UMW mourns sudden loss of senior Bob Ericson

By BULLET STAFF

The University of Mary Washington student body has cause to mourn this day with the news of Robert “Bob” Ericson’s death on Friday, April 18 in his residence at the University Apartments of presumed non-suspicious causes.

Ericson, a senior environmental science major, would have graduated next month with the class of 2014. He was a member of the One Note Stand a cappella group and the UMW rowing team, as well as a supporter of the Student Government Association.

Ericson, 22, would have sung “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers as his senior solo at his last concert for One Note Stand this Wednesday, April 23. Ericson participated as a member of the a cappella group since his freshman year and was one of two bass voice parts in the group.

President of One Note Stand and Sports Editor of the Bullet Regina Weiss, senior, said the concert will now be performed in memory of Ericson.

“It’s about him, not about us,” said Weiss.

The One Note Stand will sell Blue Bows for Bob for $0.50 between Monday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 23 in honor of Ericson.

The 13-member a cappella group was stunned by the tragic loss of Ericson.

“It’s just so shocking,” said Weiss. “He was such an integral member of the group. It’s so bizarre to us.”

Ericson recently organized the group’s Relay for Life team, which raised over $1,700 during the annual event this year.

“Everyone was always excited to see Bob. He is the heart of One Note,” said Weiss. “He was a big, goofy guy. Always wise, the voice of reason. Whenever he started to talk in rehearsal, everyone got quiet and listened.”

Ericson was well-known amongst both students and staff at UMW. Many members of the community turned to social media to express their thoughts on the tragic and sudden loss.

The University released a statement about the loss of Ericson this morning and opened the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for additional hours this weekend for student use regarding the incident. CAPS will also be available during its normal hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the remainder of the week.

The Bullet invites students to use this space to comment and share their memories of Bob Ericson.

For more information on the One Note Stand’s spring performance in honor of Ericson, visit the group’s facebook event page.