Oreoluwa Odetunde, a promising student from the University of Lagos, was discovered deceased at her off-campus apartment in New York, where she was enrolled in her first year of an MBA program at the S.C. Johnson College of Business. Known for her active participation in various student organizations, including the Johnson African Business Society and the Black Graduate Business Association, Odetunde had a strong academic background, earning her bachelor’s degree in economics in 2017. Her recognition as a Forté Fellow and Sage Scholar underscored her dedication and potential in the field of business.

The news of her untimely death has sent shockwaves through both her immediate community and the wider University of Lagos alumni network. As an international student, Odetunde had relocated to the United States to pursue her studies and was highly regarded by her peers and faculty alike. Reports indicate that she engaged in significant extracurricular activities and contributed to research and strategic analysis for financial organizations, showcasing her ambition and commitment to her career.

The university community at Cornell, alongside her family and friends, is mourning the loss of a talented individual whose future seemed very promising. Messages of condolence have been pouring in as students and staff reflect on the impact she made in her short time at the university, highlighting not just her academic contributions but also her enthusiasm and spirit in championing diversity within the business environment.