alumni contribute globally was deeply inspiring. ” ”
“ There was a strong sense of nostalgia, shared energy – and the cheers and shared vision to move forward together for all of us, and for those who will join us in the future. ” ”
“ The chance to meet and mingle with the alumni that have set their career paths was inspiring. The opportunity to see what kind of influence and positivity that I can bring was a push that I got in these times in public health. ” ”
“ The hybrid format allowed interaction with alumni from the comfort of our homes and workplaces while sharing experiences. ” ”
“ Reconnecting with colleagues and learning about their professional backgrounds was truly inspiring. ” ”
“ Since 2016, my graduation year, I have been longing and looking for a network that connects me with alumni and colleagues from KIT. This event was it! ” ”
Looking ahead
The event closed with reflections from alumnus and KIT Education Director Hermen Ormel and former Head of Education Prisca Zwanikken, followed by lunch and further opportunities to connect in Amsterdam and online.
This even was more than a reunion. The day showed the strength of the connections that already exist across the KIT alumni community — and the enthusiasm for building on them. Alumni left having renewed old connections, made new ones and shared ideas for how the network can continue to grow.
The conversations started during the event will continue through the KIT Alumni Network and the newly elected Global Council, creating new opportunities to connect, collaborate and contribute across countries and generations.
Find out more about the KIT Alumni Network
Watch the video: Filmed during the KIT Alumni Event and the 2025 graduation ceremony, this video brings together alumni reflections on their time at KIT, their learning journey and what being part of the KIT community has meant to them.
This content is available after accepting marketing cookies.
View on YouTube Opens in a new window
A look back at the KIT Alumni Event 2025
A list of 9 images
