The George Washington University mourns Corrina Mehiel, an artist working as a project assistant at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design who died Tuesday.
Ms. Mehiel worked with the William Wilson Corcoran Visiting Professor Mel Chin as a contractor on the Fundred Reserve Project. Sanjit Sethi, director of the Corcoran School, said in a message to the GW community that Ms. Mehiel “was a vibrant and talented individual who will be dearly missed.”
Ms. Mehiel was a committed member of Mr. Chin’s “Fundred” campaign. She was a galvanizing force in bringing more attention to lead poisoning, Mr. Sethi said. Mr. Chin said Ms. Mehiel embodied a life of kindness.
“It is hard to be smart and sensitive at the same time. Corrina was,” he said Thursday. “She was intellectually powerful, physically strong and capable of taking on any challenge.”
As a woman of action, Ms. Mehiel was quick to say yes and lend her support to those in need, Mr. Chin said. She was committed to fairness and justice, and passionate about ending violence against women.
“She raised the quality of the collective experience,” Mr. Chin said. “She taught by lifting you up. Corinna gave confidence.”
Ms. Mehiel was found in her home on the 600 block of 14th Street in Northeast Washington Tuesday afternoon. The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking public help in identifying a person of interest in the investigation. MPD are also working to locate Ms. Mehiel's vehicle, a blue four-door 2004 Toyota Prius.
University Mental Health Services is available 24/7 by calling 202-994-5300 and following the prompts to speak with a counselor immediately. Support is available for walk-ins at the Colonial Health Center Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Staff and faculty are also encouraged to use the university Wellbeing Hotline and resources available through the Employee Assistance Program, which are available at no cost. If you have concerns about a member of the GW community, please complete a CARE Network Report form so they can receive additional support and outreach.