Saturday, April, 2nd, 2016 Speeches and Messages
April 2, 2016
Dear Members of the AS&E and Medford/Somerville Campus Communities,
We are writing with sadness to let you know that we learned today that Alex Bhak, a first-year student in the School of Arts and Sciences, passed away in downtown Boston early this morning. The circumstances of this tragic death are under investigation, and his family has been notified.
Alex had a wonderful, close-knit group of friends here at Tufts, including in his residence Miller Hall. His parents and friends say he loved being at Tufts, and we know his sudden passing will be deeply felt by those who knew and loved this bright and talented young man. In particular, our hearts go out to Alex’s friends and family, including his parents and younger sister.
Staff from Counseling and Mental Health Services, the University Chaplaincy, and the Dean of Student Affairs Office are currently in Dowling 701 and will be here until 5:00pm. All students are welcome to stop by and connect.
This evening, we will hold a gathering at 5:00pm in the Crane Room on the first floor of Paige Hall for friends of Alex and anyone who feels impacted by this loss to gather and check in, seek additional information, and support one another.
Counseling and Mental Health Services is providing additional support this weekend and in the coming week. Counselors will be available tonight from 5:00-8:00pm in the Crane Room, and tomorrow from 3:00-5:00pm at the Counseling Center. A therapy dog will be present during tomorrow’s drop-in hours. To speak with a counselor outside of these hours, please contact the counselor-on-call. On Monday, CMHS will have drop-in hours from 10:00am-Noon, and this week Monday-Friday from 5:00-7:00pm at the Counseling Center.
We will continue to provide information to the community in the days ahead, including as arrangements become known for a celebration of Alex’s life. Any students interested in planning a campus tribute to Alex’s life may contact the University Chaplain, The Reverend Greg McGonigle. The Dean of Student Affairs Office can also facilitate support, including sending messages of condolence to the Bhak family.
We know the whole Tufts community joins us in expressing our deepest condolences to Alex’s family and friends. Please do not hesitate to reach out for any support you may need, including through the additional resources listed below.
Sincerely yours,
Anthony P. Monaco, President
James M. Glaser, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Jianmin Qu, Dean of the School of Engineering
Mary Pat McMahon, Dean of Student Affairs
The Reverend Greg McGonigle, University Chaplain
Aditional Resources for Students:
The University Chaplaincy Office in Goddard Chapel is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-5:30pm, and all of the chaplains and residents can be contacted for pastoral care at 617-627-3427.
Staff in Student Affairs are available for walk-in support between 2:00-5:00pm this week in Dowling 701 or by appointment at 617-627-3158.
Additionally, there is always a counselor, chaplain, and administrator available on call after hours who can be contacted through TUPD at 617-627-3030.
We also encourage students to reach out to other forms of support including Residential Life and Learning staff, the Group of Six Centers and the Advising Deans.
Resources for Faculty and Staff:
Faculty and staff may contact the Tufts University Chaplaincy as well as the Tufts Employee Assistance Program for support at any time.