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Kirk Wu, CC ’21, Has Passed Away

Editor’s Note: This article includes mentions of death.

Kirk Wu, a CC sophomore from Pasadena, CA, has passed away. Dean Valentini has sent out an email to the Columbia community regarding his passing, available below.

There will be a “space for reflection and conversation” tonight from 8 pm to 10 pm in the McBain first floor lounge, with Counseling and Psychological Services and Residential Life will be present. The Office of the University Chaplain will offer counseling tonight from 8 pm to 10 pm in the Schiff Room in Earl Hall.

In addition, CPS is available during their regular hours at 212-854-2878, and they will hold extended walk-in hours tonight until 11 pm. Nightline Peer Listening is available at 212-854-7777 for students to call between 10 pm and 3 am every night.

Below is the full text of the email that was sent by Dean Valentini.

Dear Students,

With a heavy heart, I write to let you know of the loss of a member of our community. Kirk Wu, a Columbia College sophomore from Pasadena, CA and a resident of McBain Hall, has died.

Kirk was an active member of our community who participated in the (COÖP) Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program last summer, was an editor of Columbia Economics Review, and was a member of Columbia Taekwondo as well as 180 Degrees Consulting. Kirk was also a self-professed birdwatcher and museum enthusiast. His adviser told me he was a friendly student with a contagious laugh.

We have begun reaching out to Kirk’s friends and classmates to provide support and assistance during this difficult time. We care deeply about the grief and sadness you may be feeling, and we are here for you. Whether or not you knew Kirk, you may find comfort in gathering with your community. We have set up a space for reflection and conversation from 8:00–10:00 p.m. in the McBain Hall first floor lounge, with staff from Counseling and Psychological Services and Residential Life attending.

In addition to their regular hours, Counseling and Psychological Services will offer extended walk-in hours until 11:00 p.m. tonight in the CPS office on the fifth floor of Lerner Hall. This location will also be open until 9:00 p.m. tomorrow and 1:00–5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You may also call the 24/7 phone line at 212-854- 2878 to be connected with support.

The Office of the University Chaplain will offer counseling tonight from 8:00–10:00 p.m. in the Schiff Room in Earl Hall and will resume regular hours of counseling tomorrow, 12:00–5:00 p.m. in the same location.

This is an especially difficult time for all of us, and we encourage you to utilize the resources available to you. Remember that you are not alone. Reach out to your advisers, your Residential Life staff, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of the University Chaplain, family and friends for support. Please also reach out to your advisers and faculty if you have any academic concerns.

I know that all of you join me in sending our deepest condolences to Kirk’s family and friends.

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

cc: Mary C. Boyce, Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of The School of General Studies Natalie Friedman, Dean of Studies, Barnard College

A reminder that the following resources are available to you: