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Student Loss and Remembrance

The death of any student is a tragic event; the loss ripples through our campus community and beyond. Those who knew and cared for the student, from family members and friends to faculty and staff, may all have different needs for support coping with the loss and beginning the healing process. The University of Utah is committed to responding with care and support. There are many campus and community resources,  including the University Counseling Center and the Office of the Dean of Students.

If you need support, please contact the  Office of the Dean of Students.

Student Memorial

This virtual space has been created so our students, faculty and staff can share memories of the departed. A memory can be submitted to a student’s memorial with this online form. All submissions are reviewed for content and community standards before being shared with family members and friends.

Deceased students' photos and names are only memorialized here with the express permission of their families. Families of students who have passed can request to have their student included in the memorial by emailing deanofstudents@utah.edu

Posthumous Degrees and Certificates of Achievement

A posthumous award will be considered if a student was in their final semester of study and had applied to graduate. If the student does not qualify for a posthumous degree, a certificate of achievement may be awarded to honor the work the student had completed. The Office of the Dean of Students will assist in contacting the appropriate University officials to request a posthumous degree or certificate of achievement. The diploma or announcement will be released to the designated family member.

Support for Student Deaths

The Office of the Dean of Students serves as a liaison for those affected by the loss and University officials when a student passes away. Our support includes:

  • Notification to University officials and academic department chair
  • Serving as the liaison for family members inquiring about the students’ University matters such as financial aid/billing, housing, retrieval of personal belongings from campus housing, and posthumous degrees/certificates of achievement
  • Providing support to those in the campus community affected by the loss

If you are made aware of the death of an undergraduate or graduate student, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students by calling 801-581-7066. Any information you can provide will be helpful in facilitating support for family, friends, and the campus community. Such information may include:

  • Student's full name
  • Student ID number (if known)
  • Name and contact information of family or spouse/partner
  • Date of death
  • College and/or major (if known)
  • Enrollment status
  • Residence (on or off campus)
  • Name and contact information of student friends/campus affiliations (if known)

Remembering U

Jacob Sobelman

Major: Mechanical Engineering BS
Attended: Fall 2018 - Spring 2023

Picture of Caleb Kemsley

Caleb Kemsley

Major: Mathematics BS
Attended: Spring 2023

Evaluna Carrillo

Major: Undeclared
Attended: Fall 2016 - Fall 2022

Kurt Lawson

Major: Geology MS
Attended: Fall 2022

William Stewart Clark

Major: Philosophy of Science BS
Attended: Fall 2017 -Fall 2022

 

Cole Mika

Major: Chemical Engineering BS
Attended: Fall 2019 - Spring 2022

Last Updated: 10/26/23