It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you that Curt M. Breneman, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Science, passed away earlier today after a brief illness. 

Curt, who joined RPI in 1989, was a highly accomplished researcher and a dedicated teacher. He served in leadership roles as both a Department Head and Dean. But I believe everyone who knew him immediately thinks of his personal qualities. In the past few hours, as I’ve spoken to others, the words that come to mind are kind, caring, eternally optimistic, curious, humble, approachable, and a gentleman to the core. Curt brought people together in many ways, not the least of which was his and his wife Mimsy’s support of the Rensselaer Club. Indeed, in my first semester as president of RPI, I saw this on display when Lyn and I joined an event where their home overflowed with Club members and their families.

Many of us have been blessed to spend time with Curt and feel the warmth of his personality, which makes his passing all the more difficult to accept. I encourage us all to take the time needed to absorb this loss, and to reach out to others for support.

Counseling and grief services are available for students through the Rensselaer Counseling Center. Schedule sessions via email at counseling@rpi.edu, by phone at (518) 276-6479, or through the Student Health Portal. Faculty and staff seeking counseling and grief support may contact the Employee Assistance Program by calling (800) 327-2251. Chaplains are also available to provide grief counseling and support for anyone in the Rensselaer community. Call Religious Affairs at (518) 276-6518 or Father Jordan Lenaghan at (518) 276-8622.

We will send a message in the coming days with a more complete accounting of Curt’s accomplishments, as well as details on plans for a memorial. 

Our hearts go out to Mimsy and Curt’s family during this difficult time.