The University is mourning the death of Varvara (Barbara) Konyaeva, who passed away last weekend. Konyaeva was a freshman from Russia studying Chemistry in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
Vice Provost for Student Affairs Alanna Shanahan and Dean of Student Life Smita Ruzicka sent an email to the student body on April 23 informing the Hopkins community that Konyaeva had died as the result of a car accident in Russia.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to family and friends,” Shanahan and Ruzicka wrote. “Her presence will be deeply missed by those who had the good fortune to know her.”
The email included a message from Konyaeva’s family regarding her time at the University.
“Her family shared that Barbara loved to study and truly enjoyed the friendships she made while at Hopkins,” Shanahan and Ruzicka wrote.
Konyaeva was involved on campus as a member of Phi Mu sorority.
Shanahan and Ruzicka announced that they will be collecting letters on behalf of Konyaeva’s family. Students can address their condolences to “The Family of Varvara Konyaeva” and email them to the Office of the Dean of Student Life at deanofstudents@jhu.edu.
Shanahan and Ruzicka acknowledged that the conditions of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may worsen students’ grieving, listing available virtual resources for students who want or need support.
“We know this time may be especially difficult for those of you who knew Barbara, and that your sadness may be compounded given our dispersed community and inability to gather in person to comfort each other and reflect on Barbara’s life,” they wrote. “We know that you will find ways to be supportive of each other.”
The Counseling Center may be contacted by calling (410) 516-8278 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m on Friday. A counselor on call is available 24/7 and may be reached at the same number.
Student Outreach & Support is available for appointments and may be contacted at (410) 516-7857.
Religious and Spiritual Life may be reached at (410) 516-1880 or by email at chaplain@jhu.edu.
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