A message from Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor, to the Cambridge community following the tragic passing of Jason Arday.
Dear colleagues and students,
You will by now be aware of the tragic news of the death of Jason Arday.
My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jason’s family and loved ones who, as they said last night, have lost a father, partner, brother, uncle and son.
My immediate thoughts are also with colleagues and students who worked with Jason in the Faculty of Education, and at Jesus College where he was a Fellow. Today, we pause to remember him, and to mourn his loss, which will be felt across the collegiate University and beyond.
I hope that this painful and difficult time can also be one of compassion. I ask you to be mindful of your own health and wellbeing, and in the coming days, weeks and months, please know that there is a range of support available to you. The University’s staff and student services are briefed and will mobilise their resources to those who may need them. Colleagues at the Faculty of Education will receive dedicated help today.
For students, please see the Student Support website for details of the help available at the University and your College. You can request in-person or online support with University services by completing this form.
For staff, please contact the Staff Counselling Centre. Again, these are very difficult and upsetting times, and I urge us all to look after each other through this period.
Finally, I want to be clear: supporting our community through this tragedy is the single most important priority for me and my leadership team right now. We will be reaching out to many of you directly, and we are committed to ensuring that no one feels they must face this alone.
Thank you, and with good wishes,
Professor Deborah Prentice
Vice-Chancellor
