UNK Statement on Death of Marlene Rashidi

Rashidi RotatorKEARNEY – The following is a statement from the University of Nebraska at Kearney on the death of student Marlene Rashidi, a sophomore from Lincoln:

“The UNK family is devastated at the news of the loss of Marlene, who was a visible student and leader, and member of the Loper track team. As Marlene shared last fall in the feature “My Loper Life,” being in college was an accomplishment and source of profound pride for her. Marlene Uziya Rashidi will be missed. Our hearts go out to her family and friends: We share your grief for Marlene. She will long be remembered.”

Rashidi was a UNK sophomore majoring in political science/pre-law with aspirations of becoming a public defender and personal lawyer.

A 2014 graduate of Lincoln High School, she was born in Democratic Republic of Congo and grew up in South Africa and a refugee camp in Zimbabwe. Her family moved to the United States in 2009.

At UNK, Rashidi was a member of the track and field team, where she was a thrower. She also was a member of the Antelope Newspaper staff, Army ROTC Program, freelance writer and published poet.

Representatives from UNK Student Health and Counseling are available to individuals who would like to talk with someone. Visit the counseling center in room 144 of the Memorial Student Affairs Building or call 865.8248.

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Source/Writer: Todd Gottula, Director of Communications, 308.865.8454, 308.293.2602, gottulatm@unk.edu