Office of the President

Funeral Service for Eli Stuart ’26

Dec. 9, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Last week, our community experienced the tragic loss of Eli Stuart ’26. I am deeply saddened by Eli’s passing, and have been in touch with their family to let them know that they are in our thoughts, and to offer our continued support.

On Monday at 11 a.m. ET, a graveside funeral service for Eli will be held in Texas; we will host a live stream of the service in the Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) theater, with a gathering in the SCC atrium afterwards. The theater doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) therapists will be available in the theater during the funeral and in the atrium during the gathering. Additionally, drop-in support will be available for students on Monday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the BCC.

In recent years, many of us became accustomed to watching rituals for both happy and sad occasions via streaming, often on our own. I strongly recommend that those of us who wish to remember Eli come together at the SCC for this virtual service, rather than watching it alone or in a small group. Some members of our community may not be familiar with the Jewish graveside service, and staff who can provide context and meaning will be available in the SCC. The purpose behind such a service, as is true of other rituals at times of mourning, is as much to provide mutual support for those who mourn as it is to honor those who have passed.

Tragedy affects each of us differently, and at different times. Please don't hesitate to seek out the resources that are in place here on campus when you need to, or when you are concerned about a friend, colleague, student, or classmate. Support services are detailed below.

As this semester comes to a close, many of us will travel to be with family and friends. I hope that we all can find a measure of peace and comfort in spending time with our loved ones.

May Eli’s memory be a blessing.

Ron Liebowitz

Supports for students this week

  • Hillel open office hours: Tuesday 1:30-3 p.m. and Thursday 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Spiritual Life open office hours: Wednesday 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Gender and Sexuality Center Community Therapist hours with Juanica Buchanan Thursday 2-6 p.m.
  • Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) will host another drop-in support group, next Thursday 3-4 p.m.

Supports that are always available

National resources

  • Trevor Project — A national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth 1-866-488-7386 or Text START to 678678.
  • National Crisis Text Line — Free 24/7 crisis support. Call 988 or Text 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-8255. 24-hours, 7 days a week.