Jacco Backx

Chair

Hello, I am Jacco and I would like to introduce myself as the new chair of G.B.D. Calamari. Born on the 1st of January 1998 in Wageningen, I have grown to be 26 years old. After graduating my Bachelor Water Management in Middelburg, I am now in my second year of my Master Marine Biology at the University of Groningen (RUG).

What I find so special about our organization is the openness and freedom with whom everyone can be themselves. I find it amazing to see how we have an association in which like-minded people find each other and in which one can always find someone just as passionate in a certain topic as you are. With fish being an excellent example!

The hospitality and gezelligheid of the club is therefore also the reason that I would like to contribute to the club. I look forward to my upcoming board year but especially, I look forward to another year full of gezelligheid and beautiful dives.

Ingeborg Moddejonge

Secretary

I am Ingeborg and I will be the secretary of G.B.D. Calamari. I am 23 years old and I am currently entering the second year of my Bachelor Social legal services. I would like to end up working in debt services.

I originally did not get my 1* diving license with Calamari, but in 2015 in a place called Brummen (Gelderland), together with my father. I did not dive since then, until a trip I took to Costa Rica in 2022 where I started to miss diving. After an introduction dive, I started to like diving and I joined Calamari shortly after in December 2022.

In the upcoming year, I would like to try to attend the practices more often and ensure that all of our new members feel welcome at our association and that they belong.

Tim Lankhuizen

Treasurer

Heey all! My name is Tim and I would like to introduce myself as the new treasurer for the upcoming year at Calamari. I am currently 24 years old, and I am hoping to start my Masters Technology & Operations Management (TOM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM). In my free time, I like to do some Gaming, Netflix, Programming, reading fantasy/adventure books or just chilling with friends.

I joined Calamari last year to learn how to dive and to have some fun, and I got to know an amazing community in which I felt home. So, when some people asked me to update the finances now and then for our fellow Calamarians, I saw a good excuse to go on more diving camps!

For the board year, my focus point will be to handle the finances of Calamari as neat as possible and to be transparant with the expenses of the club. This will be a nice challenge, taking the current economy into account and the potential addition of a clubhouse. That being said, It is a challenge I look forward to!

Elisa Vasara

Activity Commissioner

Hi! I am Elisa, the new activity commissioner of Calamari for the upcoming year! I am 21 years old and starting my second year of bachelor’s in biology at RUG. This also marks the beginning of my second year as a member of Calamari. I come from Finland, adding to the Nordic representation alongside Malcolm.

My hobbies (in addition to some serious studying and nerdy stuff) include various sports, outdoorsy activities, reading, and of course, scuba diving! I am a huge animal and nature lover and could talk on and on about those topics with other like-minded people.

My goal for the board year is to work together with the awesome committees we have in the club to create activities that bring together newer and older members and offer something interesting for everyone. I also want to focus on listening to the opinions and ideas of all members and potentially adding something new to Calamari traditions. Furthermore, with the lustrum year creeping closer and closer, I am excited to take part in organizing special events and making it a year to remember!

Malcolm Sedvall

Material Commissioner

My name is Malcolm and I will be the MC of Calamari this coming year. I’m from Sweden and 23 years old. I’m starting my Masters in chemistry at RUG this year.

In my free time I love watching and discussing Formula 1. I also like reading and going out for drinks with friends. I also have two cats who make sure my apartment is just the right amount of chaotic.

For my board year I want to focus on keeping much of the knowledge and experience within the club, such as teaching newer members and getting them interested in our gear. On a more personal note, I look forward to having a fun year with my fellow Calamarians with both lots of diving and underwater hockey

Willem Sillevis Smitt

Commissioner of Internal Affairs

Hey all! Willem here. Seems I will be doing another board year! Though my role as chair will be done by our lovely Jacco, I will take on the role as Commissioner of Internal Affairs (CIA). Ill act as the communication glue between committees!

For those that don’t know or have forgotten about me (don’t worry it’s been roughly half a year for some people). My name is Willem! I am 25 years old and studying to become a nurse! My hobbies are fencing, diving, cooking and everything nerdy! I look forward to working with you all again for another year :)