Last Friday I learned of the tragic death of one of our full-time students
that occurred in Brooklyn. Our hearts go out to Elena Kasmynina's family
and friends and I deeply share their grief and sadness. Our first priority
is to provide support for the family and students affected by this sad
event. While our counselors are in the process of meeting with each class
in which Elena was enrolled this term, grief counseling services are
currently available for any member of the Baruch community. The Counseling
Center is located on the 9th floor of 137 East 25th Street, or they can be
reached by calling (646) 312-2155 between 9:00 a.m and 8:30 p.m. Monday -
Thursday, and until 5 p.m. on Fridays.

It is with deep sadness that I relay this information to you if you have
not heard the news as of yet. Elena was a very bright student with high
ambitions. She was a delightful young woman whose drive and vitality will
be missed by all who knew her. As terrible as we may all feel here at
Baruch, I know that such sadness in no way measures up to the devastation
that Elena's parents and family are experiencing.

This loss gives me great pain and sadly, we cannot undo what has happened,
but we will honor Elena's memory and keep her and her family in our
thoughts and prayers. We look to respect the family's wishes and await
their thoughts on the ways in which we may appropriately remember Elena
individually and as a community.

Kathleen Waldron
President