Archi student dies

By Jocelyn Wright     10/1/09 7:00pm

Lovett College senior Jay Townsend died Monday of health problems stemming from a weakened heart caused by a childhood battle with cancer. He was 26 years old. Townsend was scheduled to receive his B.A. in Architecture next January and was working on his professional Bachelor of Architecture degree, Dean of Undergraduates Robin Forman said in an e-mail Wednesday afternoon.

Dean of Architecture John Casbarian, who also served as Lovett College master for part of Townsend's undergraduate career, said Townsend was very dedicated to his work.

"He was a sweet and gentle young man who, despite the health problems, looked on the bright side of things and was extremely enthusiastic about architecture," Casbarian said. "He put in as much time as everyone else in really accomplishing great things."

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Although he had to drop out of the architecture program a few times due to health problems, Townsend proved a hardworking student, completing his architecture internship and B.A. requirements simultaneously. Casbarian said Townsend had just returned after a year's absence to complete his fifth-year requirements for a professional architecture degree.

Lovett Coordinator Sharon O'Leary remembered Townsend fondly.

"I remember seeing him at concerts over at the Shepherd School of Music and seeing him walking around town," O'Leary said. "He had such a quiet way about him, and he also had a sense of humor."

A memorial service for Townsend will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Rice Chapel, followed by a reception in Anderson Hall at 5 p.m. All students are invited to attend.

"His family is doing the service in the chapel, but we and the students really wanted to do something for him in the school," Casbarian said.

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