Sjef Moling and deputy mayor Maud Hulshof. Photo Resource During the opening of his last AID (Annual Introduction Days) as project leader, Wageningen inhabitant and WUR employee Sjef Moling (Education & Student Affairs) was awarded the Wageningen Silver Medal of Honour.
He had a feeling something was coming when Deputy Mayor Maud Hulshof called him to the front of the large stage at the AID site. And that feeling was right. He was put in the spotlight. Sjef Moling was awarded the Wageningen Silver Medal of Honour this afternoon at the opening of the WUR introduction days.
Project leader
After 25 years of dedication to the introduction of first-year students, Moling is handing over the baton. That series began with his own introduction as a student in 2000. Ten years later, he went from being a volunteer to becoming a project leader. The event grew from 600 participants then to 1,700 this year. The number of volunteers grew accordingly, from 30 then to 220 now.
Typical Wageningen, just like Sjef himself
The ‘Sjef AID’ was naturally honoured by the award. ‘You don’t just get the Wageningen Silver Medal of Honour.’ In addition to his commitment to the AID, Moling also earned his spurs as a volunteer at Woetstok, Summervibes and the liberation party. He is also the founder and driving force behind the KomEet meal project.
KomEet
KomEet is intended for ‘people who need a listening ear over a pleasant meal’. ‘No fuss, no judgement, just a warm table’, is how Hulshof describes Moling’s approach. ‘Typical Wageningen, just like Sjef himself. That’s why the Wageningen Silver Medal is a fitting tribute.’
There is a mixture of excitement and fear of the new in the air
According to Moling, the reason he has been involved with the AID for so long is because of the ‘magic’ of the event. ‘The first day is always the best day. There is a mixture of excitement and fear of the unknown in the air. I love that feeling. It’s a kind of magic. I think it’s fantastic that I can contribute to that.’
Resource recently spoke at length with Moling about his departure from the AID. You can read that story here.
Translated using DeepL
