University News

Coming Together as a Community

In a message to the University community, Chancellor Kaplan and Interim President Zenger expressed their sadness over the loss of two students.

October 26, 2022

Candles

Dear Members of the University Community,

Sai Narasimha Patamsetti and Pavani Gullapally came to the United States and to the University of New Haven with hopes and dreams, filled with unlimited potential. Today, we mourn their passing in a terrible automobile accident yesterday morning. But we remember that during their time here, they enriched our lives. Our community is greatly diminished today with their loss. In time, we hope that Sai’s and Pavani’s loved ones are able to find comfort in their memories of them.

The grief we feel for the families, friends, classmates, and professors of Sai and Pavani is deep and painful. We come together as a community to remember them, and to gain strength and hope from each other and from the lives they led. Our hearts also reach out to the families and classmates of a student from another Connecticut university who perished in the accident, and to four University of New Haven students and another individual who will need support as they recover both emotionally and physically from injuries suffered in the accident.

Dean Rowe-Allen put it beautifully in her message to all of you last evening when she encouraged each of us to keep the students in our thoughts and prayers, for “it is at times like this that members of our community can offer strength and comfort to each other.” We would only add our desire that emerging from the fog of our grief will be an appreciation for lives well led and hope for brighter days.

We remind you to please take advantage of grief counseling that is available through the University’s Counseling and Psychological Services Office. Students can call to make appointments or seek support by calling 203-932-7333. The Dean of Students office is also available to students at 203-932-7176 or by email at DeanOfStudents@newhaven.edu. Faculty and staff members can click here for available support.

We will share details on arrangements for celebrating the lives of Sai and Pavani and for an on-campus memorial when they are finalized.

On behalf of our entire University community, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of Sai and Pavani during this incredibly difficult time, and we hope and pray for a full and speedy recovery for those injured in the accident.

With best wishes,


Steve Kaplan signature

Steven H Kaplan, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Sheahon Zenger signature

Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D.
Interim President