Sasha G.M. Shaikh ‘95 Our beloved Sasha G.M. Shaikh, 35, passed away on May 18, 2012. Family and friends from around the globe gathered for a beautiful memorial reception in Pasadena, CA to celebrate his rich life and honor a passionate friend and talented individual. The profound effect that he had on such a diverse group of people is a beautiful testament to the difference one person can make in a short time on this earth. Sasha was born on June 16, 1976, in Hershey, PA. He graduated from Maumee Valley in 1995, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1999, and a master’s degree in international diplomacy from the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in 2007. Sasha was a bon vivant who enjoyed all that life had to offer. He enjoyed cooking, music, entertaining, and living life stylishly. His most recent creative pursuits included learning the French language and crafting silver jewelry, an art he was learning through a local fine arts class. He believed passionately in his friends, in keeping them close, and in cherishing these friendships. He was forever a funny man; if you were his friend, you would often fall victim to his practical jokes. He had a brilliant sense of humor and wrote numerous witty and insightful articles on contemporary issues encouraging his readers to consider a unique perspective. An avid writer, Sasha leaves behind hundreds of pieces, both fiction and non-fiction, much of it dedicated to humanitarian issues close to his heart. He wrote for Examiner.com as the DC South Asia Foreign Policy Examiner, and hosted a podcast dedicated to issues of his choosing called “Striking the Root.” He sought to encourage greater education about human rights issues ignored by the mainstream media. These included causes such as reducing gender-based violence and trafficking of women, and explored the connections between modern ethno-political conflict and the abuses of colonialism. A collection of his creative writings can be found on his blog, “Count Twist.” Sasha lived in Pasadena where he spent much of his free time as a political fundraiser for the Obama campaign. Sasha’s legacy is the boundless potential and goodness of humanity. He had a magnetic personality that touched everyone he met. His unflinching optimism, energy and passion for life were matched by an unwavering compassion for others. He was an inspiration to those who knew him. We shall all keep Sasha close to our hearts and uphold the principles he exemplified in his short life. Sasha, you have provided so much light to all of us - you will forever burn brightly in our hearts. Memorial contributions in Sasha’s honor can be made to the Sasha G.M. Shaikh Foundation, a foundation dedicated to humanitarian issues important to Sasha. Please contact Maheen Cleaver for more information at maheencleaver@yahoo.com.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I will meet you there. -Jalaludin Rumi
Sasha G.M. Shaikh ‘95 (1976-2012)
Imagine there’s no heaven It’s easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace You, You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one... -John Lennon
in memoriam
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