Students and Faculty React to CHC Professor's Death

Elkins Park native , 71, an adjunct math professor in the school of Accelerated and Continuing Studies at Chestnut Hill College, fell to his death last Wednesday evening at the college.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., it was assumed Alexandrov was preparing for his 5:30 p.m. class on the second floor of the college Rotunda, according to a spokesperson for the college. Without warning, Alexandrov was seen on the ledge over the railing in the building 20 to 30 feet above the ground.

Security guards and a handful of staff attempted to intervene to no avail. He was quiet with a blank stare; he was unreachable. And then, college officials said, he jumped.

A faculty member, who asked not to be named, remarked the few witnesses at the scene were horrified and saddened. It was like nothing they had ever experienced.

Alexandrov began teaching at Chestnut Hill in 2007. He was greatly respected by his students. Gladys Cintron-Henderson said, "He was a remarkable professor. Everywhere you saw him you saw Mrs. Alexandrov."

His wife Olga, 56, was also an adjunct professor of mathematics and was teaching a class at the time of the incident.

His students are devastated and many have written notes on the school's Facebook page expressing their sorrow.

Martrice S. Kennedy commented on the Chestnut Hill College Facebook page, "I did not have the chance to meet him but I did have his wife as a professor. My condolences go out to his family."

"Personally, I am having great difficulty making sense of all of this, as CHC always has been one of the most peaceful and comforting places I have ever known. For me, it was a sanctuary as well as an institution of higher education," Maryellen Torreti-Morgan commented.

Vanja Moraca-Kovacevic wrote: "I had him during my spring semester, he was a great professor. My condolences go out to his family."

Several Twitter users called the incident 'tragic'.

Sister Carol Jean Vale, president of the college, noted on the website that the college community was greatly shaken by this tragedy. In the spirit of the mission of the college, she has requested that everyone keep the Alexandrov family in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Professional counselors are available at the college to any member of the community who witnessed the tragedy or was personally affected.

Alexandrov is survived by his four children.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday evening Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Bryn Athen Catherdral, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009.

According to a statement put out by the college, cards, notes of condolences or donations for the family may be dropped off at the Chestnut Hill College Student Accounts Office, Attention: Maureen LaNoce. The Student Accounts Office is open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A drop box is also available at the same location.

Kaitlyn Foti contributed to this story.