Sad News: Alain Sylvain ’98

Dear all,

It is with profound sadness that I write today to share the news of the sudden death of Alain Sylvain ’98, a member of Vassar’s Board of Trustees.

Alain joined the Board of Trustees in July of this year and was most recently on campus in October for his first Board of Trustees meeting. During his time on campus in October, Alain met with many students, as he participated in the Trustees’ Dinner in Strong and had lunch with students at the ALANA Center. He was also working closely with students and administrators who were involved in Vassar’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative. Prior to that, it was my great pleasure to welcome Alain back to campus as the guest for President’s Tea and dinner in September of 2022. Alain excitedly and generously shared his thoughts, experiences, and perspectives with the Vassar community over the course of the last few years.

Alain was the Founder and CEO of SYLVAIN, formerly known as Sylvain Labs, a strategy and design consultancy headquartered in New York City. He also played a key role in a number of organizations, including PopTech, a collaborative network; Kindred, a networking organization for DEI and ESG professionals; and he served on the New York City Mayor’s Creative Council.

As a student at Vassar, Alain was an Africana Studies major and an intern in the Career Development Office. He volunteered with Professor Larry Mamiya at the Green Haven Correctional Facility program.

He leaves behind three children, Joao, Gael, and Clio, and his wife, Adis. Alain is also survived by his parents, Michelle and Alfred, and his two brothers, Olivier and Didier.

We also wanted to share this, from his family:

Alain was and continues to be a shining light. His mind was alive. His creativity was otherworldly. He made beauty out of simple things. He made friends easily. He made connections with people of all ages, backgrounds, and standings. He was a loved and respected role model. He was humble. He made people laugh. He did all of these things with intention. His heart was big. One way to help honor and build on the community of love that Alain created is to direct donations to Anseye Pou Haiti and the Haitian Education and Leadership Program.

We extend our deep sympathy to Alain’s family and friends.

With a heavy heart,

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar