Rest in peace, Steven.
The VUB community is deeply saddened and bewildered by the unexpected passing of Steven Opstaele, the department head of the VUBnet network team within the ICT directorate. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, acquaintances, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Steven joined the VUB in November 2016 after a successful career in the private sector. He was tasked with upgrading the outdated data network to meet the high demands of the rapidly changing digital world of the 21st century. Despite the enormity of the task, Steven rose to the challenge, and under his leadership, the VUBnet team worked tirelessly to create a new network.
Steven's contributions were invaluable, and the results of his work were apparent to everyone. Even when faced with the challenges of a global pandemic, the VUB was almost entirely prepared to handle streaming, distance learning, and virtual meetings. Steven played a significant role in this achievement, and his legacy will be remembered as that of a caring, competent, and much-appreciated gentleman who made a lasting impact on the VUB community.
Steven Opstaele was a man of immense technical knowledge and a boundless drive to deliver the best possible work. His uncompromising approach to finding the best solutions often led to accusations and rebuttals. However, he was proven right time and time again. Despite his many accomplishments, Steven remained modest and never sought to put feathers in his hat, even though he deserved them in abundance. This was a testament to his character as a person, colleague, and leader.
A team leader par excellence who always put his team first, often at the expense of himself.
He led by example and never simply watched from the sidelines. He was not afraid to join the team himself and assist his people. This approach brought out the best in the people he managed, and it was contagious. Young and not-so-young alike were inspired to work alongside him. Steven's hands-on leadership style earned him the respect and admiration of his team, and he will be greatly missed.
Steven had a unique ability to bring out the best in people, and he demonstrated this with each and every one of us, resulting in remarkable achievements. We are deeply grateful to him for this invaluable contribution.
Steven was always available to his colleagues, regardless of the time of day. His open-door policy, which was more of a non-existent-door policy, made everyone feel comfortable approaching him. Despite his position of authority, he never came across as being in charge, yet he always pointed us in the right direction. His honesty, helpfulness, tolerance, empathy, patience, sense of humor, and simplicity were qualities that always left us feeling good after interacting with him.
The loss of Steven is deeply felt at VUBNet. It feels as though the roof has been ripped off, and the foundations are gone. We had the privilege of working with him during the VUBNet era, and now we must learn to navigate a new era without him. Although we know that no one is irreplaceable, finding someone with Steven's wisdom and emotional intelligence will be a difficult task.
We have lost a great human being, someone with a warm heart and a golden spirit, and his physical presence will be sorely missed. However, we will honor his memory by continuing to work hard and ensure that VUBNet thrives. Steven would have wanted us to do this not just for him, but with him always in our thoughts.
Steven... Chief... thank you for everything! It was an honour and a privilege for all of us to know and work with you...
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