Even before the establishment of the autonomous VUB, the initiative was taken to set up a Dutch-speaking section within the ULB alumni association. In 1956, Rem Reniers, together with the first president Willem Verougstraete, took charge and started the de facto association OSB. The OSB made a significant contribution to supporting Dutch-language programmes at the ULB and later the autonomous VUB. Parallel to the establishment of the VUB, the OSB became a legal entity in its own right in 1969.

This grew into an open and active association that was also at the cradle of the freethinking associations in Brussels and Flanders.

The OSB aims to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among all former students and to contribute to the development and expansion of the VUB. The principle of Freedom of Research, which also forms the basis of the VUB, is our guiding principle.

To achieve this, the OSB offers a wide range of socio-cultural activities: excursions, lectures, training courses, reunions, networking events, etc.