This morning Columbia students received notice that General Studies junior Eubert (Bert) McLeod has passed away.

Bert McLeod, a third year student in the School of General Studies, was from Charlotte, North Carolina. Before Columbia he served in the U.S. Navy for five years, rising to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer and ending his service on the USS Mobile Bay. He joined Columbia’s community in 2017. He studied Human Rights and planned on becoming a civil rights lawyer.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Bert’s friends and family.

Dean of General Studies Lisa Rosen-Metsch’s statement is listed below, along with Dean of Undergraduate Student Life Cristen Kromm’s.

Dean Rosen-Metsch’s statement, sent on Thursday, May 16, at 9:37 AM:

Dear Students,

I am heartbroken to inform you of the sudden passing of Eubert (Bert) McLeod, a third-year student at the School of General Studies. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Bert served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 5 years, completing his service as a Second Class Petty Officer on the USS Mobile Bay. Bert came to Columbia in 2017 and was studying Human Rights, with the goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer.

Bert is described by those who worked with him as a hard-working student who was humble, mild-mannered, good-natured, unassuming, and respectful. He relished his time at Columbia and was especially passionate about studying Russian and Slavic cultures.

The exam period and end of the semester can be a stressful one for many students. Now, as always, I encourage students who are feeling overwhelmed to reach out to peers, advisors, faculty, and members of our Columbia Health team. Remember to check in with friends and classmates who may be in need of support; and please let your advisor know if you’re concerned about someone. Live Well | Learn Well (wellbeing.columbia.edu) and the Office of University Life’s website (universitylife.columbia.edu) and app have easy-access resource lists designed for you. Most importantly, if you believe a student is in immediate danger, call Public Safety—Morningside (212) 854-5555. Student well-being is my highest priority and requires our entire community to work together to support each other.

The loss of a member of our community affects all of us, whether or not we knew the person well. The Dean of Students Office will have walk-in hours today from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. In addition, staff members from the Dean of Students office and Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) will be available in 408 Lewisohn Hall (Baer Room) from 12-2 p.m. this afternoon for students who want to gather. As always, you can reach out to your academic advisor directly, and the staff at CPS and members of the Office of the University Chaplain are all available to provide you with additional support you may need at this time. I have listed contact information for these resources below.

With deepest sympathy,

Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean

Dean Kromm’s statement, sent on Thursday, May 16, at 10:43 AM:

Dear Students,

I share the feeling of heartbreak expressed in the message below from Lisa Rosen-Metsch, dean of the School of General Studies, regarding the passing of Bert McLeod, a third-year student in the School of General Studies.

I am mindful that this news comes during an exam period, an already stressful time for many. You will find contact information for resources below. Remember that these resources are always available to you for any personal matter. Whenever you need support on or away from campus, please reach out.

I send thoughts of comfort and condolences to those who knew Bert.

Cristen Kromm
Dean of Undergraduate Student Life
Columbia College and Columbia Engineering

Dean Kromm listed the following resources:

 

Campus via Bwog Archive