Notices
The ÎçÒ¹AV community mourns the death of Ford Hammontree, an undergraduate student in the School of Communication, who passed away on February 2.
Ford will be remembered for his warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness—qualities that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
“There are students who make an immediate impact, and Ford was one of those,” said John Goheen, senior professional in residence, who taught him in Introduction to Video for Journalists. “Walking into class, skateboard in hand, his infectious smile lighting up the room—he brought an energy that made a difference.”
Ford had a deep passion for storytelling, both in and out of the classroom. “Whether he was sharing his love for his sisters in a podcast, talking about how he got involved with skateboarding, or writing about his passion for his internship, Ford wasn’t just telling stories—he was shaping his own,” said Patty Lamberti, program director of Multimedia Journalism. “He wove together family, travel, and the thrill of the ride into a narrative that was entirely his own.”
Beyond his talent, Ford was known for the way he made others feel. “Ford had this rare ability to make everyone around him feel welcomed and valued,” said Ayesha Abouelazm, instructor, who taught him in Advanced Post Production. “He wasn’t just a smart student; he worked well with others and genuinely cared about helping his classmates succeed. One of my fondest memories is of him sharing his aspiration to create art that would make the world a better place. His selflessness and dedication to using his talents for good truly showed how beautiful his soul was.”
In addition to his legacy at ÎçÒ¹AV, Ford’s family is proud that he will continue to make an impact as an organ donor.
The School of Communication will host a commemorative screening of his journalism and media production projects this Friday, February 7. The event will take place in the School of Communication studio at Water Tower Campus and the community is invited to attend anytime between 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The journalism program plans to commemorate Ford with a memorial ceremony to be scheduled in the future.
Donations in Ford Hammontree’s name can be made to the School of Communication and will be used to support initiatives important to Ford.
The family will hold private services in Michigan.
(773.508.2530) counselors, (773.508.2200) staff members, and (773.508.3300) staff members are available to any student who needs support or a safe space for conversation.
Please keep Ford’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched in your thoughts and prayers.