This Saturday followingnoon, the VUB announced the death of former rector Caroline Pauwels. The 58-year-old former communications professor died of esophageal cancer. Last February, her state of health deteriorating, she was forced to resign.
The announcement of his death sparked emotional reactions. Since Saturday evening, tributes have rained down both in the north and in the south of the country, in particular from the political world and the academic body. Everyone recognizes the human qualities and the resilience of the former rector.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) praised Caroline Pauwels’ progressivism, her exceptional commitment and her strong character. “We miss her already. Words fail me“, punctuated the Flemish liberal.
PS President Paul Magnette also reacted on Twitter. “It is with great sadness that I learn of the death of Caroline Pauwels. An exceptional academic colleague and a convinced humanist. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. And to the many people she inspired“, wrote the mayor of Charleroi.
The Minister of Higher Education Valérie Glatigny (MR) also paid tribute to the former rector. “All my thoughts to the family, friends and former colleagues and students of Caroline Pauwels, gone much too soon”, she wrote on Twitter. The one who rubbed shoulders with Caroline Pauwels on several occasions in the context of her duties has fond memories of her: “Meeting her was always a privilege.“
“It’s hard to imagine the world without her”
The mayor of Brussels-City Philippe Close (PS) also expressed his emotion following the death of this “in love with Brussels, education and its youth”. “It’s hard to imagine the world without her. I miss her already. So sad”, said the socialist.
The mayor of Ixelles Christos Doulkeridis (Ecolo) also paid tribute to the former rector. “It is with great sadness that we learned of his passing.“, he wrote. “On behalf of the Commune of Ixelles and the members of the College, my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones & the VUB university community.“
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The former rector of ULB Yvon Englert paid tribute to the one who was his counterpart for four years. “Farewell Caroline. We will keep the image of you as a great rector, a resilient Caroline, full of life, projects and joy. I also lose my Tango partner. Thoughts for her two wonderful children of whom she was so proud.”
The rector of the University of Namur Annick Castiaux also praised his human qualities. “I didn’t have the chance to meet Caroline Pauwels very much. But the few exchanges with her immediately seduced me: a sunny, relevant, creative, attentive woman.“