Members of Merit
The VSV ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ cannot exist without her active members. They are the beating heart of the association, consisting of approximately 200 students who work days and sometimes nights to organize activities for the almost 3000 members. Some of these active members put in so much effort, and mean so much to the association, that we distinguish these by designating them as Members of Merit.
Wouter Cijsouw
Wouter joined the VSV in 2020. He started his VSV career in the bar committee, after which he joined the activity committee and the tap committee. Even though his AkCie year was during COVID, he made sure everyone still received packages at home to enjoy. Then he organized the study tour as the commissioner of logistics, organizing a successful trip through Greece, Italy, France and Switzerland. The year afterwards, was part of the management of the faculty bar 'De Atmosfeer'. In his management year he has worked incredibly hard to ensure the new bar contract. This resulted in lower beer prices and more financial security of the bar. Then, he was part of the lustrum committee, organizing an amazing lustrum year as part as the celebration of the 80th birthday of the VSV.
Besides his committee work, he is always does his best to be present as a volunteer or to help out. He has volunteered at symposia, had head-of-bar duties during freshmen weekends, helped out at constitution drinks or the EGMA. All of these have been truly valuable for the VSV. Wouter is a kind-hearted person, always thoughtful and always thinking of others.
Dominique Nieuwenhuizen
Dominique joined the VSV in 2020 as a member of the Tapcie, followed by the MediaCo the year after. Her VSV involvement continued with Da Vinci Satellite, where she took on the role of PR Manager and later Team Manager. At the same time, she also joined the FiFoCo. Despite her internship abroad, she remained an active member of both the CieCie and the FiFoCo. Dominique was asked as a member of merit, on a very extraordinary location, namely during the VSV wintersport in the French Alpes, Belle Plagne. This special location is very suitable for Dominique, as she is truly special to the VSV. She kept DVS going through both good and challenging times, and through her hard work and perseverance, DVS was ultimately selected for the ESA Fly Your Satellite program under her guidance. Beyond her committee work, she is always ready to volunteer, have a chat, or simply relax in her favourite place namely the committee room of the VSV. Dominque is one of the founding parents of creating a more welcoming and informal space of this room. Her contributions, but above all, her presence—whether at the VSVloor, Atmosfeer, or any event—are a true reflection of the VSV spirit, making her an irreplaceable part of our society.
Nikki Grens
Nikki joined the VSV in 2019 and immediately became part of a committee—the Integration Committee. During the the 15th lustrum, she joined the Airbase Committee, but due to Covid restrictions, this unfortunately did not take place. However, Nikki and the rest of the committee still managed to turn it into a great house party for themselves. The year after, she joined the Management as well as B3, followed by Da Vinci Satellite the year after. Next, Nikki became part of the Prelustrum Committee as well as the Media Committee, and finally, this year, she is part of Studytour, FifFCo, and the Atmosfeer Lustrum Group. This is quite a list, but at the same time, it perfectly represents Nikki’s endless energy and deep love for the VSV. I don’t think I know anyone else who is as happy and energetic as she is—always in for a good time, a laugh, or a not-so-funny joke that only she finds hilarious. Besides the tortilla joke, of course—that one is the best joke in the world.
Beyond her committee work, Nikki is always willing to step in, help out, or simply brighten the room with her presence. She was head of the bar at the freshmen weekend twice, as well as an esteemed member of the UI’cie. Besides the freshmen weekend, she also volunteered at the Cobo’s, Delft Career Days, and symposium. Nikki’s enthusiasm and open personality make her a magnet for people to join the VSV and feel at home in our beautiful society—or in her deeply beloved Atmosfeer. Due to her internship in Portugal, she hasn’t been present at the VSFloor as much this year, and I think it’s safe to say she has been deeply missed. This shows how Nikki truly brights up the VSV.
Mischa de Gooijer
Mischa joined the VSV in 2018, where he started with both Intercom and TapCie. The year after, in the 15th lustrum year, he joined the Airbase committee, which unfortunately ended up being a party at home due to Covid restrictions. However, as Mischa said during his question action, it was the most unique Airbase experience anyone could possibly have, and he and the committee made a great party out of it. During the lustrum, Mischa was also the star of the lustrum CD, singing multiple lustrum songs as well as the famous Introduction to Aerospace I song. Once Covid was over, he joined the Delft Career Platform, Aerospace Diversity Department, CieCie, and for two years in a row, the Fifoco.
But Mischa’s legacy within the VSV goes beyond just his committees. He was responsible for the Wedstrijdtafel game book, documenting all the games that are so often played among members. He also contributed to the DCProgramma, streamlining the marketing and acquisition committee, and is always happy to volunteer—whether for a symposium, DCD, or the freshmen weekend. Speaking of the latter, Mischa is also one of the founding fathers and active members of the freshmen weekend cook committee, the UiCie, as well as the chair of the CarnivoorCie. Furthermore, he has served as a confidentiality member, convinced multiple people to join the VSV, and dedicated himself as chair of the SVR (Study Association Council) for a year, enriching not only the lives of students at our faculty but at all faculties of TU Delft. But maybe even more important is that Mischa is always there for other members, active or not, ready to have fun in de Atmosfeer or have a more serious talk when someone really needs it.
To conclude, Mischa’s contributions go far beyond what can be captured in this text. He is one of the people who make the VSV the beautiful society it is.
Katinka Kok
Katinka started in 2019 as a member of the BarCo, and as became clear later in her VSV career, that was the place that truly captured her heart. She then moved on to become commissioner of program for the committee committee, contributing to an excellent (online) active members’ weekend. Katinka did this while also being a member of the TapCommittee. After that, she organized the first DeBaCo to take place after COVID. When asked about her role during the last edition of DeBaCo, both she and others had forgotten her exact function. But after looking it up, it turned out she was commissioner of logistics. During the past academic year, Katinka perfectly fulfilled the role her previous committees had prepared her for: secretary of ‘de Atmosfeer’ management. And as a crown on her work—just like the other Member of Merit Kok we have—she became part of the Pre Lustrum committee.
One example of Katinka’s dedication is how she created her own full-time position during the summer break by painting the beautiful mural in the back. Alongside the EPNH board, the study tour, and the freshmen weekend committee, she made her own unique contributions to the association. And now we can all see how beautifully it turned out. Beyond that, Katinka continues to support the current management whenever needed, whether by standing behind the bar or offering advice. With the same helpful attitude she showed when guiding members in the committee room—such as teaching them InDesign—she is always willing to assist. Even when more difficult issues arise, Katinka is ready to help. She played a role in creating a socially safe environment within the association as a confidentiality mentor. And thanks to her presence at most VSV events, she always comes across as an approachable person for personal matters. This contribution is truly valued.
Jelle Kok
Jelle started his time at the VSV in 2017 at the Jaerbouck committee. This committee sparked his love for the VSV and caused him to become active in seven other committees over the last years. Jelle also became active in the B2-committee, the management of ‘de Atmosfeer’, the Aerospace Diversity Department, the ScriptCie, the Aviation Department and the Studytour committee.
And this year, as a crown on his work so far, he helps organizing the lustrum next year in the Pre-Lustrum Committee. Next to this, you can regularly see him in ‘de Atmosfeer’, when helping out at the Freshmen Weekend, or at many other VSV-events.
During the question action of Jelle, he brainstormed about Diversity and Inclusion ideas, he searched for his old Jaerbouck, he found a new studytour destination in Delft and ended up spotting airplanes near the faculty. Jelle was installed on March 18th 2024.
Timo Burggraaf
Timo started in 2019 as a member of the Bar Committee, where he became president. In his second year, he became Commissioner of Promotion of the EducaCie. Later, Timo took on the role of secretary of the Management and team manager of DVS. After this, he became PR manager of DVS and commissioner of symposium of the Space Department. Not to mention all the committees Timo participated in on the side, like B1 and TapCie. And of course, we can’t forget all the ‘committees’ he was part of, such as Steakretaris of the CarnivoorCie, Brascommittee, and comhokcom.
Timo brings an calmness in any group he is in. No matter how stressful the situation, he always bring the rest into the group which has a positive influence. He has showed hard work towards the VSV, just as his love, which the VSV is really grateful for.
Julia van Berkom
Julia's VSV career kicked off with the Yearbook committee, where she served as the Commissioner of Content, contributing to the creation of the Pioneers yearbook. Simultaneously, she dedicated herself to FiFoCo for an extended period. Progressing to the 11th Management of 'de Atmosfeer' as the Commissioner of Activities, Julia navigated the challenges of the corona year by creatively organizing engaging events. The following year, she took on the role of treasurer in the Delft Career Platform Acquisition committee, contributing to the management of the Career Platform and its associated vacancies. Julia's diverse involvement continued with the CieCie, orchestrating a delightful Active Members Weekend. She brought her enthusiasm to the Aerospace Diversity Department, serving as the Commissioner of Events and organizing activities like the ADDinner in the Dark. After that adventure, she even went on to organise an amazing Studytour that will go to Singapore, Australia, and New-Zealand, as Secretary. Beyond her committee work, Julia stands out for her creative ideas to enhance the society, always ready to pitch innovative solutions. Her willingness to lend a helping hand and genuine care for members, coupled with a perpetual smile, make Julia a cherished and deserving Member of Merit.
Graduated Members of Merit
Quirijn van Woerkom - Installed on 30 May 2022
Bryan Quadras - Installed on 10 June 2024
Yvar Vliex - Installed on 6 June 2023
Øyvind Bryhn Pettersen - 21 November 2022
Yara Hinssen - Installed on 30 May 2022
Max Koster - installed on 28 March 2022
Lizzy Middendorp - Installed on 29 September 2021
Thomas Arblaster - Installed on 16 September 2021
Bastiaan Bosman - installed on 3 March 2021
Jan Post - installed on 3 March 2021
Willem Hoekman - installed on 22 February 2021
Marijn van Oorschot - installed on 22 February 2021
Arjan Vermeulen - installed on 2 March 2020
Sébastien Bourier - installed on 6 January 2020
María Seoane Álvarez - installed on 3 September 2020
Ralph van Sunten - installed on 2 March 2020
Jasper ten Bloemendal - installed on 6 May 2019
Mats Dirkzwager - installed on 7 January 2019
Lukas Müller - Installed on 7 January 2019
Christel Prins - installed on 26 February 2018
Floris Heeres - installed on 11 December 2017
Alper Kenger - installed on 15 May 2017
Ramon Duivenvoorden - installed on 15 December 2016
Matthew Corvers - installed on 15 March 2016
Vera Somers - installed on 31 May 2016
Coen Ravesteijn - installed on 15 December 2016
Elisabeth van der Sman - installed on 2 June 2015
Jasper Müller - installed on 9 December 2014
Charlotte Broek - installed on 3 June 2014
Sabine Soepnel - installed on 10 December 2013
Benjamin Broekhuizen - installed on 16 October 2013
Maarten Weehuizen - installed on 19 March 2013
Lisanne van Veen - installed on 5 June 2012