Archive Geert Boering

Number of the collection: UBG 085

Callnumber: uklu 085 Boering

Description of the archive made by: Janny Jonkers, 2023

Brief overview

Name of the archive: G., Boering, (1929-2015), oral and maxillofacial surgeon and professor of oral surgery.

Provenance: Boering, Geert (1929-2015)

Dated: 2002 - 2015

Size: 6 metres

Language of the materials: Dutch

Summary: Archive of Geert Boering, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and professor of oral surgery.

Institute: University of Groningen

Retainer: University Library Groningen

Provenance and acquisition

Biography:

Boering grew up in Norg, the son of the village blacksmith. His mother worked for a wealthy family in the village. The life lessons from his mother and his father's passion for his craft laid the foundation for Boering’s later career as an oral surgeon and professor. Boering became a respected professor in his own right—a talented teacher and skilled researcher. He was known for being creative, demanding, and strict, but, above all, for having a keen eye for talent and fostering it. He played a pivotal role in establishing both the dental and specialist schools in Groningen. Many dentists and oral surgeons across the country were trained under his guidance.

In 1961, Boering was appointed head of the Department of Oral Diseases and Oral Surgery at the then-Academic Hospital Groningen (AZG). His appointment as a professor at the University of Groningen followed in 1966, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. A pioneer in the field of jaw joint disorders, his research placed Groningen’s clinic on the global map as a leading center for this specialty. His contributions earned him scientific recognition, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Upon his retirement as head of the department in 1994, he was appointed Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion.

Even as professor emeritus, he continued to follow developments in dental education with interest and encouraged students to be academically active by establishing the Boering Prize, awarded annually for the best master's thesis. He personally awarded this prize every year.

Boering also worked to revive the tradition of the Portrait Gallery at the University of Groningen. He found it unacceptable that the university no longer provided space for professors’ portraits to be displayed in the faculty or senate rooms upon their retirement. As an art lover, he foresaw the loss of diversity in portraiture and the decline of talent in this field. Through his efforts, university opposition waned, and today, the University of Groningen boasts a high-quality contemporary portrait collection, which has garnered national attention. In recognition of his efforts, Boering was awarded the prestigious Sacha Tanja medal in 2011. (From: F.K.L. Spijkervet: In Memoriam Boering)

Acquisition: The archive was previously maintained by the University Museum.

Future additions: There will be no future additions.

Contents and collation: The collection includes letters (handwritten and in the form of e-mails), postcards, gallery brochures, exhibition invitations, images, articles.

Instructions for users of the archive

Accessibility

First of all, the archive is accessible for research purposes; furthermore for everyone interested in the archives.

Limitations to use

The materials in this archive are available for viewing only. They cannot be borrowed. When consulting these materials, the rules for use of library facilities apply. Copying is subject to the rules of copyright.

Accessing the archive

An inventory of the archive is available.

The copyright is held by the University of Groningen.
The right of publication rests with the Library of the University of Groningen as owner of the collection.

Citations

When referencing (materials from) this archive, the following information must be provided in full at least once. After this, an abbreviated citation suffices.

Archive: University Library Geert Boering

Individual items: Groningen UB 085

Requests

The materials in this archive can be requested through SmartCat or by sending an email to the Special Collections department.