University members gather to remember life of RC student

Members of the University community gathered in the Whitehurst Living Room on Thursday to remember the life of Ryan Wolff, RC '13.

Staff from the Chaplaincy, CAPS, and the Richmond College Dean's Office facilitated the event.

Wolff, who died at his home in Coloma, Mich. on Monday, May 7, was a business major with a concentration in finance.

"He had hopes of working on Wall Street," said Joseph Boehman, Richmond College dean.

Wolff's interest in finance had influenced his decision to attend the University of Richmond and study in the Robins School of Business, said Boehman. A few of Wolff's former professors also attended the gathering.

Senior Michael Ghio spoke fondly Wolff, his freshman-year roommate. The two participated in intramural sports together, shared Ghio, who continues to find the loss troubling.

"[It] doesn't make sense," he said.

Steve Bisese, vice president for student development, said the event was a chance for faculty, staff and students to "sit and reflect."

Wolff played high school baseball and was described by his former coach and teammates as having been a team player and a giving individual, said Boehman, who also attended Wolff's funeral in Michigan over the summer.

The gathering concluded with a prayer led by Bryn Bagby Taylor, director of spiritual formation for the office of the Chaplaincy.

The university hung the flag at half-staff on Thursday in memory of Ryan.

Contact reporter Mara Lugo at mara.lugo@richmond.edu