In Memoriam Karl Ulrich Syndram

It was with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Dr. Karl Ulrich Syndram on 19 May. Karl started teaching at the Center for European Studies in 1999 and shared his passion for literature with hundreds of study-abroad students during his 20 years of teaching at Maastricht University.

In his classes such as ‘The Roaring Twenties, Nazi Terrors and the Cold War’ and ‘Going Dutch – Literary reflections of the Low Countries in the 19th and 20th Century’ Karl took students on literary journeys to explore the cultural and historical landscapes of Europe. He always showed up with a warm smile and thrived in sharing his incredible scope of knowledge with his students. His enthusiasm during field trips to Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge and Bruges, brought the subject matter even more vividly to life.

Over the years Karl became an integral part of the CES family. His friendliness and openness towards colleagues and fellow professors were characteristic of his approach to his whole teaching ethos. His inventiveness and creativity in designing courses and true dedication to his field has had huge significance for students and overseas partners alike.

Unexpectedly, he became ill just a few months ago and his condition worsened dramatically within weeks.

We will remember Karl as an incredibly generous and warm personality who loved great cuisine and wine, and life in general, who put his heart and soul into everything he did. It was always great to hear his insightful thoughts on contemporary issues and share in his wonderful stories of trips through France and the UK with his beloved wife and dogs.

He will be greatly missed by us all.

We wish his wife Anne, family and friends much strength in bearing this tremendous loss.

A book has been created to gather messages in loving memory of Karl. It is available at the Center for European Studies (Bonnefantenstraat 2) for colleagues and students to express their condolences. Anyone who wishes to submit a message electronically from abroad can of course also do so – we would be glad to include them.

‘Sweet Thames, run softly till I end my song’
T.S. Eliot