In memoriam: Nicholas Robert Anderson, recent graduate, College of Science
BLACKSBURG — Nicholas Robert Anderson, who recently completed his bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of Science at Virginia Tech, died in Blacksburg, on Dec. 22, 2015. He was 23.
Born in New Brunswick, N.J., Anderson moved to Virginia Beach in 1997. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010, and graduated later that year from Tallwood High School.
At Virginia Tech, Anderson served as president of the Astronomy Club and also was an avid member of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers. He earned various astronomy awards, including the Master Observer Award and the Messier 400 Award.
Musically gifted, he played the piano, bassoon, cello, and trombone, and recently completed his first piano composition. Anderson had a love of animals, travel, and exploration, and spent last summer working at Yellowstone National Park.
Left to cherish his memory are his father, Charles Anderson; mother, Sandra Anderson LaSalle; brother, David Anderson; and grandmother Anne Belsky; and extended family and friends.
A campus gathering will be held Saturday Jan. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Virginia Tech War Memorial Chapel. A reception will immediately follow at 4:30 p.m. in the Jamestown Room of Squires Student Center.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Union Mission, P.O.Box 3203, Norfolk, VA 23514-3203, or a charity of your choice.
Nick's passion for astronomy can be viewed via his active website atwww.MessierThanAComet.com.
Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
- Office of Housing and Residence Life at 540-231-6205
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 1-855-223-9277
- Aetna at 1-888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 1-866-517-7042
- Referrals to a campus cleric may be done through the Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787.
