Rising fourth-year Engineering student Matt Masenov passed away May 22, per a community-wide update from Robin Hadley, vice president and chief student affairs officer.
Born in Moscow, Masenov moved to the United States in 2015 and became a citizen in 2021. He graduated from John Handley High School in Winchester.
“He had a humongous heart, always knew how to cheer up his friends, saw the best in everyone, had an incredible sense of humor, was incredibly compassionate and without fail always saw the best in everyone,” a friend of Masenov said. “He was one of the most caring and thoughtful people I’ve ever met.”
Aside from school, Masenov enjoyed participating in Ultimate Frisbee and playing sports with his friends. In high school, he was highly involved in community service through the Interact Club and in 2018 received the United Way Youth Volunteer Award.
“There are many people who are less fortunate, less smart, less financially able in the world than I am,” Masenov said in his admission letter to the University. “I felt that I have to do something and give to others just as I have received in my life.”
Masenov is survived by his parents, Lilia Torshina and Dmitry Matsenov, and step-father, Andy Kuchins. His family hopes that anyone struggling with depression will reach out for help.