Dear Harvard College Students,

It is with profound sadness that I write to share the news that Quincy House Faculty Dean Deborah Gehrke passed away this week. Deb was a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many of us, and her passing is a tremendous loss for the Harvard College community. No words can accurately capture the sense of loss that many of us are feeling.

I know that this news will bring feelings of grief and sadness to those of you who knew Deb. I hope that you will seek comfort in friends or family. Please know that I and other members of our community are always here if you would like to talk. The Harvard Chaplains as well as Harvard University Health Services counselors (617-495-5711) are available for support.

In the days ahead, I hope that we will do our best to live by Deb’s example, celebrating the gift of love and building communities of respect. By taking the time to get to know each other, and by taking care of those in need, we will honor Deb.

We will be gathering after break to celebrate Deb’s life. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in holding Deb's partner Lee, and their entire family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Warmly,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College