In memoriam
This In memoriam page houses messages from senior leadership regarding loss of life in the Dartmouth community--student, faculty or staff--when it occurs. It is heartbreaking to lose any member of the Dartmouth family, as each individual contributes so much to the College and to those who have had the pleasure of studying, working, and learning alongside them.
Taking time to grieve such losses while honoring the memory of those who died is important. So is seeking support when you need it. We encourage you to make time for all of that in whatever ways are most meaningful and comfortable to you.
Ryan Lafferty
April 13, 2026
Ryan Lafferty ’26 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 13.
He was a fiercely intelligent and deeply kind person who gave generously of his time, expertise, and resources. As a member and president of the Dartmouth Parliamentary Debate team—which he considered his true home at Dartmouth—Ryan competed and earned recognition at the highest levels, including winning Nationals and the World Universities Debating Championships. His friends say that these accomplishments were rooted in a true love of learning and genuine care that he extended to others. For example, Ryan spent hours with first-year debate team members, pouring over their cases to help coach and mentor them.
Ryan’s curiosity and the space he held for others extended well beyond debate, connecting with students around the world during a Foreign Study Program in London, and offering support whether people approached him in states of joy or in sadness. Beyond his numerous accomplishments, Ryan brought warmth, humor, and creativity everywhere he went, making people feel seen and welcome.
The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in recognition of Ryan’s passing on Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15 . Plans to gather as a community to honor his memory will be shared at a later date. Any notes or condolences will be collected at the Tucker Center for delivery to Ryan’s family.
Brian O’Sullivan
March 8, 2026
Brian O’Sullivan, Professor of Pediatrics and Section Chief for Pediatric Pulmonology at Dartmouth Health Children’s, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2026.
Dr. O’Sullivan was a distinguished academic physician, educator, and leader whose work improved the lives of children with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. He joined Dartmouth Health Children’s in 2014 following a distinguished career at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. In 2020, he became co-director of the New Hampshire Cystic Fibrosis Center at Dartmouth and most recently served as interim vice chair for research in the Department of Pediatrics.
Nationally recognized for his scholarship and leadership in cystic fibrosis research, his work appeared in leading journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and JAMA, and helped shape national guidelines for cystic fibrosis care.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. O’Sullivan served on the Medical Education Committee and was the inaugural chair of Geisel’s Professional Standards and Conduct Board, where he was known for his compassion, integrity, and commitment to supporting students while upholding the highest standards of the profession.
Colleagues and students will remember him not only for his clinical expertise and scholarly contributions, but also for his kindness, humility, and deep compassion for patients, families, and learners.
Information about opportunities to honor and celebrate Dr. O’Sullivan’s life and legacy will be shared when arrangements are available.
Enzo La Hoz Calassara ’27
March 1, 2026
Enzo La Hoz Calassara ’27 passed away in an accident in the Cook Islands on Sunday, where he was participating in the Linguistics Foreign Study Program. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Enzo’s family and those whose lives were touched by him.
Enzo, who was from Minnesota, was majoring in linguistics with an interest in cognitive science. A gifted musician, poet, and performer since childhood, he carried a powerful presence onto every stage, using his voice to uplift and inspire others. His writing explored themes of justice and the belief that meaningful change begins with helping others. He brought his passion and energy to many communities at Dartmouth. He shared his talents with the Handel Society and Glee Club, the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, and The Dartmouth Sings, among many musical avenues. He was the sparring captain and vice president for Dartmouth Club Taekwondo and participated in several martial arts student organizations.
In Enzo’s memory, the Dartmouth flag on the Green will be lowered on Wednesday and Thursday. Plans to further mark Enzo’s passing as a community will be shared at a later date.
Andrew Garrod
January 28, 2026
Andrew Garrod, professor of education emeritus and former chair of the Department of Education, died on Jan. 28. A deeply respected educator, mentor, and humanitarian, Garrod taught at Dartmouth for 25 years and led the Teacher Education Program, shaping generations of students through his teaching, scholarship, and advocacy.
His work focused on adolescent moral and identity development, particularly through personal narrative and cross-cultural education. A prolific editor, Garrod published influential anthologies amplifying the voices of students from marginalized backgrounds, including Adolescent Portraits and Souls Looking Back, widely used in colleges nationwide.
Garrod’s signature course, Education 20, transformed students’ understanding of inequality, identity, and structural forces in education, often setting the course of their careers. Known for making students feel deeply seen and heard, he earned numerous teaching honors, including Dartmouth’s Distinguished Teaching Award.
Beyond campus, Garrod co-founded Youth Bridge Global, using theater to foster reconciliation and education in post-conflict regions such as Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even after retiring in 2010, he remained closely connected to Dartmouth and continued mentoring students worldwide.
Garrod is survived by four nieces and their families. A memorial service will be held later this year. Donations in his memory may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society.
The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in Garrod’s honor on Feb. 5 and 6.
Link to the complete obituary can be found here.
Edwin E. Hill
January 30, 2026
We’re extremely saddened to share that our longtime friend and colleague Ed Hill passed away on January 29. Ed joined Campus Services in 1997, spending most of his career with the Grounds Services Crew. He moved into the Recycling Specialist position in 2007 and later worked as a Laborer B/heavy truck driver. He was then promoted to a Laborer A/heavy equipment operator, and, most recently, he held the position of Groundsworker A.
"Ed was one of the very first people I met here 25 years ago,” said Nate Potter, Grounds Operations Lead. "He possessed an extraordinary knowledge of the campus and its buildings. He could recall individuals from decades ago and the exact buildings in which they worked. Ed also had a remarkable memory for music, able to name a song and the year it was released, and that same depth of knowledge extended to Harleys as well. His experience, insight, and stories were invaluable. Ed’s presence and his extensive knowledge of the campus will be greatly missed here in the shop."
Ed is survived by his son, Ryan (Nicole), who also works in Grounds as a Waste Management Worker, and his grandson, Lane.
The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in Ed’s honor on Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31. In addition, Campus Services will plan time for Ed’s friends and colleagues to gather and remember him, and we’ll share details as soon as they are finalized.
Ed had a special presence—he always said hello to everyone he knew, using their name coupled with a warm and kind smile. He will be greatly missed.
Katherine (Kate) Ginger ’27
November 28, 2025
Katherine (Kate) Ginger ’27 passed away on Nov. 28 after a battle with cancer. Dartmouth staff are in contact with her family and have expressed our sincere condolences at this most difficult time.A neuroscience major who was pursuing a minor in African and African American Studies, Kate was motivated by a desire to support healthy and positive connections in our community. She was an integral part of the Outdoor Programs Office team—welcoming new students to campus as a first-year trip leader, helping with summer outdoor rentals, and managing operations at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. She cared for the well-being of her fellow students as a mental health ambassador and a member of the Student Advisory Board for the Sexual Violence Prevention Project. Kate also shared her creative voice in her poetry and her articles for The Dartmouth newspaper. She cultivated joy in those around her, especially through her love of dance and her participation in the Sugarplum group. Kate forged strong friendships during her time here, and her presence will be greatly missed.In Kate’s memory, the Dartmouth flag will be lowered on Dec. 2 and 3.
Plans for a vigil will be shared with the community once the details are finalized.