The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is very sad to share with you the news that one of our graduate students, Kenneth Ikei, passed away on August 12. Kenny was 28 years old and had joined our department in September 2007.
Kenny worked in the research lab of Professor Ted Holman on the causes of inflammation in the human body. During his five years on campus Kenny made many valuable friends and contacts. He will especially be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a very kind, generous, and exuberant person and will be dearly missed.
Kenny and his family are from Southern California and funeral services were held on August 25 in Rancho Palos Verdes. Kenny’s family has established a fund to support research in Kenny’s name and asks that memorial donations be made to the UC Santa Cruz Foundation in support of the Kenny Ikei Memorial Research Fund. Gifts can be made online at http://giving.ucsc.edu or given to the PB Sci Development Office.
Please join us in extending our condolences to Kenny’s family and many friends. The Chemistry Department has planned a memorial gathering and reception in Kenny’s memory on Sunday, Sept. 16, 1 pm, at the Baskin Lecture Hall.
As always, should any member of our campus community feel the need for support, please do seek it. The campus's Counseling and Psychological Services Office is available for our students at 831-459-2628 any time, day and night. Faculty and staff also have access to counseling services through the UCSC Employee Assistance Program.
