The Colgate community today mourned the tragic death of Peter (Luke) Stalker ’14, who died Sunday in Paris.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Luke’s family, his many friends, classmates, teachers, and Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers,” said President Jeffrey Herbst.
The university organized a gathering this afternoon in Memorial Chapel for anyone wishing to reach out, talk, and offer comfort. The Judd chapel will remain open throughout the week for anyone who would like to visit for quiet reflection.
Vice President and Dean of the College Suzy Nelson said that when classes resume and students return to campus from mid-term break next week, the university would further discuss plans to honor Stalker’s memory.
Stalker, of Jackson, Wyo., was an international relations and peace and conflict studies double major. He passed away Sunday as the result of a fall at a Paris hotel where he had been staying with the university’s Geneva Study Group.
Counselors were available to the study-group students after the announcement of Stalker’s death, and others will provide ongoing support for the group back in Geneva.
Nelson noted what a particularly difficult time it is for all those who knew Stalker, and she urged members of the campus community to take advantage of the available resources.
The Colgate Counseling Center (315-228-7385) is open and available to students, and counseling is available to faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program (315-451-3886.)