Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following update message to the campus community on Nov. 14, 2022. – Ed.

Dear W&M Community,

As promised, I am writing to share information about memorial arrangements for our student, Alexander R. Gil, who died last Thursday. Alex’s family has let us know that a gathering to honor him and to share stories of laughter and joy will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. They warmly welcome anyone from W&M who is able to attend.

To assist with transportation to and from the funeral home, the university has arranged for a bus to depart from the front of the Sadler Center at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The bus will then leave Arlington to return to campus at 9:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the gathering at Murphy Funeral Home. Students wishing to ride on the bus should send an email to deanofstudents@wm.edu to confirm a seat. A limited number of seats are available.

Alex is survived by his parents, Bill and Kelly Gil and his younger brother, Dominic. Written expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Gil family, c/o the W&M Dean of Students Office, 3rd floor, Sadler Center. In lieu of flowers, the Gils ask that if you would like to make a positive change in Alex’s name that you consider making a donation to one of two organizations — Epilepsy Foundation or Inseparable. As noted in his obituary, “Alexander himself was diagnosed with epilepsy. Moreover, now more than ever, we need to support our children during a time of grief, so we also encourage individuals to support any organization that focuses on mental wellness during difficult times.”

These are difficult times indeed. Even as our community mourns Alex’s passing, the community at our sister institution in Charlottesville is experiencing heartbreak of their own today. Please do reach out to one another and to campus resources for support as you need it. The Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, Residence Life, campus ministers, and my office remain available. Counselors can be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620.  

We will continue to hold Alex’s family and all who knew and loved him close to our hearts.

Ginger Ambler

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Virginia M. Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ‘06

Vice President for Student Affairs

William & Mary

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Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following message to the campus community on Nov. 10, 2022. – Ed.

Dear William & Mary Community,

Earlier this morning the W&M Police Department responded to a medical emergency at the Botetourt Complex. With a heavy heart I write to inform you of the death of Alexander Gil, a freshman from Arlington, Va. Although the cause of his death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner, no foul play is suspected.

A graduate of Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA, Alex was a talented, active student. He loved baseball and played center field for both the JV and Varsity teams. He was also a member of the swim team and enjoyed serving as a referee for the Arlington Soccer Association. Here at W&M, he was a proud member of the Chess Club. An extremely friendly person, Alex was looking forward to making a positive change in the world, and he loved everything about International Relations. 

Since learning this tragic news, members of the student affairs staff and the W&M Police have been offering direct assistance to those who were closest to Alex. The Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, Residence Life, campus ministers, and my office are available for those who need us. Counselors can be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620. I will send a follow-up message in the coming days once we have information about funeral and/or memorial arrangements.

It is heartbreaking to lose a member of our community, and such tragedies remind us of how connected we are with one another at William & Mary. Any news like this affects us all. I know you join me in extending deepest sympathies to Alex’s family and his many friends.

Sincerely,

Ginger Ambler