United in Grief

There are few things more tragic than the sudden loss of a friend, classmate, or member of the community. On Saturday, we felt this shock. As Columbia struggles to cope with the death of School of Engineering and Applied Sciences first year Eric Harms, we can find strength in this difficult time by turning to each other.

Though relatively new to Columbia's campus, Eric Harms quickly made his presence felt. Since his first day with Columbia Urban Experience, through his work as a Class of 2012 representative on the Engineering Student Council, and as a student in our classes, he was respected and highly-involved. Eric's friends remember a young man who touched their lives with his passion for music and theater, and—above all—with his kindness.

News of Eric's death gave us all pause, regardless of how well we knew him. As we mourn the loss of one of our own, we lean on each other for sympathy and comfort. We should continue to make sure, during this tragic time, that we enable a respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and memories. This moment calls for reflection and an outpouring of love in tribute to Eric's life.

At this heartbreaking time, our deepest sympathy is with Eric's family, friends, and all of Columbia. We stand together as a community, united in grief and by a common pursuit: to honor a cherished peer.

Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), advisers, the Office of the University Chaplain and the Office of Residential Programs for support and counseling.The CPS office is located in Alfred Lerner Hall on the 8th floor and the Furman Counseling Center, for Barnard students, is located in Hewitt Hall. The clinician-on-call can be reached at 212-854-5727. Nightline counselors can be reached at 212-854-7777.