Vice President Lombardi offers condolences on the death of Tara Atluri ’24
It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Tara Atluri ’24, a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was found unresponsive in her off-campus apartment earlier today and was later pronounced dead at Cayuga Medical Center.
Tara had a deep love for plants and nature. While in high school, Tara interned at the Cornell Herbarium over two consecutive summers. At Cornell, she was engaged in independent undergraduate research at the Specht Lab where she developed 3D reconstructions of inflorescence branching. She had recently changed her major from Plant Sciences to Biological Sciences. Tara was described by her faculty as a brilliant scientist adept at solving the most challenging problems in innovative ways.
Losing a member of our community is enormously challenging. I encourage anyone who may be in need of assistance to seek support. In addition to the resources below, a community support meeting open to all members of the Cornell community will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the International Lounge (414), Willard Straight Hall.
On behalf of Cornell, I extend my deepest sympathies to Tara’s family, friends and teachers. Please join me in keeping them all in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ryan Lombardi
Vice President for Student and Campus Life
Community Resources
Individuals can have a diverse range of feelings, needs and reactions when facing loss. This information about Grief and Loss (pdf) may be helpful to you, a friend, classmate or colleague.
The Mental Health at Cornell website provides a range of campus, local and national resources to support student mental health and community well-being. These resources are available day or night: