ITHACA, N.Y. –– Ithaca College Office of Residential Life employee Michael Palumbo was found dead in his on-campus apartment on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 7.
The college has not yet released the cause of death, however they say that “no foul play is suspected.”
According to a message sent by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life Rosanna Ferro, to the campus community, Palumbo, 28, had first come to Ithaca College in August as Residence Director for the Terraces 7-13 residence halls.
“At the age of 28, he already had a great deal of experience in student services. He came to IC after having served for the past two years as Residence Life Coordinator at Indiana University, Bloomington. Prior to that, he was a support services professional at a K-12 school for students with autism,” Ferro said.
“Michael earned his undergraduate degree in anthropology and master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. While there, he was a Resident Assistant and Orientation Leader.”
The college provided counseling services on Thursday for his coworkers and to student staff. There will be a campus community gathering at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 in Muller Chapel on the Ithaca College campus, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, for “those who wish to come together in shared grief and to provide mutual support.”
Support services to all members of the Ithaca College community are available through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 607-274-3136. After-hours counseling services are available any time CAPS is closed, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during campus closures, by calling the main number. Anyone needing immediate assistance should contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333.
Faculty and staff can access the counseling services of the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-800-327-2255.
Featured image courtesy of Aimee Dars Ellis via Flickr.