Throwback to the Archaeology End of Year Event 2025: 'The end of the Janocene'

Published on 09 December 2025

Another year has reached its end. And what a year it has been! On December 4th staff and students of the Faculty of Archaeology came together to celebrate and reminisce. The event's central topic was the end of Jan Kolen's term as Dean. Martina Revello Lami moderated the event.

Collecting

Professor Pieter ter Keurs kicked off the event. He was invited to hold a lecture about collecting, a wink to departing Dean Jan Kolen, known for his habit of collecting rocks and minerals. 

Pieter ter Keurs answers collecting-related questions from the audience, moderated by Martina Revello Lami

Final address

After Pieter ter Keurs' lecture, Jan Kolen addressed the Faculty staff and students, in his final speech as Dean. He briefly touched on the highlights of the past years, focusing on the Faculty's remarkable achievements in education, research, and support.

Jan Kolen's final Faculty address as Dean

Pop-up speeches

Jan Kolen had given clear instructions that he did not look forward to a large farewell event, so the Event Committee made sure to keep the farewell part contained. After Jan Kolen's speech concluded, his colleague Faculty Board members Alex Geurds and Jan Pronk kept him near the stage. Together they thanked him for all his efforts for the Faculty, and regailed the audience with stories about their experiences with the departing Dean.

Jan Kolen, visibly delighted by the personal touch, received a booklet entitled 'The end of the Janocene' containing stories sent in by his Faculty colleagues, among other gifts. Finally, Leiden University's Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl addressed Jan via a video and thanked him for all the years of collaboration.

Executive Director Jan Pronk expresses his thanks towards Jan Kolen for everything he has done for the Faculty of Archaeology

Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl regretted she could not be there for Jan Kolen's end of term, but she could send in a video message

A lecture of hope

The final official part of the event was a lecture of hope by Lama Abboud, PhD candidate at the department of Archaeological Heritage and Society. Lama Abboud is personally and professionally involved with the Turathuna Foundation, established after the civil war in Syria to preserve Syrian heritage. The Turathuna Project offers Syrians the opportunity to share the beauty of their heritage with the rest of the world by making traditional products.

 Lama Abboud is personally and professionally involved with the Turathuna Foundation, established after the civil war in Syria to preserve Syrian heritage.

This year's End of Year Gift for the Faculty's staff was provided by Lama Abboud and the Turathuna Foundation. More Syrian handmade goods could be purchased at Lama Abboud's stall.

As the programme concluded, the attendees enjoyed Syrian snacks, sweets, glühwein, and each other's company.