The following message was delivered Sunday, March 29, 2015, to the campus community from Elon University Provost Steven House.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
I regret to inform you of the death of staff member Robin Russell who passed away in her sleep last night. We are shocked and saddened by this sudden and unexpected loss of a much loved member of our community.
Robin worked in the Elon bookstore and was the wife of Alan Russell, associate professor of Mathematics. Robin and Alan lived in the faculty apartment in Colonnades E – Harper Hall as part of Alan’s service as faculty director of the Colonnades Neighborhood. Robin was very involved with the students in the neighborhood, often hosting them in their apartment, dining in the Colonnades Dining Hall, and attending many of the neighborhood events.
The Sacred Space in the Numen Lumen Pavilion will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. today for anyone seeking a quiet reflective space for prayers or meditation. Reverend Joel Harter, Associate Chaplain, and a member of the Counseling Staff, will be in the Sacred Space from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight to speak informally with anyone who wishes to do so.
There will be a “Gathering of Friends” tomorrow, Monday, for all who wish to share their feelings of loss and reflect on fond memories and special moments with Robin. The gathering will be at 5 p.m. in the Sacred Space in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
Those who knew Robin may benefit from speaking with a staff member or counselor. Elon’s counseling staff and the chaplain’s staff are available as we begin the grieving process. Anyone who would like to talk about their feelings of loss or concern for others may contact Counseling Services at 278-7280 or the Truitt Center at 278-7729. Counselors are available after hours on call by contacting Campus Safety and Police at 278-5555. The Student Life administrator-on-call may also be reached at 278-5555 at any time.
If you have questions or if we can be of assistance, please email me or Smith Jackson at jacksons@elon.edu or call Dr. Jackson at 278-7220.
Peace and Comfort,
Steven D. House, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Elon University