University Loses First Staff Member to COVID-19

University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh sent the following email yesterday evening to the university community:

I write with heartbreaking news, the loss of the first university staff member from complications due to COVID-19. I share this information with the family's permission.

Luckmann Simon, a manager in Dining Services, passed away today. He served our university faithfully and well for nearly 30 years, including 13 years as a manager. He is beloved by campus colleagues and friends. On behalf of the university, I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Marie Lourdes, and to his entire family. And to those who knew and worked with Mr. Simon, may your memories of him bring you peace and strength.

Mr. Simon’s last day on campus was March 23. He did not have contact with, or serve food to, the few remaining students on campus. Because it has been more than 14 days since he was last here, health officials informed us that there is no risk of infection to anyone who has been on campus.

The passing of a member of our community is deeply saddening. In this public health crisis, let us hold fast together, and comfort one another in our grief and fears, even though we must remain physically distant from each other at the same time. We are connected as fellow human beings. No pathogen is going to make us strangers to each other. Together, we will make it through.

In shared grief and solidarity,

Wallace D. Loh
President, University of Maryland