Ithaca College

It is with a great deal of sadness that I inform the campus community of the sudden death of sergeant Keith Lee, a longtime employee in the Office of Public Safety. Keith passed away this morning at his home in Dryden at the age of 48.

Keith’s distinguished career embodied the philosophy of community-oriented policing. He joined the public safety office as a patrol officer in 1980 and was promoted to sergeant in 1986. He earned an IC Choice award in 2003 for his work in helping establish the College’s Emergency Response Plan. In April of 1999 he was presented with the Frank Hammer Officer of the Month Award by the Ithaca Kiwanis Club, which cited him for his leadership in the Office of Public Safety and his service to the campus community.

Keith is survived by his wife, Cathy; children Justin, Michele, and Dannielle; and two grandchildren.

I know that the entire College community joins with me in extending our deepest condolences to Keith’s family, friends, and coworkers for their tragic loss. Details on funeral arrangements will be announced when those plans are finalized.

Members of the campus community seeking counseling services may contact the Office of Human Resources at 274-3245 or the College’s Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-327-2255 for support.

Brian McAree
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life