Dear UVM community,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to share with you that Matthew 
Foster, a senior majoring in Ecological Agriculture in the College of 
Agriculture and Life Sciences, passed away Wednesday while visiting 
family in Honolulu, Hawaii. Though the exact cause of death is still 
unknown, initial information from his family suggests it may have been 
an accidental drowning, or a medical issue that occurred while he was 
swimming.

Matthew was about to begin his senior year at UVM, and he was excited to 
complete his degree with the hope of going on to a graduate program in 
his field. During his active time at UVM, he was involved in the Running 
Club as well as the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. My deepest condolences 
go out to those who knew Matthew, especially his family, friends, 
classmates, faculty, and staff who are grieving.

The loss of any member of our community is always extremely difficult. 
Experiences of grief and loss feel different to each of us and usually 
include a range of emotions. The most important thing that you can do is 
acknowledge your own feelings and emotions and support others in doing 
the same. Most of us can get the support and connection we need through 
talking with our close friends, family members, and others in our 
support systems. Many of us may need to reach out for additional help.

If you, or someone you know, are in need of professional counseling 
please do not hesitate to contact UVM’s Counseling and Psychiatry 
Services at (802) 656-3340 (for students) or Invest EAP at (802) 
864-EAPØ (3270) or toll free at 1-866-660-9533 (for employee assistance).

Sincerely,

Erica
__________
Erica Caloiero
Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs