In an email sent to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students on Sunday, November 3, Dean Shih-Fu Chang announced the passing of SEAS junior Jonathan Nalikka. Barnard students were later notified with an email from Dean Leslie Grinage.

Editor’s warning: Student death.

On Sunday afternoon, students were notified of the passing of SEAS junior Jonathan Nalikka by Columbia Engineering Dean Shih-Fu Chang, who offered condolences to Nalikka’s family, friends, and all who knew him. In emails to both the Columbia and Barnard undergraduate student bodies, the schools’ respective deans detailed the counseling and mental health resources available for students. 

Jonathan Nalikka, originally from Germantown, Maryland, was a student in the Computer Science program and an Egelston Scholar, one of Columbia Engineering’s most prestigious distinctions. In his message, Chang described Nalikka as “a thoughtful and gifted young man” who’s loss “touches many in our community.”

Nalikka was an active member of the Computer Science department, serving as a Teaching Assistant for several foundational courses. He also participated in the A²R Lab at Barnard, which “focuses on robotic systems and promotes responsible and accessible robotics and computing,” Chang wrote. Nalikka’s reach spanned far beyond the University, as he had completed internships at Amplify and NVIDIA. Chang characterized his many contributions on campus as “leav[ing] a lasting impact.”

Chang encouraged students to lean on each other and take advantage of University resources during this time. A support space for students was held at 5 pm on Sunday in McBain lounge and another will be occurring at 5 pm on Wednesday in Shapiro lounge. 

“Please join me in honoring Jonathan’s memory and the kindness, intellect, and purpose he brought to our community,” Chang wrote to conclude his message. “Our thoughts remain with Jonathan’s family, friends, and all who knew him.”

About 10 minutes after Dean Chang’s initial email, the same message was forwarded to the Barnard student body by Dean Leslie Grinage, who emphasized the College’s condolences to “Jonathan’s family and his many friends, including those in the Barnard community.”

Both Chang and Grinage reiterated counseling and support services available for students throughout the year, which can be found below. 

Email sent from Columbia Engineering Dean Shih-Fu Chang to Columbia Engineering and Columbia College students on Sunday, November 2 at 2:31 pm:

Dear Students,
 
I write with sadness to inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of Jonathan Nalikka, a junior in Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science program. This loss touches many in our community. While the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are still unclear, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jonathan’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
 
Jonathan was a thoughtful and gifted young man from Germantown, Maryland, who embraced his passion for computer science at an early age. He was an Egleston Scholar, one of Columbia Engineering’s most prestigious programs recognizing engineering students dedicated to advancing the human condition on local, national, and global scales.
 
While at Columbia Engineering, Jonathan was a Teaching Assistant for key computer science courses and participated in research at the A²R Lab at Barnard College, which focuses on robotic systems and promotes responsible and accessible robotics and computing. He had already found his way into the wider world of technology through research and internships at NVIDIA and Amplify. Jonathan cared deeply about social issues and aimed to contribute to a more equitable tech industry. He was an outstanding scholar and valued member of our campus community, and his many contributions leave a lasting impact.

When we lose a member of our community, we are all affected. I encourage you to rely on one another and on University resources for support. Today, we will provide a support space for students at 5 p.m. in McBain Lounge, and Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Shapiro Lounge.
 
If you find yourself in need of support, please do not hesitate to seek out campus Counseling and Psychological Services, pastoral counseling through the Office of Religious Life, or speak with your adviser. You may also seek support from Columbia Engineering’s Deans of Students, Jenny Mak and Liz Strauss, in Engineering Student Affairs (esa-deans@columbia.edu) and the Office of the University Chaplain (212-854-1493).
 
Please join me in honoring Jonathan’s memory and the kindness, intellect, and purpose he brought to our community. Our thoughts remain with Jonathan’s family, friends, and all who knew him. Let us continue to support one another and remember his legacy within our community.

With sympathy,

Shih-Fu Chang
Dean of Columbia Engineering

Cc: Josef Sorett
Dean of Columbia College
Vice President for Undergraduate Education

Email sent from Barnard College Dean Leslie Grinage to Barnard College students on Sunday, November 2 at 2:38 pm:

Dear Students,

I am writing to share a message sent by Dean Chang and Dean Sorett regarding the passing of junior Jonathan Nalikka SEAS ‘26. The College extends condolences to Jonathan’s family and his many friends, including those in the Barnard community. We urge you to take care of yourselves and each other in the coming days and weeks.  

We encourage you to seek support from these available resources:

Furman Counseling Center: 100 Hewitt Hall, (212) 854-2092 (Students can use this number for after-hours support) 

International SOS for students who are abroad: +1 (215) 942-8478

Deans’ Office for Advising and Support (Class Deans): Milbank 105, (212) 854-2024

With care,

Dean Grinage

Butler Library via Bwog Archives