A Note from Dean Tom Fiedler About Recent COM Loss

On behalf of the College of Communication, we are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Vanessa Marcotte (COM ’11). Vanessa was a beloved member of the COM community as her gentle personality is remembered fondly:

“Vanessa was an incredibly sweet, gentle and bright student. I was blessed to have her as a student in my New Media and Public Relations class some years ago. She took to the subject matter immediately. She was a natural: deeply interested in all things Internet, particularly interactive marketing and SEO. No surprise that she launched a very successful career in that field. She reached out to me on numerous occasions after graduating to share job and internship opportunities for COM students, and to offer guidance for students just getting started. She was kind, very bright and unfailingly gracious. My heart is broken and my thoughts are with her family” - Professor Steve Quigley

All of us at the College of Communication mourn the loss of any alum, yet this tragedy is especially difficult as Vanessa’s bright future and impact in the industry was only just beginning. Her vibrant spirit will continue to shine the way for all of our future students.

We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to all of Vanessa’s family, friends, and loved ones. The bond within the COM community is unfaltering and together our hearts will heal.

Tom Fiedler

Dean, College of Communication