Update to the University Community
From Joel Seligman
January 15, 2011

As you know from the news I shared earlier today, we lost a member of our community this morning. Rochester Police have now given us permission to reveal his name. Jeffrey Bordeaux Jr., a junior majoring in political science, was an active, well-known, and well-liked member of the University community.

Jeffrey was a winner of two scholarships from the Gilman Foundation and IES, both to support his study in Shanghai, China, to start next month.

In an essay, Jeffrey attributed his success to “a strong mother, a desire to work, and willingness to learn from different experiences.” He also was a member of the varsity track and field team and worked the maximum 20 hours a week to support his education.

Our profound grief goes out to Jeffrey’s family, especially his mother Dolores Forest and his father Jeffrey Bordeaux, and his many friends. Jeffrey was a remarkable young man, an active member of the campus community, and known and liked by many on campus. His loss leaves a sense of terrible emptiness for all of us.

Our hearts also go out to Daren Venable, who has been charged in Jeffrey’s death, and his family and friends. This is also a tragedy for all of them.

At times like this, it is important to remember that as a community we are dedicated to each other’s well-being and we are stronger together when we support one another, especially in difficult times.

A community gathering will be held tonight at 6 o’clock at the Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus to give all of us a chance to express our grief at this terribly saddening event