SPCS student dies this week, remembered for her thoughtfulness in the classroom

A student at the University of Richmond's School of Professional and Continuing Studies died earlier this week, according to an email sent Friday by University Chaplain Craig T. Kocher.

The student, Martha B. Wall, died on June 17, according to the email sent to UR students, faculty and staff. Wall was a graduate student seeking her master's degree in the educational leadership and policy studies program.

"Martha was a beloved student and classmate and will be dearly missed by the University of Richmond community," the email read. "We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends and all who knew her." 

Sarah Petty, SPCS student and president of the SPCS Student Government Association, echoed this sentiment.

"On behalf of the SPCS student body we extend our deepest condolences. We are all saddened by the loss of a fellow spider,” she said in a text message. 

Kate Cassada, associate professor of education and assistant chair of graduate education for educational leadership and policy studies, was also saddened to hear the news of Wall's death.

Cassada, who first met Wall in fall 2016 when Wall applied to the educational leadership and policy studies program, served as her adviser as well as professor for the Leading and Supervising Instruction course during the spring 2018 semester.  

"[Wall] was thoughtful and intelligent and hard-working and easy-going with her classmates and willing to be really engaged in class," Cassada said in a phone interview. "We really respected her for that."

Cassada had personally shared the news of Wall's passing with colleagues in Wall's program in an email sent Friday morning.   

"Martha joined the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies master’s program in Spring 2017 and was a wonderful addition to the program," Cassada wrote in the email. "Martha was a fun and funny friend to all of us. I loved the sweet, practical, and friendly personality Martha shared in our class together. She was willing to jump in and try it all with you. Martha brought a remarkably thoughtful perspective to all of our class discussions. She asked very good leadership questions that cut to the core of issues. I believe we all benefited from the life and leadership perspective Martha brought to class each week. 

"Martha and her sweet spirit will be missed at University of Richmond."

Those who wish to sign Wall's memorial book can do so via her obituary. Funeral services will be held on June 22, according to the obituary. 

Contact editor-in-chief Jocelyn Grzeszczak at jocelyn.grzeszczak@richmond.edu and managing editor Arrman Kyaw at arrman.kyaw@richmond.edu.