Community Corner
Columbia Mourns Loss Of Social Work Student To Coronavirus
Susan Chuang, a local attorney, mom and graduate student, died on April 6.
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, NY — Columbia University's School of Social Work is mourning the loss of one of their graduate students who has died from the coronavirus.
Susan Chuang — who went to the school part-time and was an attorney and community volunteer — died on April 6 due to complications from an infection with COVID-19, the school announced Tuesday.
“There are no words to describe the pain and loss we feel,” Dean Melissa Begg said in the post. “Susan was such a bright light—always thoughtful, loving, and gracious to all around her. She was driven to help those in need, without waiting to be asked. She was a devoted spouse and mom and a true social work advocate.”
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The school set up a page on their website so that those who worked or studied with Chuang could share their memories of her.
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The page quickly filled up with fond memories of Chuang's Taiwanese home-cooked meals, her daughter coming to visit the class or her work with P.S. 124 in Chinatown. Chuang was also a graduate of the University's School of Professional Studies.
One friend recalled how Chuang started "Friends of Yung Wing,” a foundation that helps fundraise for children and families in the community.
“Susan went to great lengths to ensure her clients’ needs were met which was done with utmost professionalism and creativity,” Laurie Sands, her first-year advisor, said. “She had a special way of engaging with the children and their parents and was a fierce advocate. She will be sadly missed in this profession.”
As of April 7, 74,601 people have tested positive for the virus in New York City and 3,544 people have died, according to city officials. The real number is expected to be significantly higher because of the difficulty to get tested and because numbers don't include people who die at home.
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