Zimeng “Boots” Xue ’18 died Feb. 29, 2016 at age 20. She was born on Feb. 14, 1995 in Beijing, China. Boots fenced foil for the Brandeis women’s fencing team and was a gifted artist and beloved member of her community.

Boots graduated from the Affiliated High School of Peking University in Beijing before moving to Boston to attend Brandeis, where she studied art and biology.

A diligent student, Boots spent much of her time at fencing practice and sketching pictures of her friends. She filled sketchbooks with pages of pen drawings capturing scenes from her daily life.
She was a valued member of the fencing team, excelling in tournaments, supporting her teammates and showing profound dedication to the sport.

Boots loved basketball and was a loyal fan of the Golden State Warriors. When working at her desk, several posters of star player Stephen Curry watched over her.

She was a genuinely kind and considerate person, who, despite an initial language barrier, was nothing but friendly and open to those she met. She patiently taught her friends phrases in Chinese and the origins of her nickname.

Boots never hesitated to help her friends, and was always available with a smile and a hug. Though she took her studies very seriously and would often be days ahead on her homework, Boots was also silly and fun and an excellent dance partner.

She loved Chinese hot pot—an expert on the best restaurants in Boston’s Chinatown—the TV show “Criminal Minds,” playing basketball and being with her friends.

Boots will be loved and missed, and her memories will be cherished by all those who were honored to call her a friend.