In an e-mail to the college community this afternoon, President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz announced that Pavlo Levkiv ‘11 drowned while swimming off the coast of New Jersey on Friday.
Of Pav, President Liebowitz wrote,
“He came to Middlebury in September 2007 and immediately immersed himself in the community with equal enthusiasm for both his studies and his friendships. He loved outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, and was often seen riding his bike around campus. His advisor called him a brilliant student, and a delight. Other professors agreed that he was an exceptional student of physics. … Pav loved Middlebury and had great hopes to contribute to its future in so many ways. He was working to found a wrestling club, and was involved with the College’s rugby team. He approached all challenges in life with courage, tenacity, and self-assurance. He will be greatly missed.”
President Liebowitz also noted,
“… Services for Pavlo will be held this Tuesday evening at Tuttle Funeral Home (272 Route 10, Randolph Twp, NJ 07869, tel. 973-366-7400). Calling hours will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a farewell tribute and remembrance from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., at which the family hopes people will share their thoughts of Pavlo. This will be followed by a reception at the Levkov home for those who can join them (66 White Meadow Road, Rockaway, NJ, 07866).
For the time being, please do not send flowers in Pavlo’s memory. The family will announce at a later date the establishment of a “modest memorial fund.”
MiddBlog’s thoughts are with Pav’s family and friends and the members of the Class of 2011, who lost another friend, Nick Garza ‘11 in February.
Update (Aug. 5, 2:30 p.m.): A friend of Pavlo has created a Facebook group in his memory: We Will Miss You Pavlo.
