I first met Prof Luhmann as a summer intern in his lab in 2014. Eleven years have passed in a flash, but fond memories of him remain vivid.

Prof Luhmann is undoubtedly one of the kindest people in the world. When I was an undergrad who basically knew nothing about research, he generously gave me as much guidance as he could, with patience and encouragement. Over the years, whenever I reached out — for a connection, a letter of recommendation, or even advice on a life decision, he always went out of his way to help.It was a privilege to receive this level of support and kindness from a mentor. For this, I will forever be grateful, and I hope to honor his memory by passing on the same kindness to others.
He will be sorely missed.

Professor Luhmann was a major mentor to me. I will forever treasure my time in his research group.

Especially his year long course on vacuum electronics. With his full employment of the Socratic method and keeping you on your academic toes. Not to mention the fire hose of information he would douse you with daily.

His high standards weren't always easy but it made you a better engineer/scientist.

Thanks for everything professor.

Professor Luhmann is the best professor in the world. I joined Professor Luhmann’s group for summer research in 2015. Professor Luhmann was not only a brilliant researcher but also a mentor and life teacher to me. He supported me through graduate school applications, career choices, and so many important decisions. He was also the first person outside my family that I shared life events with — graduation, my wedding, and new career steps.

I feel so grateful that I had the chance to become his student ten years ago. Death is not the end of life, Professor Luhmann always live in our heart.

Professor Neville Luhmann was a brilliant scientist, a compassionate mentor, and a pillar of our academic community. His groundbreaking research in plasma physics and vacuum electronics transformed the field, while his unwavering dedication to students and colleagues fostered a culture of excellence and care. He led with vision, inspired with kindness, and contributed profoundly to the department and society. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the knowledge he advanced. His wisdom, mentorship, and guidance will be profoundly missed. 

Thank you, Dr. Luhmann, for everything you gave us.

I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Prof. Luhmann's passing. It is hard to believe that our last gathering was back in 2019. So many memories have come rushing back as if they happened just yesterday.

Prof. Luhmann was my PhD advisor, and I feel very fortunate to have been his student. He was deeply knowledgeable and hardworking, a true role model who was always supportive and inspiring. To me, he was not only an academic mentor, but also a warm and kind family member—he was like a grandfather. He nurtured my growth from a student into an engineer and witnessed many of my life's milestones.

Prof. Luhmann had a wonderful sense of humor, and we often joked and bantered with him. Our group felt like one big family. He treated us all like his own children and often invited us out for lunch or dinner. He could even sing Chinese songs and would take us out for karaoke. We also went hiking together many times. Every year during Spring Festival, our karaoke party in Davis became a cherished tradition. Current students would organize and host the event, while alumni and their families made every effort to return for the reunion. It was one of the things I looked forward to the most each year.

Prof. Luhmann mentored many female students and even received an award for it. When asked why he welcomed so many women into his group, he explained that he wanted to create more opportunities for women in STEM fields.

I also remember when I first came to the US and was considering an English name. I asked him for advice, and he said, "Just use your Chinese name. It's easy to pronounce, and it's such a wonderful thing to hear your Chinese name spoken in a foreign country." That is why my English name is Huan, and every time my colleagues call me by name, I am reminded of Prof. Luhmann.

I also treasure the memory of a business trip to Beijing, where he happened to be as well. We had lunch together, talked about life and work, and strolled through the 798 Art District. I so deeply wish I could see him again—to go hiking, sing karaoke, and share a meal together once more.

The memories of Prof. Luhmann will forever remain in my heart. My deepest condolences go to his family—I hope they find comfort in knowing how profoundly he touched the lives of his students.

There are some people whose mere existence makes the world feel like a better place. Professor, you were one of them. Being your student is one of the luckiest things that ever happened to me. Going over our past chats this past week has made me cry every time, remembering how you always believed in us unconditionally—often more than we believed in ourselves. You cheered for even our smallest steps forward and always reminded us to enjoy life.

You would use your own money to ensure students get paid when there was a funding issue. Even when suffering from lack of sleep after a long trip, you spent your only two hours of rest time fighting just because you wouldn’t let your student’s work get neglected.

You didn’t just give us full support in academia; you guided us on how to be better human beings. You would tell us to, “Treasure the time you have with those who are dear to you and be always ready to laugh—particularly at yourself.”

You changed my life, and your kind smile and joyful spirit always lit up the world. I will always miss you, my dearest professor.