University Statements

Dear Cornellians,

With great sadness I share news of the death of Ilan Rasooly, a 20-year-old senior in the School of Hotel Administration. He died in the hospital near his home on October 21.

Ilan was passionate about his studies. He was in the process of interviewing for employment upon graduation in May, after having internships with Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the Wyndham Hotel Group and the Mandarin Hotel. He is being mourned by his many friends at Cornell, especially those at the School of Hotel Administration and in the Center for Jewish Living, where he was co-president. In addition to his leadership within the Jewish community, he loved baseball and basketball.

Ilan's family has made plans for his funeral service, which will take place October 23 at Kemp Mill Synagogue in his hometown, Silver Spring, Maryland. Plans for a commemoration at Cornell will be made in the days to come.

On behalf of the entire university community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Ilan's family and friends. Please join me in taking a moment to remember Ilan and acknowledge this unfortunate loss to our community.

Sincerely,

Susan H. Murphy
Vice President, Student and Academic Services