Columbia College students received an email late this afternoon from Dean Valentini mourning the loss of Ezekiel “Zeke” Reiser, who entered CC with the class of 2014. He was the son of adjunct faculty members Nanako Umemoto and Jesse Reiser in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP). Zeke passed away this weekend at his family’s home in New York.

“I know that many of you are still healing from other recent news,” Dean Valentini wrote. “Each loss we experience takes a toll, and this has been and continues to be an incredibly difficult time for us all.” Resources for students during this time include clinicians from Counseling and Psychological Services ( (212) 854-2878), staff from the Office of the University Chaplain (212-854-1493), advisers in the Berick Center for Student Advising (212-854-6378), and Residential Life staff, including your RAs.

Dean Valentini also forwarded Columbia students a message to the GSAPP faculty from Dean Amale Andraos. This message included information about a memorial service for Zeke, which is planned for 2 pm on Wednesday, January 25th, at the home of Deborah Reiser, 28 South Washington Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY, 10522.

Here is the email that was sent to students this evening.

Dear Students,

I am devastated to be writing to you again about the passing of a Columbia College student. Ezekiel “Zeke” Reiser, who was the son of adjunct faculty members in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) and entered Columbia College with the Class of 2014, died this weekend at his family’s home in New York.

Below is a message sent by Dean Amale Andraos to the GSAPP faculty, which includes memorial information for Zeke.

I know that many of you are still healing from other recent news. Each loss we experience takes a toll, and this has been and continues to be an incredibly difficult time for us all.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other and don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff throughout the University here to support you, including clinicians from Counseling and Psychological Services (212-854-2878), staff from the Office of the University Chaplain (212-854-1493), your advisers in the Berick Center for Student Advising (212-854-6378), and your Residential Life staff, including your RAs.

My thoughts are with Zeke’s family and friends, and all of you.

James J. Valentini
Dean of Columbia College and
Vice President for Undergraduate Education