SEAS student Norris Pride passed away over the weekend, according to an email that Shih-Fu Chang, Dean of Columbia Engineering, sent to the Columbia community this morning.

Editor’s warning: mentions of death

On Tuesday morning, Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett informed Columbia students that Norris Pride, a sophomore in Columbia Engineering, died this last weekend.

Originally from South Chesterfield, Virginia, Norris Pride started at Columbia last fall to pursue his passions for research, physics, and quantum computing. Norris’s family remembers him as a beloved son, brother, and role model to his younger siblings. He will be greatly missed.

There will be a planned gathering in memory of Norris held today, Tuesday, November 1 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm in 401 Lerner. Dean Chang’s email also highlighted the resources available to Columbia students at this sad time, including Counseling and Psychological Services and student advising, with links to these resources included in the email below.

Email sent to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students from Dean Chang and Dean Sorett on Tuesday, November 1, at 9:19 am:

Dear Students,

I write to share the sad and tragic news that a member of our Columbia community passed this weekend: Norris Pride was an exceptional young student in his sophomore year at Columbia Engineering. Originally from South Chesterfield, Virginia, and graduating second in his class at Matoaca High School, Norris’ love for research, physics, and quantum computing brought him to Columbia to pursue his passions and expand his horizons. He studied computer science and dreamed of one day obtaining his PhD and becoming a researcher or college professor.

Norris had many interests outside of science and engineering, in particular the study of languages. A natural “inventor,” he described himself as having “an innate desire to discover and innovate.” Norris’ journey to Columbia was one of hard work, ambition, and determination. He was also dedicated to giving back and started a club to mentor students in his area for the SAT. His passing is a profound loss for us all.

To his family, Norris was a beloved son, brother, and role model to his two younger siblings. We are in touch with his family, offering our support during this time of mourning.

I know we are all shocked and saddened by this news. The strength of this community lies in each one of its members and the loss of such a promising young student is difficult to fathom. I encourage you to connect with your friends and classmates and reach out for any assistance you may need in the days and weeks ahead. Your advisors and the entire team of Columbia Engineering and Columbia College are here to support you and we have many resources available. Please do not hesitate to engage with them as needed. A planned gathering in memory of Norris will be held today, Tuesday, November 1 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm in 401 Lerner.

Please join me in keeping Norris’ family and friends in your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Shih-Fu Chang

Dean of Columbia Engineering

Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor

Cc: Josef Sorett

Dean of Columbia College

Vice President for Undergraduate Education

Resources for Students

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides 24/7 phone support at 212-854-2878. In addition to scheduled appointments during business hours, CPS offers walk-in services in Lerner 502, Monday–Thursday, 5:30 to 8:00 pm, with extended hours this evening until 10:00 pm.

Columbia Religious Life can be reached for spiritual counseling at religiouslife@columbia.edu or 212-854-2184. Earl Hall and Saint Paul’s Chapel are open from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and 12:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday for reflection, meditation, and prayer.

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 always available. Should you need support, reach out to Public Safety 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.

Butler Library via Bwog Archives