It is with great sadness that I share the news of the sudden passing of our friend, colleague and locksmith, Mike Nourian, on Sept. 26. We are all saddened by this unexpected loss.

Mike started working for Fresno State in 2002 as a facilities maintenance mechanic. In 2010, he was promoted to locksmith and was known for providing solutions to difficult problems. Mike was well known to the campus community and always had a "dad joke" ready to make people laugh.

We understand this news is difficult, as many of you have known and worked beside Mike for many years and have become close. Fresno State remains committed to making sure you have the support you need.

For anyone struggling with this loss, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will have a dedicated grief counselor available virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8. Sessions with Cleopatra Victoria can be booked at doxy.me/cleopatravictoriamamft, or by calling 415.309.0222.

Empathia resources are also available at www.MyLifeMatters.com. The company password is FresnoState, or call 800.367.7474, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional questions, please also feel free to speak to your manager or to the Human Resources Department.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. During this difficult time, our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones. Mike is survived by his wife, Vera; daughter, Cristianna; and son, David. If there are funeral or memorial arrangements that we can share, we will try to do so. In the meantime, I ask that everyone keep Mike's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.