The University of Connecticut is mourning the loss of Jason Courtmanche, an associate professor of English, who passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27 after battling a rare form of lymphoma. Courtmanche also served as the director of the Connecticut Writing Project and the assistant coordinator of Early College Experience at Storrs.
UConn English Department Head Clare Costley King’oo expressed condolences in an email to department faculty and students Wednesday.
“As many are aware, Jason Courtmanche, Associate Professor in Residence and Director of the Connecticut Writing Project at Storrs, has been unwell for several months, battling a rare form of lymphoma,” the email stated. “He entered hospice care on Friday, November 22, and passed away early this morning, Wednesday, November 27.”
Courtmanche earned his bachelor’s degree in English in 1991, followed by his Connecticut Teacher Certification and master’s in English education in 1992 and his Ph.D. in English in 2006, according to the statement. He had been teaching at UConn as a faculty member since 2007.
“As a member of our faculty since 2007, he touched countless lives through his work as an instructor of future teachers—a teacher’s teacher, as he often put it. Even after becoming ill, he remained in close touch,” the statement continued.
According to the statement, Courtmanche taught a creative writing course for high school students this summer while undergoing treatment.
“This summer, [Courtmanche] participated in the Connecticut Writing Project’s Summer Institute and taught a Creative Writing course for high school students while undergoing treatment. I will remember his dynamism, humor, passion for reading, friendship, and deep care for others,” King’oo wrote.
Courtmanche leaves behind his wife, Amy Nocton, and his children, Cory and Elsa. Nocton teaches as an adjunct faculty member for First-Year Writing at UConn.
Resources:
Student Health & Wellness Mental Health Services is available to provide support to the students who may be struggling. To make an appointment with SHaW-Mental Health call (860) 486-4705 or schedule an appointment online. In addition, information about managing grief is located on the SHaW-Mental Health website. If you need immediate help, resources can be accessed here.
Staff in the Dean of Students Office are available to meet with you if that would be helpful. To schedule a meeting please call (860) 486-3426. Alternatively, email dos@uconn.edu and request a meeting with an assistant dean.