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In memoriam
This In memoriam page houses messages from the President 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 the time to grieve such losses is important, and so is seeking support when you need it, while honoring the memory of those who have died. We encourage you to make time for all of that in whatever ways are most meaningful and comfortable to you.
Vasudha Thakur
To the Dartmouth community,
I am profoundly saddened to share that Vasudha Thakur, a talented member of the Class of 2023, died early this morning. Our sincerest condolences go out to Vasudha's family and friends at this extraordinarily difficult time.
In a note to students earlier today, Dean Brown shared that Vasudha was a double major in economics and geography with a particular passion for geography. And while I did not have the pleasure of knowing her personally, I'm told that she was a cherished friend to many, particularly in the international community on campus. A native of New Delhi, India, Vasudha was an active member of the International Students Association.
Coping with the loss of friends with such promising futures ahead of them who have brought so much to Dartmouth is among the greatest challenges we face in our community. Please take time to grieve this tragic loss and seek support from others when you need it. There are ample resources available to you, from the Dartmouth Counseling Center (for students) to the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program (for faculty and staff), to the College Chaplain at the Tucker Center (for all).
We will lower the flag in Vasudha's honor in the coming days. Information about plans for a campus gathering at which all of us can come together to mourn our recent losses will be forthcoming.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Hanlon '77
President
Joshua Balara
To the Dartmouth community,
It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Joshua Balara, a talented student-athlete who was an offensive lineman on the Dartmouth football team and a member of the Class of 2024, died on Thursday, March 16, after a lengthy illness.
A Pennsylvania native, Josh was known for being a consummate teammate and friend to many. Coach Teevens called him "committed, unselfish, and dedicated to helping us improve as a team," and went on to say that "his subtle sense of humor, his love of Legos, and his teddy bear personality belied his competitiveness, toughness, passion, and pride in being a teammate." You can read more about Josh's life and passions and find information on memorial services planned in his home community in his full obituary.
Our hearts go out to Josh's family, friends and teammates as they process this difficult loss.
As we mourn this loss together and reflect on Josh's contributions to our community, I encourage you to reach out to one another for support and to take full advantage of the many resources available to you, including the Dartmouth Counseling Center (for students), the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program (for faculty and staff), and the College Chaplain at the Tucker Center (for all).
The flag will be lowered in Josh's honor in the coming days.
In sympathy to all who knew him,
Philip J. Hanlon '77
President
Joshua White
Dear colleagues,
It's with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that one of our colleagues, Joshua White, who was a cherished member of the IT help desk team at Tuck and previously spent five years working in IT support at Geisel, died on Wednesday, March 15, after a battle with rare cancer.
In addition to being a talented IT professional, Josh was an avid gamer and frequently participated in Extra Life gaming tournaments, forming teams and raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals long before his own cancer diagnosis.
According to Dean Slaughter, who notified the Tuck community earlier today of Josh's passing, Josh was known for "his warmth and good humor, endeared to many as a 'gentle bearded giant' with a sharp wit and relentless problem-solving skills."
Our sincerest condolences go out to Josh's family, friends, and colleagues at this sorrowful time. I encourage those of you needing support as you process your grief to take full advantage of the campus resources available to you.
Josh's family has requested that those wishing to make a donation in Josh's name direct their contributions to the Children's Miracle Network or to a cancer charity of their choosing. The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in Josh's honor in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Hanlon '77
President
Ifeoluwa Adeleye
To the Dartmouth community,
I am deeply saddened to share that Ifeoluwa Adeleye, a student in the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program offered jointly by Thayer and Tuck, died on Wednesday, March 1, after unexpectedly experiencing a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage on February 19.
As Dean Abramson shared in her note to the Thayer community, Ife came to Thayer from Lagos, Nigeria, with a background in chemical engineering and previous experience as a project engineer and manager. She had a strong interest in sustainable food products and technologies, especially pertaining to the health and welfare of children, and volunteered in the children's program at her church.
Ife will long be remembered by those who knew her for her infectious smile, cheerful demeanor, and her deep love of learning and collaborating with her fellow students.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Ife's family and friends at this extraordinarily difficult time. A service of songs for Ife will be held on Friday, March 3, at 4:00 p.m. at Wellspring Worship Center, 407 N. Main Street in West Lebanon, NH. The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in Ife's honor, as well, in the coming days.
Losing members of our community so full of talent and passion is never easy and affects each of us in different ways. As we mourn and process this tragic loss together, I encourage you to reach out to one another for support and to take full advantage of the resources available to you, including the Dartmouth Counseling Center (for students), the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program (for faculty and staff), and the College Chaplain at the Tucker Center (for all).
In sorrow,
Philip J. Hanlon '77
President