College sophomore Maurice Campbell died on Dec. 20.
Interim Vice Provost for University Life Tamara Greenfield King notified the Penn community of Campbell's death in an email sent on Dec. 23 on behalf of Penn President Liz Magill and Interim Provost Beth Winkelstein.
Campbell's family wrote in a statement included in the email to the Penn community that they "want to believe that [their] son is a tiny ripple of hope."
"He was the voice of reason who would cause people to pause and think, even when emotions were running really, really high," his family wrote.
Before Penn, Campbell attended Horace Mann School in New York. At Penn, he was interested in studying health and societies.
Outside of the classroom, Campbell was a contributing reporter for the The Daily Pennsylvanian where he worked in the sports department covering a variety of sports — including volleyball and basketball. In the email sent to the Penn community, Campbell's colleagues at the DP said that he was "a valued member" of the staff who was "always looking to be more involved."
"His constant positivity and kindness drew people to him and made him someone members of the Daily Pennsylvanian always looked forward to seeing in the office," Campbell's colleagues at the DP wrote in the statement.
In the email, Campbell's father, Maurice Campbell Sr., said that his son cared deeply for his friends, family, and the countless individuals at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Memorial Sloan Kettering who "treated him with compassion."
The University will plan a memorial service for Campbell during the spring semester. At this time, Penn is offering both in-person and virtual resources for students and other community members.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
The HELP Line: 215-898-HELP
Counseling and Psychological Services: 215-898-7021 (active 24/7)
Student Health Service: 215-746-3535
Office of the Vice Provost for University Life: 215-898-6081
University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456
Reach-A-Peer Helpline:
215-573-2727 (every day from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
215-515-7332 (texting service available 24/7)
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