Message From Provost Gretchen Ritter

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is with great sadness that I write this morning to share the news of the passing of a member of the Office of Academic Affairs team.

Megan Bruno was a faculty affairs specialist in Associate Provost Jamie Winders’ office. She was a key member of the team and worked tirelessly to support all phases of faculty hiring. Although she was only with our team since January, she made a big impact, both personally and professionally, on all who knew her. Megan was a warm, talented and selfless individual who was very much committed to her work, her colleagues and our terrific faculty. Megan leaves behind her beloved partner and her 3-month-old baby. I ask that you join Chancellor Syverud, Associate Provost Winders and me in keeping Megan, her family, friends and colleagues close to your heart as they grapple with this sudden and terrible loss. In the coming days, our team will determine a fitting way for us to honor Megan’s life and contributions.

It is because of Megan’s passing that we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to postpone tomorrow’s Academic Strategic Plan Launch Forum, which was scheduled for 9 a.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. We will work to reschedule the launch forum for some time next week. You will receive a message in the coming days with the new day, time and location of next week’s launch forum.

I want to remind you of the many services available to our community in times like these. For students, confidential counseling is available at the Barnes Center at The Arch, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 315.443.8000. Students seeking ongoing assistance may contact the support services and case management team in Student Outreach and Retention, Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4357. Faculty and staff may reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. They can be reached at 800.437.0911. Hendricks Chapel remains available to provide additional support and services for all campus community members by calling 315.443.2901.

I appreciate your understanding and kindness during this challenging time.

Sincerely,
Provost Gretchen Ritter