We received the sad news that Hélène Phoa, a graduate of the UU research master Gender & Ethnicity passed away. Hélène graduated in 2018. Many of her peers will remember her as clever, creative and very dedicated. As her teachers we remember her lively participation in courses and her eagerness to learn. Hélène was always interested in the bigger picture, showing a love for the world that was inspiring for both her fellow students and her teachers. Hélène was also an extremely kind and friendly member of the programme, she wanted to know what moved the people she was working with and never took teachers or fellow students at face value. For her thesis, Hélène combined her passion for Yoga with her interest in theories of new materialism. She explored the theoretical texts that meant so much to her with the love and dedication which were so characteristic for her way of dealing with her studies. We are sure that we are not the only ones who were impressed by her courage and perseverance in overcoming the obstacles in her life. It is sad to see her life ended too soon. Together we will cherish our memories of her.
On behalf of teachers in the Graduate Gender Programme at Utrecht University,
Berteke Waaldijk and Rosemarie Buikema
