The Randolph-Macon College community is mourning the loss of Jacai Colson ’09, who was shot and killed in Prince George’s County, Maryland on March 13, 2016. He was 28 years old and would have turned 29 on March 17. Colson, a four-year veteran of Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), was assigned to the department’s Narcotic Enforcement Division and had worked as an undercover officer.

“Jacai was a man of outstanding character who had a passion for serving others,” says RMC President Robert R. Lindgren. “During his years at the college, Jacai was the consummate RMC student: hard-working, involved in community service, and passionate about deepening his education through many rich academic and co-curricular experiences. He was well-known and respected across our campus for his leadership and his enormous dedication to pursuing his dream to serve in law enforcement. By all accounts, Jacai was an exceptional police officer, serving the people of Maryland with exemplary commitment and bravery. Such a terrible loss. Our hearts are broken and we send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Jacai’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Colson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business/economics, was actively engaged in all that Randolph-Macon offered. He traveled to Ghana as part of a January Term experience, studied Japanese language and culture as well as economics, sang in the Ujima Gospel Choir, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He was also a member of the Yellow Jacket football team and worked in the Admissions office and in the Marketing & Communications Department. 

He was a member of Brothers 4 Change, a student organization devoted to community service. Colson and his classmates prepared and presented Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts to families in need and raked leaves for elderly citizens. In addition, the group hosted an annual Community Day, a program for local children that offered learning through games, movies and mentorship.

Remembrances
RMC’s Head Football Coach Pedro Arruza says, “Jacai was a valued member of the Randolph-Macon community and its football program. He was a remarkable young man with the highest character and a team player. Our community has suffered a terrible loss and I share my deepest sympathy with his family.”

Anne Marie Lauranzon, RMC’s director of Marketing & Communications, remembers Colson’s dedication and positive attitude.

“Jacai worked in our office for several years and was an invaluable member of our marketing team,” says Lauranzon.  “We will forever remember him for his infectious smile, kindness and positive attitude. He had a stellar work ethic and was an engaged member of our Randolph-Macon community. His passion was to work in law enforcement and serve his community. He did that with honor. We are so proud of him for his tenacity and for achieving his dream. Our hearts are with those who knew and loved Jacai as we did.”

U.S. Congressman Dave Brat, former RMC Economics professor, served as Colson’s academic advisor and was deeply saddened to hear of his death.

“Jacai Colson was a great man, a great student and a great friend of mine,” says Brat. “His smile was contagious, and he made friends everywhere he went. He was just a joy to have in class and around campus. I am terribly sad, and our prayers are with his family as we mourn the loss of our brother. May God heal our terrible loss.”

Asian Studies Professor Todd Munson says, “I was fortunate to have Jacai as a student in my Japanese language courses. He always gave my courses due attention and effort. Even years later I remember his Japanese handwriting very well: precise and careful. His death is a tragic and senseless loss to our community.”

Professor Alphine Jefferson (history; Black studies) traveled to Ghana in 2008 with RMC students, including Colson.

“With his winning smile and outgoing personality, Jacai Colson made friends easily on our J-term travel course to Ghana,” says Jefferson.  “Whether it was interacting with impoverished Ghanaian children or reflecting on the historical atrocities of the Elmira Slave Castle, Jacai had the ability to maintain optimism about the future. I am heartbroken that he died so young.”

Colson’s classmate and friend, the Reverend Sean Patrick Carroll ’09, says he was a standout in all that he did.

“Jacai was an exceptional athlete,” says Carroll. “He was a community force and the college and students were better because Jacai was attending RMC. He then gave four years as an undercover officer in some of the worst drug and gang areas of our country and made Maryland better for it. Jacai was indeed a phenomenal man; he loved others, and cared deeply for contributing to a greater society. He will be sorely missed.”

Visitation and Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will take place Thursday, March 24 from 2-9 p.m. at Borgwardt Funeral Home (4400 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705 and Friday, March 25 from 9-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774).

The funeral service will take place Friday, March 25 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774).

The Jacai Colson Career Fund
Randolph-Macon has received many requests from alumni and others who would like to honor Jacai Colson by creating a legacy in his memory. He was particularly focused on making a difference in the world through his career after graduation, and consequently took advantage of all that RMC’s career center had to offer.

A fund has been established in memory of Jacai as part of The Edge Career Center. The Jacai Colson Career Fund will support students by defraying the costs of opportunities such as internships and associated travel/living expenses, The Edge Boot Camp, conferences, and travel to networking opportunities with alumni and potential employers.

Jacai had a passion for helping others and worked hard to pursue his dream in law enforcement. He also understood that preparation would result in success after graduation. The Jacai Colson Career Fund will ease some of the financial burdens that students may experience as they, too, follow their chosen career paths.

To make a gift, please visit www.rmc.edu/givenow and designate it to The Jacai Colson Career Fund, or call (866) 694-4574.