Dear Penn Community,
With heavy hearts, we write to share that Maurice Campbell ’25, a student in the College, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
Maurice was interested in studying health and societies, and he served as a contributing writer for the Daily Pennsylvanian. His colleagues at the Daily Pennsylvanian shared the following message about their friend: “Maurice was a valued member of the Daily Pennsylvanian community, specifically within the sports department, where he covered a variety of sports, including volleyball and basketball, and was always looking to be more involved. His constant positivity and kindness drew people to him and made him someone members of the Daily Pennsylvanian always looked forward to seeing in the office.”
Maurice’s family expressed that he was incredibly kind-hearted to everyone and extremely inclusive. “We want to believe that our son is a tiny ripple of hope. He was the voice of reason who would cause people to pause and think, even when emotions were running really, really high,” his dad, Maurice Campbell Sr., said. He added that Maurice cared deeply for his family, friends, and the countless individuals at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Memorial Sloan Kettering who treated him with compassion.
University staff are supporting Maurice’s family and friends.
The University will plan a memorial service for Maurice in the spring semester. Please reach out to the Office of the Chaplain for additional information or if you would like to assist in planning the service.
We know that grief can affect people in various ways. Now and always, Penn stands with you, and we want to comfort you. The resources below are always available both in-person and virtually. Please use them if you need support.
If you have a personal or academic concern and want to talk to someone at Penn:
• Student Health and Counseling (Counseling Services: 215-898-7021, 24/7): Any student can speak to a trained counselor by phone, day, or night. Drop-in office visits are also available on a modified winter-break schedule. Read about Stress, Distress, and Crisis for additional emotional health support from Student Counseling.
• The open College Houses and Sansom Place have staff on duty throughout the winter break. Students can also connect to an on call person through the Information Centers at their respective College Houses.
• The University Chaplain’s Office (215-898-8456) provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students in need of care and comfort. Chaplain’s Office staff are here “to be a shoulder, to be an ear, to be a friend, to be a fellow sojourner, to be an advocate, and a faithful presence.” The Chaplain’s Office works with faith communities and campus ministers who also provide spiritual support. Students of all faiths are warmly welcomed.
• School advising offices:
o College of Arts and Sciences (215-898-6341)
o School of Engineering and Applied Science (215-898-7246)
o School of Nursing (215-898-6687)
o Wharton Undergraduate Division (215-898-7613)
o Other faculty or staff you know and trust.
If you don’t feel well:
Student Health and Counseling (Medical Services: 215-746-3535) offers comprehensive primary care, including services to help you eat well, sleep well, and reduce stress. Appointments are available on a modified winter-break schedule. Please call 215-746-3535 to schedule an appointment with a provider or speak to a nurse who can help with your care. You may also schedule an appointment through the Wellness portal.
If you aren’t sure where to go or you’re concerned about a friend:
• Student Intervention Services (vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu and/or 215-898-6081) supports students in crises, helps students access resources, and responds to concerns about students’ well-being. To reach the on-call staff during winter break, please e-mail SIS or call the Division of Public Safety’s HELP line.
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• The Division of Public Safety’s HELP line (215-898-HELP/215-898-4357) is a 24/7 service that connects Penn students, staff, faculty, and families with appropriate resources.