On the Passing of Dean Emeritus Peter J. Awn
The following message was sent to GS students on Monday, February 18, 2019.
Dear GS Students,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share with you the message below sent moments ago by President Bollinger regarding the passing of Peter J. Awn, who preceded me as dean of the School of General Studies—serving our school with compassion and dedication for twenty years.
Dean Awn was one of the most beloved and, as President Bollinger eloquently states, impactful people in the history of our School. No one cared more for our entire School community—students, staff, alumni, friends, and family—than Dean Awn. While I cannot make the pain, grief, and sadness you might feel disappear, I encourage all of us to rely upon something Dean Awn took great pride in—the strength and solidarity of the GS family—along with the united and overwhelming support of the entire Columbia community.
As ever, your academic advisor, the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), and members of the Office of the University Chaplain are all available to provide you with their support as you process this heartbreaking news. I encourage you to reach out if you or one of your peers would benefit from meeting with or talking to them.
Over the last three weeks I have gotten to know Peter’s beautiful family and life-long friends. They have our deepest sympathies and will forever be part of our GS family. As President Bollinger noted in his letter to the community, we will find the time in the coming weeks to celebrate Dean Awn’s tremendous life and legacy, but for now take comfort in one another, the strength of our GS community, and please keep Dean Awn’s family and memory in your hearts.
With deepest sympathy,
Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences
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Counseling and Psychological Services
Lerner Hall, 5th and 8th Floors
212-854-2878
Office of the University Chaplain
212-854-1493
GS Office of the Dean of Students
212-854-2881
Please see below for a message from the family, as well as a link to the official statement from University President Lee C. Bollinger:
“We are deeply saddened to share that Peter Awn died yesterday evening, February 17, 2019. There will be an intimate memorial service for family and close friends in the coming days. Peter is survived by his sisters Claudette Maraziti and Louise Crowley, nine nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews, and his close lifelong friends Norman Laurila and Rob Westerberg. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Peter’s life to donate to the Peter J. Awn Scholarship Fund, here.”