To: Faculty, Staff, and Students
From: President Ashish Vaidya
Date: 11/19/21
Subject: Sad News
Dear Campus Community:
With deep sadness, I share news of the passing of Chad Ryder earlier this week. Chad was 33, a United States Army veteran and an NKU alum pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in the College of Informatics. He was also a 2019 graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and was a student veteran involved with our Veteran’s Resource Station. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chad’s family and friends.
Chad continued his family’s legacy of service as a calvary scout in the Army for nine years and completed two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was passionate about helping other veterans at NKU as they navigated college after their service. His friends at the Veteran’s Resource Station and all over campus remember Chad as a loyal friend, a great soldier and a true American hero with an unwavering willingness to serve others. Chad also loved attending live country music concerts and was an avid movie watcher. He was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and was at home in the outdoors, enjoying camping, rock-climbing and fishing. He even hiked part of the Appalachian Trail.
Losing a member our campus community impacts each of us and that is especially true now as we are entering the time of year to celebrate togetherness with friends and family. As always, please remember it is OK to ask for the help you need. For our students, Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness’ counselors and support services can be reached by calling 572-5650. We also have a 24-hour crisis line at 859-572-7777, in addition to the national crisis line available at 1-800-784-2433 or by texting 741741. For our faculty and staff, University Wellness provides the Employee Assistance Program through Aetna. It offers online resources and counselors available anytime.
Chad was known for being strong in his convictions, loyal to his family and friends and devoted to the country he loved. I send my deep sympathies to his family, friends and our campus community.
Sincerely,
Ashish Vaidya
