In Memoriam


Middlebury mourns the loss of student Eric Masinter. President Laurie Patton sent the following message to the campus community on July 11, 2019.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am writing to share the very sad news that Eric Masinter, a member of our Class of 2021 from Arvada, Colo., died by suicide last week while on a cross-country road trip returning to his home from Middlebury. He was 20 years old.

I have been in contact with Eric’s family, who, as you can imagine, are devastated by this loss but wanted you to be aware of it. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts.

Eric graduated from Colorado Academy in Denver, where a teacher once described him as “a deep thinker who thrives on big ideas.” In high school, Eric was a distinguished scholar as well as an athlete, musician, artist, and an accomplished rock climber.

At Middlebury, Eric was a member of Brainerd Commons. During his time at the College, he contributed articles to the Campus and presented his artwork as part of the Spring Student Symposium. He enjoyed rock climbing in the area and frequented the rock gym. Eric also expanded his musical passions by studying music theory and by playing his piano, melodica, and guitar. He had not yet declared a major.

Eric is survived by his parents, Rob ’86 and Kathy, and siblings Jesse ’19 and Sarah, U.S. Air Force Academy ’21.

Although most of you are away for the summer, I want you to know that our residential life team, counseling staff, and chaplains at the Scott Center are ready to help any community member who would like support at this difficult time. I encourage students who would like additional assistance to contact the Scott Center at 802-443-5626, or the counseling staff in the Parton Center at 802-443-5141.

We will be in touch after the start of the academic year with information about an on-campus event celebrating Eric’s life.

Laurie Patton
President