Oreoluwa Odetunde, a first-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) student at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, has been found dead in her off-campus residence, a development that has left the university community in deep shock and mourning.
Odetunde, an international student from Nigeria, was pursuing her MBA at Cornell University. Before enrolling in the prestigious business school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos in 2017. Her academic journey reflected a strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and professional growth.
During her time at Cornell, Odetunde was actively involved in several student-led organizations, demonstrating her passion for community building and professional development. She participated in the Johnson African Business Society, where she engaged in conversations and initiatives focused on business opportunities and leadership across the African continent. She was also a member of the Black Graduate Business Association, contributing to efforts aimed at fostering inclusion, representation, and support for Black students within the graduate business community. Additionally, she took part in activities organized by the Old Ezra Finance Club, further strengthening her interest and expertise in finance and investment-related fields.
Odetunde’s academic and professional achievements distinguished her among her peers. She was recognized as a Forté Fellow, an honor awarded to women demonstrating leadership potential and a commitment to advancing women in business. She was also named a Sage Scholar, a designation that underscores academic merit and promise. Beyond the classroom, she gained experience in research and strategy analysis, working with financial institutions such as Anchoria Asset Management and Greenwich Merchant Bank. These roles allowed her to apply her analytical skills and business insight in real-world settings, preparing her for a promising career in finance and corporate strategy.
The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from faculty, classmates, and the broader Cornell community. In a public statement, the Cornell Johnson Graduate School expressed profound sadness over her death, extending sympathies to her family, friends, classmates, and instructors during what it described as an extremely difficult time.
In response to the tragedy, the university organized support gatherings to provide space for members of the S.C. Johnson College community to come together, grieve, and access counseling resources. The first meeting was held in the MBA Student Lounge at Sage Hall, offering students and staff an opportunity to share memories and receive emotional support. A subsequent gathering was scheduled at Anabel Taylor Hall to ensure that those unable to attend the initial session would have another opportunity to seek comfort and solidarity within the campus community.
Odetunde’s death represents a significant loss not only to her family and loved ones but also to the academic and professional circles in which she was actively engaged. She was widely regarded as driven, accomplished, and deeply committed to her personal and professional aspirations. Her contributions to student organizations and her pursuit of academic excellence left a meaningful impact on those who knew and worked alongside her.
As the university community continues to process the tragedy, attention remains focused on supporting students and staff through counseling services and community outreach. Odetunde’s life, marked by academic achievement and leadership potential, will be remembered by peers and mentors who witnessed her dedication and ambition firsthand.
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