Dean Kromm announced the death of recent Columbia graduate, Jane Watson, CC ’22, in an email today.

Editor’s warning: mentions of death.

On Friday afternoon, Columbia students received notice of the death of Jane Watson, a Columbia alumna who graduated in the Spring, via an email from Dean Cristen Kromm of Undergraduate Student Life. The email sent to students can be found in its entirety below. 

Dean Kromm’s message also shared an obituary from Watson’s family. A student-led memorial will be held for Watson in Earl Hall on Sunday, September 25 at 5 pm. 

Jane Watson was involved with the Double Discovery Center, an on-campus program with the mission to increase high school graduation and college matriculation rates for first-generation, low-income youth in New York City. Watson was also an artist who performed and created music under the name Miss Anthropopscene. Last year, she was featured in Bacchanal’s Battle of the Bands.

Lastly, the email highlighted resources for students in need of support, including CPS’s 24/7 phone support (212-854-2184), Columbia Religious Life (religiouslife@columbia.edu), the Berick Center, Resident Advisors, and Nightline Peer Listening (212-854-7777).

Email sent to students at 1:26 pm on Friday, September 23:

Dear Students,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to share news of the passing of Jane Watson, an alumna of Columbia College who graduated this past spring. The loss of a community member is felt by each of us in different ways, regardless of how well we knew them. You can learn more about Jane and the lasting impression she made on those around her in this obituary shared by her family.

Whether you knew Jane as a close friend, neighbor, performer, colleague at the Double Discovery Center, or simply as a friendly face on College Walk, I hope that you will seek comfort and support by connecting with one another. A student-led memorial gathering open to the community will be held this Sunday, Sept. 25, at 5:00 p.m. in Earl Hall.

During this difficult time, I remind you that Columbia has resources available should you need support — whether that is a place for reflection, someone to talk to or a space to share grief. You will find contact information and availability below. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

I hope you will join me in sending your deepest condolences to Jane’s family and friends.

My thoughts are with you,

Cristen Kromm

Dean of Undergraduate Student Life

Resources for Students

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides 24/7 phone support at 212.854.2878.

Columbia Religious Life can be reached for spiritual counseling at religiouslife@columbia.edu or 212-854-2184. For those on campus, Earl Hall and Saint Paul’s Chapel are open from 9am-6pm Monday through Friday, for prayer and reflection.

Your advisers in the Berick Center for Student Advising can be reached for personal support by scheduling an appointment that is convenient for you.

Professional staff in Residential Life are available throughout the weekend. Should you need support, connect to the RA on-duty, who can connect you with the Residence Hall Director on-call.

The Nightline Peer Listening service is available from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am at 212-854-7777 if you need help finding resources or simply someone to talk to.

Lewisohn daffodils via Bwog Archives