It is with profound sadness that the Department of History learned of student Zoe Underwood’s passing. She had double majored in classical music and history and was preparing to complete an MA in history in spring 2025.

Eager to consider multiple perspectives, quick to embrace the complexity of past and present, Zoe’s presence enhanced our conversations in class, during office hours, and in accidental encounters on campus. Her warm laughter, kind smile, and generosity could brighten every classroom.

An eloquent writer, passionate, smart, thoughtful, and empathetic, Zoe crossed disciplinary boundaries with ease. For her Master’s thesis, she planned to study the composer Edward MacDowell and the German influence on classical music in the US in the second half of the nineteenth century. A gifted musician and an aspiring historian, Zoe radiated a calm presence and touched many of us. As we celebrate her life, we are comforted by the thought that her light shines on. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends. We will miss her.