To the MEAM Community:
We write you with heavy hearts to convey the tragic news of the death of Alfredo "Freddy" Abravanel, a Master's student in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics who died unexpectedly yesterday.
Many of you knew him. Freddy had been at Penn since arriving as a freshman in 2012 from his home country of Greece. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in MEAM this past May, and was on the Dean's List for 2014-15 and 2015-16. He was staying on at Penn as a sub-matriculant for his Master of Science in Engineering degree in MEAM.
Freddy was known as a careful and creative thinker who would always have a unique thought or perspective to share. He was enthusiastic about engineering and was eager to solve challenging problems. Freddy was a smart and curious student; often quiet in class, and inquisitive during office hours. He was regularly seen dashing happily between MEAM classes and projects and his economics classes. He will be remembered as a lighthearted student with an easy smile.
We are shocked and deeply saddened to lose such a bright member of our community so suddenly. As I write this, Penn staff and faculty are working diligently to coordinate support for Freddy's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
We extend our support and sympathies to all of Freddy's friends in MEAM and across campus. A support session will be held in the MEAM Conference Room, Towne 227, starting at 2:30 pm today and continuing through the afternoon. All are welcome.
Below, please find a list of Penn resources available to anyone who is in need of support. We urge anyone struggling with the sadness of this loss to reach out to friends, classmates, staff, faculty, or to these Penn resources below. If there is anything we or the MEAM Department or SEAS can do, please feel encouraged to let us know.
Resources for Support:
School of Engineering and Applied Science Advising: 215-898-7246
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS):
215-898-7021 (Nights and weekends, ask for CAPS counselor on call.)
Division of Public Safety: 24/7 “HELP” line, 215-898-HELP (215-898-4357)
Student Health Service: 215-746-3535
Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081
University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456