2 CommentsCC student McLeod Buckham-White passed away, according to an email that Josef Sorett, Dean of Columbia College, sent to the Columbia community this morning.
Editor’s warning: Mentions of death
On Friday morning, Dean Josef Sorett informed Columbia students that McLeod Buckham-White, a senior in Columbia College, had passed away.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, McLeod joined the Columbia community in the fall of 2019, majoring in Economics and concentrating in Psychology. He was involved in the Columbia Athletics community as a member of the football team.
Columbia’s Head Football Coach Al Bagnoli shared, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of McLeod. Our entire program is grieving over his loss. He was an excellent teammate, respected by all for his hard work, drive, and effort. The entire CU football family sends our prayers and condolences to the Buckham-White family.” In tune with Coach Bagnoli’s message, community members are encouraged to share their own thoughts and condolences on a dedicated page.
Support will be provided today, Friday, March 31 from 2 to 4 pm in Lerner 555. Additional memorial plans will be decided with McLeod’s family.
Dean Sorett’s email also provided links to resources for Columbia students in times of need. The links are provided below.
Email sent to Columbia College students from Dean Sorett on Friday, March 31, at 11:15 am:
Dear Students,
I write to you this morning in deep sorrow and sympathy to share news of the death of Columbia College student McLeod Buckham-White. Originally from Atlanta, McLeod joined our community in the fall of 2019 as a first-year student and member of the Columbia football team. He will be remembered for his sincerity and kindness.
In addition to majoring in economics and concentrating in psychology, McLeod was part of Columbia’s close-knit athletics community. Columbia’s Head Football Coach Al Bagnoli shared, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of McLeod. Our entire program is grieving over his loss. He was an excellent teammate, respected by all for his hard work, drive and effort. The entire CU football family sends our prayers and condolences to the Buckham-White family.”
Our community is strengthened by the unique voices and perspectives that each student brings to Morningside, and we are fortified by the support and care we provide one another. The sudden loss of a member of that community can leave us shocked and saddened.
For those who find it helpful to process this tragedy with others, support will be available in 555 Lerner from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. today. In the coming days, additional plans will be determined with McLeod’s family, with the care and support of our Columbia community.
While each of us will process this sad news in our own way, I invite you to use this dedicated page to share a personal message of condolence with McLeod’s family and friends.
I also want to remind you of the resources that are available to you at Columbia — now or in the future. Whether you need space to grieve, professional support or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out to the contacts and community resources listed below.
Please join me in sending your condolences and compassion to McLeod’s family and friends. And please, reach out to the members of your own communities to seek comfort and lift each other up during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Josef Sorett
Dean of Columbia College
Vice President for Undergraduate Education
cc: Shih-Fu Chang
Dean of Columbia Engineering
Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor
Resources for Students
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides 24/7 phone support at 212.854.2878. Walk-in hours on the 5th floor of Lerner will be extended to 8:00 p.m. this evening, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 8:30 p.m., for prayer and reflection.
The Office of the University Chaplain can be reached for counseling at 212-854-1474 or at eb3334@columbia.edu.
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, Public Safety 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.
Columbia University via Bwog Archives
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2 Comments
@Kanika Pride My son, Norris Thomas Pride died there via suicide on October 30, 2022. He had known mental health concerns. I was assured by members of their staff that he was being monitored. To this day, I still have unanswered questions regarding what really happened. He died there, in his dorm; right off Morningside Drive.
@Anonymous this is common at Columbia and the administration doesn’t care they actively encourage it. Policed don’t do anything either. At some point nothing wrong with taking justice in your own hands. Name and shame. Then escalate.