In Memoriam: Walid Bourjal

Article by UDaily staff February 09, 2018

Campus community remembers first-year student Walid Bourjal

The University of Delaware remembers Walid Bourjal of Newark, Delaware, a first-year student in the Associate in Arts Program in Wilmington who passed away Dec. 27, 2017. He was 19.

“On behalf of the entire University community, I extend our deepest condolences to Walid Bourjal’s family, friends and UD classmates,” said University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis. “Walid showed potential in business and computer programming, and we are saddened to lose such a talented and promising member of the UD community.”

Walid Bourjal

From Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 12-14, University flags on the Newark campus will be lowered in Mr. Bourjal’s memory.

In May 2017, Mr. Bourjal graduated from Glasgow High School, where he was active in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) at both the state and national levels. In 2015, he participated in the BPA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, competing in both Computer Security and in PC Servicing and Troubleshooting. At the 2017 BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, he competed in JAVA Programming and C++ Programming and attended leadership and scholarship workshops.

In addition, he attended the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) International Leadership Conference in Orlando, after winning the bronze medal in medical math.

His hobbies included computer programming and gaming.

Mr. Bourjal is survived by his parents, Mohamed Bourjal and Karima Mouiz.

Support and assistance

For any students who are distressed, the Division of Student Life provides a variety of resources for support and assistance.

Students in need are encouraged to reach out to the Center for Counseling and Student Development, which is located in the Perkins Student Center and is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The center provides students with a safe and confidential environment to process their reactions with a counselor. To make an appointment, call 302-831-2141. Emergency appointments are available.

The Center for Counseling and Student Development also provides the UD Helpline, which is available at any time, day or night, for students feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or otherwise in need of counseling. By calling 302-831-1001, live counseling assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

In addition, staff members in the Office of the Dean of Students are available to meet with any student who wishes to talk. Call 302-831-89239 to schedule an appointment or stop by Room 101 of Hullihen Hall.

Students also are encouraged to reach out to their resident assistants, mentors and advisers throughout the division, such as staff within the Center for Black Culture, University Student Centers, Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Student Health Services, Student Services for Athletes and other units.