Oil lamps, wisdom, and alumni

 It is related to one of the older works of art on campus, a gift from TAEK, the first graduate society. Martinus Cobbenhagen, one of the first full professors, was involved in the launch of TAEK in 1934, which donated the wall relief by artist Jan Vaes (1927-1994) to the university. It was installed in the natural stone wall above the courtyard garden in Cobbenhagen Building. It depicts the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins.

Alumni-association TAEK exisists 15 years in 1949 (image top left) and the oil lamp as a symbol for thrift and vigilance (image top right)

That parable comes from the New Testament (Gospel of Matthew 25: 1-13). The story tells us how ten virgins, equipped with oil lamps, are awaiting their bridegroom. Five ladies have brought oil, five have not. It takes quite a while for the bridegroom to come: night has already fallen when he suddenly seems to show up after all. The five wise virgins—depicted life-size on the relief—are prepared with oil for their lamps. In contrast, the lamps of the five foolish virgins—depicted small, bottom right—are empty, and they must search for oil. Meanwhile, the bridegroom has arrived, who takes the five wise virgins inside. For the others, the door remains closed. Moral of the story: be thrifty and be vigilant, for one knows neither the day nor the hour of redemption (the day of judgment). A modern variation of the motto—well suited to economists—emerged at the end of the last century when women were encouraged to study technical programs: "a smart girl is prepared for her future."

Meanwhile, Tilburg University has more than 80,000 graduates, both nationally and internationally. There are over 20 alumni associations, including the Friends of Cobbenhagen, which includes "committed alumni" from all fields of study.