Penn State announced that it will hold a university-wide memorial service in honor of former Vice Provost for Educational Equity W. Terrell Jones on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center.

Jones passed away on August 19 after a battle with cancer. He was on medical leave for several months. A champion of diversity, he lead the university’s implementation of its strategic plan to support more diversity. Jones was known to speak to Sam Richards’ SOC 119 class from time to time, which centers on race and ethnic relations.

Jones started his career at Penn State as a residence hall coordinator in 1980, eventually moving to his position in Old Main. He also served as the President of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education from 2008 to 2010, along with teaching courses race relations and cross-cultural counseling at Penn State.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with his friends and family.