It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Octavius Jones, a former graduate student, instructor, and esteemed member of the Department of Ethnic Studies. Octavius was a former Peace Corps volunteer who completed his M.A. in Ethnic Studies (with a Certificate in Women and Gender Studies) in 2017. After teaching at CSU, he won a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to conduct research in New Zealand, where he was working on a Ph.D. in Māori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington. Octavius was an exceptional scholar, who delved in the intersections between ethnic and gender studies and the natural sciences. To those of us fortunate enough to know him, he was a kind, compassionate soul with a bright smile who sought to make the world a better place. Octavius traveled the world extensively in his short life, making friends and building relationships wherever he went. He was the embodiment of beauty and understood well what it means to create community across differences. Octavius was widely beloved by all in the Department of Ethnic Studies, and as we mourn his passing, we fondly remember the brief time he spent with us and will cherish those memories forever.

Octavius in New Zealand: https://fb.watch/n_ARqqFwo3/?mibextid=UVffzb