Honorary Doctorate RECIPIENT 2024

PROFESSOR CAROLINE PAUWELS

DOCTOR PHILOSOPHIAE

Professor Caroline Pauwels became the 11th rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, in 2016, making her the second woman to hold the position. She led with distinction until her second term was cut short by illness, leading to her untimely death on August 5, 2022.

Known for her engaging and unifying nature, she brought prestige to VUB, promoting values such as wonder, possibilism, and humanism, which are deeply rooted in the Enlightenment principles of freedom, equality and connection. Leading up to her rectorship, she was head of the Department of Communication Sciences and the director of the Studies in Media, Innovation, and Technology (SMIT) research group. Prof Pauwels was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, but despite her illness, remained actively involved in university affairs and was reelected for a second term in 2020.

Her tenure was marked by initiatives such as Difference Day on World Press Freedom Day, weKONEKT.Brussels, and the interdisciplinary POlNcaré think tank. She was a founder of the European University alliance, Eutopia, and the driving force behind creating strategic international partnerships. Her leadership, eternal optimism, and belief in possibilism inspired many and enhanced VUB’s reputation as an urban-engaged university.

Gold Medal

According to the UWC Statute (2018), the University may, by resolution of the Council passed on the recommendation of the Senate, award a UWC Gold Medal to any person who has rendered distinguished services in the advancement of any branch of learning or who the Council may deem worthy of such a medal, provided that such a person exemplifies the values and purposes of the University.

The decision to award a UWC Gold Medal by either the Council or the Senate requires that twothirds of the members present (in person or electronically) at the meeting vote in favour of the proposal. The focus in awarding a UWC Gold Medal is to ensure alignment with the core values of the University and demonstrated service to the community. The Gold Medal is awarded to individuals in the community who have made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the upliftment of the community through exceptional leadership, community involvement and related activities. In considering a nomination for the award of a Gold Medal, nominees are required to reflect:

• Meritorious or outstanding contributions to public life or of significant benefit to society;

• Contributions that are innovative, exceptional, self-initiated and/or self-directed.

A UWC Gold Medal cannot be bestowed on persons currently holding public office, in the current employ of the University or involved in a body directly affiliated with the University.