In Loving Memory of Professor Brian O'Connell

Honouring the legacy of our former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O'Connell - a visionary leader who transformed UWC with his unwavering commitment to education and social justice.
#IAmUWC

[craigogle]

I'll never forget the day I met Prof...he came up to me as I was sitting on the bench outside the caf and asked me if I was OK out of the blue...this man had so much empathy for his students

[rpdwhgj]

I attended UWC from 2002. I only met Prof O'Connell in person on a few limited occasions, but he always struck me as a very warm and empathic person. He elicited the best from those he interacted with. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Indeed, a true Legend.

[ayandagantsu]

You became a great human builder, an engineer and a visionary of note. Thank you for safe guarding the legacy of UWC. Enkosi

[Yang-So-ri]

RIP Prof, thank you for your dedication & hard work for the betterment of our UWC and to preserve it for our future generations...written in the hearts and memories of our people you go well...

[charlesgelderbloem]

A visionary leader who led with wisdom by example and showed compassion. His contribution to UWC is immeasurable; I'm honored to have been part of this part of UWC's history. Let us continue from hope, to action, through knowledge. Thank you Prof ❤.

May God's comfort and strength be his family's portion in this time of sorrow ❤😢.

[phelisankomo]

Rest in peace Prof, you had deep empathy and commitment to transformation. You never missed an opportunity to intellectually engage and still have light moments with students. You gave me a second chance - I will hold the experience of being a grown up student at UWC dear to my heart ♥️. May your soul rise in glory.

[TrevorBagley-cs]

The University and the broader academic fraternity across SA should be enormously proud of Prof's contribution to the academia. Your deep humility, respect for life and genuine interest in others are priceless. You took the reigns of your predecessor (Prof. Jakes is smilling) and shifted it to another level. You believed that UWC deserved to be among the best and you certainly made your contribution. We salute you. UWC please take his legacy forward! You have a worthy place in our history as it withstood the tests of political isolation and upheaval, racial inequality and marginalisation. The University has proudly produced many activists, leaders and influencers during the decades of black oppression. This historical account should never be erased as it as stands as a stark reminder of the harm human beings are capable of inflicting. On the contrary, the triumph of the human spirit over injustices and inequality is by far superior. You've made your contribution in a humble manner and we're in the Western Cape are enormously proud of one of our great citizens. Your soul rest in peace. We remember your loved ones in this moment of pain. God bless them all.

[fieldwork-EpistemicAccessUWC]

I can express how deeply sorry and saddened I am hearing the passing of Professor Brian O'Connell's passing. I am deeply sorry! 💐🌹🌻🥀. I will forever remain grateful for the brilliant, kind and caring human being for Prof, Brian. As an international students he came on board when a residence matron wanted me out of the race because I could not pay to say in the race during the mid year holidays ( poor me) and he made a call to the residence matron telling them they should see how to assist me and I could stay in the res. I don't know what I would have done that time. He did not know me in person and had never even seen me before or know me . What a kind intellectual he was and still is. May heavens receive him and God place him in highest place in Jannah! Go well SIR! Rest in PARADIZE PROF BRIAN O'CONNELL ❤

[tulitilies]

What a great man he was💔💔 very empathetic and so down to earth.

[lucienryan]

I am deeply saddened to hear of Professor Brian O'Connell's passing. His wisdom, leadership, and dedication to education have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.

[jeanineschroeder]

Rest in peace, dearest Prof. O'Connell. Your kind leadership and compassion will be remembered - we celebrate your legacy! May God comfort your family and loved ones❤

[marlenejooste]

Sincere condolences to the family. Will ever be grateful for what he did for our children. The pics of him at graduation is all over in our house.Thanku so much prof that you made special effort to phone our daughter on her birthday the years she worked in student developement.And beyond that.

[antongilape]

Some people will have a lasing impression on you. I met Prof. Brian O´Connell when I was a Reasearch Assistant at the University of Neu-Ulm in Germany. He came as Vice Chancellor of the UWC to sign the MoU for a Cooperative Master Program in Health Information Management (HIM). Prof. Brian was happy to hear I was from Cameroon. He told me something I didn´t expected. He was the uncle of a famous German Musician Xavier Naidoo. And I still remember our conversations during his visit and after he left Germany. Thanks for everything Prof.

[ronaldarendse]

The leading Rector of UWC, I always remember him driving into campus and stopping along the way to pick up litter, walking around campus and cleaning as he went along. He had a passion for UWC like no other.

[violetadonis]

So sad to hear the news of Prof O'Connell's passing. Thank you Prof for all you did for us as students, and staff. Your kindness, and respect for others was evident for all to experiences when you interacted with the family of UWC. May your legacy continue to live in the our hearts as we endeavour to build a better society through teach and learning. Rest in peace Prof!

[jeromejoorst]

His famous words: where you are, uwc is. Where UWC is, you are. Rest in peace prof and rise in glory

[tonyadisa]

Prof Brian o'connor was an incredible and a visionary leader, he was such a humble person despite his academic achievements. May his love ones be comforted at his demise. Rest on our dear Prof.

[mphomolefe]

Rest in peace Prof. You fought a brave fight and today we are proud to call UWC our Alma Mater 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[fatimaisaac]

Saddened by prof's demise..My sincere condolences to all those who knew him and his family..Thank you Prof.Brian O'Connell..You will always be Remembered..

[SadeRamaipato]

Rest in peace, Prof. O'Connell. You made my varsity experience exceptional with your kindness and amazing leadership. Thank you and may your legacy live on!