About Us

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.

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:

« Previous
1
2
3
...
5
6
7
8
9
...
12
Next »

When I first met Willie and I told him my last name, we immediately made the connection that he knew my father-in-law. They had attended East Tech H.S. in Cleveland and graduated together. Willie always greeted me as Mrs. Echols because of his connection to my father-in-law. My favorite memory of Willie is a funny one. One day, I was attending a conference in the Union and I ran into Willie. He discreetly let me know that I had on two different shoes. I looked down at my feet and discoverd that I had a tan flat on one foot and a black flat on the other. In my haste to get two small children out of the door that morning, I had put on two different shoes. Willie did not judge me or ever mention it again. I was so embarrassed. I quickly retreated to my car and changed shoes.

While working at OCCSS for around 5 years, Willie became one of my biggest mentors and a friend. I’m an aspiring student affairs professional and he gave me support and advice every single day. Willie was the one who introduced me to the graduate school program I’m currently in, so I would truly not be where I am today without him. I’ll miss our long talks on his Union “perch”, sitting in “the Museum” and helping him with his computer, and photographing his custom-made windbreakers.

A few years ago I had a mishap in the Union parking garage and accidentally dented our office van. I thought I was going to be fired immediately, but Willie was so forgiving. He laughed it off with me and gave me the nickname “Driving Queen”.

I worked at OCCSS under Willie. I remember how excited he was when I told him I got an internship at Quicken Loans and from that point on he called me Quicken. I would often find myself in his office, which if you had ever been in it knew it was more museum than office. He and I would talk sports for as long as I could hide from my other managers. He knew I was obsessed with Lebron James and I would always ask him to let me buy his autographed Lebron jersey off of him and he would always sigh and tell me he couldn't do it.

Willie made a lasting impact on me as a student, employee and as a person. I couldn't be happier that the office is being named after him because he WAS the embodiment of OCCSS. I'll miss you, Willie. I'm glad your spirit lives on in OCCSS.

I have so many fond memories of Willie during the 12 years we worked together. He used to point to his hand and talk about his "Palm Pilot". His technology skills, or lack thereof, were a point of humor with us. But, he never needed tech. He preferred to pick up the phone and call you, or even better to meet you in person. He wanted to really connect with people. And, he did. He connected with everyone he met. I'm so grateful to have known him and been mentored with his optimism, experience, and generosity.

He was a legend.

Willie and I met when we moved into the George Wells Knight House at 104 East 15th Ave in 1998 (Willie as director as OCSS and me as AD with Community Crime Patrol). We became instant friends, of course, as he was a friend to all. We have never lost touch, serving on many boards, committees, and task forces together. The nickname "Sister Hat" came after I gave my pastor, an African-American woman, a book entitled "Crowns", detailing in beautiful pictures and stories, the tradition of hat-wearing in the African-American church.

Thereafter, I was dubbed "Sister Hat"! There will never be another like him; I miss him so dearly!

Page:

« Previous
1
2
3
...
5
6
7
8
9
...
12
Next »