Early yesterday afternoon, DeShaun Maria Harris, passed away in the care of close family members. Dean Hubbard sent out an email to students (pasted below), which was then forwarded by Dean Terry Martinez. Bwog would like to extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of DeShaun, and we ask that our readers use the comments section respectfully in this troubling time. A memorial service will be held this Sunday, at 12pm in St. Paul’s Chapel, followed by a reception in Uris Hall.

Dear Students:

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the untimely
loss of a tremendous Columbia community member and one of your fellow
classmates and friends, DeShaun Maria Harris ’14. DeShaun passed away
early this afternoon while surrounded by her loving family.

DeShaun joined Columbia Business School in Fall 2012 after graduating
from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism management
in 2008. Despite being a self-professed “Georgia Peach,” DeShaun had
“Big Apple” dreams and followed her interests in media and consulting
to New York. Here, she was active in the media industry working for
Lionsgate Entertainment, Meredith Corporation, and NYCTV and Radio New
York. DeShaun’s real passion, however, was in media entrepreneurship
and she planned on using her skills and experience to launch a company
that improved the image of minorities in the media and provided
positive media content to underserved audiences.

DeShaun was a vibrant member of the Columbia community and her
cluster, D ’14. She was the Assistant Vice President of External
Affairs in the Black Business Student Association, the Assistant Vice
President of the Media Management Association Conference, and an
active member in Follies and Management Leadership of Tomorrow. She
will undoubtedly be remembered for her energetic and optimistic
attitude about life, her adventurous spirit, and her terrific sense of
humor. She loved helping people and was a mentor to several at-risk
female youth as well as her younger siblings.

DeShaun is survived by her father Peter Charles, her mother Phyllis
Maria, her six siblings Douglas, Jennifer, Patricia, Peter III,
Dianne, and Linda, her boyfriend, Obinna, and countless others that
have been touched by her generosity and kindness.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, March 10, at 12:00 p.m. in
St. Paul’s Chapel here on campus followed by a reception in Uris Hall.

The loss of a community member can be deeply troubling, especially for
family and friends. Nayla Bahri, Dean of Students, will follow up with
more information regarding resources of support.

With deepest sympathy,

Glenn Hubbard

We would also like to take a moment to remind you of the resources that are available to you on campus. Please, do not be afraid to reach out. It is important to pull together in trying times, and we assure you that there is always someone there for you if you need them. Support is available at:

Counseling and Psychological Services is open Monday-Friday from 9-5 and can be reached at 212-854-2878

The Office of the University Chaplain can be reached at 212-854-1493