Jo Ritzen: “I see equality of opportunity as the glue that binds society together”

Back to the beginning

As a former member of Maastricht University’s Executive Board, Jo Ritzen looks back on his time at the university with pride and great affection. When the university asked him, upon his departure, what kind of gift he would appreciate, he did not have to think twice: a scholarship programme for French-speaking students who would otherwise be unable to pursue their academic ambitions without financial support. “We had relatively few students from French-speaking regions studying at Maastricht University. I wanted to help change that through this scholarship”, he explains. Ritzen also saw the initiative as a meaningful way of contributing to equality of opportunity himself. “Discovering what I can do for talented young people and supporting them in achieving their goals is something I truly enjoy. It is my sustainable alternative to recreational shopping.”

A source of inspiration for those around them

Ritzen places great value on personal contact with the students who receive his scholarship and therefore invites them to a dinner each year. What inspires him most when he looks at his scholarship recipients is their eagerness. They do not pursue higher education simply because it is the obvious next step after secondary school, but because they genuinely want to develop themselves and make a positive contribution to society. Their ambition is evident from the outset: even during their studies, these students are already making a meaningful difference in their communities. “Their determination and dedication alone are an inspiration to others. Every single one of them works incredibly hard, without exception.”

The message Ritzen would like to share with his current and future scholarship recipients is that they should be aware of the example they set through their engagement with the world around them. “It was precisely this sense of social responsibility that inspired the creation of the scholarship programme. It is one of the reasons they were given this opportunity. That is why I find it so rewarding to see students giving something back by contributing to their communities.”

Another aspect of these students’ mindset that Ritzen finds particularly inspiring is that they do not view their background – whether that be a migrant background or one marked by limited financial means – as something that negatively shapes their life prospects. “Instead, they see it as a source of strength.”

Equality of opportunity as the glue that holds society together

Ritzen places great importance on promoting equality of opportunity because of the positive impact it has on society, particularly in terms of social integration and the development of talent. “I see equality of opportunity as the glue that holds society together, because it strengthens a sense of belonging and narrows the gap between different groups. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the same opportunities to develop their talents and fulfil their potential.”

According to Ritzen, advancing equality of opportunity should therefore be high on the public agenda, given its importance for fostering international connections. “I would love to see the creation of a large-scale European scholarship fund in the future, one that further strengthens these connections. But I think a great deal of water will have to flow under the bridge before that becomes a reality.”