Memorial Service Planned for Lanzing ’09

The University has scheduled a support meeting for Cornell student Matthew Lanzing ’09 who died in Ithaca on Jan. 12. Lanzing was a film major from Bradenton, Fla. He was 22 years old, according to his Facebook profile.
Lanzing’s friend, Scott Weiss ’09, remembered him as an outspoken, politically-active member of the Cornell community, and was a member of Cornell’s International Socialist Organization and student anti-war groups.
Weiss, who lived with Lanzing for the past several years, said that he decided to come to Cornell, in part, because he had met people like Lanzing when he was a pre-frosh.
“He was a great person to be around. He was funny, laid-back and had a free-spirited view of the world. He never had any negativity around him,” Weiss said. “He lived minute by minute and his whole philosophy reflected that.”
Weiss said that Lanzing’s friends are awaiting the results of an autopsy for more information on the circumstances surrounding his death.
“He died at a tragically young age but he lived them more than most people live an entire lifetime,” Weiss said, “We all loved him and we’ll all miss him.”
The community support meeting will be held this Thursday, Jan. 22, at 4:30 p.m. in the Founders Room of Anabel Taylor Hall. A memorial service is being planned for a later date, according to the University.