Our community has a big heart, but it is thoroughly broken this morning as we mourn the passing of Roanoke College student and baseball player Eddie Kaufman, who lost his battle with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia yesterday. Eddie's spirit and courage touched us all and inspired hundreds of Maroons to turn out for a National Bone Marrow drive this past April in the hopes of finding a match. We are holding Eddie's family, friends and teammates close as they grapple with the loss of this outstanding young Maroon. We will always love you, Eddie.


In Memoriam: Eddie Kaufman

Dear Maroon Family, 

My heart is broken to share that Eddie Kaufman, a remarkable Maroon from Throop, Pennsylvania, passed away yesterday, October 7, after a valiant fight with leukemia that began just a year ago. This past spring, many of you rallied in support of Eddie by joining the National Bone Marrow Database. Eddie loved Roanoke College and was especially grateful for his friends on the baseball team. 

I know you join me in offering compassion, care, prayers and support to the Kaufman family, especially Mae Kaufman '28 and Eddie's friends, as they celebrate his inspiring life and endure the grief that comes when saying goodbye to someone loved deeply. 

I also ask you to take special care of your fellow Maroons. The loss of a friend, classmate or a student can evoke a breadth of emotions that are often challenging to convey, yet they remind us of just how important friendship, empathy and compassion are for us as individuals and a community.  

If you are struggling and need support as you try to make sense of this or any loss, you are not alone. Many offices and people are here to help: 

The Counseling Center is available to support our student and campus community. Please call 540-375-2286 for information or to schedule an appointment.  

TimelyCare is also a no cost online medical and counseling resource provided by the college for students. 

Rev. Chris Bowen, Dean of the Chapel and Center for Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry, is also available to assist us in support. 

For employees, the college offers confidential, no cost, short-term counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program. To schedule an appointment, please call EAP at 540-989-6605.
We are forever better and changed for good because Eddie was part of our community.  

When days are hard, I'm often comforted by the reality that love lasts even longer than life. In this way, Eddie remains with us all. 

Take good care of yourself and others, 

Frank Shushok