Message of condolence


Cornell President David Skorton issued the following message of condolence today:

Dear Cornellians,

I regret to share with you news of the passing of one of our students, Michael Curtis Augustin, a 33-year-old undergraduate in earth and atmospheric sciences. Michael died Sunday, June 3, at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. The cause of death is still being determined. On behalf of the entire Cornell community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Michael's family, friends, colleagues and mentors.

Michael, who transferred to Cornell in 2010 from Essex County College in New Jersey, was expected to receive his undergraduate degree in December 2012. Recognized as one of our promising undergraduate scholars, Michael was in Palo Alto on a Cornell Biology Research Fellowship.

His hard work and perseverance were leading him toward a promising future. I hope you will join me in taking a moment to remember Michael and his family and to acknowledge this unfortunate loss to our community.

Plans for an appropriate commemoration will be made in the days to come, in consultation with Michael's family and friends.

Best regards,

David Skorton
President


Resources

Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students may consult with a Gannett health care provider or counselor by calling 607-255-5155. Employees may call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at 607-255-2673. An Ithaca-based CrisisLine is available at 607-272-1616. For additional resources, visit the Caring Community site at http://caringcommunity.cornell.edu/help.cfm.