In memoriam Pauline Arends

It was with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of our dear colleague, Pauline Arends, on Friday, 12 November. After a brief time in hospital, our vibrant, lively, optimistic and energetic colleague passed away as a result of a brain haemorrhage. Pauline had worked at Maastricht University since 2000. First as HR adviser and prevention officer at the Faculty of Law, and from January 2020 as Head of Occupational Health and Safety for the entire UM.

With a true passion for her profession, Pauline devoted herself with love, energy and conviction to the employees of the university. Her commitment was boundless. Having just started in her role as Head of Occupational Health and Safety when the corona pandemic began, she had to provide content and direction to a multitude of guidelines, protocols and related issues. An overwhelming amount of work came her way. Pauline demonstrated her strength and decisiveness, and together with her colleagues set to work at breakneck speed to ensure the safety of our employees. She left no stone unturned, but always with the utmost attention to the people, literally, in her care. That made her so special. Pauline was a warm, engaged colleague who always offered a listening ear and often gave creative and surprising advice.

We feel shock, emptiness, and great sadness that our dear colleague has passed away from us so suddenly. Her enormous dedication, her affection, her ability to put things into perspective and her humour with its hints of irony will be deeply missed.

'Dear Pauline, we are going to miss you very much and will never forget you. We hear your voice and laughter in our heads, we carry our beautiful memories of you with us.'

Your HRM colleagues