I am sorry to share news of the passing of Ellen Yarnell, a second-year student in the Speech-Language Pathology program and a member of the Cook Honors College. Ellen died May 29 at her home in Altoona.

She began her studies at IUP in fall 2023.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Hicks Memorial Methodist Church, 1211 Third Avenue, Duncansville. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the church on June 4.

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., in Duncansville is in charge of arrangements. A tribute wall to offer memories and condolences is available on the funeral home website.

The death of someone you knew can evoke strong feelings. The best way to cope is to talk to your closest friends, family members, or trusted teachers. There are people among us who have experienced similar events, and they are often more than willing to help others going through difficult circumstances.

Members of IUP’s Council on Spiritual and Religious Life are available to provide support; please email spiritual-life@iup.edu to contact a campus minister. Another option for support is the Armstrong-Indiana 24-hour crisis line at 877-333-2470.

Please join me in sending your thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace to Ellen’s family and friends, as well as to everyone at IUP and in the community who knew her and who is affected by her passing.

Michael A. Driscoll
President