麻豆频道

Dear Fellow Members of the 麻豆频道University Community:

I am writing today with great sadness to share the news of the passing of Cerri Banks, vice president for the student experience and deputy to the senior vice president, and a longtime member of the Orange community.

Cerri was a three-time alumna of 麻豆频道University, having earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in inclusive elementary and special education, a master鈥檚 degree in cultural foundations of education and a Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education鈥攁ll from the School of Education. She credited her time as a 麻豆频道student for changing the trajectory of her life. After a distinguished career in higher education, last summer Cerri returned home to her alma mater to ensure today鈥檚 generation of 麻豆频道students had a similar transformative experience.

Cerri鈥檚 impact at 麻豆频道will be felt for years to come. In addition to playing a key role in the Student Experience division, Cerri served as a member of the three-person interim leadership team charged with advancing the University鈥檚 diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility priorities and strategic planning efforts. She was a member of the Board of Visitors at the School of Education since 2009, and served as its chair for the past seven years. Her professional life was defined by a commitment to students and to the field of education. Those who had the opportunity to know her personally experienced her kindness, authenticity, intellect and humor. Cerri will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved her.

Losing a member of our community is never easy. For students, confidential counseling is available at the Barnes Center at The Arch, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 315.443.8000. Students seeking ongoing assistance may contact the support services and case management team in Student Outreach and Retention, Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4357. Faculty and staff may reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through Carebridge, the University鈥檚 Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. They can be reached at 800.437.0911. Hendricks Chapel remains available to provide additional support and services for all campus community members by calling 315.443.2901.

I ask that you please join Chancellor Syverud, Provost Ritter, me and the rest of the University leadership team in extending our deepest sympathies to Cerri鈥檚 loved ones. Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Allen Groves
Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer