Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life and service of Willie Young Sr.
Body
WHEREAS, Willie 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; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, 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 and staff with wisdom and a sense of humor that led all who knew him to call him a friend; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, Willie’s passing leaves sadness, but also the knowledge that his legacy will live on, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the memory and contributions of Willie Young, Sr. to the Ohio State and Columbus community.