‘De invloed van universiteit op stad (is) wel zoo gewichtig als omgekeerd’. Nijmegen en de Katholieke Universiteit in 1923

Abstract

The foundation of the Catholic University of Nijmegen, Holland's sixth and last 'complete' university, in 1923 was a result of what is known as the 'catholic emancipation'. Previously, various cities in the catholic south of the country had been in fierce competition, for years on end, to receive the honour of accommodating the university. In the end, the founders opted for the eastern town of Nijmegen, which had been their first choice all the way, precisely because it was not of a through and through catholic nature. Ironically, the arrival of the university soon changed that, as she had a number of other important impacts on city life.