On January 31, EU alumni gathered in Istanbul at the historic Çiragan Palace, an Ottoman palace on the banks of the Bosphorus now home to a luxury hotel. Surrounded by carefully preserved 18th century décor and furnishings, EU President, Dr. Dirk Craen welcomed in the university’s 40th anniversary year, referring to it as a milestone in the university’s history; a time to reflect on the successes of the past four decades while looking forward to what the future holds.