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Administrative Message

November 3, 2006

To: UCSC Community

From: Acting Chancellor Blumenthal

Re: UCSC student dies while studying in India

I am very sad to report that we have learned of the death of Nicholas Sverchek, a Stevenson College student who was studying at the University of Delhi as part of UC's Education Abroad Program. We are still receiving information from EAP officials in India, but have been told that Nicholas's death, on November 2, was accidental in nature.

A senior majoring in psychology, Nicholas had traveled to India in late June, eager to study courses in philosophy, religion, and Hindi language. His teachers, friends, and advisers there say he exhibited an especially keen interest in Indian philosophy. He was expected to return to UCSC in time for winter quarter.

A vigil has been held at the Delhi Study Center that included EAP students, staff, faculty, and friends. At this moment, we have no information to relay about the family's plans for a memorial for Nicholas; this information will be added to Currents Online at currents.ucsc.edu as it becomes available.

Please join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Nicholas's parents, James and Michele Sverchek; to other family members; and to Nicholas's many friends.

Counseling and support services are being provided to the EAP group in Delhi, and UCSC's Office of Counseling and Psychological Services is also available on campus for people experiencing feelings of grief and loss.

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