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

As one of the many

Submitted by Ahhyun Stephanie Nam on

As one of the many international students at MIT, I unfortunately have not had a personal interaction with Danielle, but I remember her smile and kindness when I saw her at the international students office, and welcoming, caring, and inviting emails she has sent to the students. I am very greatful for all she has done for us. Her passion and devotion was very inspring and motivating for me and my friend. My sincere condolences to her family and those who were close to her. Rest in peace Danielle.

Sincere condolences to Tom

Submitted by Todd Schenk on

Sincere condolences to Tom and the family, and to the ISO team. Danielle's passing is a true loss. I had the opportunity to interact with her both as an international student and member of the Graduate Student Council, and fondly recall her deep care and attentiveness. She led the office through an incredibly challenging time, yet always had a warm smile and willingness to help individual students navigate their various issues. With the GSC, she was an administrator that would reach out and seek input, clearly driven by her concern for the wellbeing of international students at MIT. Danielle will truly be missed.  

I got these notes below from

Submitted by David Sengeh on

I got these notes below from Danielle about 2 months ago. What an amazing human! Even though you are gone, I feel very much connected to you and the ideals of a caring friend you truly were. I do indeed feel that you are "always" available. She met with me less than 2 months ago to help me think through the challenges in my country and with my family. I am wishing the Ashbrook family lots of peace. 

"Dear David,  Oh I am so relieved to hear that you and your family are safe and that you are here in the US.  There are so many resources at MIT that might be able to help your group... Also we in the ISO may have access to funding in order to connect you with people back home.   Please keep in touch.   I want to help in any way I can.  Please stop by if you wish to talk about your ideas and concerns.  I will always be available to you. 

----

Hi David,  With all the troubles in your country, just want to check in with you and make sure you and your family members are okay.  Please let me know how you and yours are doing and if there is anything at all I can do for you or anything at all you are conerned about.  The world is a tough place these days in so many parts of the world.  Please let me know that you at least are alright!

Most Sincerely,  Danielle Guichard-Ashbrook"

While deeply saddened by her

Submitted by Jamie Kendrioski on

While deeply saddened by her passing, my thoughts of Danielle turn to gratitude- for the support she showed me and so many others on countless occassions, and to humor-- in the memory of the first time we trained together. Even with her incredbile work load, Danielle always had time to answer a question and to guide me. Thank you Danielle for your warmth and passion for our field and the students with whom we work. What a tremendous loss.  Sincere condolences to Tom and all those who loved Danielle.

MIT, as well as the community

Submitted by Ike Colbert on

MIT, as well as the community of international student supporters, has lost a jewel with Danielle’s passing. Generations of students coming to The Institute from around the world could depend on her expertise, and especially her her warmth and caring to navigate the changing landscape of visa requirements. With her characteristic charm, she developed and led a wonderful staff that maintained a welcoming and supportive environment that was often an emotional anchor for our international students, and she challenged MIT to continually improve the services offered to international students and alumni.

Danielle’s loss will be felt worldwide, as she touched thousands of graduate and undergraduate students as they came to and moved through MIT and back into the world. She leaves behind a legacy of inclusiveness, advocacy and support for international students.  She will be missed.

Personally, it was a pleasure to have worked with Danielle over the years. Her expertise was second to none, and I was proud of her status as a nationally recognized leader in her field. I offer my heartfelt sympathy to Tom and the entire Ashbrook family. Danielle left far too soon, but she absolutely made a difference in the lives of many.

With sadness at the dimming of a shining jewel,

Isaac M. Colbert
formerly, Dean for Graduate Students
 

Danielle has been

Submitted by Nada AMIN on

Danielle has been instrumental in giving me the energy and confidence to keep coming back to MIT, because I knew I deserved my degree. Without her, I would never have known what to say to officials in order to get them to understand me. And when I made innocent mistakes, she was always present and strong to make sure it would be allright at the end. I respect her immensely. Thank you so much, and may we follow your lead.

Omg, this is such a sad news!

Submitted by Mihir Sarkar on

Omg, this is such a sad news! Danielle went above and beyond the call of duty to help me with my immigration status in the US. She lent a human touch to the bureaucracy and policies of the USCIS, and no doubt helped countless international MIT students like me overcome immigration obstacles. I got my O-1 a couple of month ago, and sent her a thank-you note for all that she had done that led to it. Now I know why she didn't answer. :'-(

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