In Memoriam: Ivan Valerio ’26
President Laurie L. Patton and Vice President for Student Affairs Smita Ruzicka sent the following message to the Middlebury community on Tuesday, November 7.
Dear Middlebury Community,
We are following up on the letter we sent to you this morning to share the news that Ivan Valerio, a 19-year-old member of our Class of 2026 from Kissimmee, Florida, died early this morning on campus. The Middlebury Police have shared that the initial investigation indicates there was no foul play and there is no danger to the campus or surrounding community. We have been in contact with Ivan’s family and will provide our full support as they process this loss.
Ivan was a dual citizen of the Philippines and the United States, and his Filipino identity was very important to him, according to members of our Student Life team who knew him. A graduate of NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee, he arrived at Middlebury in fall 2022 and embraced campus life. He served as an Orientation leader this year and expressed his desire to help new students make a positive transition to Middlebury. Although Ivan had not yet declared a major, he was interested in Japanese and computer science.
Dean of First-Year Experience Jen Sellers noted that Ivan participated in First at Midd and regularly shared how grateful he was for the community and support he found at the Anderson Freeman Center and among his friends and mentors. “He radiated kindness and was always quick to express his appreciation, including his thankfulness for being a part of the team of Orientation Leaders who welcomed new students to campus this year.”
Described by friends as a sweet and giving person, Ivan was a member of MiddVolunteers, the German Club, and the Middlebury College Activities Board. He was the treasurer of the Southeast Asian Society and a member of the Japanese, Radical Asians, and Middlebury College Chess student organizations.
As a reminder, and so this information is readily accessible to all on an ongoing basis, the following resources are available to our community:
For students:
- TimelyCare services for students are always available 24/7 at go/timelycare and on Canvas through the left menu navigation. For technical assistance with Timely Care services and the TimelyCare app please call the 24/7 customer assistance line at 833-484-6359, email help@timely.md, or use the live chat function at go/timelycare.
- College Counseling: 802-443-5141 or counseling@middlebury.edu.
- Scott Center Chaplains: 802-443-5626, scottcenterstaff@middlebury.edu, Chaplains on Call access information.
- Reserved space for community gathering in the Abernethy Room at Axinn Center is available today from 1–6 p.m. (Please note that this timing is updated from the previous announcement.)
- Care Management: middcares@middlebury.edu or go/care to request support or express concerns about another student.
- Department of Public Safety: for Wellness Checks and to activate emergency services. 802-443-5911 or publicsafety@middlebury.edu.
For employees:
- Scott Center Chaplains: 802-443-5626, or scottcenterstaff@middlebury.edu, Chaplains on Call access information.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program: 866-660-9533 (Company Code: Middlebury College), is available 24/7 for faculty and staff and their immediate family members, and those residing in their homes to speak to a counselor, among other services.
- Employees concerned about a student can submit a Care Report at go/care which will be assessed each business day by Care Management staff. Employees can also access 24/7 consultation through TimelyCare’s customer assistance line at 833-484-6359 by pressing 2 and identifying themselves as a Middlebury employee. TimelyCare clinicians can help identify next steps, make referrals to on-campus resources, and engage campus emergency protocols if needed.
As we said this morning, we will share more information about plans to remember Ivan in the coming days. We know you are gathering with each other today and encourage you to continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
In community,
Laurie L. Patton
President
Smita Ruzicka
Vice President for Student Affairs