A celebration of life will be held today, Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m., in the Advanced Technology Laboratory for aerospace engineering senior Daniel Maerowitz. Maerowitz passed away Friday, Oct 6.
Maerowitz was associated with student organizations in his major, as well as the Russian Student Association and the Chabad Student Group, according to a campus-wide email.
Chabad SLO Rabbi Chaim Hilel said he would often see Maerowitz around campus and talk with him one-on-one. Maerowitz was “a special soul, obviously a deep person, he carried a lot inside of him,” and always had a smile, according to Hilel.
“I spoke at the opening of Yom Kippur about the knowledge that we should have that we all have inherent value and purpose,” Hilel said. “If you really, really think about the fact that every single day 89,000 people don’t wake up in the morning and we woke up this morning that means there is a reason I’m here for today.”
Maerowitz’s family will hold an open memorial service at the Jewish Community Center in Long Beach, California on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Maerowitz died by apparent suicide in Poly Canyon Village, according to a campus-wide email.
“If you’re ever in a dark place, reach out and find someone you can talk to,” Hilel said.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, there are many resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-8255.
A Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 to students, faculty and staff by texting 741741.
Confidential counseling services are available for students at the Health Center (Building 27) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Counseling services may also be reached 24/7 by calling 805-756-2511.
Editor’s Note: A quote from engineering senior Ben Gerber was removed.