We have just received notice that Columbia College first year Daniel Andreotti has passed away. His parents wished to express his death “was not intentional, nor was it the result of a public health concern,” and that “Daniel was a happy guy with immense intellectual curiosity who thoroughly enjoyed the learning and discussion of ideas that the Columbia community (teachers, fellow students, and the city) offered. He would want to be remembered with a smile, not a tear, and with no regrets from those who knew him. Please take much care of yourselves, and if you need to, talk with a counselor.”

Resources are available across campus for students. Tonight, staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, Residential Life, and the Office of the University Chaplain will be available in the Hartley tenth floor lounge from 7 – 9pm. Dean Valentini also shared a link to other resources available to students, which includes information on the Counseling and Psychological Services as well as Berick Center for Student Advising.

Email sent this evening:

Dear Students:

There are no words to express the profound grief I feel as I write to tell you that Daniel Andreotti, a first-year Columbia College student from Ames, Iowa, died last night after being taken to the hospital on Thursday.

Daniel’s family was able to travel to New York to be with him. They asked me to convey that Daniel’s death was not intentional, nor was it the result of a public health concern. They also asked that I share this message with you:

“Daniel was a happy guy with immense intellectual curiosity who thoroughly enjoyed the learning and discussion of ideas that the Columbia community (teachers, fellow students, and the city) offered. He would want to be remembered with a smile, not a tear, and with no regrets from those who knew him. Please take much care of yourselves, and if you need to, talk with a counselor.”

In times like this, it is often helpful to be with others. I invite you to gather in the Hartley Hall tenth floor lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight with staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, Residential Life, and the Office of the University Chaplain, or to gather in any other space that brings you comfort. You can also reach out to the many people who are here to support you.

I am deeply concerned about the impact of these recent deaths on our community. When I meet with student leaders this week, we will discuss how we can continue to enhance student support and provide the highest level of care for students. I am fully committed to working across the University to ensure the health and well-being of our campus.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Daniel’s family and friends, and to our community at large. My thoughts are with all of you.

Sincerely,

James J. Valentini
Dean of Columbia College and
Vice President for Undergraduate Education