In the midst of celebrating the holidays and December graduation, faculty and staff in the Department of Computer Science were struck with the news of a tragic loss of one of our alum. On December 9, 2015 KUTV reported that, Michael Albu, a member of the Class of 2012, died while mountain climbing in Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. The 24-year-old from Queens was a computer science major who had accepted a job with JP Morgan Chase upon graduation from Stony Brook.

Michael was preparing to start a new job when he had taken the cross country trip. The news was received with shock by many, including his friends on Facebook who had been following his progress via his posts. “His last post was a photograph of the Utah border,” said Professor Richard McKenna, “Michael was someone with a witty sensibility, always looking to make his friends laugh.”

All of Michael’s professors had similar high praise for the late Seawolf. “Michael was a great guy who had a special interest in security.” said Professor Radu Sion of the Department of Computer Science. Dr. Kaufman, Chair of the department, called it a “sad day for the department” upon hearing of the news.

Park rangers went searching for Albu after his parents called and notified them that he had been climbing alone, and was late in contacting them. Rangers found his car and then discovered him just before sundown. It is estimated that he fell 750 feet and Sheriff’s Office believe the death was an accident. The department extends its deepest sympathy to Michael’s family and friends.

A memorial service for Michael is being held on Saturday, December 19th, at 2 pm at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapel 114-03 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills NY 11375. To leave your message of condolence or to share your memories of Michael, visit this site.