October 29, 2024
Dear members of the Connecticut College community,
It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you of the passing on Monday of Jason Askri ‘26, a valued member of our campus community. We are in close contact with Jason’s family and are offering them our support and deepest condolences during this time of tragedy.
Jason was a junior with a passion for science, languages and ecology, known for his kindness and dedication to community. He was double majoring in biology and English, with a concentration in ecology. He planned to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian, specializing in conservation efforts to safeguard endangered species. This past summer, Jason was an intern at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where he compiled a comprehensive green sea turtle photo identification catalog. At Conn, he was a student advisor/student advisor coordinator; vice president of the Pre-Health Club, which organizes blood drives; founder and co-chair of the Middle Eastern/North African Alliance; a driver for the Holleran Center for Community Action; and an animal care intern at the Beardsley Zoo. Among his achievements was the Henrietta O. Rogers ‘28 Academy of American Poets Prize. He touched many lives and left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure to know him.
During times like this, we are reminded of the strength and compassion that define our community. This loss deeply affects each of us, and I encourage you to reach out to one another and lean on the resources available. Students in need of academic assistance should be in touch with your class dean. Our teams are available today to offer whatever assistance or support you may need.
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Student Counseling Services located in Warnshuis Health Center
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Class Deans are located in Fanning Hall (second floor)
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Staff from Student Life will be available in the Charles Chu room in Shain Library (across from the circulation desk) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Residence Life will be available to Knowlton House residents in the International Student Common Space from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Campus centers
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Harkness Chapel and Hillel House will also be open for prayer and reflection.
Student Counseling Services
Student Counseling Services is open today from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. for students to walk in for support from a counselor.
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Student Counseling Services is located in Warnshuis Health Center (behind the library)
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At any time, students can contact Student Counseling Services for an appointment with a counselor on campus by calling 860-439-4587 or emailing scs@conncoll.edu.
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Students can also find access to national resources and crisis text lines on the Student Counseling Services website.
Student Support Specialists
Our Student Support Specialists provide urgent and crisis response support to students during evening and weekend hours.
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Mondays-Thursdays
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Fridays - 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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Saturdays and Sundays - 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Student Support Specialists can be reached at studentsupport@conncoll.edu or 860-439-2412. If you need urgent assistance outside of these hours, please contact Campus Safety at 860-439-2222.
TELUS Health
Free live access to a counselor 24/7 for either urgent or ongoing counseling.
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TELUS supports counseling in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, French and English
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Students can request an identity focused counselor
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Contact TELUS Health at 1-866-743-7732 or download the TELUS Health App on the App Store or GooglePlay
Thriving Campus
Student Counseling Services contracts with Thriving Campus to help students find a therapist in their local community (whether in New London or elsewhere). Access to Thriving Campus is free to students.
For faculty and staff, the Alice Johnson room on the second floor of Cro is available today as a space to gather with colleagues. In addition, there is support provided through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides free, confidential counseling — by phone or in-person — to all faculty and staff members. Our provider, Higher Ed EAP, can be reached at 1-800-252-4555 or visit www.HigherEdEAP.com
A memorial service is being planned, so that we can find solace together in sharing memories of Jason and expressing our love and grief. Details are forthcoming.
Please keep Jason’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time. Let us remember his light and carry it with us, drawing from the kindness and grace he shared so freely.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President