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Willie J. Young, Sr. joined The Ohio State University in 1990 in Residence Life and became the Senior Director of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services in 1998. He received a BS in education and an MA in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.
During his long and storied career, Willie received the Ohio State Distinguished Staff Award, Gerald Saddlemire Mentor of the Year from the Ohio College Personnel Association, James Hurd Award from the Association of College and University Housing Offices - International for outstanding professionals of color in the field of student housing, the Sadie Yancey Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Professional, numerous awards from his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, and served in numerous capacities with dozens of service, non-profit and church organizations.
Willie was a tireless champion for town-gown relations between Columbus and the university, working with students, property owners and business managers on a wide variety of issues, building community, creating programs and inspiring engagement to support the academic success of commuter students and to make the off-campus area a safer and better place to live for all residents.
He was one of the most beloved members of the university community, dedicating his career to serving students and taking a personal interest in their well-being, as well as serving as a mentor and advisor to countless students with wisdom and a sense of humor that led all who knew him to call him a friend.
Celebrate Willie Young Sr.'s life by making a gift today to the Willie J. Young, Sr. Fund for Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement.
The Willie J Young, Sr. Fund for Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement was established to recognize the contribution of former senior director, Willie Young, a 30-year employee of the Office of Student Life. Funds support operations, programs, and services of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, including but not limited to the Community Ambassadors program, safety initiatives, educational programs, and programs to build community. Funds may also be used to offset costs associated with commemorative pieces that celebrate the life and career of Willie Young.
W is the 23rd letter, and Y is the 25th (think Willie trivia).
Willie’s dot number in his email was Young.56 (we all have those special emails from him).
Willie’s birthday was on August 8 (8/8) and one of his favorite trivia questions was the number of counties in Ohio which is 88 too!
Willie drove 450 miles per week from his home in Springfield to the Ohio Union which was approximately 90 miles round trip daily and 23,400 per year.
2019 was the last year that Willie attended the bowl game where he provided so much joy to all the tour participants with his trivia and Buckeye spirited personalized clothing.
Each year, Willie would pass out 3,000 hot dogs at Senior Crawl every spring. He worked hard to raise the money annually for that program for students!
