December 11, 2019
Dear Members of the Campus Community,
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that Caroline Grape of the Class of 2022 died yesterday evening after an extended illness. This is a tremendous loss for her family, for her many friends, and for our community.
Caroline was a brilliant student from Weston, Massachusetts, who lit up the College during her short time on campus. A member of the cross country and track teams, she brought enormous vitality to all aspects of her life and work, earning Dean’s High Honors in her first semester, and, in her second, an invitation to become a Presidential Scholar.
Caroline was thoughtful, articulate, and passionate about her studies in English and psychology. She never stopped learning, continuing to take courses online even while undergoing treatment. At the time of her death, she had even been working on an independent study through the Department of Psychology about the personality of the late actress Mary Tyler Moore. We had all been planning for her happy return to campus this spring. Now we mourn the loss of a truly gifted student whose life ended too soon.
A vigil has been planned for 3 p.m. today in Harkness Chapel so that our community can come together to honor Caroline. Harkness will also be open all day for private prayer and reflection.
I know this is especially difficult news to receive at this time of the semester. Students who feel the need to postpone scheduled exams should contact the Office of the Dean of the College at 860-439-2050 or 860-439-2053 or doc@conncoll.edu and work with their class deans to make alternative arrangements. Class deans will be available for walk-in appointments today from 10 to 11 a.m.
The Office of Student Counseling Services, chaplains, and Student Life staff also are all available for any students who need support in coming days. Please know that after-hours counselors are available to students any time that the Counseling Services office is not open. You may reach after-hours counselors by calling 860-439-4587 and following the prompts. Counseling is available for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program.
We will provide information about a memorial service as it becomes available. For now, on behalf of the whole College, I want to express my deepest condolences to her family, friends, teachers, coaches, staff, and all who knew and loved her.
With empathy,
Katherine Bergeron
President