50th Anniversary
On May 13, 2009, the IEEE Benelux section celebrated its 50th anniversary in Antwerp. As the anniversary event coincided exactly with the 125th anniversary of the IEEE, it was a double celebration. The event concisted of two parallel tracks: an official track with ExCom meeting and official anniversary meeting, and an cultural one with a visit to the diamond quarters and the monumental train station of Antwerp.
Also read the presidents letter to the IEEE Benelux members: Letter from IEEE president John Vig.
Agenda on May 13, 2009:
- 15.00-17.00: Executive Committee meeting (for actual Executive Committee Members only)
- 15.00-17.00: Visit to the Antwerp Diamond Quarter (everybody, except actual Executive Committee Members)
- 17:30-19:00: Official Anniversary Meeting (for senior and actual Executive Committee Members)
- 17:30-19:00: Visit the new Antwerp Central Station (for partners of senior and actual Executive Committee Members)
- 19:30-23:00: Reception and Dinner (for all).
Official Anniversary Meeting
During the anniversary meeting, Jan Biemond gave an exposure of how the history of IEEE,
specifically focussing on how IEEE Benelux section was
founded. Professor Biemond explained who the key persons were during the early years of the section, and what the great
achievements of the Benelux section were/are. Especially Herre Rinia and Bruce Barrows must be
mentioned here.
Afterwards, Dirk Van Hertem presented the student activities within the
Benelux Section 
After the two part historic overview of the section, an Award ceremony was held.
First, the IEEE Benelux section anniversary flag was revealed by section chair Georges Gielen,
host Dirk Rabaey and Region 8 past-director Baldomir Zajc.
Hans Noordanus was given the Region 8 Volunteer Award by Region 8 past-director Baldomir Zajc.
All past chairs received an IEEE "past-chair" pin from chairman Georges Gielen:
Reception and dinner
After the anniversary meeting, both members of the offical track and the cultural track joined for a
reception and dinner at the castle Den Brandt.
