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In September 2006 Ephrem entered the Faculty of Management and Governance, as a master's student in Industrial Engineering and Management, within the track Production and Logistics Management. He completed his regular courses by mid February 2008, after which he began his final master's internship at CEVA Logistics in Hoofddorp. It was on April 22 that Ephrem did not show up at a crucial meeting in Hoofddorp with all his Master's supervisors. Soon after, the police was alarmed. They conveyed the sad message that Ephrem had passed away in his room at an Amsterdam student flat. His death had a natural cause, most probably related with an epileptic seizure.
Students who have known Ephrem characterize him as a kind, friendly person with a lot of friends. At first appearance he looked like a modest, quiet guy, who liked to sit in the back of the lecture room. A guy who would never raise his voice. A relaxed guy, also, all too often with a big smile on his face. He seemed very much at ease, wherever he was. Those who knew him better add a different dimension: Ephrem was a well organized man, hard working and ambitious. He was courageous and optimistic. He saw the pressure put on him by the tight two-year scholarship as a serious challenge which he should well control. He knew what he wanted in life. He was not easily influenced, but stuck to his principles. Ephrem was a religious man; the Holy Book was never far from his bed. He had a spirit for sports and was an able tennis player.
Patiently and with a twinkle in his eyes he would answer questions about Ethiopia that might have seemed silly to him. If you would inquire about the Ethiopian language he would answer with a smile that there are nearly a hundred languages. Persisting your inquiry you would hear that Amharic and Oromifa were his native languages.
He liked to travel a lot, stayed with his sister in Atlanta last summer. He toured through the US visiting friends from his bachelor study. With another sister, Etetu, he spent a fortnight in London around last Christmas. During that visit Ephrem had his first epileptic seizure. Another seizure occurred later in Enschede on the stairs of the Calslaan flat. Ephrem was brought to the MST. The medicine he received seemed to help. He realized that it might be dangerous to drive a car or to ride a bike, so, if possible, he walked. Did he realize that he was not even safe in his bed, where he was found, lying close to his Bible?
Only 25 years old, Ephrem died. A dearly loved human being passed away. A promising future vanished in an instant. The only comfort, if any, is that Ephrem did not suffer any pain. The great loss remains. Our sincere condolences go to Ephrem's family, friends, and to all those who were close to Ephrem. We wish them all the strength to recover from this terrible shock and hope that wonderful memories of Ephrem Gezmu Liche will accompany them for the rest of their lives.
Robert Muhizi, IEM student, friend of Ephrem,
Peter Schuur, IEM lecturer, Ephrem's thesis supervisor
