Yvonne Gabriele Schoper, Professor of International Project Management and fellow of IPMA has passed away on 22 April 2023.

Her legacy had a profound and long-lasting effect following her illustrious career. A distinguished academic, a project professional, and a leader, our Yvonne gave so much of her life to leading and shaping the project profession that would define her.

International Project Management Association (IPMA) has been able and had the honor to benefit from Yvonne’s vast and international experience. She has raised the organization of young and emerging professional to a new level and started and built many excellent teams that support and hold the community together.

Yvonne’s persistent activities on diversity, equity and inclusions were driving us to be better and kept reminding us of our true human values. This was clearly her merit and legacy to us.

Through her extremely positive human nature, humor, diplomacy and responsible behavior, Yvonne has built bridges between different cultures, organizations, nations, research institutions and especially between people.

Above all, Yvonne was a woman of great wit, uncompromised fairness, and disarming laugh. She was a visionary who would navigate through complex ideas with great clarity, and always challenging us in a constructive manner. The Executive Board of IPMA truly lost a person that not only contributed to our day-to-day work, but was a true team builder and a friend.

Yvonne was a loving wife and family person who loved sports, sailing, traveling, exploring new worlds, and above all – dancing.

She was full of life and a true lady – generous and supportive to the others.

Her legacy and imprint will be long-lasting and immeasurable – and thanks to her charm and her contagious smile – Yvonne will always be remembered!

I extend my deepest sympathies to Thomas and Yvonne’s family.
May God bless her soul and may she rest in peace.
Till we meet again, my friend…

Mladen Vukomanović
April 24, 2023, Nanjig, China