Dear Colleagues,

It is a sad day for the world of physics and humanity.

Stephen embodied the superiority of mind over matter. He demonstrated that the human spirit can overcome all physical limitations and that the human mind can comprehend the deepest secrets of nature. With his optimistic mindset, he discovered that even black hole can shine brightly. His work on black holes and the early universe had a great impact our current research in these fields. 

Stephen visited us for a few weeks in April 2016 for the inauguration of the Black Hole Initiative at Harvard University and the public announcement of the Starshot Initiative of the Breakthrough Foundation in New York City. 

We hosted Stephen for dinner at my home in Lexington, MA. A video of the short speech that Stephen gave at that dinner is available at:

https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/SI.html

Following this dinner, my twelve year old  daughter prepared a special presentation to her class at school about Hawking's life story of science and optimism. His unique journey despite all difficulties serves as an inspiration for many kids to study science.

The Harvard Astronomy department mourns the loss of a brilliant physicist. We will miss Stephen greatly.

Avi Loeb
Chair, Harvard Astronomy department

More:

AP Video of Avi Loeb reminisces about Stephen Hawking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB3vWlnfKs8&sns=em

Newsweek: Stephen Hawking Remembered: Science Luminaries Reflect on Physics Legend: http://www.newsweek.com/stephen-hawking-remembered-science-luminaries-reflect-physics-legend-849543

Harvard Crimson: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/3/21/0-sciences-faculty-remember-hawking/

Funeral Announcement: https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/stephen-hawkings-funeral-to-take-place-at-the-university-church-of-st-mary-the-great-cambridge/20/03/

Funderal coverage: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5564715/Stephen-Hawking-funeral.html