Office of Student Life

Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter
Student Engagement

Thank you to all who attended the Celebration of Life for Willie J. Young, Sr. Please utilize the link below to access the event powerpoint. 

Celebration of Willie J. Young, Sr..pdf

Remembering Willie Young, Sr.

Willie Young, Sr. was a Buckeye legend, a trusted friend, advisor to many and an advocate for all Ohio State students. Having been with the university since 1990, Willie leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Pay tribute to Willie's legacy by sharing your favorite memories, photos and nickname with us.

Share your memories

Page:

Noah Blacker
Nicknamed by Willie as: The Ark / The Future Falcon / The Hoosier
Willie was such a wonderful and positive influence on my life for the four years I knew him and worked under him and his team with the off-campus office. The joy and passion he gave for working with students led me to pursue a career in higher education as well. I remember going on campus tours and going to interview dates at Bowling Green State University, his alma mater, and him saying that I would soar as a "future falcon", but ended up going to Indiana University instead. His gift and dedication help to inspire me and make me who I am today. Thank you Willie!
Tom Reeves
Nicknamed by Willie as: Dr. Reeves
Well over a year after his passing, I still miss Willie. How do you describe such a giant--words like "mentor," "friend," "colleague," and "boss" seem so ill-fitting and incomplete. What I loved most about Willie is that he always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. He taught me so much--about people, relationships, believing in others and faith in humanity. Everyone loved Willie, because he loved everyone. As always, "Hello, hello."
Pamela Ashby
I was soliciting a new portable alarm system and dropped in on Willie regularly. He was always gracious, funny and helpful. I have very fond memories of him and am sad to hear he is gone. He was a great person and asset to OSU.
Michael Byrd
Nicknamed by Willie as: Rollo
I met Willie around 1988 at Wilberforce University. I was his administrative assistant. We went from strangers to great friends. He was a huge Sanford & Son fan and I was dubbed Rollo! One year for his birthday Jeff King, dubbed Petey Wheatstraw by Mr. Young, and myself met at Wendy’s for lunch. While there we presented him with a rare collector’s piece of sports memorabilia. It was a glass encased autographed baseball dated 1947 and signed by Jacky Robinson. If you’ve seen that episode on Sanford & Son you know the joke. In all the years I’ve known him, I never heard him laugh so hard. I’m just learning they renamed the building for him, which is well deserved. Thank you for that because there will NEVER be another person more deserving. “Will Kick” I truly miss you my friend.
Cheryl Lyons
Nicknamed by Willie as: Runnin' Rebel
Willie Young was an Assistant Director in Residence Life when I joined their office in 1997. I moved from the west coast and was told to ship all my belongings in "c/o Willie Young". I still have boxes in my house with his name on them! Willie dubbed me "Runnin' Rebel" because I attended UNLV and I was there when we won the NCAA basketball title in 1990. Willie was always so kind and conversational. He always had wonderful perspectives to share, great quotes, and lots of trivia! Willie and I had lunch together several times recently and he even helped me find tickets to the last OSU vs. UNLV football game. Willie gave so much of his heart, time, and talent to Ohio State and to our students. I miss you dearly, Willie!

Page: