Student Association Xenia

Establishment

Almost 25 years ago, something special was born at the International Hotel Management School in Breda.

In the summer of 2001, during a long bike ride to the NHTV introduction camp in Wortel (Belgium), something began to develop among a group of ambitious students. During that ride it quickly became clear that the existing student associations did not fully match the needs of hotel school students. There was a growing desire to create an association with its own identity, developed by and for the students themselves. That idea grew stronger every day.

On the final day of the introduction camp, which was also the first day on campus, the decision was made to take matters into our own hands. We simply had to create our own association. This idea was received with loud enthusiasm and full support from the other students.

Five students became highly motivated to make this happen. Supported by the 100 students who together formed the Hogere Hotelschool Breda on the Sibeliuslaan, and with the support of the lecturers of the program, the process of founding the student association began.

During the start-up phase, several committees were formed, a “home bar” was found, and the first parties, drinks, and events were organized. Besides the well-known themed parties, educational tastings and wine trips were also introduced.

And then… a name had to be chosen. In a completely democratic way, all 100 students were invited to submit their ideas. From these submissions, a top three was selected. These three names were officially presented during the first General Members’ Meeting (ALV). During that meeting it quickly became clear that one name had a clear majority, receiving more than 80% of the votes. Xenia was born.

Through these events and celebrations, a new sound emerged within the student association scene in Breda. There was a strong desire to break away from traditional associations and not focus solely on drinking and partying. This resulted in an association with its own identity: combining simplicity with exceptional class, educational inspiration, and healthy moments of celebration.

From lively nights in the student bar to an exclusive gala, and from extraordinary wine trips to hotel visits in Spain. The students and the school embraced the association. The International Hotel School Breda breathed Xenia. It was alive.

In that same academic year, on May 30th 2002, the association was officially established in Breda. Official statutes and internal regulations were drawn up, which still form the foundation of our association today.

The five students who proudly guided this process and officially formed the first board for the first two years of the association are:

• Sander Vermunt (Chairman)

• Lieke Sauer (Secretary)

• Pepijn van Munster (Treasurer)

• Roel Klaassen (Coordinator Operational)

• Evelien van Veen (Coordinator Communication)

These five students were appointed honorary members and will forever be connected to student association Xenia.

Over the years, the association has continued to grow and develop, becoming a well-known name in Breda. The organization expanded, the board gained more members, and additional committees were created. The school itself also evolved, transitioning from NHTV to BUas. The campus moved from the Sibeliuslaan to the Hopmanstraat.

Throughout the years the association has had several different home bars and has attracted both major and smaller sponsors.

And every year, a new and enthusiastic board of students works hard to ensure that all members experience an unforgettable student life.

Now, 25 years after the first steps were taken in 2001, we are counting down to 2027, when we will celebrate the official 25th anniversary of Xenia. It is a great pleasure to see that Xenia is still very much alive and thriving. As founders, we look back on the past 25 years with great pride and look forward to witnessing the next 25 years as well.

Now, 22 years later, our beloved Association consists of almost 280 active Members and over 1200 former Members. Over the years, the Association has gone through many changes. From different home bars, a new school campus and additional annual events.

A few years after its original founding date, Student Association Xenia decided it would be a great addition to embrace the Academy of Facility Management. Since then, students from both Hotel and Facility Management who study at BUas have been able to join our Association. 

Home Bar

Unlike other student associations, Student Association Xenia has her own home bar instead of a traditional society. Student Association Xenia believes that this positively affects her connection to the beautiful historic city of Breda since our Home Bar is located right in the City Centre. 

Initially founded in Café Dunne, located near the iconic Havermarkt in Breda, Student Association Xenia decided to change her official Home Bar to Feestcafé Peddels at the Havermarkt.

Café Dunne functioned as the official Home Bar of our Association until 2019. Sports Bar Old Dutch was the official Home Bar of Xenia from 2019 until April 2024. Since then, you can find us at Feestcafé Peddels every Wednesday evening!

Association

Student Association Xenia consists of multiple groupings like Sororities and Fraternities, Year Clubs and Committees. Besides these groupings, there is also the Board of S.A. Xenia.

The Association features honorary titles (Members of Honor or Merit) and different sponsors. The Association is also part of the Alliance and the Alliance of Breda.

Breda University of Applied Sciences

Student Association Xenia is linked to the Hotel and Facility Management academies of Breda University of Applied Sciences, formerly known as NHTV Breda. Both academies have delivered vastly talented and ambitious professionals to the (inter)national working environment. In many different countries alumni students occupy crucial management roles in many respected enterprises and businesses. 

These alumni are ambassadors and they make sure the excellent reputation of the Academies remains well known in both The Netherlands and foreign countries.

Both studies are 100% in English, which boosts your chance of an international career. The Hotel and Facility Management programmes at BUas are even rated as Top Rated Programmes of 2023!