From his time at Tsinghua University he showed to be a talented student, who was well prepared and always asked questions. He didn’t shy away from discussions about semantics, logic and philosophy, in a thoughtful and modest manner. He is well remembered by his teachers during his bachelor degree at Tsinghua University, as well as his Master’s in Logic at the University of Amsterdam / ILLC. He was a talented student on his path to becoming a very successful academic. He was eager to discover new insights, and was developing his interests from the philosophical aspects of language and logic toward more formal, mathematical ones.

Apart from his academic talents, he was also an outstanding musician. He composed pieces himself and performed in big recitals, as well as smaller occasions such as the 10-year anniversary of the collaboration between ILLC/UvA and Tsinghua University. His performance there of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus touched many students and staff alike.

He was part of a diverse groups of friends and left many remembering his bright insights. He was a kind and beautiful person. He left too soon and leaves behind a great gap. But he will live on in our memories and will forever stay in our hearts. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends, and members of the Chinese community in Amsterdam and beyond who have been involved in the past few weeks.

Condolence

You can give your condolences in our online Condolence Register: Shengmen Luo - Hét nationaal condoleanceregisterExternal link

From Thursday 10 April to Monday 14 April, there will also be an opportunity to write something to write something in the physical Book of Condolences at Science Park. Room B1.24J has been reserved for this purpose.

In main building of Science Park 904, after the revolving door, turn right up the large stairs (or take the lift to 1st floor), walk straight ahead from the stairs, diagonally left of the coffee machines you will find room B1.24J.

Poem

During the ILLC memorial one poem was recited that we would like to share with you.

Lu Zhai, a poem by Wang Wei

鹿柴

 (唐）王维

空山不见人

但闻人语响

返景入深林

复照青苔上

Translation:

Empty mountains: no one to be seen.

Yet - hear - human sounds and echoes.

Returning sunlight enters the dark woods;

Again shining on the green moss, above.

(Translated by Gary Snyder, 1978)

This tribute was written in close consultation with the parents of Shengmen Luo.