Ravi DeFilippo, one of SESE's brightest and most promising alumni, was killed on August 1, 2010 in a mining accident near Mount Toromocho, Peru.
He was a native Tucsonan and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University in December 2009. Ravi was a gifted geologist who loved to do field work, “he had a unique vision and love of the natural world” says Grace Cambell. His curiosity, intelligence and positive attitude made him a favorite with fellow students and professors.
“Ravi was a real presence in the department”, says Matt Jungers, “He was always so positive and friendly and had such unlimited potential”. “Ravi was a great student to have in my classes” says Dr. Tom Sharp, “because he was so eager to learn about geology and always had a positive attitude about his education. He did field camp shortly after having knee surgery and was in significant pain, but he never complained about the pain or even showed it. He just did a great job”.
Ravi had a way with people and had many close friends at ASU to whom he was both an inspiration and mentor. He was also a wonderful teacher, who conveyed his love for geology and the world to his students. “All of his students thought the world of him. He had an infectious enthusiasm for geology and he got people excited about science” says Wendy Bohon.
He leaves behind his parents, Mary and Art; his twin Makko and new sister, Kathryn and his older brother, Wyan, as well as countless friends from all over the world.
To honor Ravi’s love for field geology a memorial scholarship has been created in his name. Memorial donations can be made online at ASU Foundation or by mailing a check. Please make check payable to the ASU Foundation with Ravi DeFilippo Scholarship Endowment Fund in the memo line.
Please send the check to:
School of Earth and Space Exploration
Arizona State University
ISTB4
PO Box 876004
Tempe, AZ 85287-6004