Farewell Bassem!!

After 5 years and 2 months, it was finally the time to say goodbye to Bassem Basil and welcome the new RA James Smith. The ceremony began by an opening address by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kortz, Bassem’s PhD supervisor. Prof. Kortz went on to recall the good times he has had with Bassem and perhaps the highlight of his speech was when he admitted to having known Bassem almost as long as his wife!

Next up was Sammy. He also told stories of how his first contact with Bassem was and narrated important things that Bassem did to the Jacobs community. Sammy went on to call Bassem a ‘world citizen’. He described him as sensitive yet at times politically incorrect. “Bassem’s leaving is a great loss to the Mercator college community!” Sammy iterated. Niky also stepped up and thanked Bassem for all the things he has done for the college and the University in general. “We will miss the honesty, hilarious jokes and the ability to make people blush in office meetings!” remarked Niky.

Bassem then spoke calling his departure as ‘unexpected’ after such a long time. He went on to say that he had had the best times of his life while at Mercator and went on to say that he is leaving but not completely as he will continue with his trademark movie night this time on Sundays. This was greeted with resounding applause as this is one of those things that Bassem initiated and that has continued to provide entertainment to the Mercator community.

The evening was not only about saying goodbye though. James Smith, our new RA was then officially welcomed into the Mercator community by being knighted by a sword warrior. Before this, he had to pass a test, designed to check whether he able to take the reins from Bassem. He didn’t disappoint, passing the test with flying colors. When it was his turn to speak, he promised not to lock himself out (remains to be seen whether he actually manages this!). He also went to say that he will give his all for the better of the Mercator community.

That marked the end of the evening. We wish you a farewell Bassem and welcome James!

Click here to view more pictures of this event.

(Text by Ango Paul)