Dear Barnard Students,

I write to inform you that, early this morning, we learned of the tragic death of Davide Giri, a Columbia University graduate student in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Below you can find the email Columbia just sent out.

We join the entire Columbia University community in mourning this horrible loss and encourage you to connect with and support one another.

We will hold listening hours today from 3-5 p.m. in the lounge of Brooks Hall; sign-ups are not necessary and you can drop in as needed.

Below are additional resources available to you:

Dean’s Office for Advising and Support (Class Deans): 105 Milbank Hall, (212) 854-2024
Furman Counseling Center: 100 Hewitt Hall, (212) 854-2092
Primary Care Health Services: Brooks Hall, Lower Level (212) 854-2091
Well-Woman: 119 Reid Hall, (212) 854-3063
After-hours psychological emergency line: (855) 622-1903

Please know that we are here for you and encourage you to reach out to us during this time.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Davide and to the entire Columbia University community.

Sincerely,

Leslie Grinage
Dean of the College

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Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

I write with great sorrow to share the tragic news that Davide Giri, a graduate student at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, was killed in a violent attack near campus on Thursday night. We have very few details at this time, but we understand that the student was assaulted while walking in the vicinity of 123rd and Amsterdam Avenue. The criminal investigation is ongoing and police have a suspect in custody.  

This news is both unspeakably sad and deeply shocking, as it took place only steps from our campus. The University is working closely with NYPD to learn more details of the attack and, of course, we will keep you updated as we learn more.

These are moments when being in a community really matters. I, therefore, encourage you to seek out and be with others, who will need you as much as you need them. Also, please take advantage of the many University resources that can provide comfort and support. Counselors and specialists on the Columbia Morningside, Barnard, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center campuses, as well as pastoral counseling through the Office of the University Chaplain, are always and readily available. International students also can seek help and referrals through the International Students and Scholars Office. Additional resources will be found through contacting University Life.  

On behalf of the entire Columbia community, I send my deepest condolences to Davide’s family.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger