ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ

Sharon Gerbode

His professor

When I applied to work at ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ, in my mind I had a vision of what Mudders were like: bright and curious, fun-loving, but most of all kind. I envisioned students who would work together, struggle together, and make time for one another despite their busy schedules. To me Willie is a perfect example of this true Mudder. Although I only knew him as a physics student, even in class his kindness and deep caring for others came through. Working up at the board with his classmates, Willie seemed to be a calming influence, always showing warmth and respect to his peers even as they struggled through challenging problems. Willie’s actions showed how highly he prioritized people’s well being, and I admire his commitment to helping others. We were lucky to know him here at HMC.

Matthew Calligaro ’20

My Proctor and Friend

During Orientation, Willie heard me playing Ride the Lighting, and he eagerly told me he was a huge Metallica fan too. That night, we jammed together for over an hour, talking about everything from metal concerts to life at Mudd. He was the first person to really make me feel part of this community. I remember at one point, he opened his closet to show me a new vinyl copy of Ride the Lighting he just bought a week before. We listened and played along together—I always think of him when I hear those songs now. Ever since that day, he always greeted me with a wave and a huge smile, one that would make me smile too, even when I was feeling my worst. I felt so much safer during my first months here knowing that I could always go to him for advice, support, and guidance. Willie, thank you so much for making me feel welcomed and loved here at Mudd. I love you and I miss you.

Emily Beese ’17

Co-proctor / friend

Willie was a Proctor with me. We spent so many hours together during training and fun hangouts. Every time I interacted with him, I respected him more. He always brought his best! He was so brave and took on many responsibilities that I would be afraid to take on. Recently at a Proctor meeting, he was even more bold, taking a risk and telling the group more about himself. I really connected with his experiences, but was never brave enough to tell the group. But he inspired me to take risks so I went to tell him that we should talk more about these experiences we had in common. He thanked me and said that maybe we could do that sometime. We never got to talk more, but I’m really glad I talked to him then.

He was always so loving and caring towards me! He made us all laugh a lot! A great example was in the Proctor Skit rehearsal when he really struggled to tap Ellie on the shoulder at the right time, but always laughed it off! Here’s the video of our final skit, which I really enjoyed watching to see Willie in it and remember the good times.

I don’t know how to deal with this, but know that you’d want me to be brave and to keep smiling. <3

Felipe Borja ’19

Friend, mentee, SPLS familia

Willie approached every situation with a sense of calmness and gentleness. I would always see him around campus when I headed to and from class and he always asked how I was doing and would inquire as to my classes, well being, and life outside of academics. I can’t remember many moments where he was not smiling, and his trademark wave (palm open and slightly in front of him, hand moving side to side) was a frequent sight happy sight from across Mudd’s grass and pavement. He has such a generous spirit and he loved to pursue his passions inside and outside of the classroom.
I first met Willie through CLSA. It was so nice to be able to meet an individual so invested in the well-being of others and that day he let me know that if I ever needed to talk about something, he would lend a listening ear and a compassionate heart. I took him up on the offer several times and we would talk about academic and social issues at length. Willie always kept a positive attitude despite the circumstances of life and the personal relationships he established among the students, faculty, and staff inspired me to develop more relations of my own. Willie made Mudd feel like a real home. His genuine, calm, caring attitude was a constant and I’m going to miss that so much.
I miss you Willie. I love you and I miss you.

Sam K Miller ’17

A Good Friend

Willie was undoubtably one of the nicest, easygoing, caring, and positive guys I’ve ever met. I unfortunately didn’t quite get to know him well until Junior year, but when we finally started talking, hanging out, and wiling around on weekends, it was some of the best times I’ve had at this college. If times were bad, he could cheer me up or at the very least put up with my negativity, an unstoppable force of smiles and that all so special “ashshshshshesheehehe” laugh that we heard so much of. And whenever we’d run into each other in passing, even just a greeting from him would hit the spot.

When we would get into shenanigans, whatever we were doing he was loving every second of it. He loved to go out, and thus the name “Wiler Willie” was borne. But on the mellower side of things, no doubt, we had some fantastic conversations about the future, family, the merit of this breakfast food we were eating, or how many times you can listen to a song before it gets old. He sure loved music, and I don’t say that about many people. I remember over the summer after I showed him a new artist, I could hear him playing it from his room while I was listening to my own music in my room, two doors down the suite. This went on for at least a week. We jammed together – we both played guitar and both loved thrash metal, a rare connection around these parts. We weren’t professionals but it sure was fun.

Willie loved learning new things and experiencing new experiences. He was always down to try new things, go new places, and as many have said, loved his studies and work. Sometimes we would go on “Wiler Walks,” just wander around the campuses and see who we run into or meet, with no plan in mind whatsoever. And he loved meeting new people, seeing what wisdom or entertainment they had to share. He was a fantastic listener, ready to consider whatever you had to say.

In the spirit of his creativity, I remember when he and some friends towards the end of the summer decided to make ice cream cones but instead of ice cream, it was mac n cheese, and also cheeto dust was involved. My mind was blown. The dude had determination too. At some point we bought a medium sized inflatable pool, but didn’t have the right tools to blow the majority of it up. For the body of the pool, the opening was clearly too large for a mouth to blow in. No problem, Willie almost singlehandedly inflated the pool anyways, even after I had given up hope. I learned a good lesson about the power of lungs that day.

I hope in the future that Willie’s soul and spirit can guide me to be a more open, caring person, like he was. Looking back, he was an amazing role model, someone anybody can learn from, almost like how he was so ready to learn from everyone. I feel guilt for every moment I wasn’t my best towards him, because he always forgave me, and was always his best towards me and everyone.

It feels weird writing this as text but Willie, if you’re seeing/hearing this, we miss you, and don’t stop doing you, bud. We love ya, man.

Hao Cao ’17

Suite mate, classmate, friend

Willie was a very caring and warm person. No matter what troubles me, after talking with him, I always feel safe, supported, that everything is going to be OK. We procrastinated together; we go to class together; we struggle together; we laugh together. He is always there for me. I will always cherish those late night talks, sharing our views of the world. He was so proud of his little brother, Andrew. He showed us Andrew’s album when we were out for dinner. I don’t have a brother, but if I did, I’d wish him be like Willie. I miss you dearly, my friend.

Djassi Julien ’20

He was my Proctor

I remember when Willie moved into my suite during the Summer Institute. He would always come out when we were doing math homework and try to help us, even though it had been a very long time since he’d done epsilon-delta proofs. Nonetheless, he struggled through it with us every night, and then stuck around for our suite meetings when he could’ve been sleeping the whole time. Willie was always so kind, so willing to do whatever he could for others. I was so excited to be living in Atwood with him as my Proctor this year, and I can’t imagine going through this year without him. He inspires me, even now, to spread love, joy, and opportunity to the world because that’s what he would’ve done. I will always love you Willie, and I miss you.