In the quiet, historic halls of Vassar College, a devastating event unfolded on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Avery Kim, a respected and beloved member of the Vassar community, tragically ended his life, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow students. Avery, a promising student of the Class of 2026, resided at Lathrop House and was an active member of the Vassar Fencing Team. With a concentration in Economics, his academic prowess and sportsmanship were well-regarded among his peers and professors alike.
The Poughkeepsie police have confirmed the absence of any threat to campus safety following this sorrowful incident, offering a small solace in the wake of such a tragedy. The immediate focus of the college administration, spearheaded by President Elizabeth H. Bradley, is to provide unwavering support and resources to those struggling to process Avery’s death.
The college community has been plunged into mourning, reflecting on the vibrant life Avery led and the profound impact he had on those around him. As news of his untimely departure spreads, students and faculty are coming together in shared grief and disbelief, questioning how such a bright light could be extinguished so soon. President Bradley, in her statement, emphasized the uniqueness of individual grief reactions and called for a collective commitment to support one another.
In these dark times, the college is rallying to ensure no one has to navigate their sorrow alone. A range of support services has been mobilized to assist the Vassar community in coping with this immense loss. The 24-hour availability of a Counselor on call at (845) 437-7333 serves as a lifeline for students in need of immediate emotional support. Academic assistance remains a priority, with the Dean of Studies’ office ready to provide the necessary accommodations and support for affected students.
Faculty, staff, and administration members are not left to bear their grief in solitude. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via 1-(800) 624-5544 and TelaDoc/HealthiestYou at 1-(866) 703-1259 ensures a comprehensive support network is just a call away, offering free, unlimited phone or video counseling sessions. The partnership with Dutchess County Behavioral Health underscores the community’s commitment to providing confidential, around-the-clock mental health services to anyone in need.
In a poignant gesture of communal solidarity, counselors from Metcalf and staff members from Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices will be available in the Jade Parlor, offering a safe space for those who seek to share their grief and find solace in the presence of others. These sessions, scheduled from three to five o’clock in the afternoon, are part of a series of support gatherings aimed at facilitating the healing process.
As the Vassar community grapples with this tragedy, the message is clear: no one has to face their grief alone. The comprehensive network of support services underscores a collective commitment to fostering an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized, and the memory of Avery Kim is honored with compassion and solidarity.
In the days to come, as more information about support gatherings becomes available, the college administration vows to keep the community informed and supported. In the meantime, President Bradley’s call to “spend some time talking to one another and sharing space with one another in whatever manner seems most reassuring” serves as a beacon of hope amidst the sorrow, a reminder of the strength found in unity and the healing power of community support.
Avery Kim’s untimely departure is a profound loss to the Vassar College community, a tragic reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of reaching out for help in times of despair. As the community comes together to mourn and remember Avery, the focus remains on healing, supporting one another, and preventing such tragedies in the future.
