Message from Senior Vice President for the Student Experience Allen W. Groves

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I had hoped my first communication with the campus community would be to share positive news. Sadly though, I am writing with the most difficult news to share—the passing of one of our students.

We learned recently from family that John Lewis Aldridge, a graduate student in the School of Information Studies, passed away on July 8. John joined the Orange community in the fall of 2020 to pursue a master’s degree in library and information sciences. He was from Hillsborough, North Carolina.

During this difficult time, please join Chancellor Kent Syverud and me in extending our sincerest condolences and sympathy to John’s family, friends, classmates and professors. We will keep all those who knew and loved John in our thoughts and prayers.

The passing of any member of our community is always difficult, and I recognize that during the summer many of you may not be on campus. Please know that no matter where you are, services and support remain available.

Students can access confidential counseling support 24 hours a day, seven days a week by contacting the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000. In addition, the Dean of Students Office is available Monday through Friday by calling 315.443.4357 for students seeking ongoing support. Faculty and staff can reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, by calling 800.437.0911.

Hendricks Chapel is also available to all campus community members seeking additional support and services. The chapel can be reached at 315.443.2901.

My best wishes to each of you,

Allen W. Groves
Senior Vice President for the Student Experience