In Memoriam: Thomas Grossbölting

The Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES) community was greatly saddened to learn of Thomas Grossbölting’s tragic death in a train accident. Professor Grossbölting was a towering scholar who made defining contributions to multiple topics: the cultural history of industrialization, German-German history, dictatorships, and religion and the Christian churches in German politics and history. His wide-ranging work included the definitive study of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.

At CEES, he will be particularly remembered for his time as a DAAD Hannah Arendt Visiting Chair in 2008-2009. In that (all too short) year, he was a beloved teacher and colleague. In our conversations, he spoke of his family as much as his work, and it was abundantly clear that his wife and children meant everything to him. They have our sincerest condolences

We will forever remember, and miss, a great scholar, a great teacher, and a great friend.

Rest in peace Thomas.

Professor Randall Hansen

Research Director, the Joint Initiative in German & European Studies, CEES, the Munk School Affairs and Public Policy (2008-2009 (Acting), 2011-2012)