Dear Bentley Community,
I’m saddened today to share the news of the passing of our student Victoria Carrion Gonzalez Rubio ’24. We were informed of Victoria’s sudden and tragic passing in her home country of Ecuador by her father Andres yesterday.
Victoria joined our community during the spring 2021 semester and was a Business Economics major focusing on international business. As an international student, she worked closely with staff in the Center for International Students and Scholars and was looking forward to coming back to campus after a brief time away from her studies. I am heartbroken to know that she will not be returning to us next week.
In her time on campus, Victoria was a member of the Campus Activities Board and was valued and loved by her friends and classmates, some of whom traveled to Ecuador to remember Victoria and support her family at her memorial service yesterday.
Losing a member of our community is one of the most awful things we can experience. This sad news is especially difficult as we prepare to return for a new semester — a time that should be full of joy and excitement about what lies ahead. It is painful to know that we will now be without Victoria’s presence.
A vigil is being planned to remember Victoria, and details will be announced soon. Our weekly Catholic Mass in the Sacred Space at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, will be a Memorial Mass for Victoria. All are welcome to attend.
In the meantime, I know this news may leave some of us feeling sad and upset. If you’d like someone to talk to, members of our Student Affairs staff can be reached at GA_StudentAffairs@bentley.edu, and Counseling Center staff can be reached at (781) 891-2274. Spiritual Life can be reached at GA_Spiritual_life@bentley.edu or (781) 891-2418. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program if they would like support during this difficult time.
Please join me in keeping Victoria’s friends and family in your thoughts and prayers. I know we may grieve in our own way, but regardless of how you may be feeling, please know that you are not alone and we are here to support one another. I’ve seen this community come together in many ways and know that we’ll continue to do so as we process this tragic loss.
Most Sincerely,
President Chrite
