University community mourns death of School of Education student Joseph Zadina

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is grieving the death of one of its students.

Joseph Zadina — “Joey” to his friends — was a fifth-year senior in the School of Education, studying elementary education. Zadina, a 22-year-old from Mankato, died Oct. 12.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the death of one of our students,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “Joseph Zadina was a recipient of one of KU’s prestigious Hixson Opportunity Awards and was preparing for a career as a leader in teaching the youngest pupils. I join the entire KU community in offering my condolences to his family, professors and all who knew him.”  

Zadina was loved and respected by all who knew him, said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education. Kelli Thomas, the school’s associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs, said Zadina’s positive presence in the School of Education will be missed by all.

"Joey brought life to the classroom and was special to the elementary students with whom he worked,” Thomas said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

A visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, followed by a 3 p.m. funeral at Rock Hills High School, also in Mankato.