On Monday 7 October, we received the heartbreaking news that our colleague Maria-Eugenia Iacob has passed away at the age of 57.
For 18 years, Maria has worked at our faculty at the University of Twente with all her heart and soul. Her dedication was unmatched. She completed an enormous amount of work with an impeccable organisation, ensuring that every detail was handled flawlessly. Her involvement manifested in the countless projects she initiated, committees she participated in, courses she designed and taught, and the many students she guided, especially her PhD students, who were always her highest priority. During her time with us, Maria played numerous vital roles, including being programme director for the BIT Bachelor and Master programmes, programme director of the post-initial Risk Management Master, setup of the double degree programme with Münster, and Chair of the BMS Smart Industry Theme. Maria was known for her strong work ethic, her drive, her hands-on mentality, her passion for research and teaching, and her unwavering support for her students.
Maria is widely respected for her research on Enterprise Systems Engineering, which combines Enterprise Architecture, Business Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, and Artificial Intelligence. Maria was particularly well-known for her work in the field of Enterprise Architecture and her significant contributions to the development of the Enterprise Architecture Modelling language, ArchiMate.
Even during her illness, Maria never stopped caring for her colleagues, particularly for her PhD students. Even when she could not visit UT anymore, she kept on providing guidance and feedback to her PhD students and attended the promotion ceremonies where possible. Her tireless efforts and passion were evident to all who knew her. No task was ever too much for her, and she did it all with a smile.
We have lost not only an inspiring and dedicated scholar in our academic community but also a dear colleague and friend. Our thoughts are with Sorin, Stefan en Sophie, and all others dear to Maria, as they cope with this tremendous loss.
A condolence register will be available at the Atrium in the Ravelijn building. This register can be signed by anyone who wants to do so and will then be handed over to the family. Next Wednesday the flag at the entrance of UT campus will be at half-mast.
On behalf of all employees and students of the Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences faculty,
Tanya Bondarouk, dean of the BMS faculty
Erwin Hans, chair of the HBE Department
Martijn Mes, chair of the IEBIS section
