Nathaniel Gordon, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, died on March 23. He was 20.

Mr. Gordon was born in Covington, Georgia, and moved to Philadelphia when he was 13. There, he attended the Community College of Philadelphia’s Gateway to College program, a School District of Philadelphia initiative that allows high school students to enroll in community college courses. Mr. Gordon actively engaged in civic activities and showed leadership within his service endeavors, leading a project on civic engagement for children and completing an internship with Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street. Upon graduation, he became the first graduate from a Philadelphia School District alternative program to attend an Ivy League institution.

At Penn, Mr. Gordon studied economics and urban studies. He participated in the Pre-First Year Program and was an engaged member of the community of Makuu: The Black Cultural Center. He was also a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on campus.

Students mourning Mr. Gordon’s loss are encouraged to stop by the Student Health and Counseling Office for confidential conversations. A memorial service is being planned by Gateway to College.