From the Provost and SVC: Mourning the Loss of CU Denver Student and Instructor Katherine Pivoda

Oct. 1, 2021

It breaks our hearts to share this tragic news with the Lynx community. We are mourning the loss of Katherine Pivoda, a beloved student, faculty member, and alum who was senselessly killed earlier this week during a reported domestic violence incident.

Katherine was a fourth-year PhD student in the School of Education & Human Development and nearing completion of her degree focusing on Administration and Leadership Studies. She was also a cherished member of the Department of English for many years, starting as a student completing her master’s degree in 2015 and later as an English instructor within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. She spent two years in China teaching composition and literature as the Associate Program Chair for the English program at International College Beijing, a joint program between CU Denver and China Agricultural University.

Katherine’s colleagues have described her as an upbeat and exemplary student and instructor, always putting her learners in the classroom first as she supported their growth in writing and expression. She also had a strong passion for working with non-traditional, first-generation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

As a campus, we extend our deepest condolences to Katherine’s family, friends, and colleagues. When we lose anyone from our Lynx family, we all hurt. We are making resources available to Katherine’s friends and colleagues in the English Department and SEHD. In the aftermath of this tragedy, and at any time you need it, we would encourage you to become familiar with the below support services. It’s important we lean on each other for comfort during difficult times and know when we need to seek out resources to support our own mental and emotional well-being.


Constancio Nakuma, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs

Monique Snowden, Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS:

CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center
Confidential campus resource for students
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Main phone: 303-315-7270
Emergency after-hours: 303-615-9911

Office of Case Management
Non-confidential office to provide support and connect you to additional resources
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
303-315-7310

For Online Students: 
For online students, counseling services can be accessed through the My SSP phone app for iPhone or Android, or through this website.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE:

Colorado Crisis Line
Confidential community resource offering in-person and virtual crisis support
Available 24/7, 365 days
Hotline: 1-844-493-8255

The Phoenix Center at Auraria
Free, confidential resources and assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence. Available to Auraria campus constituents. 
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
303-315-7250
https://www.thepca.org/

FACULTY & STAFF RESOURCES:

Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Confidential community counseling resource for staff and faculty.
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
303-866-4314

The Real Help Hotline
Confidential counseling resource for staff and faculty.
Available 24/7, 365 days
Hotline: (833) 533-CHAT (2428)