02/21/2019
Hallie Lauer | News Editor
A memorial service is being held Thursday Feb. 21 at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel for nursing student Columbia Dyson, who died Jan. 14 after being found unconscious in her residence hall.
This announcement was made in an email in an email sent to all students on Friday, Feb. 15. Other than asking students to “Please join us as we pray for Columbia, her family and friends,” there was nothing else mentioned in the email.
Previously, Duquesne had provided transportation to Maryland for Dyson’s funeral on Jan. 25, busing students as well as providing meals for those who had attended. When the university had announced the accommodations for the funeral, they had also mentioned that plans for a memorial would be
forthcoming.
“The death of a student is always tragic,” Frizzell said in a statement to The Duke. “Columbia was a kind, energetic and active student on campus and in the nursing program. She was well-liked and she will be missed by the entire Duquesne community. She and her family will remain in our prayers.”
Dyson was an active participant in Greek Life and the Duquesne University Student Nurse Association. In 2018 she was the Alumnae Relations Chairperson for the Alpha Mu chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi and had begun her role as Vice President of Administration this semester.
The cause and manner of Dyson’s death are still to be determined.
Counselors are available in the University Counseling and Wellbeing Center, located at 636 Fisher Hall or can be reached at 412-396-6204.