Caltech Mourns Nicole Cho, 1983-2024

Nicole DeRuiter Cho, social media manager in the Office of Strategic Communications, passed away on April 29, 2024. She was 41 years old.

Cho joined Caltech in 2018, and for nearly six years delivered news of Caltech's research and campus life to a global audience. Cho brought to Caltech sophistication and mastery across the digital communications spectrum: from brand awareness to content strategy to crisis communications. She also cherished her colleagues and infused her work with leadership, insight, and meaningful personal collaborations. She worked ceaselessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep communications flowing freely to a newly remote community. Interested in every aspect of Caltech's life, Cho remained attuned to numerous details and relationships to ensure that the Institute's social media provided a full and well-rounded picture of the life and work of Caltech.

"Nicole managed to keep a level head and offer sage perspective when advising on communications in the notoriously turbulent environment of social media," says Allison Benter, director of digital communications. "Her innate curiosity and enthusiasm for science inspired those around her."

"I value the time I had to work alongside Nicole, to get to know her, and to learn from her professionally and personally," says Shayna Chabner, chief communications officer and assistant vice president of strategy implementation. "She was someone who brought the highest level of professionalism to her craft and who was always there, willing to support a colleague in need."

Cho's colleagues remember her as someone "who genuinely cared about the Institute" and "who was fearless around technology and tools that would help serve the work we do while also being realistic about what the tools could actually do." She was "a fierce and loyal advocate for her friends and colleagues," "had a great sense of humor," and "was always eager to share her knowledge with others." As a fellow team member, "Nicole raised the bar," "helped elevate our online presence to new heights," and "made us want to be better at our jobs."

"During the pandemic, we peeked into each other's homes and saw the love Nicole was pouring into her young family every day," recalls one colleague. "Our best Zoom meetings featured the coos of baby Cameron on Nicole's hip and her son Dylan's urgent updates from preschool. Her family's health and happiness were paramount, and, at the same time, her dedication to sharing the wonders of Caltech, its science, its people, and its impact was contagious and fulfilling."

"Nicole's presence will be missed keenly within the communications group and across campus," says Diana Jergovic, vice president for strategy implementation. "We will build upon the foundation Nicole developed for us and honor her legacy by continuing to push forward creatively and together."

Prior to joining Caltech, Cho managed social media for USC, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, and Teleflora, where she designed and implemented communications and marketing strategies for diverse audiences. She earned a BAA in broadcast and public relations at Central Michigan University, graduating with honors, and completed a Master of Science degree in digital social media at USC in 2009.

A flag-lowering ceremony will be held at 5:30 pm on May 14 at Caltech Hall. The flag will remain lowered until May 17 in her honor.

Cho is survived by her husband, Josh, and her sons Dylan and Cameron.