We write today to share difficult news about your classmate, Benjamin Schüttler. Benji, as he was known, passed away Monday in Philadelphia due to complications from surgery.
Benji was 27 years old and from Atlanta. In addition to pursuing an MBA at Wharton, he was a Master of Public Policy candidate at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Benji earned his undergraduate degrees from Wharton and the College in 2012 as part of the Huntsman Program for International Studies and Business.
Benji was profoundly impacted by his studies abroad in Senegal as an undergraduate. He dreamed of coupling his passions for social impact, economic development, and education.
After graduation, he worked for Boston Consulting Group in Athens, Greece, New York, and Philadelphia. He participated in an elite global social impact initiative at BCG before returning to Penn this fall to begin his MBA studies, focusing on Entrepreneurial Management.
Eric Morin, Associate Director, Office of Student Life, shared “Benji had a remarkable ability to touch everyone he met. His optimism was infectious, and our community members were touched by his kindness, generosity, toughness, and positivity.”
All members of the community are invited to gather at 2401 Walnut Street, 8th floor, tomorrow, Thursday, November 3, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Counselors from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will be available.
We know how devastating this loss is for the Wharton community. However, we don’t want you to grieve alone or in silence. Please talk to each other, to your faculty, to friends. Do not hesitate to reach out to Wharton Advising, to CAPS, or the Chaplain’s Office. You are never alone at Penn. We are here together, and for each other.
Ongoing resources include:
Wharton MBA Program Office: 215-898-7604
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