A junior in the College of Arts and Science died during the week of Dec. 22 in an automobile accident.

Richard Anthony Meredith, 21, of Pulaski, Tenn., had planned to study abroad this spring semester through the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and continue work he had begun with Ayurvedic physicians in and from Sri Lanka.

News of his death was disseminated to the student body in an e-mail message from Associate Provost and Dean of Students Mark Bandas.

"Richard's mother, Annettia Meredith, has shared with us that he greatly enjoyed his time here at Vanderbilt. He participated in Diwali recently, and enjoyed the camaraderie of his neighbors in Mims Hall and his professors," Bandas said. "Our thoughts and compassion are with his family and friends during this tragic time."

"Richard was a brilliant student of world cultures with an uncommon spirit of joy, learning and living," Beth Conklin, associate professor of anthropology, said.

Meredith's family has planned a memorial service and celebration of his life Dec. 26 at 4 p.m. at Bell Buckle First United Methodist Church in Bell Buckle, Tenn. A memorial service will be held at Vanderbilt University when students return to campus at the start of the spring semester. More information about the campus memorial will be posted to the University Calendar, www.vanderbilt.edu/calendar.

-Vanderbilt News Service