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In Memory of Samantha Lin, Class of 2020

Samantha Lin, Class of 2020
Samantha Lin, Class of 2020.

It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news of the death of student Samantha Lin, a member of the Class of 2020. 

Samantha, or Sam, as she told everyone to call her, was killed Monday night in California after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. She turned 25 last month.

Sam was a vibrant force at the CVM — awe-inspiringly smart, funny and effortlessly kind. In between her studies, she found time to serve as a class officer and volunteer at CVM public events. 

Through her three years at the CVM, Sam was repeatedly honored for academic achievement. In 2017, she earned a DVM endowment grant and last year received the Dr. James Edgar Smallwood Scholarship for Student Excellence, to name a few. Her name is already found on several published small animal medicine studies.  

She was passionate, fun and dedicated to helping as many as possible through veterinary medicine. 

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Sam had set plans to attend a different veterinary school after graduating from Harvard University. She decided to visit the NC State CVM campus anyway and changed her mind. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at just 4 years old. 

Our hearts go out to Sam’s family, friends and to all of those she touched so deeply. We will share information about memorial services or funeral details when they become available.

Caring professionals are also here to help through NC State’s Counseling Center for students, as well as through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. 

Together we grieve, and together we are strong. 

Memorial gifts in honor of Samantha Lin may be made to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation by going to go.ncsu.edu/honor-samantha-lin memo: In Honor of Sam. Contact the NCVMF at 919.513.6660 for additional information or assistance.