Sad News: Matthew Peeples

July 29, 2025

Dear all,

I am writing today with sad news. Matthew Peeples, class of 2024, passed away on Thursday, July 24. I am so sorry to share this tragic news.

Matthew, 22, was from Wallington, New Jersey. He was an involved and engaged student when he was at Vassar. He was a FLI student and served as a student leader for the Foundations program in 2022. He concentrated on biology and was a member of Professor Bojana Zupan’s lab for more than two years. At the start of his time at Vassar in 2020, he was a member of the crew team. He also served as an EMT at Vassar, providing emergency services to students in distress.

In a recent video, Matthew talked about his plan after Vassar to work as a research technician at Columbia University, conducting Alzheimer’s research. On LinkedIn, he shared his experience studying brain disorders at Columbia’s Irving Medical Center and his aspirations to become a dentist.

Crew Coach Peter Wells remembers Matt as perpetually generous, supportive, and friendly. “He had the biggest, most fun smile you can imagine. Matt never gave up on his teammates. Once he graduated, he continued to hold the team and his teammates near to his heart.”

This is a very difficult and shocking loss. I encourage us all to come together and share space with each other in comfort and remembrance. Visitation will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home at 19 Lincoln Ave in Rutherford, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Alfred M. Fiume Foundation.

Resources are available to support members of the campus community during this difficult time. Students can reach out to the CARE office at care@vassar.edu or Student Living and Wellness at deanslw@vassar.edu. Faculty, staff, and administrators can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for grief support by calling 1-(800) 624-5544.

We extend sympathy to all of Matthew’s friends and family.

With a heavy heart,

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