Dieter Seltzer, a sophomore philosophy major, passed away on Tuesday.
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Virginia Tech sophomore Dieter Seltzer died of unknown causes Tuesday. He was away from the university at the time.
Dieter, a philosophy major, was an active thinker remembered for stirring thoughtful discussion. Joseph Pitt, a Tech philosophy professor and friend of the Seltzer family, said Dieter was simply interested in making the world a better place.
“I think he added a real dimension of intellectual depth to the student body’s conversation,” Pitt said. “Dieter wasn’t content to talk about football scores — he did, he knew all the scores. But first and foremost in his mind was what’s wrong and what’s right in society, and how can we improve it.”
Related: Staff editorial
Pitt’s ties to the Seltzer family run deep. He served as an academic advisor to Michael Seltzer — Dieter’s father — who attended graduate school at Tech. While Pitt was advising Michael, his son Dieter was born. Gabi Seltzer, a senior, preceded her brother Dieter in choosing to study philosophy with Pitt as her advisor.
“I’ve known Dieter since he was two days old,” Pitt said. “They have been a family for me.”
He said Dieter immersed himself in political and philosophical discussions.
“He was rather passionate about the world of politics, particularly what was wrong with this country and how to make it right,” Pitt said. “He had learned how to articulate those dissatisfactions.”
Many of his points were made in the pages of the Collegiate Times. Dieter and Gabi wrote a recurring opinion feature this academic year called “Relatively Speaking,” where the siblings presented different perspectives on political and cultural issues. Gabi also served as opinions editor for the paper during the 2010-11 school year.
The Seltzer family’s deep connection to Tech was evident in Dieter, Pitt said.
“If you encountered Dieter, he was always in Virginia Tech clothing,” he said. “He thought Virginia Tech was a valuable place to be.”
Dieter was involved in several clubs and athletic pursuits, including the Tech men’s water polo club team.
Still, Pitt said Dieter’s sights were set much higher, on improving the world around him.
“I think the world is going to be a poorer place without him. He was going to make a difference — a real difference.”
A version of this article appeared in the Feb 16 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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Oh man, that is horrible. I will be praying for Gabi and the rest of the family. I read the CT almost everyday so this really saddens me.
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We're going to miss you man.
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Everyone who knew him will take on the challenge Dieter left us, to make the world a better place. He truly inspired the people around him, including myself, to stand up for what's right, to know the world around you, to stand your ground and still manage to have fun. Every life he has touched will live on knowing Dieter made an impact.
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I am so sorry to the family. Dieter and his sister Gabi coached two of my sons on the local swim team last summer and were both wonderful role models for them. Thank you for the time you spent with my children, you are all in my prayers!
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one of my good friends from high school...he was a great guy. RIP man
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Such an amazing guy. Dieter was always such an amazing friend. No matter the situation he could come up with a way to make things right. He was always willing to lend an ear, a shoulder or a hand. He was always sweet and caring. Dieter will always be missed.
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I'm so sorry for Dr. Seltzer and all of the seltzer family.
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I'm so sorry for Barbie and Dr.Seltzer. This is so tragic. I'm just so sorry for the whole Seltzer family. Just remember that he will always live on in your memories.
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