Rest in peace, Jan
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing away of Prof Jan Loisen. Jan died of cardiac arrest on 6 March 2023. He leaves behind his wife, Prof Karen Donders, and his two children. We are deeply affected by the sudden death of Jan, who left a great impression on us all. We cherish all fond memories and strongly sympathise with the family, friends and acquaintances.
Jan joined the Department of Communication Studies in 2001 as teaching assistant. He was a highly dedicated and warm colleague with a heart for his students. After finishing his PhD in 2009 on the Audiovisual Policy of the WTO, under the supervision of Caroline Pauwels, he became assistant professor at the Communication department in 2011. Since then, Jan has been a committed and loyal colleague with a focus on curriculum design, teaching and research. With a passion for research on communication theory, on European and international audiovisual policy, Jan contributed to the scientific field. He guided multiple PhDs in these topics. Highly dedicated in his teaching, he initiated thousands of students in communication studies through his Introduction in Communication Studies.
Jan was instrumental in developing the Erasmus Mundus Master on Digital Communication Leadership with Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Aalborg University and Wageningen University. He guided the department through multiple visitation and evaluation procedures with great success. Without any doubt Jan contributed to the DNA of our department. He will be dearly missed by all.
In this page, you can leave a condolence message or a fond memory of Jan.
Neither flowers nor wreaths. Jan’s family prefers a gift to the Caroline Pauwels Emergency fund for students: BE51 0013 6779 3562 (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, ‘GIFT FO7’).
I am saddened by the news of Prof. Jan's passing. But also filled with gratitude for the privilege of having been his student.
As a Nigerian stepping into the unfamiliar territory of the Western education system, his book was a beacon of light, the only comprehensive source of knowledge on media that I had ever encountered. But it was only in his classes that I truly began to understand the depth of his passion and the extent of his generosity.
The way he poured out his heart and soul, sharing his wealth of knowledge with us was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The care and attention he provided to each and every student gave us hope, and made us believe in ourselves and our ability to achieve greatness.
His electrifying energy was contagious, holding us spellbound, eager to learn and grow under his tutelage. He challenged us, pushed us beyond our limits, and inspired us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Though he may be gone from this earthly plane, his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him. We will never forget his kindness, his wisdom, his unwavering dedication to his students.
Thank you, Professor Jan, for everything. You will be sorely missed, but your impact on our lives will endure forever.