A memorial Mass for Cameron Smook, who was a senior in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 27 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, Virginia. Visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m., and a reception will follow the service.

Smook’s family has also established the Cameron Smook Memorial Scholarship.

Senior Cameron Smook remembered for spirit, sense of humor

BLACKSBURG, Va., March 12, 2015 – Virginia Tech senior Cameron Smook was remembered Wednesday by faculty members as an excellent student who was known for his energy, his spirit, and his ability to make others laugh.

The 21-year-old Virginia Tech senior, missing since Sunday after reportedly falling overboard from the cruise ship Carnival Glory,  majored in mining and minerals engineering in the College of Engineering.

Emily Sarver, an assistant professor of mining engineering, recalled Smook from several classes that he took under her during his sophomore and senior years, including this most recent semester.

“Cameron was a student in one of the first classes I taught in the mining engineering department. I am so fond of him. I can remember his smile on the first day of class – friendly, interested, a bright spirit. I got to know him well over the past few years, and I’m grateful for that," she said. 

"He was one of those students who would crack a joke in class, but it was always appropriate and appreciated. Light sense of humor, and so well liked by his peers. He had great potential to do good things in the mining community. We’re like a little family here in mining, and Cameron will be sorely missed. Our very best wishes are with his family at this difficult time.”

Added Greg Adel, department head of mining and minerals engineering: “Cameron was an excellent student and an outstanding young man. He was about to embark on a career with Martin Marietta Corp. after graduation. He had a wonderful future ahead of him and this is truly a sad day.”

Smook graduated from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia, and was scheduled to graduate from Virginia Tech this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering degree, the family said in the statement Wednesday. 

"He thoroughly enjoyed his experiences at Virginia Tech, had just accepted an employment offer, and was looking forward to a very bright future," the family said.

Virginia Tech President Timothy D. Sands also expressed sympathy to the Smook family Wednesday.

“The entire Virginia Tech community extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to Cameron’s family and friends at this moment of tragedy and grief,” he said in a statement.  “My heart also goes out to our students and faculty who also feel tremendous sorrow at this loss. I know this is a strong and supportive community, and encourage us all to turn to one another for support and solace.”

Details of any memorial services scheduled for Smook will be posted on Virginia Tech News when finalized.

Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:

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