In memoriam Roch Chovet

Friends described Roch as a young man with a thousand different lives. He was involved in many associations, an active sportsman, member of SBE’s faculty council, and besides all this he also found the time to run his own company in the field of AI innovations. Roch’s bright mind brought forth an ongoing slew of new initiatives, not just academical but also social. Peers felt privileged calling him their friend. Studying International Business, Roch majored in Finance. His study was progressing smoothly, and he was working towards graduating in the summer of 2025. Currently, he was doing his study abroad semester at University Carlos III in Madrid, Spain.

Roch, as his name indicates, was a real pillar of the Maastricht student community. He will be remembered fondly for his playful wit, his inspiring spirit, and his remarkable ability to unite people. A dedicated leader, he served as Vice President of the NL Mariners student association and as President of non-profit organization La French in Maastricht, and he was an active member of Stoked. Always striving to make student life richer and more connected, Roch was a radiant soul, full of joy, courage, and generosity. He had that rare talent of making every moment lighter and more joyful. His presence was a gift to us all, and his spirit will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.

The funeral service, which will be live-streamed, takes place Thursday, 13 March 2025 at 14:15 hrs in Saint-Cloud, France. SBE offers students and friends of Roch the opportunity to get together in room A1.22 at Tongersestraat 53 in Maastricht and watch the livestream. The gathering starts at 14:00 hrs; SBE staff and student counsellors will be on hand to offer support if needed.

An informal meeting in memory of Roch will be held Thursday, 20 March 2025 from 10:00-12:00 hrs at Tapijn 11 in room F0.019. Everybody is welcome to attend this meeting during which friends of Roch will share precious memories. Again, SBE staff and student counsellors will be on hand to offer support if needed.

We can imagine this news will have come as a shock to Roch’s friends and peers, so if at any point you need any kind of help dealing with your grief, you can always reach out to the student counsellors at SBE. You can also reach out to UM’s student psychologists, either by calling the SSC Information Desk via 043-388 5388, or via the online appointment tool: UM psychologists. UM’s InnBetween student chaplaincy offers a listening ear to those in emotional need. To contact them send an email  to info@innbetween.nl or call them via +31 (0)6 17 44 36 10/+31 (0)4 388 53 10 (during office hours).

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Roch’s family and all his friends, and wish them strength and courage during this terrible time.