University deaths a tragedy

By Staff Editorial     1/13/11 6:00pm

Rice has experienced several losses over the past month. The deaths of two Owls during winter break - Dexter Gannon, a Hanszen College junior and Brandon Cooke, a Baker College sophomore - have left a hole in our community. The Shepherd School of Music has also sustained several deaths this year; regrettably, Violin Professor Sergiu Luca and Concert Manager Tom Littman both died in December. This loss comes in addition to David Waters, a Shepherd School Trombone Professor who died in September. The Thresher extends its condolences to these individuals' families and to those they touched on a daily basis.While these losses, particularly in such quick succession, are tough to stomach, it is important to take away what we can for the future. While many of these sorts of tragedies are a natural part of life, it is imperative that we as a community continue to support each other, especially in the most difficult of times.

Rice offers a great array of health and counseling services, including the Counseling Center and the Wellness Center. When introduced during O-Week, these amenities are often ignored or deemed unimportant; however, they are invaluable resources that exist for the benefit of students, staff and faculty alike.

Furthermore, while the demands of college can often make students less receptive to those around us, it is important to look out for our fellow roommates and classmates. You could be the difference.

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