Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following update to the campus community on Dec. 15, 2022. – Ed.
Memorial Information for Troy Cullen
Dear William & Mary Community,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at yesterday evening’s community gathering. I write today with information about a memorial service planned for Troy Cullen. Troy’s family invites all of you to join in a virtual Celebration of Life for Troy this coming Saturday, December 17, at 11:00 a.m. ET. His family welcomes your stories, memories, or thoughts about Troy. (Zoom information is listed below my signature, as well as in the Celebration of Life link).
The following are some additional ways to remember Troy and show love and support for his family:
Cards & Letters (please no flowers or food)
The Cullen Family
1 Crosswood Way
Warren, NJ 07059
Post a Message on Troy’s Memorial Page
- Please share any stories, photos, memories, or wishes for the family
Donations in Troy’s Memory
- Citizen’s Climate Lobby
- Any no-kill animal shelter or animal rescue
We will continue to hold Troy’s family and friends close to our hearts.
Yours,
Ginger Ambler
Notice to the community
Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following message to the campus community on Dec. 10, 2022. – Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community,
It is with profound sadness that I write to tell you of the death of a student, Troy A. Cullen, a junior from Warren, NJ. In the overnight hours, police found his body in the woods on campus. Troy’s family has been notified. No foul play is suspected and there is no danger to the community.
A graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School, Troy was a History major who was also studying Chinese. In high school Troy was the first clarinetist for his award-winning marching band, and he was also a nationally rated “E” sabre fencer with the varsity fencing team. He brought his talent and passion for fencing to W&M where was president of the Fencing Club. He also played flag football here and was a member of the Smash Club.
Troy was an outstanding student. As noted in a May 2022 Virginia Gazette article about his scholarly work, Troy was author of the top-prize winning essay “The Legacy of the Soviet Union in Putin’s Foreign Policy,” published in the 2021-22 issue of the Monitor, W&M’s journal of International Relations. His academic advisor shared, “Troy was passionate about combining his interests in history and international security. He planned for a career in national security and public service. In his application to the emerging technology fellows program, he wrote that ‘I also hope that—however small my impact might be—the work I contribute to this project will help to make the country and the world just a little bit safer.’”
At this time of grief and sudden loss, know that the Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, campus ministers, and my office are available for anyone who needs us. The Counseling Center will be open today through 5:00 p.m. with counselors on site. Counselors can also be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620. I will send a follow-up message in the coming days once we have information from Troy’s family about memorial arrangements.
Our community has endured such loss this semester. Now more than ever, may we lean on one another and find solace in our relationships. I encourage you to reach out for any support you may need, particularly as we head into final exams. I know you join me in extending deepest sympathies to Troy’s family and friends.
Sincerely,
Ginger Ambler