Ithaca College

Since I woke up this morning at 9:15 I think I have gone through the full spectrum of human emotion. Shock, disbelief, sadness, anger, disappointment, and even contentment. Reading that his cause of death was a fall from his 8th floor room, with no signs of foul play... it's not difficult to assume what happened here. All the emotions I feel this morning have compelled me to do something... anything to make this seem right. Morgan Potter was my friend. As he told me, I was one of the only people he considered a friend. Then, as one of his only friends, I would like to share some things I learned from Morgan to whoever may actually read this.

Our world can be so full of cruelty and apathy. There are those of us who are less fortunate; those of us who do not end up sitting pretty on the top of the social chain. A lot of these people are just nice, simple human beings who want to get by. All of us at some point have known the feeling of not being accepted. It's a poison that acts in different ways for different people, and of course, some suffer it more than others. Every time I saw Morgan, it became more clear to me... how unforgiving our world is, how hard it can be to find your place, and what it's like to be ignored by so many. Morgan didn't step on any toes or cause any kind of trouble, he was simply put into a world where most people didn't have time for him.

It is too late for me to help him now, so perhaps as a way of relieving my own sadness and guilt, I would like to issue a simple request: Talk to these people. Step outside yourself, get rid of the idea that whatever person is 'weird' or 'creepy', and say hello. Introduce yourself, ask them how they are, even invite them to lunch. We all have the power to make this world a little more like it should be. It's not an act of charity, it's an act of human compassion. Show someone the attention and consideration that they deserve, but rest of the world won't give them. It is such a sobering and painful thought that there are more people out there who are lonely, more than I could ever comprehend. Please, make a difference where you can.

Morgan, I will always consider you a friend. The only contentment I felt this morning was the thought that things may be better for you now. Rest in peace.

May God Rest his Soul in peace. Only he knew the pain and suffering he was going through. I only wish I had known him better. Everybody deserves more from life and it is too precious to let it slip by in a heartbeat.

I want to extend my friendship and love out to every single Ithaca College student out there. We are a close and lovely community and there is no reason to be lonely. If you would like to chat, talk...hangout or any thing for that matter. Please do not hesitate. My IM is wizardofwest
E-mail: sislam1@ithaca.edu

oh yes...i almost forgot...my name is Shams!

I don't know Morgan personally, but whenever something like this happens, I feel compelled to say a few things that will hopefully be taken to heart by at least one other person.

I'm not attempting to connect school politics to this, so don't read into this in that direction. But especially recently there has been a lot of hate and disrespect surfacing, not just in our little corner of the world. Perhaps there's some planetary alignment to explain this, but that doesn't matter. I've dealt with lots of depressed people in what little of my life I've lived thus far and it's never pretty.

I agree with Gavin. College keeps us so busy trying to get everything done that we become stuck in a survival-of-the-fittest mode of thinking and reacting. As much as we do not like to think we are, we become selfish. Student teachers can attest to this revelation.

And in being self-focused we forget easily those who are more sensitive, more thoughtful. They don't reach out because they think there's no one to reach out to, and far too often they are right.

I've spent these last couple of weeks helping others out emotionally, losing sleep and academic time. And you know what: I've never felt better.

So when I say to spend a little time each day to put up a hand and hold up a fellow human being, I'm not just preaching. One day, you just might need the strength of others too just as I might and I would hope that each of us will be able to find solace in our peers.

If anyone ever needs someone to talk to:

glaivelady@gmail.com
425.876.5800

--Janning.

Woke up at 12 this morning, the first thing I do as usual is to open Ithaca webmail. There was a message from Intercom, I opened. I consumed slowly, word by word. Death - Morgan Potter - Computer Science. I was speechless. He is my classmate in CS 174.

I am not his friend. We have not even talked to each other in class, since each one sat in two different corners. However, instinctly, I have come to get a feeling about him. A feeling of sorrow, loneliness and maybe, agony. I felt it when looking into his eyes.

I work at campus dining hall quite often. There were many times I saw him eating there, silently and without any friend. His head faced down to the plate, and kept on doing so until he finished his meal.

No matter what I say now, Morgan is gone. I would keep my fingers crossed and wish Morgan might rest in peace.

Farewell, Morgan.

I heard about Morgan's death this afternoon. One of my close friends lived in the room next to him. I never knew Morgan, but I cried when I heard about what happened. I applaud everyone who has commented and entreated for more compassion in the world. People should not have to undergo such pain and suffering - and certainly not so, so young. My love and thoughts go out to Morgan's friends, especially his mother and his whole family. I will light a candle for him.

i've lit my own candle.
i know how it feels to lose someone you love, and even how it feels to lose someone you barely knew. there is a profound impact on both. just the idea that you will never see that face again... anyway, if you want someone to talk to, i have a few words to spare.
e-mail me at adingma1@ithaca.edu, or message me on badplaidatIC
-amy

I, too, didn't know Morgan personally. I was mainly just classmates with
him, sitting next to him in class. But I did see him from time to time
outside of class in the hallways, and though not much was said between
us, he always did say hi or waved in greeting. He was a bright guy, very
insightful when he talked in class. I have no doubt in my mind that with
his knowledge, he could've gone far in this world.
All I can say further is that I extend my deepest sympathies to the family
and friends of Morgan--I am still getting over the death of one of my
grade school friends who was killed tragically in a fire, and I know how
much this kind of thing can hurt. Especially to someone as young as
Morgan.
Again, my deepest sympathies to Morgan's family and friends

Like many people, I did not know Morgan well. He was in a computer science class with me. It has taken me this long to come up with any sort of coherent response to the situation. The fact that I did not know Morgan makes me feel worse about the situation. He was right there the whole time, and many of us, caught up in our own agendas, our own situations, never took the time to try to get to know him.

It is indeed too late for Morgan, but there are others. Other people in similar situations, with similar problems; Others who are ignored or alone. One person can not change the world, but it's a start.

With a heavy heart,
E² (Emerson Emser)

"If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby.
If you would win my heart, sing me a love song.
If you would mourn me and bring me to God,
Sing me a requiem,
Sing me to heaven."
-Daniel Gawthrop, "Sing Me to Heaven"

I also didn't know Morgan as well as I wished or as well as I probably
should. I worked with him on a production here and have seen him around
campus every once in a while. That sadness people speak of I sensed in
the short time that I worked with him. I don't know, it is hard
even to write out right now, but I just wish things were different in so
many ways. There is a lot to wish about I guess. But like Jarred, I know
that he would have been a great friend to anyone and everyone and I send
my deepest sympathies.

I did know Morgan personally. We have had many classes together. I am an RA in the West Tower and I saw him all the time. He was genuinely one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I second what Gavin said...take the time out, niceness is free and only takes a second. Say hi to those you dont know or think may be in trouble. Just being there is such a huge step for them and yourself.
Its surreal to think such a guy is gone. I had just seen and talked to him hours before. Its a shame and a tragedy. We all need to stop and reflect on our own lives.

As I said before I am an RA and on call all day. 5-5119 or AIM- starzup21

You are in our hearts...may he rest in peace.

I was Morgan's teacher for a semester last year. Morgan always helped me with classroom technology. He knew the ins and outs of all the classroom equipment. I also sensed Morgan's loneliness but didn't know how to help.
Morgan's death has shaken me as a teacher. I don't know if there was something I could have done. As a teacher, I am nervous about addressing students' personal lives because I assume you would rather turn towards your peers for help. Maybe that assumption is wrong. I didn't realize that Morgan may not have found friendly peers. For other students who find it hard to have the support of friends on campus, I just wanted to let you know that teachers do care.
Mridula Mascarenhas
Speech Communication

I am one of the lucky people who knew Morgan. He was a student in both of the courses I'm teaching this semester. His intelligence, his uniqueness, and his overall wonderful nature were reasons why I felt privileged to be teaching here. Having read the eloquent words of Gavin and Dung, I don't think I have much to add to our need to be caring for one another.

But I do have one thing to bring forth, something often at the back of my mind but can never the find the right words to mention in a conversion or to add to my syllabi. As faculty members, we genuinely care about what goes on in the lives of our students. Unfortunately we cannot always initiate a conversion on emotional and delicate matters because we also don't want to invade anyone's privacy. So here is what you should keep in mind... From the day you get to know us to the day you forget we exist (i.e. well beyond graduation), you should always remember that we would be more than happy to help you in any way possible as you handle the potentially most turbulent years of your life. In fact, at least in my case though I'm sure most of my colleagues would agree, you would be doing us a favor; the greatest thing about being a teacher is not the lecturing, or the grading, or the taking of the attendance but having the feeling that we have been in some way, at some level, useful in a person's life.

Ali

I too did not know Morgan, however I sit here at my computer typing through tears.

Like the other commenters have said, we must make an effort to reach out to fellow humans, regardless of background. It is important that we all feel, loved and needed. It was only yesterday that I filled out the end of the year evaluation; one question was do you feel needed on campus, have you been able to make a comfortable place for yourself? As important as this question is, I would add, have we made a place where others are welcome on this campus?

Based on what has been written here today, I would have liked the chance to meet Morgan and become is friend.

I pray that Morgan's family, friends and our entire IC Community is able to understand what has happened and do the necassary things to prevent such an action from occuring again.

Rest in Peace, Morgan

Morgan Potter lived four doors down from me. He moved in last semester, and I didn't see that much of him; he didn't come out of his room much. But from what I saw in the halls and elevator, he was a completely gentle and kind person.

I'm having trouble living with myself, because I was directly across the hall from his room with some friends that night. I didn't even think to see what he was doing, to ask if he wanted to hang out. A closed door doesn't mean an unfriendly person, but I think that too many of us take this to heart. Some people don't know how to reach out, and it's up to others to teach them.

I don't know if I could have had any effect on his choices, but there's a nagging feeling inside me that I failed as a human being last night.

I cannot even begin to imagine what he must have gone through. Not many of us can. But last night I stayed up most of the night - it was the first time I had seen a sunrise in a long time - and I think a part of me changed.

This has changed everyone in the West Tower, indeed everyone on campus. But it was too late for Morgan.

I'm sorry.

Aaron,

Morgan's death is an unthinkable tragedy and my heart goes out to his parents, sister, friends. Times such as this force all of us to look inside ourselves, examine our conscience and wonder what we might have done, if anything could or would have made a difference in that person's life. But please don't be too hard on yourself. You're just like the rest of us -- including Morgan -- we are each of us wonderfully, strangely, imperfectly, human. I think, at times like this, the best thing we can do (as many here are already doing) is to rededicate ourselves to work on being our very best, most compassionate, selves...and then to bring that energy, inspired by tragedy, forward into the rest of our lives and the lives of those we touch.

I hope Morgan has found his peace and I hope each of you are able to find comfort from your memories of him and/or from one another.

Maureen

Morgan was so helpful. I work at the Information Desk and whenever I couldn't answer a question for someone and he was there he'd help. He was funny and sincere. He had a wonderful smile and an amazing work ethic.

I've only had a few conversations with him but I feel lucky for those few.

It is inexcusable to ignore, mistreat, or make fun of people, anyone, ever. It is horrible that at this age, when we are all adults, people continue to shun others, making them outcasts. Just because people label others as creepy doesn't excuse you for ignoring them, just because people make fun of someone, does not give you a right to, even passively.

I know so many people who perpetuate stereotypes and who avoid people because they've been labeled "creepy". I make an effort everyday to reach out to those people who have been wrongly labeled.

I only wish that we all could have done something for Morgan.

I pray for Morgan and his family and for each and every one of us at Ithaca College that we will be more accepting, kind, and open to others.

On behalf of VoiceStream I would like to express our condolences to the Potter family - Morgan will be remembered by us as a hardworking, helpful, and dedicated individual.

Well, I work for CES as well, but I never knew Morgan personally. But I feel compelled to say something here because like those of you who lived on Morgan's floor, or even in the same building, because I have been where you are now. Shortly after the beginning of my freshman yr, my next door neighbor committed suicide and it was truly an experience unlike any other.

Its hard not to continuously think about things and come up with a million things you could've possibly done to change things or prevent the unfortunate. But I have always found comfort in the idea that God has plans for us all, and sometimes it just doesn't match the plans we have for ourselves. He loves us all, and feels for us all; and we all just have to have faith in the idea that Morgan is now where he will never feel alone, where he will never be just a passerby...his spirit lives on.

I would like to laud and commend the staff and faculy members who have actuallty taken the time out to share their thoughts and offer insight. Faculty esp. play such an INTEGRAL role in the way we as students are able to relate and communicate with one another. When faculty make the effort to LEARN students names (even in bigger classes where it is understandable more difficult), it helps us as students to know them as well, and i guarantee it makes us more likely to interact with one another on a more personal basis... and that helps to eliminate the feeling of being just another random person. THis has definately been my experience and I cannot tell you how much of a difference it makes.

In the words of my fellow countryman "One love, one heart, lets get together and feel alright"

I saw Morgan, monday night, after closing the rec center. We were both walking into the campus center/csli office, he held the door open for me because i couldn't find my ID. It was the little things like that, that i will miss the most about Morgan. When I worked tuesday nights at the information desk, he would stay and chat for a few minutes because he could see the boredom strung across my face. He always wore a smile. I only knew Morgan as a co-worker, but I will remember him always as the kind gentle person he was. I can only hope now that he is in a better place, a more accepting place.
Rest in Peace Morgan

Words fail me in the face of this pain. I had the privilege of being one of Morgan's teachers. He was one of the most genuinely gentle people I have ever known. He cared deeply for his friends. He would stop by my office to talk between classes - just to chat - I can't quite believe that I will not ever have the chance to do that again. Our loss is great. I echo Ali's statement to all of our students. We are here to help you all in whatever way we can. My thoughts and prayers are for his family, my tears are for us.

I was a TA for a couple of the computer science classes Morgan took here. As with many of the other students that were in the classes I've TA'd for, I got to know Morgan fairly well. He was one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met.

Last night was the annual Computer Science department reception, where students receive academic awards. Morgan was one of four students who were supposed to receive an excellence in the first year classes award, but for whatever reason he didn’t show up to the reception. It surprised me that he didn’t come, but I really didn’t think that much of it, as I’m sure most people there didn’t either. So Morgan, I’d like to take this chance to congratulate you on receiving the award.

May you rest in peace.

It's really sad to know that it takes something like this to make people open up their eyes and see the hate and cruelty that is around us each and every day. All I can say is I hope that this really does change the cruel ways in which students treat each other on a regular basis. No one deserves to have to suffer through something like this. We all need to work together to be more conscientious of those around us whose days would be completely brightened by a simple hello or a smile. We could be saving lives.

I lived next door to Morgan during our freshman year. He was the kindest person in the world. He was always so helpful, especially when it came to computers; he knew the ins and outs of everything and never hesitated to help me out. I really appreciate what he did, and I feel sad that I never really got to know him well and never got to tell him thanks for everything. There were times last year when he was in the dining hall eating by himself and when I was there I would always come sit and chat. I remember that I would always ask him questions and such because he was a quiet individual. I never got to know him. I am still in shock about what had happened today. I wish I knew him more. He was a special person. May God bless your soul.

- Ken Lim

There is alot I could say, so let me start by extending my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Morgan Potter.

Let me continue by thanking all of the individuals who posted responses today, your words mean alot.

The room Morgan fell from was the one located directly above mine in the west tower. It is assumed that this all took place somewhere between 2 and 2:30am this morning. Typically, I sleep with the window of my room open and the shades drawn to the side, but for some reason last night as I walked into my room exhausted and ready for bed (at 2am) the normal noise and lights from the parking lot below bothered me. So I closed my window, completely blocking out any and all noise from the outside, and drew my curtains shut. I don't know how much I can stress that I NEVER do this, my window is always open.

If I had done this seconds, minutes later even, I might have seen him fall. Only feet seperated our two bedrooms.

I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that I've been right below him all this time and never knew that there was a problem. I mean yes, we were not friends, I didn't even know him aside from a casual passing in the elevator or stair well, but I can't help but wonder.

Living in a single, I have found, is sometimes one of the worst things in a college environment. It is so easy to feel trapped in by those four walls and the endless solitude. I would like to bring attention to something Aaron said in his response, "A closed door doesn't mean an unfriendly person..." this is all too true. I can't tell you how many nights I have sat alone in my room right below him twiddling away with my various on-line blogs, thefacebook, and what not. Therefore I can't help but feel like I, we, could have done more.

It is alarming that something like this could happen on our campus without any of us realizing there might have been a problem. Living in this building is like living with a huge extended family, when something happens to one of us the ramifications shudder throughout. Even though I never got to know Morgan personally I have friends who did. It seems as though if someone had only taken the time this could have perhaps been avoided.

We may never know his reasons or why he made the choice he made. But, I do know that we have all been changed because of it, whether we beileve it or not, we have been made different by this young man who died much too soon.

I don't know that I will ever look out of my window the same and with two weeks left of the school year this has hit our community hard. May he rest in peace. And may a higher power help his family to find the strength, courage, love, hope, and faith to make it through this extremely difficult time.

Finally I would also like to say, if you see someone sitting by themselves or looking down, give them a smile or a quick hello. You never know how much something so simple can change the course of a life.

- K.Swaim

When I heard about Morgan's death this morning, I was shocked and saddened. I had one class with Morgan and knew him only enough to smile or say a quick hi when passing him on campus. Because I did not know Morgan well, I was surprised at how deeply this tragedy affected me. Like many of you seem to be thinking today, I wondered what a little extra effort on my part could have done to help Morgan. However, I am trying to accept the fact that some things happen seemingly for no reason, and we cannot spend our time wondering what might have been.
Instead of going over the "what if" statements in our heads, we should try to remember Morgan and his family and friends. Tomorrow, black ribbons will be distributed in certain Computer Science classes in remembrance of Morgan. Please, if you have the opportunity, take a ribbon and wear it in his memory. Also, everyone who was touched by this tragic event can show support by attending the memorial service that will be held on campus sometime this weekend.
From all that I have heard and read about Morgan, he was a genuinely kind and good person. I don't necessarily think that his death reflects the apathy and cruelty of Ithaca College students, as many of you have said. Just the fact that so many people on campus have been affected by his death shows that we are loving and thoughtful people. Perhaps friends and acquaintances were unable to recognize Morgan's sadness, but it was not for lack of caring. The best thing that we can do to remember Morgan is to continue to show for one another the love and compassion that Morgan seems to have shown everyday.
Morgan, you will continue to be in my prayers.

I've read all of the comments on intercom about Morgan and I only
wish he had realized how many people (students, staff and faculty)
really loved and respected him. I've worked in the CES office for
years and have known dozens of students. Morgan was one of a kind.
He was in our office every day, sometimes several times a day. He
was always on hand when we needed help with the various events
held in the Campus Center.

I've dealt with several deaths in my own family over the years, but
this has been especially hard. Our entire office is trying to cope with
Morgan's death and will help each other through these next difficult
days and weeks. Our doors are always open to anyone who needs
comfort, or just want to talk.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

First off, I did not know Morgan but my heart goes out to his family and friends, please know you are all in my prayers.

Gavin and Janning are right when they said that kind words are free and we should all look out for each other. I have had friends who have gone through really hard times in their young lives. I know how hard it can be to reach out to someone you don't know but you never know whose lives you touch. Just a simple hello can make a huge difference.

I have been labeled as "different" I ask everyone to get to know someone who is "different" from themselves. From reading what other people have said, I have missed out on not knowing Morgan. Underneath the exterior we are all young adults trying to find our place in a world that can sometimes be a harsh place. Get to know who else lives in your community and let them know that we are all here for each other.

If anyone ever needs to talk or wants to get lunch, I'm on AIM (neonstars55), my phone number is 240 498 9734, and kwillia3@ithaca.edu

No one has to be alone, we're all in this together

I never met Morgan, but from the comments I have read, it seems that I missed a lot not knowing him.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to challenge the campus community to get to know someone that is labelled as "different". Even a simple smile or a "hey, how are you doing?" can make someone's day. I think that as a campus we should have a we-are-in-this-together attitude, because we are. We are all young adults trying to find our place in the world. Unfortunately, the world can be a harsh, cruel place, so, as a college family, we should try to make this world an easier place for our brothers and sisters. My brothers and sisters, let us go and help someone find their special place in our family.
If there is anyone out there that would like to sit and talk or grab some lunch/dinner my screen name is dstar0422 and my telephone number is 5-4157.

To the family and friends of Morgan, you are in my prayers.
Morgan, rest in peace.

Unlike many of the people who have commented about this issue so far, I did know Morgan. I knew him very well. I have worked with him over the past year on an almost daily basis and had many in depth conversations with him. Firstly I would like to say that the people who knew him or even knew of him are not to blame for his death. He was not a lonely person, and on the contrary he liked to spend a lot of time alone. He liked having only a few close friends. Morgan was an amazingly intelligent person who actually rewired his car to start in second gear after the transmission broke down. There has never been anyone like Morgan Potter and there never will be. Although anyone who knew Morgan would say that he lacked in social skills sometimes, he always made me laugh and never failed to surprise me with his ideas and opinions. He absolutely loved his job and enjoyed working extra hours or coming in at the last minute to help out. He has assisted me at work on many occassion and I can recall several instances during which he ran into the office out of breath after recieving a message from me just to make sure that everything had turned out all right. Morgan was always excited to see me when I came in to work, and even though he really hated drinking and parties, he still came to my 21st birthday party because I asked him to. I know everyone probably feels a little bit guilty about what happened, but I spent a lot of time with Morgan and even I never suspected something like this to happen. I think we just all need to believe that Morgan is in a better place now where he doesn't feel any pain and he's happy.

It has taken me a lot of thinking to come up with what I wanted to say. I live on the 9th floor of the West Tower and ever since this morning I haven't stopped thinking about Morgan. Was there anything anyone could have done , What if I had said hi or maybe I did with out even knowing it. I did not know Morgan yet his death hit me very hard as it did many other people and I have spent my day looking for the one person that may be missing from the crowd of people. Maybe I would know whether I was one of the people that had treated him poorly, by just not saying hi. I have thought about this all day and after talking with some people I have come to the conclusion that all we can do besides remembering Morgan is to learn from him. It is so easy here in the college atmosphere to just move past those shut doors, and quite people with out giving it another thought. I don't feel it should be that way. I am one of those people where if it wasn't for my roommate wouldn't have the friends I do here. My door would be shout and I am not a very out spoken person. I think that maybe from Morgan we should learn that we should try hard to make friends with the shut doors or at least knock and let them know that there are people that would like to meet them and be friends with them. I wish it wasn't but it is to later for Morgan but at least we can honer him by not letting this happen to other people. Nobody should have to feel that kind of pain ever! My heart is with Morgan's familly and friends.

Hearing of Morgan's death was extremely difficult for me. I am very shaken up. Like many people, i did not personally know him, but I work at info desk and saw him all the time in campus center. I guess i want to express that it doesnt really matter who knew him more or less, you didnt have to know him well to be extremely upset. I guess i want to offer some advice for everyone on campus feeling the effects of this. In december, a very close friend of mine killed herself. suicide is a very strange thing. It is truly the most painful thing to go through and my heart goes out in the most sincere way to his family and friends. What helped me was support, so much support and talking. just a hug can mean the world of difference. It doesnt matter if you didnt know him well, he was still a peer and its shocking and scary when this happens. Its ok to feel very sad, to cry, to feel upset even if you didnt know him. It is so important that we all come together, even reading these comments reminds me that people do care about each other and are looking out for each other. like many people have said, feel free to email me or IM me (dottiedoom), just the offering of support means so much, it does to me and i offer it to all of you in the most genuine way. -Kim Chu

From what I've read here, it seems that I have a lot in common with him. I'm a computer science major, I lived on the 8th floor of the West Tower last year, and I prefer being alone. However, I think suicide is a terrible decision. I was very upset when I found out about this.

I don't think anyone on this campus should blame him or herself, unless they were personally mean to him. This is an extremely friendly environment. Since I'm often alone, people assume I'm lonely and would like to talk to someone. The fact is, I feel uncomfortable talking in person with people I don't know very well, and I'd rather just be by myself. I know eveyone's intentions are good, but you shouldn't assume that you know how he was feeling.

I am a staff member that seen Morgan a few times working at events that I was a part of. I didn't know him by name, only knew him as the student that took care of the A/V equipment. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Hearing about this type of thing saddens me greatly.

I was always, and still am, one of those "unique" people that didn't/doesn't quite belong, that has always been requarded as "different". But as everything else in life, events happen in our lives and we each being different come through them in different ways. Depends on the person and how they react to situations. I am proud of being unique and different from everyone else. I have had someone say, how can you be proud of being different, I said because if everyone was the same then this world would be truly boring. They still don't understand and that's okay because that is them and I am me.

I just wanted to say, I befriended a person this past summer that seemed to need someone to talk to. I was there and he felt comfortable talking to me so I listened. As I listened I realized that this person was on the edge, he felt he was not accepted at home by his parents or sibling nor at school. My heart went out to him because I know how he feels, no matter our age difference. I know I made a difference because I gave him my time and listened and didn't judge him, and also was there to just do nothing but not be alone. This person has turned out to be one of my closet friends, he would do anything for me as I would for him, although people still comment on our differences in age. Please keep in mind age doesn't matter when it comes to being friends with someone, the old need friends just as much as the young. But, although I was there and he has talked to me and seems to be better, he isn't fully okay. I still hear from others and through his away messages little comments that say, "no one knows the depth of the saddness behind the smile". You may think you know someone, but does anyone really know them? He still has issues that he is dealing with on his own that he can't share with anyone, not even me. I will always watch and listen closeley because I know he really isn't that far from the edge still even if he seems to be dealing with life better these days.

My message is, even the unique ones that seem okay may not be, still take the time to say hi how are you every day. And really listen to what they say, not what they tell you but the little side hints of how they really are. Sometimes you even need to be in their face (nicely) and force them to know that you are there for them no matter what, on the bad days just as you are on the good days. Just taking an extra 5 minutes of your time to really listen to a persons response when you ask how are you? does make a difference. I walk down the hall, say hi to many people and they say hi how are you, but keep walking. On many occacions I say out loud to myself, do you really care how I am, actually I'm having a really bad day but that's not what you really want to hear. So I say for them to hear, fine how are you.

My thoughts are with Morgan and his family, and to anyone out there that under the smile are truly sad for whatever reason. Please know that you do have a friend that cares and will give you the extra 5 minutes if you will only let them know it is needed. ~Linda

For the past day and a half, I have been trying to figure out what is going on on my mind. I did kno Morgan personally. I have worked with Morgan for the past year and a half or so.

Morgan was a one of a kind person. If there was ever a problem that none of us could figure out we would turn to him for advice. He was the heart and soul of the C.E.S. A/V Techs. Without him we would not have achieved half of what we did this year.

My one regret is that i did not know Morgan better than I did. This past weekend, I worked with him both Saturday and Sunday. I remember the last thing I said to him. "Have a good rest of your weekend."

When I got the phone call from a co-worker at 8:35 or so my body went into shock, and in some senses still is in shock. The staff I work with is a one of a kind staff. We spent about two and a half hours at our boss's house ;ast night just talking.

I just hope that Morgan is now in a happier place and knows that we all did care for him.

It still seems like a bad dream for me, just waiting to wake up from this but knowing that I won't and Morgan won't be back.
- Eric Lubarsky

I didn't know Morgan for very long, or very well at all, but I did know him. I met him very recently. There's been a lot of discussion of the kindness we should be offering to others on campus, whether they be lonely or not, and on that note I would just like to comment how completely and totaly kind Morgan was.

I met Morgan when I was in a bind. He heard about our situation and went out of his way to contact and help a bunch of people he didn't know - had never even met - and probably wouldn't appreciate that fact as much as they should have.

After that, my few encounters with Morgan always included a big smile and a friendly quip, however short the meeting usually was.

I don't know if more friendly faces or kind words could have changed anything about this situation or not. I'm not sure if that's really even the point. I think the thing that's most important to remember is that Morgan was a genuinly kind, generous person - just because he was, because he could be. So, why shouldn't we be kind or friendly to someone, just because it's good to be nice; just because we can? I think we all need to take a tip from how Morgan lived, much more than why he died.

All my prayers and deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Morgan.

I too had the pleasure of having Morgan Potter in a class that I taught. It was last Spring in his first semester at IC. He studied one semester at another college and then transferred here. He often mentioned how much he enjoyed and appreciated the rigor and structure of courses he was taking here. He was very bright and quickly grasped abstract concepts. He was also one of the nicest and most pleasant students I have met in close to thirty years of teaching here. He often stopped by my office to visit or we stopped in the hallway to visit both last year and this year. He was quite friendly
Based on his outstanding academic work in the first three computer science courses required for the major, the department decided to give him an award. The award was a well-deserved one. After we sent him a notification letter, I talked to him to explicitly congratulate him and ask if he would be able to attend the awards ceremony. He said he would. I was surprised and very disappointed when he didn't attend the ceremony Monday evening. But I assumed we would just give him his award and certificate the next day. Unfortunately, that is not possible.
This is the most difficult note I have ever written. We were proud to have Morgan as an IC student and a computer science major. I will personally miss him.

Hearing of Morgans death was scarry, hard, and emotional for me. Last november my uncle committed suicide and so many questions, emotions, and just disbelief ran through me.

Not knowing why, how, when, and any information about something like this is frustrating, esp when you are not even positively sure that it was suicide. but through the intercom i can only assume it was.

What helped me through my uncle's death was remembering him in the way he would want to be remembered. When he was his happiest and healthiest.

Morgan Potter was never caught without his smile, polo shirt, black pants and black shoes. His sense of humor was definately one of a kind, sometimes even hard to understand but that just made it funnier. His amazing knowledge about his job was mind boggling.

Last nite 4/26/05 our staff held a gathering and we just talked, about everything, asked questions, just even said how we felt. Telling stories about morgan not only helped me with Morgans death but it even helped me with my Uncle's.

If you know anyone that is having a hard time with this, whether or not they even knew him, make sure you sit down with them and talk. Showing support and just listening is really very helpful!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with Morgan, his friends and family!!!!

Morgan has been a great friend of mine ever since he started working
for CES Production Staff last summer. I'm finding it difficult at this
point to put into words what I am feeling. How is it possible to sum
up the life of a person in a few words? I worked with Morgan every
single day since last summer. Through our long hours working
together Morgan and I became close friends. His untimely death has
shaken everything I thought was real in this world. I was aware of
the sadness Morgan was feeling and tried my best to help him. I
suggested counseling and other routes to help himself, but usually to
no avail. I decided the best way I could help him was to be a good
friend and try to show him how beautiful life is, and what a positive
difference he made in the lives of others. I would like to think that I
am responsible for some of the really fun times he had in his life. As
much as it pains me to say so, I think that Morgan may be in a better
place now. I know he will be sorely missed by many people at Ithaca
College and in Montrose, PA (Morgan was involved greatly in his high
school and his church, I'm sure Montrose is a much more
technologically advanced place all thanks to Morgan). I know I will
always miss him, and always consider him my good friend.

I would like to thank the entire Ithaca College community for the
support that I, Morgan's other friends, family, and Morgan himself
have gotten in the last two days. It is truely a testament to the kind
of community we have strived to uphold. My thoughts and prayers go
out to Morgan's family.

Alyssa Cadwalader

I only knew Morgan briefly here at IC. All I knew was that he was probably
the hardest worker on the Tech staff and he put so much of his time and
dedication into his job. When i had a few questions, he went out of his
way to help me find the answers. He was an extremely kind and giving
person and I only wish I could have gotten to know him better.

Morgan - Rest in Peace, man. Thanks for everything.

I didn't know Morgan well, but I had met him, and while he struck me as someone not socially comfortable, I was wholly unaware of his grave emotonal state.

It is clear from the circumstances of his death that Morgan was suffering. That anyone should suffer so acutely is tragic, and indeed a cause for sorrow. However, none of us, save perhaps his closest friends and family, can know the causes of his suffering, and while it is natural to wish that we had done something to assuage his pain and avert this tragedy, it is impossible to blame any factor so narrow as Morgan's social standing. To do so oversimplifies his life, and does not honor his memory. I was profoundly shaken by the news of Morgan's passing, and wish beyond my powers of expression that he were alive today. Though I cannot claim to know why he is no longer with us, I pray for his family and friends, and for all those who suffer as he did.

This is a little absurd for me. I had two other close acquaintances of mine who died within the past three months. I feel so confused and awful right now.

Morgan happened to be my sound engineer for the one-man show I did a week or so ago. I did not know him before that. He seemed a little strange, but eh, look who's talking. I found him extremely cooperative and really really nice. I was actually looking forward to getting to know him more within these next few weeks. I was indebted to his assistance, after all. I couldn't have been assigned a better, more direct, and focused individual to help me with my show.

It's very confusing for me, because I feel like I was JUST getting to know the guy, and then this atrocity occurs. I am beyond words, and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He will definitely be remembered. This is truly a tragedy and I am pretty much speechless. May Morgan rest in peace. He will always be in our hearts.

Cheers,
~*E*~

The staff, faculty, and students at the Ithaca College Los Angeles Program
were saddened to hear about the recent events back on the main campus.
We send our condolences to Morgan's family and friends.

Stephen Tropiano, Director
Ithaca College LA Program

I had the pleasure of knowing Morgan from the first day he walked onto this campus. He was truly one of a kind and the nicest human being I've ever met. No matter what time of day Morgan was always willing to help and never willing to accept payment, even in the form of ice cream or pizza. On campus he was doing what he loved and he should be forgotten.

I meant NEVER should be forgotten, I'm sorry

I found out about Morgan's death at 9pm on tuesday. I'm studying in Australia this semester and was working on a paper when I got the email. I worked with Morgan a bit last summer as we were both on CES staff and I helped out with A/V a few times.

One funny story I thought I'd share. I don't think Morgan was actually even there for this, but he got one heck of a kick out of it and joked with me about it regularly.

One day over the summer, or maybe last semester, Phil, director of A/V staff needed some help with a role-play. I volunteered right away, I wasn't the one getting tested anyone. He needed me to be an irate client agitated beyond belief about how things were being setup for an event. I got to pretend to yell at people and boss them around? Great!! I'm not sure Phil knew quite what he was bargaining for because I dove into the plot and yelled so much most of the staff was spinning in circles trying to figure out if I was serious or not. Morgan was working in a different room at the time, but as soon as the little role play was over he came up to me with a huge grin on his face glad I'd given his co-workers a run for their money. Months later he even mentioned it to me while I was in Australia.

It's pretty weird for me to be so far removed from the greiving and sharing process on campus. My heart is in Ithaca right now.

I worked with Morgan at Conference and Events Services for about a year
and came to know him pretty well. In that relatively short amount of time
we progressed from just being co-workers to developing a growing
friendship.
I did know that Morgan was experiencing sadness and difficulty in his life.
I can only feel remorse now for not realizing how serious it was or making
more of an effort to see that he got help. I always tried to keep things
positive around him and gave suggestions of counseling that I don't think
were ever really considered by him. I have come to know now that his
usual cheerful disposition was only a facade to cover the true emotions he
was feeling.
I can only hope that the frienship I offered made it at least a little easier
at times...
Morgan loved his job very much and excelled in every aspect of it. He was
perhaps one of the hardest working people I have ever met and had a
mind that could absorb information in a flash. It was amazing how quickly
he responded and how willing he was to help if you found yourself in one
of our inevitable A/V jams.
I miss his little antics, phone calls, and frienship very much and will for a
long time. I pray that he is at peace now and also for all of us he left
behind -- it will be a struggle, but we will get through it together.

Rest in peace Morgan.