About KdG

History

The founders of Karel de Grote university college tried their best to come up with a name that would fit their idea of what they wanted their project to be. They chose that of ‘Karel de Grote’ (Charlemagne or Charles the Great, 742-814), an historical figure that founded an enormous European empire and that managed to unify different peoples and their languages, cultures and socio-economic systems. Since Karel de Grote university college is a fusion of thirteen former catholic university colleges from the city of Antwerp, the idea of one huge well-functioning empire was obviously an inspiring one for its founders.

Furthermore, the choice for a name that is well-known all over the world reflects the founders’ aim of creating an institution with European and even international allure. Another argument in favor of the name of Karel de Grote is the fact that he was a key figure with respect to the founding of the European educational system. In fact, his entire period of reign is known as a time of cultural excellence. A final important fact about this fascinating historical figure is that he was known to be a devout Christian. On the 20th of December 1994 the association was founded that organizes the university college and Karel de Grote-Hogeschool officially opened its doors on the first of September of 1995. On the 18th of December of that same year the opening of the very first academic year took place. That makes 2009-2010 the fourteenth academic year of our university college.

Mission and Values

Karel de Grote university college is a catholic institution that encourages students and staff members to help each other develop and to help change our world in a positive way. These are the requirements that the institution would like to meet:

• making an effort to create a better world;
• innovating for the future;
• obtaining results;
• focusing on the students;
• cooperating in good faith.

Perspectives on Education

Karel de Grote university college aims to give its students and staff members the opportunity to discover what their talents are and to further develop these talents. We strongly believe that team work allows both students and staff members to acquire competences – such as knowledge, skills, insight and attitudes – that are essential in a working context as well as in the broader context of our society. One of the most vital competences is, without a doubt, the ability to make an effort for those who, due to certain circumstances, are not able to fully develop their talents.