The members of FISU’s Education Committee met over two days at the organisation’s headquarters in Lausanne to help shape the future of their role.
The International University Sports Federation’s Education Committee held meetings on 8 and 9 September in Lausanne, Switzerland, where they discussed the future of their role with FISU Secretary General and CEO, Matthias Remund.
Part of its tasks is to advise FISU’s Executive Committee on educational matters, including, but not limited to, FISU’s World Conference and FISU’s Dual Career Programme.
“I am proud to be the chair of such an active committee, which is composed of a mix between academic people from the university and sport management environments, who have been here for a long time, and new members from the student-athlete community, for example”, explained FISU Executive Committee Vice-President Verena Burk. “Thanks to the dedication of its members, we can very openly discuss the development of our programmes within the framework of FISU’s strategy.”
Not all members of the FISU Education Committe – who represent all five continents and a great variety of paths, genders and age groups – were able to travel to Switzerland. But we asked some of them what their work for this specific task meant to them.
“After experiencing FISU competitions as an athlete, which were really different from other events, with a lot more exchanges and fun, I was eager to find that same atmosphere again. It is really nice to share my own dual career experiences. For me this is a way of continuing my journey with FISU…”
Aku Nikander, Finland
“We all bring different perspectives and different experiences to the discussion, a continental perspective for me. This helps us evaluate and realistically advance our projects.”
Donna Spethman, Australia
“This is my third mandate as a FISU Education Committee Member and I have seen a great amount of work achieved. Through our projects, officials, students and FISU move closer every time. I believe that is our main role: to bring people together.”
Daniel Studer, Switzerland
“I really enjoy being part of this very active committee. I am very engaged in sports, so it is nice to be able to take care of the other half of student-athletes’ lives: their educational career. In my time here, we have progressed a lot and it is special to be part of this progress and share it worldwide.”
Maria Inés Gomez, Argentina
“Being present in this committee as a student-athlete stresses the importance of focusing on student-athletes and the development of programmes for them. I’m excited to work towards this initiative to improve university sport from the core.”
Lara Chayeb, Lebanon
“As a representative of Asia, I want our voice to be heard and at the same time bring more members to FISU. Being in this committee gives me a chance to contribute to student development in my region through a structured learning process.”
Mohd Ruslim Mohamed, Malaysia
“Being part of FISU and FISU’s Education Committee is one of the most beautiful stories of my life. I strongly believe in our values and as the mother of a successful student-athlete – my 18-year-old son became a French champion in rowing – I can experience first hand the benefits of a successful dual career.”
Renata Bojczuk, Poland
The next big educational event on the calendar will be the Östersund 2026 FISU World Forum, which will be held in Sweden from 24-28 August and whose theme will be: “Active Body – Healthy Mind: How impactful sport can be at universities”.