Saturday, Dec. 10, Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler wrote in an email to the College of William and Mary community that Troy A. Cullen ’24 has passed away.
Cullen was a history major from Warren, New Jersey and president of the College’s Fencing Club. Ambler wrote that he was an outstanding student — he wrote a top-prize winning essay, “The Legacy of the Soviet Union in Putin’s Foreign Policy,” which was published in the College’s Journal of International Relations, The Monitor.
“Troy was passionate about combining his interests in history and international security,” his academic advisor shared to the community via Ambler’s email. “He planned for a career in national security and public service. In his application to the emerging technology fellows program, he wrote that ‘I also hope that—however small my impact might be—the work I contribute to this project will help to make the country and the world just a little bit safer.’”
Cullen’s body was found overnight in the woods on campus. No foul play is suspected and there is no danger to the community, according to the email.
Ambler finished the email asking to extend support to Cullen’s family and friends.
“Our community has endured such loss this semester,” Ambler wrote. “Now more than ever, may we lean on one another and find solace in our relationships. I encourage you to reach out for any support you may need, particularly as we head into final exams. I know you join me in extending deepest sympathies to Troy’s family and friends.”
Ambler also pointed to resources for students.
“At this time of grief and sudden loss, know that the Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, campus ministers, and my office are available for anyone who needs us,” Ambler wrote. “The Counseling Center will be open today through 5:00 p.m. with counselors on site. Counselors can also be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620. I will send a follow-up message in the coming days once we have information from Troy’s family about memorial arrangements.”
