University Mourns Loss of William Steinberg

Dr. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, Vice Provost for University Life,

on behalf of President Amy Gutmann and Provost Wendell Pritchett

Dear Penn undergraduates,

I regret that I must begin this New Year by writing to you with extremely sad news. William Steinberg, a first-year Penn undergraduate, died suddenly with his parents and two brothers in Costa Rica on Sunday. All of us, as Penn family members, are thinking of William’s family members and friends as they move through this terrible loss. Our hearts are full, and we give them our deepest sympathy.

Will, 18, was a College student in the Class of 2021 and lived in Ware College House. He was from Scarsdale, NY, and participated in PennQuest, a four-day outdoors experience for first-year students. He was also involved with Seeds of Peace, an organization that promotes leadership to foster peace in communities around the world.

“Will was strong, empathetic, and believed in the beauty in the world and human kind,” his aunt Tammy Steinberg Jacobson said. She described Will as loyal and kind, and she said he loved Penn.

While many of you are still away from campus on semester break, I urge you to seek comfort with your family and friends. Please also let us know how we can best support you as our community grieves together. A gathering on campus will be held when the University community returns to Penn in the next week, and this remembrance is tentatively being planned for Tuesday, January 9.

Now and always, Penn stands with you and we want to comfort you. Contact numbers, with descriptions of support services available for some of our University resources, include the following. Please, also, do let us know how we can help: both now at this time and when you return from winter break.

 

RESOURCES

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021

Our Penn campus counseling center for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students is available to provide care and support in times of crisis, on campus and globally through campus and community partners. Trained clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, offer individual, group, and couples therapy and support through acute incidents and trauma. Any student can be cared for immediately by walking into CAPS or calling to receive 24/7 access to clinicians by phone.

University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456

Our University Chaplain’s Office provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students in need of care and comfort: “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 also works with a number of faith communities and campus ministers who also provide spiritual support for students, and students of all faiths are warmly welcomed and supported.

Student Health Service: 215-746-3535

Penn’s comprehensive primary care center provides accessible care to nurture student health and wellness needs. Services address acute, chronic, and preventative care. SHS also provides acupuncture, massage therapy, and stress-reduction treatment.

Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081

SIS colleagues support Penn students in emergencies, including personal, family, and community events. SIS also works closely with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Special Services (in the Division of Public Safety), the 12 Schools of the University, faculty, and other campus partners to support students and families experiencing difficult circumstances.

School Advising and Student Affairs Offices

Any student who has academic concerns or who experiences a crisis that affects their coursework should talk with a School advisor. School advising and academic affairs officers work closely also with faculty members in each of their schools, and other University partners, to support students who can benefit from assistance.

College of Arts and Sciences: 215-898-6341 

School of Engineering and Applied Science: 215-898-7246

School of Nursing: 215-898-6687

Wharton: 215-898-7613 

Division of Public Safety HELP Line: 215-898-HELP (215-898-4357)

A 24/7 resource connecting Penn students, staff, faculty, and families with Division of Public Safety staff trained by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this important service connects Penn community members to other important resources and agencies including all of the resources listed above and other Penn support units.

Other ongoing University resources include the following services: