Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley sent the following message to the university community on Friday, July 7.
Family members, friends and members of the Elon University community gathered in the Historic Neighborhood on Thursday, Oct. 19, to honor the memory of Elon student Jason Titunik, who died July 6 following a car wreck.
The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain, and Dr. Ira Titunik, Jason’s father, were joined by a host of friends in offering encouragement and sharing memories. Jason Titunik was remembered for his smile, his energy and “always cracking jokes” at Elon, which his father described as “his place.”
His father recounted how Jason had fallen in love with Elon upon visiting the university, and thanked his friends for the caring and love they gave to him during his time at the university. Jason had completed his first year at Elon at the time of his death.
One friend remembered the care Jason had for those he met and his willingness to spend hours helping others feel better. He was remembered for his ability to listen and to engage deeply in conversation with those around him. Boswell noted how Jason lives on in the memories of those he touched, and that he gave the gift of friendship and brotherhood in the life he lived.
The ceremony closed with his friends and family members helping to plant a tree just north of the Hook residence hall in the Historic Neighborhood where Titunik lived during his first year at Elon.
The following message was sent to the university community following Titunik’s death.
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Dear members of the Elon community,
I am reaching out today with very sad news that Elon student Jason Titunik died following a car wreck in Salisbury, Connecticut, yesterday, Thursday, July 6. Jason was a member of the Class of 2026 from Sarasota, Florida.
This sudden and tragic loss is even more difficult because we are unable to gather in person to mourn and share stories. Even though most of the community is away from campus, staff from Student Life and Academic Affairs have been working today to connect with Jason’s family, roommates, and faculty to offer support. As we grieve this loss, we share our condolences with everyone who knew and loved Jason.
Even in the summer there are resources available to students, faculty, and staff to discuss feelings of loss or concern for others. Students can always access the 24/7 resources from the crisis counselor on-call at 336-278-2222, TalkNow from TimelyCare, or the Student Life administrator on-call through Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555. On weekdays, university resources include university chaplains in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at 336-278-7729, staff with Student Care and Outreach at 336-278-7200, or counselors from Counseling Services at 336-278-7280. Faculty and staff may also utilize Elon Work-Life Resources for support.
Jason’s death is a heartbreaking loss for our university community. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts at this challenging time and reach out if we can be supportive for you in any way.
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Dr. Jon Dooley
Vice President for Student Life