Jorn Heikens - ONE OF THE FOUNDERS

I studied at the NHL Stenden Hotel Management School from 2015 to 2019 where hospitality slowly but surely became part of my DNA. After graduating, I worked for several international hotel companies in different HR roles, ranging from recruitment to Learning & Development and HR Technology.

When I started my studies, I naturally wanted to join a study association just like all my friends in Groningen. In most student cities, joining a study association is almost a default setting. In Leeuwarden, however, that wasn’t really the case at the time. And instead of just accepting that, I thought: why not change it?

Together with Jeannot (the other founder), the idea was born to create a low-key, accessible study association: no heavy obligations, no pressure, just a place where students could connect, learn, and have fun alongside their studies. One evening over dinner (as all good ideas tend to start), we talked it through and immediately got excited. From there, we searched for like-minded students to form the first board. One thing led to another… and the rest, as they say, is history.

The original mission was to create a hospitality network for students, offering both educational and social activities in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. A place that adds value beyond the classroom and contributes to students’ personal and professional development. From what I see, HNS still delivers exactly that today.