The following email was sent this evening to MIT undergraduates and recent alumni by President L. Rafael Reif.
Dear students and recent alumni of MIT,
As many of you know, last week Paul Uche '13 succumbed to the leukemia he had fought since the middle of his senior year. I write now to share this news with those who did not know — and to share the sense of sorrow with you all.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Paul personally. But from the many students who have written to me about him, I know that he stood out for his intellectual breadth, creativity, leadership, optimism and open heart. Paul was clearly a rare and extraordinary talent. It is painful to imagine the personal loss for his friends and family, and the loss of his potential for the world.
Many of you knew Paul as a friend and a leader — from the Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership program, the PSC and MISTI, to his beloved Sigma Chi. Many more knew him through taking part in his search for a bone marrow donor. I find it especially moving that many of you went so far out of your way to support and encourage Paul in the struggle that took his life; in these individual acts of kindness, you express the most beautiful values of our community.
I encourage you to reach out to friends who may have been affected by his loss; as always, the Institute's student support and mental health services can be accessed via MIT Together.
And I hope you will share your memories of Paul with his family here.
In sympathy,
L. Rafael Reif
Editor’s note: A funeral service will take place in Toronto on Saturday, July 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be streamed live worldwide for those who can’t be there in person. To join the live event, click here from 11:00 a.m. EDT on July 5.
