Dear CC Community,
Our campus community is again in mourning upon learning that graduating senior Hank Bedingfield has passed away, just weeks after we lost Daniel Cortés ’23. We are heartbroken.
Unexpected deaths are shocking and felt profoundly, especially on our small campus. We extend our care, concern, and condolences to Hank’s and Daniel’s families, friends, and loved ones. Please keep them in your thoughts.
On this Commencement week, we will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, and we also are saddened by tragedy. It can be difficult to square those two things. We will honor our graduates, who have reached a tremendous milestone. They have achieved so much, and they deserve every joyful moment. Yet we can’t ignore our pain.
This year we have experienced so much loss, with the deaths of campus community members in addition to those who died during the pandemic. These losses reverberate, and we will feel them for a long time.
My priority is the care for all of you. We are stronger in difficult times like these when we support each other’s well-being. Every person at CC is an essential and integral part of this community. I ask that everyone connect, provide space, and be compassionate. Grief is different for everyone. Take care of yourself and one another.
Campus counselors, leaders, and staff are meeting with and supporting students.
Please turn to the resources and opportunities we have on campus for counseling and support. Chaplain Kate Holbrook and counselors are providing time and space for people to gather. There will be drop-in spaces to gather for support in Sacred Grounds and the Wellness Resources Center today until 5 p.m.
Students, if you or someone you know needs support, please turn to student mental health resources. Drop-in appointments are available at the Counseling Center, counselingcenter@coloradocollege.edu; 719-389-6093 (dial 2 after-hours to be connected with a licensed mental health provider).
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), (800) 272-7255, is another resource for those who may need support or a place to talk confidentially.
Another resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
ULifeLine Crisis Text Line 741741 – text “START” or “HELLO”
Continue to take good care of yourselves and each other.
Sincerely,
