In Memoriam Christa Laeven
We have received the deeply sad news that our student, Christa Laeven, passed away last Sunday. Christa studied Dutch law at the Faculty of Law. She was only 21 years old.
Before joining our faculty, Christa spent a year studying HBO-Rechten Tilburg. Although the transition to university life was challenging for her, she was determined to become a public prosecutor and persevered. Just as she had always done, she worked methodically and independently, making tremendous progress and achieving excellent grades. All that remained was for her to write her dissertation.
Christa knew she was ill, but she wanted to be treated like a regular student and did not want her fellow students to know about her illness. Determined to complete her degree, she demonstrated her strong social commitment by writing a compelling dissertation proposal on the classification of femicide in criminal court rulings.
Christa had a generous heart. For her Year 3 Professional Skills project, she organised activities at the Toon Hermans Huis in Maastricht for young people affected by cancer. Although she was unable to finish the project at the time due to her treatment, her efforts clearly demonstrated her perseverance and commitment to helping others.
She was cheerful, optimistic and strong, and a role model to her fellow students. It is heartbreaking that she passed away so young.
Our thoughts are with her family and relatives.
On behalf of all students and staff members of the Faculty of Law,
Ronald Janse, Dean
From Thursday 21 May to Friday 29 May, room B0.116B of the Oud Gouvernement (Bouillonstraat 1-3) is devoted to the loss of Christa. Those who wish to pay their respects and write a message in the book of condolences to her family are very much welcome.
