In Memoriam student Claudia van Lieshout

Claudia was a student in our joint Data Science Bachelor’s program, in which we work together with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). She was known across the TU/e and Tilburg University communities as kind, curious, and determined. Her training as an athlete was evident in our interactions with her: continuously striving to reach her individual and the team's goals, reflecting on what she could do differently next time, and willing to put in the work to see the results she desired.  Her professors shared that she will be missed for her open and friendly nature, as she brought much joy into the classroom.

She started her studies in 2017, in the second year after the Joint Bachelor of Data Science program had been established.  She was an active student who strived to perform well and whose presence and engagement were very much appreciated. Her peers remember her as a caring, energetic, and motivated student. 

To those who knew her best, Claudia was a resilient young woman with an adventurous and kind heart. When not busy with her studies, she spent most days outside, at her rowing club, E.S.R. THÊTA, where she was a valued friend and athlete since 2017. Her friends knew her as supportive, always in for a laugh, and as a person to tell you that things would be okay. A dreamer and an adventurer. Claudia and her warm, positive nature will be dearly missed. 

Last week Thursday, we had several gatherings to commemorate Claudia and to be together in the wake of her passing. Her friends, peers, and professors remember her with much warmth and fondness. She was a bright ray of sunshine that sadly left us much too soon. She lives on in all those who love her. May she rest in peace and love. 

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all who knew Claudia, especially with Claudia’s family and friends at this most sad and difficult time. The family have indicated they would much appreciate any personal messages about Claudia you wish to leave in the online condolence register at www.afscheid.eu/claudia-van-lieshout.

Please remember that help and support are available for students and staff, now and in the future. You do not need to process your grief alone. We encourage you to share your feelings and emotions, with your fellow students or friends or with our academic advisors or psychologists. Staff of both TU/e and Tilburg University can contact company welfare worker agnes.kloppenberg@arbounie.nl. Students can contact their academic advisor or the student psychologists at student.psychologists@tue.nl or studentenpsycholoog@tilburguniversity.edu.

For Eindhoven University 

Prof.  Johan Lukkien, Dean of Mathematics and Computer Science 

Prof. George Fletcher, Program Director of the Data Science Bachelor

For Tilburg University  

Prof. Geert Vervaeke, Dean of Tilburg Law School 

Dr. Anne Lafarre, Program Director of the Data Science Bachelor