An announcement by Cornell University has reported that its first female president Elizabeth Garrett died Sunday night after fighting colon cancer, according to a Syracuse report.
52 year old Garrett was appointed as 13th president of the university on Sept. 18, 2015.
Her colon cancer diagnosis was announced by her on Feb. 8, when she was starting an aggressive treatment program under a team of medical professionals at Weill Cornell Medicine. She had said at the time that she was hopeful of resuming a fuller schedule soon with the support of those around her.
She had lessened her work load and reduced travel, with senior university leaders handling many of her commitments.
Her passing will be marked by the university with a moment of silence followed by chimes at 4 p.m.
Garrett's husband is Prof. Andrei Marmor, and the university offered him their condolences. The university website also praised 'Beth' for being a great leader and a lively human being.
Garrett had succeeded David Skorton, who had become secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. She had previously been a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Southern California.
She had also been appointed by president George W. Bush in 2005 to serve on the bipartisan Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. She served from 2009 to 2013 as commissioner on the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
Garrett had a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Oklahoma and a law degree from the University of Virginia, School of Law.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also offered his condolences, calling Garrett a visionary leader who challenged the status quo. He praised her whole-hearted commitment In regards to the education and growth of those around her.
Ithaca College President Tom Rochon also expressed his sadness on Garrett's passing, calling it a shocking loss and praising her intelligence on important issues.
