Kristen Faust, a social worker at Binghamton University’s Counseling Center, died unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 9.

Faust, 27, was a former BU student, earning a bachelor’s in psychology in 2000 and an master’s in social science in 2003 from Binghamton University, as well as a Master of Social Work from SUNY Albany. She held several jobs at Binghamton University, both as a graduate student and after graduation.

She served as a student assistant on campus, as a teaching assistant from 2001 to 2003 and as a staff social worker for the University.

Faust began her work as Binghamton’s senior counselor in January 2005. She specialized in the treatment of athletic issues, eating disorders and body-image problems, sexual identity issues and college student development.

Faust, of Cold Spring, N.Y., was an important part of the Binghamton community for many years, and her sudden death is a great loss to the community, a BU press release said. An obituary in The Journal News described Faust as an avid athlete who was preparing to run her second marathon.

Her funeral was held today at 10 a.m. in her hometown. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter, 5 Computer Drive West, Suite 100, Albany, N.Y. 12205.