I was going through some of my old emails and ran across some from Dr. Poelvoorde on accident, and this brought back some great memories of how wonderful of a person he is. So, I decided to look him up on social media and I learned the most horrible news 2 years later. I am so heartbroken, I just can’t imagine a world without his sense of humor. His lectures were phenomenal! I was blown away by his talent and his vast knowledge on so many subjects. I will NOT refer to him as being gone or think of him in past tense. Your light will continue to shine! I will see you soon my friend and great mentor!

I was heartbroken to hear of our significant loss.  Dr. Poelvoorde was my favorite college professor who enthusiastically embraced life and teaching.   During my time at Converse, one never knew when he might stand up in class or even during lunch in our crowded cafeteria and burst into song, usually "The Star-Spangled Banner!"  My senior year he was the advisor for the newly chartered Pre-Law Society on campus, and I was elected the first President, where we debated many legal issues.  He greatly assisted me and other members in the process of being admitted into law school.  I respected him and his dedication, learned a tremendous amount from him, and will be forever grateful for all his encouragement with my career path.  My sincere condolences to all his family, friends, and former students.  Tammy Huskey Pokora,  Class of 1989

Haven’t seen you in decades but the shock your gone is still real. I’ll never forget your bedroom that was so intricately painted, so cool but the room was off limits, i went in anyway. Enjoy the real side.

I have such fond memories of a younger Jeff at Hatch Lake singing in the early morning, welcoming the day, welcoming LIFE, his effervescence, his decency , his LUNACY, alongside a deep seriousness of purpose that shone bright through the years; a man so very easy to love.  Good night, sweet prince.  May your memory be a blessing.   And may you rest in peace.

I'm so sorry to learn of Dr. Poelvoorde's passing.     I was a student at Converse when he taught there, and I always enjoyed talking to him.   He was so smart and so full of life.      My condolences to his family and friends.

Mandy Turner
Converse University (College) Class of 1989

To the family and friends of Dr. Poelvoorde, my deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. Dr. Poelvoorde was a professor of my son's, and he made such an incredible and lasting impact. He became a trusted friend and mentor to my son, Nick. My son was heartbroken to hear of his passing.  Prayers to the family and many friends who's lives this great man touched.

I’m devastated about this. He was a great man and mentor. He helped me so much when I was a graduate assistant for the women’s soccer team while getting my Masters. I will always remember his enthusiasm and particular sense of humor. 

Thank you for your teachings and friendship.

Andres

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord;
let them rest from their labors
for their good deeds go with them.

Eternal rest grant unto Jeff, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
May his soul and the souls of all the 
faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen

In his courses at Converse, Dr. Poelvoorde challenged us, encouraged us, and impressed upon us a deep love of liberty and critical thinking.  I often think of him when I reflect upon the rigorous and principled liberal arts education I received. What a loss.

A huge hole is in our community with the passing of Jeff.   We will all grieve this loss for quite a while.   Nobody can fill his shoes - his intelligence, his love for the Jewish people, his delightful humor,  his love for America and Israel, and  his empathy for people and animals.   I wasn’t as good a friend to him as many in our community- so I can only imagine how those closer to him feels.   May his neshama soar to great heights.

Even as we grieve, we can’t help but smile when we remember Jeff’s joyfulness. Jeff was one of the lay leaders who stepped up with his unique enthusiasm to serve as a Bar Mitzvah teacher for our son and all the Spartanburg students that year. Simcha Torah  services with Jeff were especially memorable. Now his light lives on in our memories.

I cannot fully describe the importance Dr. Poelvoorde has had on my life. I will miss our conversations on every aspect of life. He was one of the smartest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Jeff's kindness and joy for life will never be forgotten.

Jeff was a friend of mine, and we shared many wonderful conversations over the years. He was one of the most well-read, intelligent, and rational people I have known. He was also a wonderful teacher, and many of his students shared anecdotes with me over the years to support that truth. I was missing him since his retirement, and now I can only cherish my memories. Requiem aeternam dona eis...

Jeff was a special human, very happy, a man with a lot of knowledge.
I had a great honor to work and worship with Jeff, he will be missed.
I love you Jeff

I came to Dr. P with an energetic but disorganized mind, and through his special genius he somehow molded me into the writer and researcher I am today. I spent countless hours in his office but he never complained. He had a permanent and lasting effect on my life that will remain with me for the rest of my days. To say he will be missed simply fails to capture the impact his loss will have on all those who knew him.  More importantly, it fails to capture the enormously positive impact his life had on the world around him. Go with God!

- Chelsey Nyaradi (nee Boggs)

What a loss to the world. From American Political Theory class to the sidewalks of front campus, he showed me what it was to think deeply, to ask great questions, and to care for others. Taking his Western Culture class early in college taught me to engage in ways that equipped me to make the most of the rest of my classes and the world after Converse. 
I'll never forget his honest, heart felt, thought provoking class discussions after 9/11. He showed us what it was to experience heartbreak, fear, love and complex events, all at once. And he challenged us all to do the same. 
Think clearly. Decided wisely. Act justly.

I only met Jeff a few times but every time was so memorable. Jeff will be missed by many. May the Almighty comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem”

He was more than just a friend, he was family. Truly he meant the world to me and everytime I saw him it filled my heart with incredible gladness. He was a light which illuminated our sanctuary and he shone bright for all to see. He taught me Hebrew, invited me to my first Shavuot dinner and had me for many years dine under his Sukkot. The community won't be the same without him and upon his passing I feel I lost something myself.

I was deeply saddened last night by the news of Jeff's death. He was a kind colleague whose prayers when one of our children was seriously ill brought me comfort.  His students in honors coursework sometimes wrote that Dr. Poelvoorde's course was the best they had ever had. He was a master teacher, and I will miss him.

OBITUARY

Dr. Jeffrey James Poelvoorde

12 September, 1952 – 26 December, 2023

McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel

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