Dear Friends,
With deep sadness I write to inform you that Xuewei He, doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, passed away in a tragic car accident on January 27. Our hearts go out to her husband Matt, family, and friends.
In remembering her, Dr. Patricia Tate, Associate Professor Emerita, said,"Xuewei was a kind and very caring young woman. As her dissertation adviser, I must say she was an excellent doctoral student who showed great respect for me and the individuals on her committee. Xuewei was always willing to take feedback and act on it. She worked hard in getting her dissertation ready to submit for approval of her defense this semester. Xuewei was planning on starting a family after her doctorate. I am saddened by the loss of this special young woman who was embarking on a good life filled with love, family, and a professional career."
Dr. Brian Casemore, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Pedagogy, shared, "Xuewei was a brilliant, thoughtful, and deeply ethical teacher and scholar. As an educator and member of our intellectual community, she had a profound inner awareness and subtle, yet powerful voice, as she articulated the challenge and potential of teaching in a complex world. She demonstrated so fully the capacity to carry out a teaching life and an intellectual life with creativity and courage."
I have reached out on behalf of the school to Xuewei's family to convey our sorrow and condolences. Visitation will take place at Murphy Funeral Home (1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia) on Friday, February 7 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
As we process this difficult news and cope with the grief, please remember that the university has support services available to you. Students can access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) resources through our Division for Student Affairs. Faculty and staff can use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides a range of services, including confidential counseling.
We hold Xuewei's family, friends, and all who knew her in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With respect and sympathy,
Michael Feuer, Dean