The industry was left reeling this week after the announcement by RMIT University in Australia of the death of Loer Hansen, a well known senior leader who had enjoyed a successful global career working in Australia and the UK.
“It is with deep sadness that we share some very difficult news with our community. In a tragic car accident while returning from holiday, Saskia Loer Hansen, deputy vice-chancellor international and engagement and interim general director RMIT Vietnam, lost her life,” said RMIT in a statement.
“The shock of her sudden passing is hard to fathom, and anyone who had the good fortune to know Saskia will understand that a rare light has gone out.
“While nothing can make good of the loss of someone with so much more to give, the RMIT community will remember her as an example to emulate.”
LinkedIn has seen many posts remembering Loer Hansen’s humanity, charisma and professional impact. Prior to RMIT, Loer Hansen worked as PVC international at Aston University in the UK, having moved to the UK from a prior role at the same Australian institution.
“Saskia was an inspirational leader with the biggest heart,” remembered Wendy Yip, director international development at Aston University.
“I will always remember how she made time to listen, no matter how busy she was. She will be deeply missed by the teams she led, the people she engaged with, and the global education sector she helped shape.”
The shock of her sudden passing is hard to fathom, and anyone who had the good fortune to know Saskia will understand that a rare light has gone out
RMIT University
Neville Wylie, deputy principal at University of Stirling, wrote: “She had one of the warmest smiles in the business and was an extraordinarily talented communicator.”
AEMG, an Australian based company working closely with China, also noted Loer Hansen’s dedication. “We will always remember our 2021 Hand in Hand Workshop, when Saskia joined us at 4am from the UK to participate and present,” it said. “Her commitment to global education and her support for AEMG never wavered, no matter the time nor circumstances.”
“Saskia’s passing is an enormous shock, and the response from friends and colleagues has been overwhelming. She lived an exceptional life; her generous spirit reaching so many. Together, we will remember her,” commented VC of RMIT Alec Cameron on LinkedIn.
Loer Hansen was born in Denmark and enjoyed a truly global career – engaging and sharing her insight with The PIE over many years. She is fondly remembered.
Those wishing to attend a memorial service for Saskia Loer Hansen can register their interest with RMIT University here.
