A 27-year-old GW graduate student died suddenly over the weekend after finishing a half marathon in Virginia Beach, Va.
Sean McCarthy, who would have graduated from GW in May with a master’s in tourism administration, was running in the Dodge Rock’N’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon.
Mr. McCarthy, of Richmond, Va., was enrolled in GW’s Accelerated Master of Tourism Administration program, an online distance education program. He also worked for the Virginia Tourism Corp. as their director of research.
For the past three years, Mr. McCarthy has also served as an industry adviser to an undergraduate marketing tourism class. The course, “Travel Marketing Communications,” is taught by Sheryl Elliott, an associate professor of tourism studies.
“It’s just such a shock,” says Dr. Elliott. “He always had a smile on his face, and he had a way of speaking to students that was very encouraging and very positive.”
As part of the class, the Virginia Tourism Corp. selects a specific area of tourism, such as wineries or Civil War tourism, and Dr. Elliott’s students work in groups to create marketing campaigns. Mr. McCarthy gave feedback to the students, offering a firsthand perspective.
“The students really got to know him professionally, socially and academically. They really looked up to him,” says Dr. Elliott. “That’s why they’re taking it so hard.”
Alisa Bailey, president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Tourism Corp, says
Mr. McCarthy was a leader at the agency.
"Sean was a brilliant, loving, devoted man who made important contributions to the Virginia tourism industry through his work and his tireless commitment to helping our industry partners. His energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed,” says Ms. Bailey. “His passing is a tremendous loss to all of us, both personally and professionally."
While working with Dr. Elliott’s class, Mr. McCarthy also wrote a graduate research paper on how industry relationships with higher education institutions greatly improve the learning experience for students.
“Sean made a significant impact on the students and faculty in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and his sudden loss affects us all deeply,” says Peter Konwerski, GW’s dean of students. “We hope in our small way, we can provide any consolation or support through our on campus counseling resources to those affected by Sean's death.”
Members of the GW community, who are affected by this tragedy, may contact the University Counseling Center at 202-994-5300.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sean,” says Doug Guthrie, dean of GW’s School of Business. “Our sympathy goes out to his friends and family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
In 2001, Mr. McCarthy graduated from Oakcrest High School in Hamilton Township, N.J. as the valedictorian. He received a bachelor’s of science in business and a bachelor’s of arts in psychology from the College of William and Mary.
Mr. McCarthy is survived by his wife, Jennifer Polidoro; his parents, James and Patricia McCarthy; his brother, Ryan McCarthy; and his sister, Allison McCarthy.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Martin de Porres, 129 Park Ave. Hammonton, N.J. Mr. McCarthy’s family requeuusts that donations be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.