Colgate University announced on April 14 that Carolina Castilla, Richard M. Kessler Professor of Economic Studies, passed away on Saturday, April 12. She was 47. 

The sad news was shared in an email sent by Provost and Dean of the Faculty and Mark S. Siegel University Professor in Religion and Jewish Studies Lesleigh Cushing. 

“Carolina was a spark of light: vibrant and dynamic, her sudden passing comes as a shock to those who knew her,” Cushing wrote. “In the course of my many and diverse interactions with Carolina, I was consistently struck by her compassion and deep empathy. I know it would be her hope that we find comfort and support in one another at this moment of loss.” 

The email shared available counseling resources for faculty and staff and informed the community that there will be further tribute to Castilla. 

“In time, there will be a more expansive tribute to Carolina. For now, however, we are all processing this profound loss and mourning for — and with — her husband, Ben Anderson, senior lecturer in economics, their families, and friends,” Cushing wrote. 

The Colgate Maroon-News joins the entire Colgate community in mourning the loss of Carolina Castilla.