After his special valedictory lecture, entitled Learning to Lead - a Maastricht Experience, he was praised by Rianne Letschert (Rector UM), Harald Merckelbach (on behalf of the UM deans), Heyo Kroemer (member of the Executive Board of Charité University in Berlin), Nick Bos, Helen Mertens and Mayor Annemarie Penn-te Strake.

“Martin Paul’s knowledge and experience in medicine and the sciences were a perfect match and of great significance for the development of our university in these areas.”
Rianne Letschert, Rector of Maastricht University

“The great legacy of Martin Paul’s presidency is connections - connecting UM with other universities across the globe, with many partner institutions across Europe and with the business community, knowledge institutes and government in our region. The Brightlands campuses are a prime example.”
Nick Bos, Vice-president of Maastricht University

The Fat Lady, a small opera company that was invited by Truze Lodder (former chair of the UM Supervisory Board), provided musical interludes during the event. Mezzo-soprano Veronique van der Meijden, baritone Youngky Eurlings and pianist Tamir Chasson performed works by Martin Paul's favourite composer, Wagner, among others.

“If we want to create a true European ecosystem of universities, we need to address equality and equity in European higher education and move away from being labelled as self-defined elitists. In order to create the future European university landscape, we need to address inequality, not only between old and new member states but also in the student population.”
Martin Paul, President of Maastricht University

On the first of November, Martin Paul will start his new appointment as Rector of Ruhr-Universität in Bochum, Germany. Current UM Rector Rianne Letschert will succeed him as UM Chair of the Executive Board.