School of Veterinary Medicine first year Natalie Kim died on Oct. 23.
Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma and Dean Andrew M. Hoffman notified the Penn Vet community of Kim's death in an email sent on Oct. 27, on behalf of President Liz Magill and Provost John Jackson. The email included Kim's obituary which was provided by the family.
According to the family's GoFundMe, Kim's family is raising money for animals in need at Town & Country Veterinary Hospital in Media, where Kim worked for over five years.
Before coming to Penn, Kim — a native of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania — earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Swarthmore College in May 2022. Previously, she played principal viola in Swarthmore’s orchestra and taught violin during high school.
In the email, Penn administrators wrote that students were invited to a support session with university resources on Oct. 27, and Student Health and Counseling, including Penn Vet’s embedded clinician, Heather Frost, will remain available for free and confidential support.
"Penn is a supportive community, and we are here for each other through challenging situations," the email read. "We know that grief can affect people in various ways. Now and always, Penn stands with you, and we want to support you."
Family, friends, and community are invited to a memorial service for Kim on Nov. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Savior in Wayne, Pa., according to the obituary.
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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