The Departments of History and Medieval Studies are mourning the loss of a great scholar and friend of Central European University. To us, Natalie Zemon Davis was much more than an outstanding, inspirational historian whose seminal contributions have changed the face of the profession. She was a close friend of many members of our departments and of our entire community. She had a firm grasp of the stakes of cultivating the historical disciplines at the university and played a significant part in shaping the profile of Medieval Studies and History at CEU, both in her capacity as a former member of the CEU Board of Trustees and, later, as a friend and informal advisor. She not merely supported our work, but participated in it with characteristic passion. The intense week of the annual lecture series that bears her name has been a highlight of the academic year since its inception in 2006. Many generations of CEU graduate students will never forget the spirited, incisive feedback they received from her on their thesis projects and draft chapters, on a dazzling diversity of topics.
The Departments of History and Medieval Studies express their deep condolences to Natalie’s family and friends.