By Elizabeth Zakaim
Editor-in-Chief
On the morning of Feb. 25, President Kathryn Foster emailed the College to report the death of a student.
Charles, “Charlie,” Shulz was a freshman psychology major at the College. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but according to Foster, no foul play was suspected.
“We are particularly grateful for our caring community, which has been in mourning too recently and often this year,” Foster wrote in her email. “Please remember that the college has extensive resources available for anyone in need of support. If you need these resources, please reach out for help and if you know of anyone else who you believe needs these resources, please encourage that person to reach out.”
Jason Dahling, the chair of the psychology department, sent an email on the morning of Feb. 25 to console students who might have been affected by Shulz’s death or who might have known him as a classmate or a friend.
“I'm so sorry to share this news of tragic loss in our department,” Dahling wrote. “I know Charlie's passing is a shock to many of you who knew him through courses and student organizations. Please know that all (psychology) faculty stand committed to supporting you if you need any kind of help or need to talk.”
Foster encouraged students and faculty to use the following campus and local resources should they feel the need — Counseling and Psychological Services, Center for Integrative Wellness, Campus Police, the Dean of Students and the NJ Hopeline.
In addition, Foster urged students seeking care for themselves or others to submit a CARE referral through Symplicity.
According to a campus-wide email sent out by Sean Stallings, the interim vice president for student affairs, on March 1, a memorial service for Shulz will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, on Cherry Hill Road. All those who knew him are invited to attend.
According to Stallings, Shulz's family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the PROUD Family Health Program at Robert Wood University Hospital in Somerset. Donations can be made by completing and returning this form and writing “PROUD Family Health” in the Gift Designation line.
The family also asked those wishing to honor Shulz to donate blood if they can, Stallings wrote.
Lauren Toolen, a freshman open options business major, while she didn't know Shulz personally, was still upset to hear about his death.
"It is safe to say that this incident has rocked the community of TCNJ," Toolen said. "My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Schulz family."
This marks the second death of a student this month, and the fourth student death this year.
On Feb. 8, the College was informed of the death of senior psychology major, Jenna DiBenedetto.
This news also came shortly after the community mourned the death of sophomore math major Michael Sot last semester.
Earlier last semester, the College also lost senior music education major Jason Zujkowski to a pre-existing heart condition.
