The Erasmus Trustfonds has been a reliable partner of the Erasmus University Rotterdam for over a century. For the origin of the Erasmus Trustfonds, we have to go back to the early 20th century. Three businessmen from Rotterdam, W.C. Mees, A. Ruys, and C.A.P. van Stolk, have the idea of starting a school for higher commercial education in Rotterdam.
Thus begins the rich history of the Erasmus Trustfonds. The three initiators are inspired by trips to the United States and different European cities, which boast an increasing number of institutions of commercial education. Although Rotterdam is becoming an enormous port city, it still lacks an institution of further education. This is why the three initiators make the effort to establish higher education in the city. In 1913, they are able to mobilize enough people – mostly from the business community – to found the Nederlandsche Handels-Hoogeschool, or Netherlands School of Commerce. This is the predecessor of the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
The ‘Vereeniging tot Oprichting eener Nederlandsche Handels-Hoogeschool’, or Association to Found a Netherlands School of Commerce, is founded on April 29, 1913. This association is the legal predecessor of the Erasmus Trustfonds. The festive opening of the Netherlands School of Commerce takes place on Saturday, November 8, 1913. This date still marks the anniversary of the university. 55 fulltime students have enrolled when the first lessons start on Monday, November 10, 1913.
The three initiators of hoger handelsonderwijs in Rotterdam
In 1939, the name of the Netherlands School of Commerce changes to the Nederlandsche Economische Hoogeschool (NEH), or Netherlands School of Economics. In those days, the association had two tasks: managing education and managing finances. This setup changes in 1956. For various reasons, these two responsibilities are divided across two legal entities. An independent entity is established to manage the finances. This new entity was called the fonds NEH, which would later become the Trustfonds.
In 1939, the name of the Netherlands School of Commerce changes to the Nederlandsche Economische Hoogeschool (NEH), or Netherlands School of Economics. In those days, the association had two tasks: managing education and managing finances. This setup changes in 1956. For various reasons, these two responsibilities are divided across two legal entities. An independent entity is established to manage the finances. This new entity was called the fonds NEH, which would later become the Trustfonds.
Higher education in Rotterdam continues to expand. Eventually, the Medical Faculty Rotterdam merges with the Netherlands School of Economics. And so, on the first of February 1973, the Erasmus University Rotterdam as we know it today, is established. The different funds are conjoined to create one single fun. The Association Trustfonds Erasmus University Rotterdam is established on January 1, 1991.
The association undergoes another restructuring in 2017. The goal here is to separate the alumni activities from asset management. After this restructuring, alumni activities are overseen by the Erasmus Alumni Club, while asset management is entrusted to the Erasmus Trustfonds.
The Erasmus Trustfonds expressly aims to continuously support the Erasmus University Rotterdam, now and in the future. To reach that goal, we have actively expanded our funds since 2017. We do so by finding donors who are eager to make contributions. This expands the fund’s assets – our core capital – and thus also our average annual returns. This way, the Erasmus Trustfonds is able to provide even more support to both current and future generations at the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Want to know more about the Erasmus Trust Fund or discuss how you can contribute yourself? We would be happy to discuss a donation or legacy with you. If you leave your details, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us yourself on 010-4110596 or secretariaat@trustfonds.nl