On January 17, the world lost a bright soul in a devastating car accident. Jack Langerman, a beloved member of Middlebury College’s Class of 2019.5, left an indelible mark on his community. Known for his warmth, ambition, and ability to bring people together, Jack’s story is one of inspiration, even in the face of tragedy. This blog post dives into his life, his achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind through the Jack Langerman Community Foundation.
Who Was Jack Langerman?
Jack Langerman was more than a name; he was a connector, a teammate, and a friend. Hailing from Bethesda, Maryland, Jack’s journey took him from Winston Churchill High School to Middlebury College, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in American Studies and a minor in Mathematics. His curiosity led him to study abroad in Copenhagen in 2017, and at the time of his passing, he was thriving as an account associate at EMI Strategic Marketing in Boston.
Jack’s presence was magnetic. Professors described him as engaged and insightful, always ready with a question or a lighthearted joke. On the baseball field, he was a walk-on player for the Middlebury Panthers, pouring his heart into the team. Off the field, he served as a statistician for the football team, earning the nickname “Mr. Middlebury” for his constant support at games.
Jack Langerman Biography
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Langerman |
| Hometown | Bethesda, Maryland |
| High School | Winston Churchill High School, Potomac, Maryland |
| College | Middlebury College, Class of 2019.5 |
| Major | American Studies (Minor: Mathematics) |
| Study Abroad | DIS Scandinavia, Copenhagen, 2017 |
| Career | Account Associate, EMI Strategic Marketing, Boston |
| Extracurriculars | Walk-on member of Middlebury Panthers baseball team; football statistician |
| Survived By | Parents Scott and Vicki Langerman, sister Jenny, brother Tom |
| Legacy | Jack Langerman Community Foundation |
The Tragic Accident That Shook a Community
On January 17, Jack Langerman’s life was cut short in a car accident. While details of the incident remain private out of respect for his family, the news sent shockwaves through Middlebury College and beyond. Jack’s passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, and professors, who remember him as a vibrant force of kindness and connection.
The loss of someone so young and full of potential is a reminder of life’s fragility. Yet, Jack’s story is not defined by its end but by the way he lived—fully, generously, and with purpose.
A Legacy of Connection and Community
Jack’s ability to bring people together was his superpower. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or at work, he fostered a sense of belonging. His professors at Middlebury recall his openness and enthusiasm, qualities that made discussions richer and classrooms warmer. Michael Newbury, Jack’s advisor, noted his “unguardedness,” which made everyone feel like they knew him well. Holly Allen, another professor, praised his engagement and humor, which uplifted his peers.
On the baseball team, Jack was a unifying presence. Head Coach Mike Leonard credits him with strengthening team bonds, welcoming new players, and embodying the program’s highest ideals. “He made everyone feel like family,” Leonard said. This sentiment echoed in Jack’s work with the football team, where his dedication as a statistician went beyond numbers. Brad Nadeau, Director of Athletic Communications, remembered Jack’s willingness to go the extra mile, always with a smile.
Jack’s influence extended to his professional life in Boston, where he brought the same energy to his role at EMI Strategic Marketing. His colleagues described him as ambitious and hardworking, with a knack for building relationships.
The Jack Langerman Community Foundation
In the wake of Jack’s passing, his family established the Jack Langerman Community Foundation to honor his memory. The foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities that shaped Jack’s life—his hometown of Bethesda, Middlebury College, and beyond. It reflects his spirit of giving back and fostering connection.
Donations to the foundation can be sent to:
Jack Langerman Community Foundation
7910 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Email: jacklangermanfoundation@gmail.com
Checks should be made payable to the Jack Langerman Community Foundation.
The foundation is a testament to Jack’s legacy, ensuring his impact continues to inspire and uplift others.
Jack’s Roots: Family and Hometown
Jack grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, surrounded by a close-knit family. His parents, Scott (Middlebury ’87) and Vicki (Swarthmore ’88), instilled in him a love of learning and community. His sister, Jenny (Middlebury ’22), and brother, Tom (Vanderbilt ’24), shared a bond with Jack that was evident to all who knew them.
Bethesda shaped Jack’s early years. At Winston Churchill High School, he excelled academically and athletically, laying the foundation for his future achievements. His hometown remains a place of memories, where memorial services will be held once gatherings are safe post-pandemic.
A Bright Future Cut Short
At 25, Jack was just beginning to carve his path. His role at EMI Strategic Marketing was a stepping stone in a career fueled by ambition and talent. He had plans—classes he wanted to take, internships he was excited about, and dreams of making a difference. His professors noted his forward-looking optimism, always planning the next step with a smile.
Jack’s study abroad experience in Copenhagen through DIS Scandinavia broadened his perspective, exposing him to new cultures and ideas. It was a chapter that reflected his curiosity and openness to the world.
Why Jack’s Story Matters
Jack Langerman’s life reminds us to live with intention. He didn’t just pass through spaces; he enriched them. His story encourages us to ask: How can we build stronger connections? How can we show up for our communities? How can we leave a positive mark, no matter how long or short our time?
In a world often divided, Jack’s ability to unite people feels like a lesson. His legacy challenges us to be kinder, more engaged, and more present.
Honoring Jack’s Memory
Memorial services in Bethesda and Middlebury will be announced when gatherings are safe. In the meantime, the Langerman family invites friends and supporters to contribute to the Jack Langerman Community Foundation. These acts of giving keep Jack’s spirit alive, supporting causes he cared about and communities he loved.
Jack’s story also invites reflection. Share a memory, reach out to a friend, or get involved in your community. These small acts echo the way Jack lived—fully and with heart.
FAQ: Jack Langerman’s Life and Legacy
Q: Who was Jack Langerman?
A: Jack Langerman was a Middlebury College graduate (Class of 2019.5) from Bethesda, Maryland, known for his warmth, ambition, and community spirit. He died in a car accident on January 17.
Q: What did Jack study at Middlebury?
A: Jack majored in American Studies with a minor in Mathematics, graduating cum laude. He also studied abroad in Copenhagen in 2017.
Q: How was Jack involved at Middlebury?
A: Jack was a walk-on baseball player, a football statistician, and an active classroom contributor, earning the nickname “Mr. Middlebury” for his presence at games.
Q: What is the Jack Langerman Community Foundation?
A: It’s a foundation created by Jack’s family to support communities that shaped his life. Donations can be sent to 7910 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, or jacklangermanfoundation@gmail.com.
Q: How can I honor Jack’s memory?
A: Contribute to the Jack Langerman Community Foundation, share memories, or engage in your community in ways that reflect Jack’s spirit of connection.
Q: When will memorial services be held?
A: Services in Bethesda and Middlebury will be announced when gatherings are safe post-pandemic.
Conclusion
Jack Langerman’s story is one of light, even in loss. He lived with purpose, bringing people together and leaving every space better than he found it. From the baseball field to the classroom, from Bethesda to Boston, Jack’s legacy is one of connection and care. The Jack Langerman Community Foundation ensures his impact endures, inviting us all to live a little more like Jack—openly, generously, and with heart. Let’s honor him by building stronger communities and cherishing the ties that bind us.
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