• Higher degree in
theology (1984) • NIMA (Netherlands Marketing Institute) A and B diplomas • Lecturer in Life Philosophy (1984) • Foreign Affairs Secretary, Netherlands Mission Council (1984–1988) • Study secretary, VKMO (Association of Catholic Social Organisations) (1988–1999) • Chairwoman, Nijmegen CDA • Member of the party council • Member of the editorial team of CD Verkenningen • Chairwoman, European Forum of National Committees of the Laity (1996–2000) • Chairwoman, Netherlands Episcopal Committee for the year 2000 (1996–2000) • Member of the governing board of the Catholic Theological University, Utrecht (since 1998) • Commissioner for recreation in the Veluwe area (RGV) • Member of the executive board of the World Population Fund (WPF) • Member of the European Parliament (since 1999) • Awarded knighthood in the
Order of Orange-Nassau (2009) • Decorated in
Order of St. Gregory the Great (2024). == References ==