For Erik, With Love: Honoring Sam’s Legacy

Created by Sam’s Connecticut College friends, open to all who knew and loved him.

We are a group of friends from the Connecticut College Class of 1988-1990, coming together in deep grief and enduring love for our classmate Sam Luebke, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2025.

Sam was warm, principled, and endlessly curious—a sharp mind, a fierce advocate, and a brilliant strategist. He was a loyal friend and tireless champion for workers’ rights. Over the years, he became a devoted partner and a loving father.

Sam left a lasting impression wherever he went, guided by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and a rock-solid moral compass. His playful, quick-witted humor put people at ease and reminded us to take seriously our values, not our egos.

Sam leaves behind his wife Yasemin and their 14-year-old son Erik, who was at the center of his world. Though his death was sudden, the foundation Sam built—emotionally and financially—has kept his family on solid ground and will continue to carry them through.

This fund was created by Sam’s college cohort as a way for those who knew and loved him to come together in support of Erik’s future—a collective act of love, remembrance, and care for the family Sam held most dear.

Whether Erik chooses college, a union apprenticeship, or another path that reflects who he is and who he’s becoming, we want him to feel held by the same community that cherished his father.

Every gift joins a growing circle of care and will be held for Erik by his mother, Yasemin. We honor Sam's life by walking beside his son in the years ahead.

With love and gratitude,
Sam’s Connecticut College Cohort