This afternoon, Senior Associate Dean Rosner emailed GS students news of the death of Postbac Premed Student Francheska De La Cruz, who began her studies last fall.

We send our condolences to all affected by her passing and join Dean Rosner in reminding members of the Columbia community of the resources available to them in difficult times: Counseling and Psychological Services, Furman counseling, the Office of the University Chaplain, and Nightline Peer Listening, among others.

The text of the announcement is as follows:

Dear Students,

It is with great sadness that I must share with you the news of the passing of Postbac Premed Student Francheska De La Cruz, who first enrolled in the Postbac Premed Program in the fall of 2014. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and raised in Bronx, New York, Francheska earned her B.A. from the City College of New York in May of 2014. I know that all of you join me in sending our deepest condolences to Francheska’s family and friends.

Whenever we lose someone within the Columbia community, we are all affected by it, whether or not we know the person well. Such a loss can bring about feelings of grief and may bring back memories of other painful losses. Please know that your academic advisor, the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), and members of the Office of the University Chaplain are all available to provide you with any additional support you might need at this time. We have listed their contact information for you below.

With sympathy,
Victoria Rosner
Senior Associate Dean
School of General Studies
Columbia University
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Counseling and Psychological Services
8th Floor Lerner Hall
212-854-2878
Office of the University Chaplain
212-854-1493
GS Office of the Dean of Students
212-854-2881

Photograph via LinkedIn