Message to Campus Community Regarding the Death of a Student

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is with great sadness that I write to you this morning to inform you of the untimely passing of a Syracuse University student.

Hongming Cao, a junior studying economics, passed away over the weekend in his home country of China, surrounded by family and friends. A student in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Hongming died following a brief illness.

I join Chancellor Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community in extending our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him, during this difficult time.

This is a time of great sorrow for the entire University community. As we grieve together, please know there are a variety of services available to students, faculty and staff. Students seeking support can contact the Counseling Center 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 315-443-4715. Additional services are provided by the Office of Student Assistance, Monday through Friday, by calling 315-443-4357. For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Trained clinicians answer the phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at 800-437-0911.

For additional support and services, please contact Hendricks Chapel at 315-443-2901. The main chapel is also open 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for prayer and reflection.

With sadness,

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz
Senior Vice President and Dean
Division of Student Affairs