Bucknell University Athletics
Message to Campus from Dean of Students Richard Ferraro
4/9/2005 8:00:00 AM | Football
April 9, 2005
To: Members of the Campus Community
It is my sad duty to report that one of our first-year students, Mark Oppong passed away early this morning. If solace can be found in the loss of one so young, that lies in the fact that family members were able to be with him before he expired, he was attended by dedicated physicians from the University of Pennsylvania and concerned staff from Bucknell, and most importantly the very nature of his illness prevented him from suffering pain.
It is likely that the burial will take place in his hometown in Canada. We will consult with the family and with members of the community to provide any pertinent information about funeral observances as well as a commemorative service on this campus.
We have set aside Walls Lounge in the Langone Center for this weekend. It will serve as a reflection room for persons who might want to gather, to think and talk about Mark.
In the days ahead, please keep in mind that the Office of Psychological Services and the Chaplains are excellent sources of grief counseling. In addition, individual students may wish to talk out matters with deans in the Deans of Students Office, or with faculty or other staff members.
Pertinent Numbers are:
1) The Office of Psychological Services (577-1604)
2) Reverend Ian Oliver (577-1592)
3) Rabbi Serena Fujita (898-8568)
4) Father Marty Moran (577-3766)
Finally, if someone wants to talk right away and it is hard to get immediate attention over the weekend when offices are normally closed, please call the Dean-on-Call, who can be paged by Public Safety. Just dial 577-3333 and ask for that referral.
RJF 4/9/05
Richard J. Ferraro, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
