The native of Kumasi, Ghana, lived in the residence hall with his two daughters and wife, Augustina Adusah-Karikari, a residential coordinator on South Green.

Adusah, who earned his master's degree from Ohio University in 2004, had completed his coursework and was preparing to take his comprehensive exams for his doctorate in educational research and evaluation. 

College of Education Associate Professor Gordon Brooks, who served as Adusah's academic adviser, remembers Adusah with great fondness.

"Albert was a wonderful, friendly guy who took his studies very seriously," Brooks said. "As a graduate assistant, he worked well with the students and regularly helped me and other faculty members teach our courses in statistics and software."

Herbert Blankson, a residential coordinator on West Green, described Albert as respectful, helpful, affable and hardworking -- and the go-to expert when it came to computers and cars.

"His knowledge of cars made him an informal consultant among many Ghanaian students looking for a car to buy," Blankson said. "He also was my computer geek. Anytime I had problems with my computer or wanted advice on an electronic gadget, he was my man."

Collins Annin, a residential coordinator on West Green, said he had a special bond with Adusah, known as Kwabena among friends and family.

"Kwabena has been a friend and a brother since we both started at OU as graduate students," Annin said. "I remember him for the meals, jokes, laughter and bond we shared. He will be missed for the gap created, but his warmth and affection will live on."

Annin said an Athens funeral service for Adusah will be held in January, but the arrangements have not yet been finalized.

"We are deeply saddened by Albert's untimely death, and our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends," Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said.

Lombardi added that staff and students seeking counseling as a result of the death should contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 740-593-1616 or e-mail counseling.services@ohio.edu.