Jan Loisen

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.

Professor Loisen was a deeply respected man with a passion for his course and great love for his family.

It was an honor to be in his classes. My thoughts are with his friends and family!

Professor Loisen was a deeply respected man with a passion for his course and great love for his family.

It was an honor to be

Professor Jan is the kindest prof in the universe. He was always helpful and cared about his students. It was a great chance to meet him, to learn from him!

You'll be deeply missed Jan, my deepest condolences.

Professor Jan was an incredibly kind and warm Professor, who believed in his students and in the project they wanted to achieve.

A true proof of profound humanity.

Merci pour tout ce que vous nous avez appris, et ce bien au delà de nos cours.

My best wishes to his family and loved ones.

It was quite a shock to hear the sad news of Jan’s passing. As for many, he was my first introduction to Communication studies, and with his unique approach provided a great starting point.

Aside from his teaching, it was his sense of humour and caring nature that has stayed with me since completing my degree. It is rare to find people as genuine as Jan, especially in academia.

I send my sincerest condolences to his family, and hope they know that he will be missed by countless students across the globe.

Thank you for everything, Professor Jan.

Professor Jan was an incredibly kind and generous Professor who has achieved a long-lasting legacy through his incredible wisdom, knowledge and kind-heartedness.
During Covid, I was facing many personal troubles where I had to retake my exam orally online; since it was the first time this was being done, Professor Jan sent all of his students doing the oral exam an email with sample questions. I read the email and mistakenly thought the list of sample questions was the exam questions and learned only the list thoroughly. During the exam, when Prof Jan asked me questions outside of the list, I was confused and was unable to answer. Seeing my sadness and misunderstanding, Prof Jan gave me a second chance. He gave me another date in a few days, allowing me to prepare for the course again.
This kind of misunderstanding amongst some professors might be judged harshly. As an international student, my parents have been going through much trouble for me to get this education, and Prof Jan helped me sustain not only my hard work but the hard work of my parents through the gift of a second chance. Professor Jan always exuded this kind of just, holistic thinking along with kindness and mercy to all of his students.

I would not have continued my education without his genuine understanding and care for his students. He gave me the confidence and belief to carry on with my degree and think of the world differently. I can for sure say that Prof Jan's students will not only miss him dearly but will continue to carry on his legacy, through the knowledge he spread, so passionately to us.

Jan was one of the kindest, most genuine person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always greeted everyone with his warm smile and a gentle demeanor that immediately put people at ease. Jan had that rare quality.

Thank you for everything you did for us in DCLead and as an inspiring colleague at SCOM, especially as one of your TAs for Seminar Current Issues 1. I remember fondly that you would always get us coffees before an exam supervision and be extremely grateful that we were there to help out even though we were just doing our job. Jan had a subtle, quiet way of letting people know that they mattered. You have had a profound impact on countless lives.

You will be deeply missed but never forgotten..

It is a big loss for the university and all of us, Prof. Loisen was the most humane teacher with kindness and understanding to everyone. Only warmest and lightest memories of that great man, best wishes to the whole family.

You were not just a good professor but also a great human. Your hope for humanity sparkled hope in us.

Ongezien: tijdens een van mijn eerste lessen in het hoger onderwijs gooide de professor met een kubus door de aula. Dat was Jan, die op die manier zijn studenten toestond via een micro te spreken voor het hele leslokaal.

Niet alleen door zijn vlotte, sympathieke zelve te zijn in de omgang, maar ook door dat eerste 'enge' semester aan het hoger onderwijs kleur te geven was Jan voor velen een lichtpuntje waar we tweemaal per week naartoe konden. Zelden zag ik een professor die zo een grote groep voor zich had en het toch oh zo persoonlijk aanpakte. Jan keek erg op naar en was erg trots op Caroline Pauwels, die hem ooit nog les gaf. Op dezelfde warme, inspirerende manier waarop hij het over zijn oud-professor had, ben ik er zeker van dat de komende generatie(s) maar al te goed zullen ontdekken wie Jan Loisen was.

Heel veel sterkte gewenst aan de familie van Jan, collega's, oud-studenten en studenten. Wij zullen alleszins nooit (!) vergeten wie Jan was.

Professor Loisen inspired all of his students with his spirit and devotion to his lectures and classes. Heartbroken for his family and loved ones. My deepest condolences.

Professor Loisen was incredibly loved by his students, everyone knew what a good heart and amazing personality he had. Everyone would always speak fondly about him.
He often mentioned his family in his classes, he would tell us little stories about them with so much love and pride.
I am so glad i had the chance to get classes from him, he will be missed here at the VUB.

Pro. Jan was an amazing professor, we enjoyed his lectures and his way of teaching. May your soul rest in peace, you will never be forgotten ! My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Woorden schieten te kort om dit verlies te beschrijven. Jan kon op een heel gepassioneerde manier lesgeven over zijn vak. Veel sterkte aan de familie!

Jan was an amazing Professor, who inspired me a lot when I started my bachelor studies of Social sciences. His way of giving lessons,in a very interactive way, showed that he was always extremely interested in his students and always gave them a voice through his famous microphone in the shape of a cube,thrown around the aula.(Something I haven't seen ever since)
Jan Loisen was a memorable person, a critical person with strong views and someone who made the VUB a better place.
From the few anecdotes I have about the VUB way of teaching. He was an example I would bring up as a way to persuade someone to study at the VUB.

Thank you for your work! 💚

Professor Loisen brought a compassionate approach to higher education that was felt by all his students. He began every lecture with “Good morning/afternoon, dear students” and gave thoughtful examples that helped make abstract theory fun and approachable. His kindness, jolly nature, and steadfast presence in Communication Studies at VUB will be sorely missed. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May we all follow his example in emphasizing the importance of humanity in the communication sciences.

Professor Loisen heeft mij nieuwe perspectieven geboden op de wereld. Ik nam met heel veel plezier deel aan zijn lessen. Het was een ontdekkingsreis waar hij en professor Badran ons door de wereld leidden. Ik ben eeuwig dankbaar hiervoor. Het heeft een stempel gedrukt die ik nu uitdraag. Duizend maal dank voor het delen van uw kennis. U heeft de wereld groter en mooier gemaakt.

Loisen succeeded in giving the students the feeling that we knew him. And that he knew us. Even without ever having an actual conversation. Impossible to dislike him.
We will all miss him.

I can't believe this happened. He was such a passionate professor, who really love to teach us everything he has. I can also feel that he respected his students and cherish the time we spent together. Professor Loisen, R.I.P
I will remember what you gave us all the time, the spiritual legecy and the attitude.