Eduardo Rondon
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Diego Eduardo Rondon. Eduardo was a student in the BA Honours in Political Science with a minor in Law who passed away in late April 2025. As attested by the tributes below, Eduardo was not only an outstanding student but an all-around exceptional human being. His commitment to social justice, compassion and care for others, and his political activism promised a life of great achievement and impact, now tragically cut short by his untimely death. With the tributes we collected in honour and celebration of Eduardo’s life from some Carleton faculty members and students who knew him, the Department of Political Science extends our heartfelt condolences to Eduardo’s family.
Hans-Martin Jaeger (Department Chair)
Tributes
Eduardo was a brilliant young man. He was passionate about politics and truly committed to fight for social justice. He not only excelled in his coursework at Carleton, but he also worked for the newspaper Beyond the Hill in the winter of 2025 and was an active member of the Carleton NDP chapter. He had just been elected to an executive position there. Eduardo was very involved in the NDP campaign for the last federal election. He worked for the campaign of NDP candidate for Nepean, Josh Bizjak, and enjoyed canvassing and chatting about politics with voters. As a high school student he was president of the debate team at his school and also loved swimming. Eduardo was a kind and caring person, an excellent friend, and an exemplary son, brother, uncle, and nephew. He wanted to devote his life to creating social justice, particularly for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Gabriela Capurro (Eduardo’s aunt and Adjunct Research Professor, School of Journalism and Communication)
Coming to terms with the end of Edu’s life has felt like conceding to the stillness that now lingers in his absence. Now resting in silence are the bonds he formed, the joy he sparked, and the laughter that still echoes through our camera rolls. His contagious quirks and spirited debates were just fragments of a life rich with potential, passion, and unwavering ambition.
However, I’ve come to realize that coming to terms with his death requires resistance—to both apathy and acquiescence. He didn’t just advocate for change, he embodied it. Guided by compassion, his life and legacy stand as a lasting testament, inspiring us to move forward with purpose.
In the quiet he left behind, we find a call to carry forward what he stood for—with courage, with care, and with each other.
Caleb Raymond (Student, Department of Law and Legal Studies, and friend)
I first met Eduardo when we were on the same residence floor, 4th Glengarry at Carleton University. He was someone to so many people: a son, brother, a nephew, a roommate, an activist, and a great friend. I find myself very lucky just to have known him, just to have been a witness to the wonderful man he was and the legacy he left.
But as many lives as he touched, not one of our accounts, nor all of our accounts of who Eduardo was combined could really capture the true beauty of who Edu was. Photos can tell us what made him happy, stories can tell us what made him sad, but I feel Eduardo’s presence, his impact, can never be appropriately measured by what he left behind. And that is what we mourn, and what we will continue to mourn for the rest of our lives; that hard to pinpoint, hard to define greatness that Edu exuded and shared with everyone he met. And I know I will cherish the fact that he chose to share his time, unique and plentiful talents, and love, with me.
Michael Harding (Student, Department of Cognitive Science, and friend)
Eduardo Rondon
I first met Eduardo during the first week of our first year in 2023, and from that very moment, it was clear that he was going be someone truly special to me. He carried himself with a quiet confidence and a strong sense of purpose that was rare for someone so young. Eduardo had an infectious passion for politics, and he never hesitated to engage in thoughtful conversations about the issues that mattered most to him. He spoke not just with knowledge, but with conviction always grounded in a desire to create meaningful change in the world around him.
What stood out most about Eduardo was his authenticity. He was the kind of person who listened as much as he spoke, who showed up for others with empathy and care, and who had a way of making everyone feel seen with such a warming smile that can never be erased in my mind. His presence will forever leave a lasting impact on me.
What I will miss most about Eduardo is his unwavering drive and his warmth the way he lit up a room not with volume, but with sincerity. He had so much potential, so many dreams, and a heart that inspired those around him to be better. It was a privilege to have known him, and his memory will continue to motivate me and so many others who were lucky enough to call him a friend.
Pour toujours Eduardo,
Morgan Armstrong (Student, Department of Psychology, and friend)
Eduardo took my first year class on the politics of things, receiving a well-earned “A+”. I remember him as a brilliant student with a quirky sense of humour, invariably eager to start the debate each week, often the first to post on the forum page, and always a vital, effervescent presence in the seminar room. He was not just enthusiastic about political ideas, he was also really smart in what he said and wrote. Passionate about social justice, but considerate and respectful towards those who took a different view, he lit up the class. I am so very sad to learn he has passed. What a loss for all of us, but especially his family to whom my condolences go out.
William Walters (Professor, Department of Political Science)
Eduardo stood out in a large undergraduate class in terms of his consistent, reliable involvement and also in terms of his insightful and carefully crafted questions. He had the rare ability to keep his own interpretations in abeyance until instructional themes were fully developed. He would then develop his own perspectives in a creative and useful way. His intellectual excellence was very apparent as were his integrity and sense of responsibility. It is unfortunate that he will not be able to develop the intellectual contributions that were already emerging in his work and which would have positively impacted the community. He will truly be missed. May he rest in light eternal.
Scott Bennett (Professor, Department of Political Science)
In class, Eduardo was an ideal student, splitting his time between thoughtful responses and active listening, spending every moment gaining as much knowledge as he could.
In our after-class discussions and initial conversations in political circles, I learned about Eduardo’s compassion and kindness, and his earnest desire to make the world a better place. Although we were not given the time to become colleagues in recent political campaigns, our short time as TA and student made it clear that Eduardo was a truly good person who will be missed by everyone he met in life.
Jay (Japjeet) Suden (Teaching Assistant, Department of Political Science and Carleton NDP associate)
Eduardo was a crucial part of the Carleton University New Democrats. Eduardo’s passion, energy, and dedication leaves a lasting mark on all of us. He was a familiar face at so many of our events, always eager to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer a thoughtful perspective. Even during exam season — when all of us were stretched thin — Eduardo still showed up to volunteer for our get-out-the-vote effort on campus. That was just who he was, always showing up for the people and causes he cared about. In March, Eduardo was elected as our VP of Community Outreach. I remember his speech at our AGM, where he spoke with such conviction on 2SLGBTQ+ issues and community organizing. It was obvious to me that he had so much to offer. Off campus, Eduardo brought that spark to Josh Bizjak’s campaign in Ottawa West-Nepean. Active participation in politics and social justice is something we at CUND take pride in — and Eduardo truly embodied that spirit. Despite the brevity of our time together, I was lucky to know Eduardo. His spirit lives on within all who knew him. Rest in power Eduardo.
Liz Marchand (Student, Department of Political Science and co-chair of the Carleton University New Democrats)
Edu, mi primer sobrino pequeño, siempre al lado de Fefi (su hermana mayor). Ambos fueron mi primera experiencia como tía “adquirida”, hijos de mis grandes amigos Eduardito y Ali. Con ellos aprendí lo que es la niñez, las peleas de hermanos y la preocupación de ser padres inclusive antes de imaginar tener hijos. Edu siempre brillante, retador, inteligente y obediente ante su hermanita mayor. Sacándome sonrisas y al mismo haciéndome pensar: “como tan pequeño piensa tanto”. Sus papás, un ejemplo a seguir, día a día guiando con amor. Hasta el día de hoy recuerdo palabras de Ali y me ayudan a manejar la crianza y educación. Edu, tú solo sigue brillando estés donde estés y ayúdanos a hacer de este mundo, un mundo major.
Tessy Tsumura, Tía
Edu was the most wonderful son anyone could ever dream of. He was genuine and caring, endlessly sweet and wise beyond his years. He always seemed to know just the right thing to say — his words were like balm for the heart. Even from a young age, he carried a peaceful, calming presence that brought comfort to everyone around him. I used to tell him that all the time since he was a young boy. How much I loved being with him. Now, I hold close every moment we shared — the laughter, the conversations, the quiet times, and the precious words exchanged between us. Those memories are treasures I will carry for the rest of my life. Edu spoke often about his friends and his life at Carleton University. He cared deeply for those around him, and he gave his whole heart to everything he did. His kindness, his brilliance, his love — they touched so many. I will miss him every single day of my life. Te amo más allá de la vida mi Edu. Con todo mi corazón, Tu mami.
Alicia Capurro, Mom
In Honor of Edu – A Freemason and DeMolay Knight Eduardo Rondón, known lovingly as Edu, was more than a beloved son, brother, and friend—he was a young man of conviction, honor, and heart. As a Freemason and a Knight of the Order of DeMolay, he embodied the principles of brotherhood, service, and integrity with a maturity far beyond his years. From the moment he joined DeMolay, Edu took its teachings to heart. He believed in the sacred values of love, reverence, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness, and patriotism. These weren’t just words for him—they were a guide, a compass by which he lived his life. Whether in his fight for justice, his unwavering support of minorities and equal rights, or simply the kindness he showed to those around him, Edu was a true knight in spirit and action. His transition into the world of Freemasonry was a natural evolution—one that deepened his commitment to light, truth, and the eternal bond among brothers and sisters. Edu found in the Craft a spiritual home, a place where he could channel his ideals and beliefs in the energy of the soul, the pursuit of wisdom, and the betterment of humanity. He understood that being a Freemason was not about titles or rituals alone, but about becoming a beacon of light in a world that too often forgets how to care. Edu was that light. Though his journey on this plane was shorter than we ever could have imagined, the legacy he leaves in the hearts of his brothers and sisters — both in DeMolay and Freemasonry—endures. He taught us that courage comes in many forms: in standing for what’s right, in being unapologetically oneself, in loving freely, and in seeking truth even through pain. Today, we remember Edu not only as a cherished member of our Masonic family but as a young man who lived the ideals of our orders with honor and grace. His light may now shine from the East Eternal, but its warmth will never fade. So mote it be. Tu papi por siempre ❤️
Eduardo Rondon Senior, Dad
Edu, el tiempo nos ayudará a aprender a extrañarte y pensar en Ti, con más sonrisas y menos lagrimas. He repasado todo mi archivo de recuerdos tuyos, una y otra vez. Tu tiempo de Niño, tu tiempo de joven y de adulto. Siempre veo luz, tu sonrisa, tu firmeza, tu humor inteligente, tu voz, tus juegos, y sobretodo tu amor. Gracias por estar con tus primos. Gracias por cada palabra, gesto, y situaciones compartidas conmigo. Tengo fé en qué volveremos a abrazarnos, por ahora, te tengo presente, me conmueve la sensación de tu cercanía cuidando a tu mamá, a tu papá, a tu hermana. Quisiera escucharte una vez más, leer tus genialidades, conocer tus éxitos. Pero tendremos que esperar, hasta volvernos a encontrar.
Caterina Capurro, Tía
I was in several classes with Eduardo in first year and was lucky enough to chat with him quite a bit over that span. He always struck me as such a gentle, kind and smart guy. What a terrible loss – so much left for him to accomplish. So sorry to hear this. Best wishes to his family and friends.
Daniel Fraser, Political Science Student
My name is Abdul. I do not have much to say other than I went to the same gym as Eduardo and I’ve actually never had a proper conversation with him but Ive always wanted to but I was always shy. Now after reading about him I could tell he’s as genuine as he was in the gym. He always bumped music until he started mini dancing mid workout and that made the area around him light up! If he is anything like how he was with his dedication to the Gym, then I know he must’ve been someone great. Rest in peace.
Eduardo was a joy to get to know and an inspiration for myself and others involved at Carleton and within the NDP. I first met Eduardo during a community canvass in the summer of 2024. I remember noticing his passion, intelligence and drive from the minute we started talking that day. Fast forward to the fall term and Eduardo was coming out in full force to Carleton NDP events and bringing others with him. You could tell that he embodied the spirit of community building that so many of us New Democrats and progressives more broadly feel driven by. There was no question about it, Eduardo was one of us. Outside of the club, I had the honour of taking a course with Eduardo. Here, I got to see him shine in a different way. He was smart as a whip, thoughtful and a great student. Someone who truly loved to learn, in a way that felt contagious. I distinctly remember, in the midst of the federal election, one class in particular. I had been working on Joel Harden’s federal NDP campaign and was preparing for the Carleton NDP’s annual general meeting. I walked into class and immediately thought that we should find a job for Eduardo on a campaign and get him to run for the club executive. I asked him for his resume that morning and, by the time I got home, it was already in my email. After this, Eduardo spent countless hours knocking on doors in Ottawa West Nepean. Every single person that worked with him felt an immediate connection and an admiration for his devotion to our cause. At our Annual General Meeting, Eduardo was elected as the Carleton NDP’s Vice President Community Outreach. He told a beautiful story about his path to finding community in high school and in Ottawa. The position was the perfect fit for him. It’s not often that you find someone like Eduardo — kind, ambitious, inspiring and hopeful. It was an honour to get to know him and I will hold him in my heart as we carry on the fight for a just future.
Gabriel Trozzi Stamou, former Carleton New Democrats Co Chair