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

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Randy Kammer
I have many fond memories of Willie. I will just share two of them.

On the night before their wedding, many of us were at Pam's house making paper flowers. Willie came in and he was crying because he sold his yellow corvette. It was the perfect example of male car bonding.

When the Super Bowl was played in Jacksonville, Willie came down for the game and visited us prior to the game at the beach. It turned out that his seat was exactly 10 rows behind mine. During the game, the man behind me got very drunk and profane. Before I confronted this guy, I looked up at Willie and he assured me that he had my back.

He never converted my Gator heart to the Buckeyes (in spite of valiant effort) but we attended multiple sporting events between our teams. I think of him often and miss him.
Stephanie Harris-Jolly
Willie and I are NASAP colleagues. We loved music and would discuss and sing the old songs all throughout the evenings after a long day of workshops. I miss my friend. Such an honor and testimony for a wonderful person.
Sharon Whittaker- Davis, Ph.D.
Nicknamed by Willie as: Dr. Diva
Willie and I were fellow members of the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) for over 40 years. I considered him a dear friend and a brother. He was a remarkable person who had such pride in The Ohio University and the work and service he gave to his students and community. He also loved our NASAP organization as he worked in various leadership capacities over the years. I was always impressed with his level of historical knowledge about everything! If there was a trivia competition I wanted to be on his team. He is so deserving of this tribute and is missed dearly. Much love, Dr. Sharon E. Whittaker, Former NASAP President and Current Chaplain
Irvin Clark
Nicknamed by Willie as: Brother Young
Image provided by Irvin Clark
Brother Young had a DEEP COMPASSION for students through his commitments to the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) Organization! His involvements in NASAP ensured that student affairs professionals of color were afforded professional development opportunities!

Your mentorship of me during my early years in student affairs greatly assisted in my progression to the President's position with NASAP and assisted my progression towards becoming a vice president of student affairs! I MISS You DEARLY Brother Young and I am FOREVER GRATEFUL to have known You!

Irvin R. Clark, EdD,

Associate Dean, Student & Strategic Initiatives

Florida State University Panama City
Rose WilsonHill
Nicknamed by Willie as: "Dr. Stella Lena"
Willie Young, Sr. was a unique gift! The Office of Diversity and Inclusion's (ODI) graduate and professional students knew they could call him. He gave his special treatment, shuttling to find off campus housing. A critical bridge from respective homes to this giant place, they benefitted from his campuswide contacts. One so dedicated, this serious university ambassador wore his scarlet and gray with dignity and pride! His unwavering support allowed him a seat for years on ODI's annual National Conference planning committee. Willie and I served on the executive board of the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals since 2000. His brilliance, his persona -- brought substantive discourse. My life has been indelibly enriched; indeed a privilege to know him. He gave all!

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