Digital Book of Condolences for Dr. Katja Jung

We mourn the loss of our colleague Dr. Katja Jung, who passed away on 28 August 2024 after a short, serious illness. This news comes as a surprise to many of us, as Katja Jung helped shape and lead the EDUC alliance until the end. We will all need time to process this loss.

The University of Potsdam, the EDUC Alliance and, of course, above all the EDUC team and the colleagues who have worked closely with Katja Jung in various contexts since 2019, are losing a great, dynamic and cheerful colleague. We will all miss her acumen, cleverness and tireless energy for Europe, students and international affairs in many ways. Katja Jung always emphasized that it was right and important to do pioneering work that made a difference.

The heartfelt sympathy of all members of the University goes out to Katja Jung's family and her friends.  Our thoughts are with them.

Oliver Günther, President of the University of Potsdam: "The University of Potsdam is in deep mourning. Dr. Katja Jung worked at the university for many years and led the European University Alliance EDUC, which we coordinated, with great sensitivity, deep empathy and high efficiency. Fluent in several languages, diplomatically gifted, always friendly, but also assertive when necessary - this is how we got to know and appreciate Katja Jung as a colleague and university manager. The fact that this terrible disease has defeated her after a brave fight is a great loss, especially for her family, of course, with whom we mourn, but also for the University of Potsdam and the wider European university landscape. Her untimely death leaves us perplexed. We will honor her memory."

Alessandra Carucci, University of Cagliari, Vice Rector in charge of internationalisation: „This is the saddest news we could receive, even if I knew she was again at the hospital. She was with us from the beginning of EDUC coordinating all the activities, and giving a strong contribution for the success of the EDUC II application, but, above all, she was a friend. I cannot think to our Alliance without her, she will continue to accompany us in all our activities. Our deep condolences to the Potsdam Team and to her family.“

Petter Aasen, former rector of the University of South-Eastern Norway: „It was a very, very sad message. My deepest condolences to you and the entire Potsdam team. I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathies to her family. Katja was a skilled, energetic, positive, and ambitious driving force in EDUC. I really appreciated how she welcomed us when USN joined the alliance. Encouraging, constructive and not least pleasant and enjoyable conversations both in Norway and in Potsdam. She will be deeply missed. I give my full support to your call: In memory of Katja let's keep her spirit alive in the further development of the alliance.“

Marita Böhning, University of Potsdam, Senior Advisor for International Affairs / YERUN Coordinator: "I'm someone who can hold the strings together!” I remember this sentence from Katja's interview for the first project manager position at EDUC.  And that's exactly what she did and with this quality, but also with her positive energy, her immense knowledge of higher education and internationalization, she and her team have made EDUC what it is today. The last business trip to Norway was like a liberation for her after months of fear and restrictions, and I was so happy for her that she was able to go. We missed our trip to the garden together in the summer, which leaves me sad - we had both been looking forward to it. It is devastating that she has gone far too soon. My heartfelt condolences to Katja's brother and all who mourn her loss."

Saskia Asmus, Humboldt University of Berlin, International Coordinator: "Mit großer Betroffenheit habe ich vom Tod von Dr. Katja Jung erfahren und möchte Ihnen sowie der gesamten Universität Potsdam mein tief empfundenes Beileid aussprechen. Obwohl ich nicht das Vergnügen hatte, direkt mit Frau Dr. Jung zusammenzuarbeiten, durfte ich sie in einer sehr besonderen Rolle kennenlernen – als Mentorin und Unterstützerin auf meinem beruflichen Weg. Besonders in den herausfordernden Zeiten der Pandemie hat sie mir, durch zahlreiche intensive Gespräche und ihre fachliche Expertise, geholfen, neue Perspektiven zu entwickeln. Sie war eine inspirierende Persönlichkeit, deren Leidenschaft für die Internationalisierung der Hochschulen sich in jedem Gespräch widergespiegelt hat. Ihre Hilfsbereitschaft, ihre Begeisterung für ihren Beruf und ihr unermüdlicher Einsatz haben mich zutiefst beeindruckt.
Die Lücke, die ihr Verlust hinterlässt, ist unermesslich, und ich bin mir sicher, dass viele, die das Privileg hatten, mit ihr zu arbeiten oder von ihr unterstützt zu werden, ebenso fühlen.
In dieser schweren Zeit sind meine Gedanken bei Ihnen und all denjenigen, die sie gekannt und geschätzt haben.
Mit stillem Gruß
Saskia Asmus"

David James Prickett, Director of the Center for Languages and Key Competences, University of Potsdam: „Mein aufrichtiges Beileid gilt der Familie und dem Freundeskreis von Katja Jung. Ihre positive Einstellung, ihre Offenheit und ihr Respekt anderen gegenüber werden mir in Erinnerung bleiben."

Christina Wolff, Leiterin Koordinationsbüro für Chancengleichheit und zentrale Gleichstellungsbeauftragte: „Ich bin zutiefst betroffen, von dem viel zu frühen Tod von Dr. Katja Jung. Mit ihr verlieren wir eine engagierte, offene und energiegeladene Kollegin. Mein aufrichtiges Beileid für die Familie, die Freund*innen und Kolleg*innen – auch im Namen meines Tams und Kolleg*innen. Wir konnten stets respektvoll, produktiv und zielgerichtet diskutieren und gemeinsam Themen für die Uni Potsdam im europäischen hochschulpolitischen Kontext setzen, es war mir immer eine Freude im Austausch mit Katja Jung. In stiller Trauer, Christina Wolff & Team."

Dr. Regina Neum-Flux, former Head of the International Office, University of Potsdam: "Katja wird mir immer als zupackende und strategisch handelnde Kollegin in Erinnerung bleiben, die ein enormes hochschulpolitisches Wissen hatte und eine exzellente Netzwerkerin war. Ihre Fröhlichkeit, ihre Offenheit, ihr Ideenreichtum und ihre präzisen Situationsbeschreibungen aber auch ihr konsequenter Wille zur Problemlösung machten die Zusammenarbeit mit Katja zu einer enorm inspirierenden Erfahrung. Ihre Krankheit ließ es nicht zu, dass sie zu meiner Verabschiedung aus dem Dienst kam. Ein Treffen wollten wir unbedingt nachholen und können es nun doch nicht mehr tun. Ich bin unendlich traurig. Meine Gedanken sind bei all denen, die sie kannten und die um sie trauern, besonders natürlich bei ihrer Familie."

Prof. Dr. Filippo Carlà-Uhink, Professor of Ancient History at the Institute of History at the University of Potsdam: "In den letzten Jahren haben wir intensiv an unterschiedlichen EDUC-Projekten zusammengearbeitet. Ihr Engagement, ihre Professionalität, sowie die sehr gute Laune, die sie immer ausstrahlen konnte, gehören zu den Hauptgründen des Erfolgs von EDUC. Wir werden sie alle enorm vermissen. Mit dem herzlichsten Beileid an die Familie.“

Olga Wessels, Head of ECIU Brussels’ Office: "Also from Brussels, I want to send my deepest condolences to the EDUC colleagues and the family and friends of Katja. We are all in a complete shock that Katja passed away. It feels very sudden, as she was fully engaged until the very end. I remember her as a committed, enthusiastic, constructive and supportive colleague. She was key in developing our informal network of European University alliances, not afraid to raise her voice, identify opportunities and threats, and discussing those in an open way. In the past five years that we were working together, I received many kind e-mails from Katja, sharing her thoughts and thinking along, analysing developments and suggesting solutions. And I will never forget how she gave a spontaneous and emotional speech on 8 February 2024 at a Coordinators Meeting in Brussels. Starting with “although I am German, I want to underline that our initiatives go beyond being merely projects” and she spoke about our common dreams, and the huge European University Alliances we’re building together. Not just ‘another’ project, but changing Europe’s higher education landscape for good, and for the benefit of our students and staff. It’s so much more than a project. Let’s continue realising our European ambitions in the innovative spirit of Katja.
Thank you, Katja, for being part of our European community!"

Emily Palmer, Secretary- General of Una Europa: "The Forum of European Universities alliances will greatly miss the contributions and enthusiasm of Katja in taking the initiative forward. As Secretary-General of a sister alliance, I always appreciated the honest and positive spirit that Katja brought in exchange on common ambition and challenges. As we all in this international work environment face so many demands, may Katja’s passing help us to us focus on what’s really important in life. My deepest condolences go out to Katja’s loved ones and her close colleagues."

Isabella Baer-Eiselt, Executive Director of EU-CONEXUS - La Rochelle Université: "It comes as a shock to learn that Katja Jung has passed away. I still remember the last time when I saw her in February 2024 during the Coordinators meeting in Brussels where she was so passionate in expressing her enthusiasm for the European Universities Initiative prospects discussed at that meeting. She will remain in my memory as a exceptionally shining, positive, and constructive person - with a lot of heart and mind."

Vanessa Massegg, Project Lead EURECA-PRO Alliance: "Dear members of the EDUC Alliance, We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your colleague Katja Jung, yesterday. We know how close the alliance teams work together and how much depends on individuals like Katja who do not just contribute through their hard work but also unite teams with their dedication and uplifting spirit. We can only begin to imagine the profound loss her family, friends, and colleagues must be feeling. Please know that our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with all of you during this difficult time. With deepest condolences,

The EURECA-PRO Alliance"

Frederic Renouard,  EDUC coordinator at the University of Rennes: "I will remember Katja as a friendly, warm, very competent, enthusiastic person. She was extremely committed to EDUC whose values ​​she 'lived'. Somewhere, she was an incarnation of EDUC for which she had an extreme ambition. That was part of her strength and charm.

 To think about who she was, I will also remember her previous involvement in the 'MA Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World', where she already worked with heart for a better mutual understanding in this world, transcending cultural and religious differences. My deep condolences go to her family and to the EDUC family in Potsdam."

Laura Howard, General Director of SEA-EU Alliance: "It was a terrible shock today to learn of Katja's passing. I had no idea she was ill and, as with many other colleagues, the memory of her lively and heart-felt intervention in the alliance meeting in Brussels last February was still fresh in my mind. I first remember meeting Katja at a dinner in Brussels the evening before a meeting of alliance coordinators, and I soon realised that she was not only a wonderful dinner companion, keen to share stories of her experiences and always ready for a laugh, but also an excellent colleague, more than happy to collaborate, not afraid to share her doubts and concerns and voice tricky but necessary questions that others shied away from. Her passing is a great loss not only to her family, friends and colleagues in Potsdam and EDUC, but to the whole European university alliance community. She will be sorely missed.

Katja, rest in peace. "

Marc Tipold, wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Lehrstuhl Geschichte Altertums am Historischen Institut der Universität Potsdam: Katja war bei der Konzeption und Durchführung von zwei unserer EDUC Kurse von Anfang an eine fundamentale Stütze. Ihre gute Laune, der Wille Lösungen für scheinbare Hürden zu finden und der unbedingte Glaube an die länderübergreifende Zusammenarbeit werden allen Beteiligten unvergessen bleiben, denn sie dienten uns oft als Triebfeder. Ohne Katjas Einsatz wäre Vieles nicht möglich gewesen. Danke Dir für alles, Katja. In stiller Trauer und mit herzlichem Beileid an Familie und Freude."

Meritxell Chaves, CHARM-EU Secretary General: "Katja will remain on the European Universities initiative history for her commitment, her professionalism, and her meaningful contributions.  However, further than that, she will remain in our hearts for her passion, sympathy, and companionship. She will always remain as the perfect mate. She told me in February, that she wanted to be like me when she would grown-up, and she requested to job shadowing with me. And I answered that it was me who want to job shadow with her. I invited her to Barcelona, but she could,’t make it. Maybe we will be able to what-ever-shadow in the other side. We will miss you Katja. No doubt. "

Prof. Dr. István Tarrósy, Director of the International Office at the University of Pécs: Dear Imke, Dear Potsdam EDUC Team, Dear Colleagues, Many hours after your e-mail with this devastating news, words still do not come easy. This is simply unimaginable; the loss of our bright, hard-working, dedicated, always well-prepared, cunning, funny and amicable friend and colleague, our dear Katja, is incomprehensible. We can just share our deepest sympathy and send our love and condolences to the closest family and relatives and all of you in Potsdam and beyond! We are absolutely certain that without her, we would not have arrived at the stage we are and would not have become what we are as an alliance. Her tremendous soul is within us, no doubt about that. I am sure we will keep this and keep her alive within us.

With our best wishes and biggest hugs,

Istvan and the Pecs EDUC Team"

Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit Higher Education at the European Commission and Tine, Agnieszka, Ioana and Sacha and other colleagues from the European Commission’s European Universities team:

On behalf of the European Commission, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Katja. We are deeply saddened by her loss and our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, students and the entire EDUC alliance community during this profoundly difficult time. We had the privilege of meeting Katja during the kick-off phase of the European Universities initiative, and since then, she had been a cherished and respected colleague. Her warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the EDUC alliance and the European Universities initiative were truly remarkable. Katja’s enthusiasm, strategic vision and belief in the mission of this initiative significantly shaped its growth and success. Her legacy of hard work and passion will remain with us, and her contributions to this community will be long remembered. During this challenging period, we stand with you in solidarity. May you find comfort and strength in the support of those around you – your colleagues, friends, family, and the extended EDUC and European Universities family. With our deepest sympathy,

Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit Higher Education at the European Commission and Tine, Agnieszka, Ioana and Sacha and other colleagues from the European Commission’s European Universities team"

Johannes Freudenreich, Leiter der Potsdam Graduate School der Universität Potsdam: „Die Nachricht vom frühen Tod von Katja Jung hat mich tief erschüttert. Ich habe sehr gerne mit Katja zusammengearbeitet, auch wenn wir uns krankheitsbedingt lange Zeit nicht persönlich gesehen haben. Sie hat immer eine sehr positive Energie ausgestrahlt. Mein Mitgefühl gilt allen, die ihr nahestanden. Wir werden Katja in guter Erinnerung behalten und uns weiterhin für die europäische Verständigung und gemeinsame Projekte einsetzen.“

Silvia Gomez Recio, Secretary General of YERUN Network: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our remarkable colleague, Katja, from the University of Potsdam. From the moment we met her, Katja's inspiring enthusiasm and dedicated leadership in the EDUC Alliance left an indelible mark on all of us. Her eagerness to embrace opportunities for strengthening European collaboration was truly exceptional, and her commitment to enhancing the future for students, researchers, and staff and leaders in the initiative has made possible remarkable achievements and change in the world of higher education. Katja was not only a dedicated professional but also a wonderful person, and we cherish the many joyful memories we shared with her. On behalf of the YERUN team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues in Potsdam and all her colleagues in the EDUC Alliance during this difficult time. We will remember Katja forever.  On behalf of the YERUN Team. "

Emily Helmeid, Secretary General of the EUGLOH Alliance: "It is clear to me that Katja was a source of light. Even those of us who were only in her orbit once a month have deep respect, care and fondness for her. When Katja spoke, we all listened. She gave freely of herself both professionally and personally -- with great ideas that she chose to share freely, with passion and committment for her work and its meaning, and with kindness and empathy for others. When I first started in my current position, the enormity of the work ahead of me was overwhelming. I met Katja for the first time in person at an event in Paris, right at the moment when it felt like I couldn't shoulder the weight anymore and when I saw no light at the end of the tunnel. She introduced herself, and we spoke about the alliances and our belief in them. We also spoke about the difficulties inherent to such an ambitious, innovative initiative. After our conversation, I felt lighter and more hopeful. I was inspired by Katja's enthusiasm, good humor, openness and faith. She left her mark in my life and that of so many others. I am grateful that I had that moment with her and that, for a short time, we were on similar paths. "

Chiara Colella, Policy Assistant of the European Commission, Unit C4 –Digital Education:  "Katja was one of those persons that leave their mark, everywhere they go, in everyone they meet. Impossible not to be impressed by Katja, not to smile when she was around. Her deep knowledge of the higher education world and passion for her work was uniquely accompanied by a mix of humour, sensitivity, joy for life and so much kindness. Katja, you brought so much light into this world. May that life continue to shine in the hearts of those who had the honour to cross your path."

Katrin Dircksen, Secretary General ECIU (European Consortium of Innovative Universities): "With great sadness, I heard the shocking news of Katja's passing. In this painful time, I want to express my deepest condolences to her family and friends, her colleagues from the University of Potsdam and the EDUC alliance. Katja was always such a friendly, smiling, and enthusiastic colleague who made clever and constructive contributions. I remember the meetings with her in Brussels or Barcelona, where many colleagues always surrounded her. Everybody liked her positive attitude and energy. She was a big fan of the European Universities movement and believed that we must work closely across Europe to benefit students, staff and society. She will be missed by many. Thank you, Katja!"

Team of the International Office, University of Potsdam: "It is with great shock and unbelievable sadness that we received the message that our colleague Katja has passed away – all too sudden and all too soon for anyone to comprehend. Katja has been a wonderful and dedicated colleague and a tremendous asset to the EDUC alliance and internationalization at the University of Potsdam. Her deep commitment to the European project, her passion to communicate and connect, and her ability to lead has been impressive throughout the years.  We have always cherished the engaged and spirited discussions with her and will greatly miss her energy and enthusiasm. Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Katja as well as the entire EDUC team.  The entire team of the International Office at the University of Potsdam."

Andreas Winkler, Secretary General of the Unite! Allianz: "“The news of Katja's passing came as a great shock to me and to us in the Unite! Secretariat. We have lost an enthusiastic and endearing colleague from the European Universities Initiative. The collegial dialogue with Katja meant a lot to us. I also like to think back to a very funny evening in Barcelona last year. Katja is missing. It hurts.“

Marianna Bähnisch, Officer of the University Scholarships at the University of Potsdam: "Als ich Katja kennen lernte, hatte ich sofort das Gefühl, dass wir uns schon Jahre kennen. Ihre herzliche, humorvolle und sympathische Art war einnehmend; ihre Expertise und Professionalität im internationalen Hochschulmanagement beeindruckend. Beim gemeinsamen Mittagessen plauderten wir intensiv über ihre vielen tollen Ideen und wie diese eine Umsetzung finden könnten. Es trifft mich persönlich aber auch unsere Universität in hohem Maße, dass dieser Enthusiasmus und Tatendrang ein plötzliches Ende findet. Mein herzliches Beileid gilt insbesondere ihrer Familie und all ihren Kolleg*innen an der Freien Universität Berlin, der Universität Potsdam und international. "

Prof. Sonia Lehman-Frisch, former Vize President for Internationale Affairs of Paris-Nanterre University: "We were all under a shock when Katja bravely announced to us that she was struggling with cancer last Spring, but she managed to keep her high spirit (and amazing working force) and to convince us that she was on the right track to recovery. When I said goodbye to her after the last steering committee, she was weak but she seemed hopeful. With Katja, EDUC lost a pillar, a driving force... and a friend. She was there from the very beginning of the alliance, her input in every step of EDUC since then has been paramount. She was brilliant, curious about everything, fun and friendly. EDUC owes her a lot and it will be difficult to overcome the void left by her loss in many ways. I want to express all my condolences to Katja's family, to her Potsdam colleagues, as well as to all the EDUC Family. I share with you a deep sense of injustice and immense sadness."

Gesa Heym, Head of the Student Mobility Department at Free University of Berlin: "Tief bestürzt hat mich die Nachricht des Todes der Kollegin Katja Jung erreicht. Katja koordinierte über Jahre den innovativen Studiengang "Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World", und in dieser Funktion arbeitete ich aus der Perspektive der zentralen Abteilung Internationales der Freien Universität Berlin eng zusammen.
Katja war eine so entschlossene Kollegin, die sich für ihre Projekte mit Verve einsetzte und stets im Sinne der Sache unglaubliches Engagement an den Tag legte. Einen Studiengang zwischen Israelis, Palästinenser*innen und Deutschen zum Laufen zu bringen, erfordert so viele verschiedene Kompetenzen, Mut, Durchhaltevermögen, positives Denken, realistische Einschätzungen - all das hatte Katja in außergewöhnlicher, bewundernswerter Art und Weise. Die Arbeit mit ihr war ehrgeizig und ungeheuer bereichernd, unser Verhältnis so vertrauensvoll und von gegenseitiger Sympathie geprägt, dass wir auch im kollegialen Austausch blieben, als sie an die Universität Potsdam wechselte. Ihr Tod ist unfassbar. Ihre Wärme, Energie, Klugheit und Weitsicht werde ich so sehr vermissen. 

In herzlichem Gedenken
Gesa Heym"

Birgit Siebe-Herbig, Head of Division, Research and Internationalisation, University Networks of the German Academic Exchange Service: "Wir kennen Katja Jung seit vielen Jahren (aus unterschiedlichen DAAD-Kontexten, insbesondere den Europäischen Hochschulnetzwerken) und haben die Zusammenarbeit mit ihr überaus geschätzt. Wir sind erschüttert über ihren viel zu frühen Tod. Unser Mitgefühl gilt ihrer Familie und ihren Freundinnen und Freunden, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an der Uni Potsdam und in EDUC. Wir verlieren eine hoch geachtete, kluge, humorvolle und empathische Kollegin und Netzwerkerin. Sie hat die europäische Idee mit Herz, Verstand und unglaublichem Engagement vertreten. Wir werden sie nicht vergessen.

Birgit Siebe-Herbig, Beate Körner und Anke Stahl (stellvertretend für viele weitere DAAD-Kolleginnen und -Kollegen)"

Karina Jung, Friend - und Fundraising Officer at the University of Potsdam: "Katjas plötzlicher Tod macht mich fassungslos. Bis heute und wahrscheinlich noch eine sehr lange Zeit fällt es schwer, zu akzeptieren, dass Katja nicht mehr anrufen oder schreiben wird. Ich verliere eine Kollegin und Freundin, die immer den Überblick und die Ruhe bewahrte, die über Hindernisse springen konnte und die ihren Traum von EDUC nie aufgegeben hat. Ich werde vermissen, wie sie in drei Punkten ein ganzes Universum sehen konnte und bin traurig, dass unser Ausflug nach Chorin nicht mehr stattfinden wird. Mein herzliches Beileid an Katjas Familie und alle, die um sie trauern."

Pawel Grzeskow, Internationalization Area Coordinator at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain): "I am still coming to terms with the sad news I just received, and although we have only seen each other physically a few times in a couple of meetings, the light you radiated with your presence, friendliness and your work was incredible. You have left a great legacy in your university, in your alliance and in European university education. Thank you for everything, we will miss you in Madrid."

Prof. Martin Bareš, Rector of Masaryk University: "It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Dr. Katja Jung. On behalf of the academic community of Masaryk University and myself, I would like to express our deepest condolences. Dr. Jung's dedication to her field and her contributions to the academic community were truly remarkable, and her loss will be deeply felt by all who knew her. With deepest sympathy, Martin Bareš"

Sujal Chouhan, EDUC European Project Officer at Université de Rennes 1: "The rain in Rennes marks her passing, with tears of sadness and yet appeasement to know that she no longer suffers. My own are intertwined with them. I will cherish the memories and the special precious moments spent with her in the hotel lobby in Drammen before summer. She is very much alive in our hearts. I feel for the team in Potsdam and send you my deepest thoughts."

Fabio Sorrentino on behalf of the UniCa EDUC Team: "Following the message sent by Alessandra, I want to add a few words also on behalf of Daniela, Carla, Carlotta, Roberta, and Veronica. I am confident that the other colleagues from UniCa who had the pleasure of meeting Katja during the first and second phases of EDUC, even those no longer working in EDUC, share in this sentiment. We are deeply saddened by this loss. From the very beginning, her dedication and commitment served as an inspiration to all of us. Her passion for her work was evident in everything she did, motivating those around her to strive for excellence. We had the opportunity to work and enjoy memorable moments together, and we are deeply grateful for the years we shared with her. Please accept our heartfelt condolences from the entire UniCa team. Our thoughts are with her family and the team in Potsdam during this difficult time.