Recent grad dies in swimming accident

A remarkable story ended tragically when Devin Gaines ’07 died in a swimming accident July 10.

Gaines, who graduated from UConn in May, had achieved an extraordinary feat: He had earned 276 credits in five years, enough to earn five degrees – in computer science, cognitive science, theatre studies, linguistics/psychology, and an individualized major in cinema, culture, and cognition.

He accomplished this while maintaining a 3.2 grade point average.

He had planned to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree in educational communications technology at New York University.

“Devin really embraced all aspects of university life,” says David G. Woods, dean of the School of Fine Arts.

“He was a creative artist, had a mathematical mind, was witty, and he was caring. Those of us in fine arts enjoyed and cherished our friendship with him and will miss him and his many artistic talents.”