Homage to Caroline Pauwels

A convinced European, Caroline declared herself an absolute Europhile in favour of a strong European Union, where universities can generate and transmit knowledge free of constraints and limitations and act as strongholds against intolerance and hatred of the other, against the ignorance on which these dishonourable passions feed. 

Caroline Pauwels has shown exceptional intelligence and courage in her personal and professional life. It took both to embark on the EUTOPIA adventure, of which she was one of the key players from the start. EUTOPIA was, for her, an opportunity to show that universities are one of the essential pillars of European construction. EUTOPIA was also a challenge: to turn an alliance of universities into an ambitious, exceptional and unique body, setting inclusion and respect for the planet at the centre of its concerns. 

There is no doubt that in engaging our universities into a more human and resilient academy, Caroline played an essential role. When she left the Rectorate of the VUB, we invited her to join the EUTOPIA Academy, which brings together, among others, the former presidents and plays an advisory and guidance role for our Board. We awarded her with a medal bearing the motto A posse ad esse, which means bringing the virtual to the fact, the idea to realisation, the will to reality. Today we reiterate the tribute we paid to her last June by presenting her with this medal. It is the symbol of our commitment and our work towards a better European academic world.

We will never forget her lesson of conduct as an exemplary university president and as a marvellous human being. 
The VUB organises a Commemoration of Caroline Pauwels the 12 September 2022