If you are experiencing thoughts of distress and self-harm, call or text the 988 Lifeline or reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services at Ithaca College at 607-274-3136.
Ithaca College sophomore Kit Kelly died by suicide Oct. 15. Kelly was a television and digital media production major in the Roy H. Park School of Communications. They worked in the Towers Marketplace on campus and were an assistant director on “Game Over,” an Ithaca College Television show. Kelly graduated from Unionville High School in Pennsylvania.
The college notified the campus community of Kelly’s death Oct. 16 via an Intercom post and email.
The college organized a gathering to celebrate Kelly’s life at 4 p.m. Oct. 21 in Muller Chapel. Kelly’s family and friends attended the gathering and shared their memories with the community. Inside Muller Chapel, there was a table for people to write notes to Kelly’s family and coloring pages for self-care and to hold space for their grief.
Sophomore Emerson Orders said they were grateful to be Kelly’s friend since their bond began during their first year at the college.
“Kit was one of the most adventurous and curious and creative people I’ve ever met,” Orders said. “I’m so grateful I had the chance to know him, even if it was only for a little while. He brought so much light and fun into every life he was a part of.”
Orders said Kelly impacted their life in a meaningful way.
“I hope [Kit] knows how much love everyone has for him,” Orders said. “He made my life better just by being in it. … It’s hard to ask for help, but I promise it’s worth it, no matter what you’re going through.”
Amy Falkner, dean of the Park School, said she was saddened to hear about Kelly’s death and encouraged everyone to be kind to people around them.
“You can help anyone,” Falkner said. “When there are people outside this room in society who are not going to be as nice, it is your job — because you love Kit and because you’re here — to support people who are different. … Think about the love in this room and the appreciation and adoration for someone who … is a bright light.”
Junior Eli Francoeur works at ICTV and said he vividly remembers Kelly’s positive energy in the studio.
“I, unfortunately, did not get to know Kit very well,” Francoeur said. “But I do remember [hearing their voice] over headset; their voice always just sounded very uplifting and very positive. I think that atmosphere [permeated] throughout the control room where we worked.”
The floor was also open to all members of the campus community members to speak about the memories they shared with Kelly. At the end of all the tributes, candles were lit in honor of Kelly. Lauren Kelly Benson, director of the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, recited “Remember Me,” a poem by Margaret Mead, while music from Kelly’s favorite game, Dungeons and Dragons, played.
Counseling and Psychological Services extended its walk-in hours until Oct. 18 to help students affected by this loss. Students can reach counselors after hours by pressing the #5 prompt after calling 607-274-3136.
Faculty and staff can seek help through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-800-327-2255. All campus community members can reach out to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Individuals requiring immediate assistance are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333.
