Dear Harvard College Students,

I am heartbroken to share with you that Clio Griffin ‘15, on leave from the College, passed away at the end of June after an extended illness. Clio was a deeply valued and loved member of the College and Quincy House. My deepest condolences are with Clio’s family and loved ones during this time.

Clio was a history concentrator, and her professors remember her as a brilliant and thoughtful student who was deeply engaged with the world of ideas. Her kindness and compassion were obvious to everyone, from her professors in the classroom to her house community and beyond. Clio’s profound love for our Harvard community of fellow students should serve as an inspiration to us all.

The loss of a young person is devastating. There are no words to capture the pain and grief you may feel in learning of Clio’s passing. As you grieve, I encourage you to turn to family members, friends, or others close to you who can help you process this loss. There are resources available to you even during the summer break. The Chaplains Office (617-495-5529) is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EDT and is standing by for anyone who feels it would be helpful to talk. Counselors are available 24/7 at Harvard University Health Services and can be reached at 617-495-5711.

Please join me in offering our community’s thoughts and deepest sympathies to Clio’s family and friends during this painful time.

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College

Dear Quincy Community,

It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you that Ciio Griffin (’15), a Quincy House student on leave from the College, passed away after an extended illness. Clio joined the Quincy community in 2012 as a rising sophomore. Her advisors describe her as an “unforgettable student,” brilliant and thoughtful with a kindness of depth.

A history concentrator, Clio was a lover of languages. She was a sharp, thoughtful, and engaged student who saw history — in particular the history of race and racial thinking — as a way to make sense of contemporary issues. One of her professors described her intellectual interests as “quirky” yet “fascinating.” Her sophomore capstone project explored the history of fishing implements, including one from her native Ireland.

Clio cared for justice in its many forms. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Harvard Homeless Shelter and was part of the Chan Stride Scholars Program, a community of undergraduates committed to service and social justice. She published op-eds urging Harvard to live up to its principles on labor practices, and wrote about student protests on racial justice in The Crimson. True to her nature, Clio aspired to be a social worker after finishing her Harvard degree.

Clio's mom, Madeleine Griffin, wrote this note to the Quincy community: "To those of you who knew Clio, you will hold fond memories of her always. To those of you who didn't know Clio, please know that the world has lost a funny, intelligent but, most of all, kind young woman. When you see someone in need, there is Clio's wise compassionate spirit. Her departure causes us a grief beyond words, but we who love her will carry her beautiful spirit with us always, to help us to live the lives she wished for us. On behalf of Clio, we (her parents and sister) ask you please to look after yourselves and each other."

Clio cared deeply about those around her and about her community, and we know that the members of the Quincy community feel this loss. This is a painful time for those who knew Clio. Wherever you are now in the world, Quincy’s tutors and house leadership are always here if you would like to talk. Community members in need of counseling services to reach out to University Health Services counselors (617-495-2042). The Harvard Memorial Church offers resources for bereavement, including a grief group for students, led by Lara Glass and Wes Conn.

Quincy House will have a Zoom drop-in community gathering today (Monday) at 8p (EDT) for those wish to join us to talk, grieve, remember, or just be together. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as you like.

Warmly,

Leslie and Eric

Eric Beerbohm and Leslie Duhaylongsod

Faculty Deans Quincy House