2024-11-14: In 1904, what we know today as the Chalmers Student Union, initially called “Elevkåren vid Chalmersska Institutets högre afdelning,” was founded. This week, it celebrated its 120th anniversary with a series of social events in the union building.
I want to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate this lively 120-year-old and at the same time thank you for a fruitful collaboration, both on my own behalf and on behalf of my predecessors. The union has been a constant partner for conversation and cooperation – energetic, demanding, humorous, and inspiring – for the technical institute that eventually developed into a college and further to today’s technical university.
As early as 1908, for example, they turned to the institute’s board and suggested that consideration should be given to changing the institute’s name to “Chalmers tekniska högskola”, as there were plans to establish professorships in certain areas.
The union can be such an important partner because they truly represent all students and doctoral candidates. As an independent foundation university, Chalmers has chosen to retain the union requirement, which was abolished for state universities in 2010. This is something that has occasionally been debated but is a model that has likely made student influence at Chalmers greater than at any other Swedish university, with representatives in all governing bodies.
There is something fine about this. A university is a community between masters and apprentices – faculty and students – without students, it simply isn’t a university. And for Chalmers, I would say that the union truly is a foundation. An incredibly important part and something that makes Chalmers what it is. And, of course, it’s not only about being a channel for formal influence over the university. The social cohesion, the opportunity to socialise, to find friends with similar interests, is of course absolutely central.
Under the union’s umbrella, a multitude of interests are cultivated – from student performances to stock investments, through choral singing, pyrotechnics, sports, photography, ballooning, politics, and much more. So much passion and good humour. So essential for being able to welcome all kinds of Chalmers students.
This truly leaves its mark on Chalmers, an institution where we work hard but also have a lot of fun. And this is a big reason why so many of our alumni remember their student days with such warmth.
I was also a student at Chalmers, but I was not an active member of the union at that time. Sometimes I regret that, but I’m making up for it now as the President. The collaboration and constant dialogue with the union are among the most energising parts of my role.
Once again: a big congratulations to the sprightliest 120-year-old in Gothenburg!
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology
Under the headline "President’s perspective" the President and CEO for Chalmers University of Technology, shares his reflections on current topics that concern education, research and utilisation.