Remembering Danielle

MIT Students, MIT Alumni/ae, Friends, and Colleagues of the MIT International Students Office are invited to share memories and condolences with the Ashbrook family.  An MIT community-wide memorial service will be held on April 17, 2015 at 3 pm in Building E14 (Media Lab), 6th Floor.

Please share your message in the comments section.

26 Comments

I remember when I was first

Submitted by Beneah Kombe Wekesa on

I remember when I was first coming to MIT, and due to a few issues I needed my MIT I-20 within 2 days. Danielle made it happen, Fedex-ing it to me so I could get it before flying out of the country. I developed a deep sense of admiration for the care and purpose with which she helped us international students as we navigated our way through the intense atmosphere that MIT is. We will miss you Danielle, find peace.

I first spoke with Danielle a

Submitted by Katie Mulroy on

I first spoke with Danielle a few years ago when I began working at MIT and was considering graduate school and my career path in higher education. Danielle told me that she loved what she did and that the best part of her job was "the students, the students, the students." When I entered my graduate program at Harvard, I gave up my full time position at MIT and transitioned to Global Education, where I was lucky enough to briefly work with Danielle on the Global Theme Team. I was so happy to come full circle with her, especially since Danielle's advice helped push me to attend Harvard. I feel lucky to have known Danielle. My heartfelt condolences to her family. 

Dear Danielle,

Submitted by Jin-hong Choi on

Dear Danielle,

 

My name is Jin-hong Choi, a graduate student of MIT from South Korea. I am so shocked when I heard that you passed away.

As a foreign student with English as second language, I don't know how to start the letter or write in proper manner. I am so sorry, sad and feel grief from my heart. I am now in medical leave. When I dealt with visa status caused by the leave, I worked with Danielle. She helped me with kindness, sympathy and encouragement when I had such a hard time in both mental and physical side and had to stop my dream - researching in MIT - for a while. I still remember when I met Danille in person, communicated via emails several times...

Please rest in piece. 

Sincerely,

Jin-hong Choi

Danielle sincerely cared

Submitted by AZ on

Danielle sincerely cared about all the international students. We weren't just a number to her, and for her this wasn't just a job. She went well above and beyond to make our lives easier. Navigating the bureacracy can be intimidating and downright scary - a conversation with Danielle was the calming boost that could make all the difference. She touched many lives, and will sorely missed.

I am in shock to find out

Submitted by Christina Chen on

I am in shock to find out this news. I am very much saddened. Danielle is the first person that I reached out to on campus regarding financial difficulty and my family situation. Her warm works and hugs and introductions to resources on campus really melted my heart. I have yet got a chance to show my greatest gratitude to her... Rest in peace my dear Danielle. 

I didn't get the change to

Submitted by Anonymous on

I didn't get the change to get to know Danielle all that well, but I remember very clearly her introduction for international graduate students at MIT. It was very clear that Danielle cared immensely for us. She was very welcoming and she supported us. She understood how we felt with our visa issues, that often make us feel we don't belong here, and she went beyond her duty to help us fix our problems.

The international students, and MIT in general, are very thankful for your support and dedication.

I'm very sorry you had to leave before your time, Danielle. We will miss you sorely. I hope your family can find some comfort in knowing how big of a difference you made in all our lives. Wherever you are, thank you.

 

 

 

Pages