The ceremony provides an opportunity for Prof. Bevelander’s friends, colleagues and community to gather to remember the founder of the Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations (ECWO) who was a pioneering force for gender equality and balance, both within the university and society at large.
In recognition of her research and longstanding work in making the EUR community more inclusive, Prof. Bevelander was awarded the prestigious FAME Athena Award in 2019. She was also Professor of Management Education in Rotterdam School of Management’s department of Business-Society Management and Associate Dean for MBA Programmes (2008 – 2014). Prof. Bevelander passed away on August 29th after a long battle with cancer.
A Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) will be planted in EUR’s Noord Park and will provide an ongoing space for gathering, conversation and reflection on the values and mission that Prof. Bevelander committed her life to.
“A Tulpenboom is a wonderful tree, with an elegant gold bloom and a captivating leaf structure that has great longevity and reflects both Dianne herself and her dedication to achieving a more inclusive and diverse society,” says Professor Hanneke Takkenberg, Executive Director of ECWO.
“Dianne was a South African and, in planting the tree, we are also honouring the traditional, symbolic African Baobab tree as a place where people gather to share knowledge, exchange ideas and learn from each other. We intend Dianne’s Tulip tree to provide a welcoming space for those working at EUR and our wonderful ECWO community to reflect and gather.
The memorial tree planting ceremony is open to all. We ask that everyone attending start gathering at 4pm with proceedings getting underway at 4.30pm.
