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A spirit that is not afraid

Campus courtyard named in remembrance of young fan

The courtyard by South Donahue dorms was named after Will May. (Contributed by the May family)
The courtyard by South Donahue dorms was named after Will May. (Contributed by the May family)

A dedication ceremony in honor of William "Will" May was held at the South Donahue Courtyard on Aug. 29.
Will was 13 years old when he was killed in a hunting accident Jan. 12, 2013.
Because Will was an avid Auburn fan, the South Donahue Courtyard was dedicated in his memory.
According to Tim Jackson, executive associate athletics director, the May family is a member of The Talon Society, which requires a donation of at least $500,000.
"The May family has been a strong supporter of Auburn athletics for years," Jackson said.
Joe Whitt, former Auburn football assistant coach, spoke at the ceremony.
"We are here for love," Whitt said. "Love for family, and love for Will."
Jackson unveiled a plaque in honor of Will after athletics director Jay Jacobs delivered a short speech.
"I never had the chance to know Will, but his legacy will live on forever," Jacobs said at the ceremony. "He is not here with us, but his legacy will live on in our hearts."
Will's father, Guy May, also spoke at the ceremony.
"My favorite thing that was said about Will was something we heard from about 20 different kids," Guy said. "They said, 'Will May was my best friend.' I don't know how a 13-year-old found a way to make that many people feel like they were his best friend, but he did."
According to Guy, his son embodied the Auburn Creed.
"Will loved everything about Auburn University, and everybody in it," Guy said. "He didn't need to read The Auburn Creed to know what it meant to be an Auburn man."
According to Will's uncle, Joe May, Auburn was a family tradition for Will.
"My mom and dad went to Auburn," Joe said. "They actually met at Auburn and had five boys and we all went to Auburn. Will put that Auburn jersey on at a very young age. He loved Auburn, he loved Auburn athletics and especially Auburn football."
Joe said his nephew was more than just an Auburn fan, however.
"Will was a good kid," Joe said. "He was very involved in the community, very involved with school and very involved with church. He was well respected by his peers. He was a funny kid; he really liked to clown around. He enjoyed music, he enjoyed sports and he enjoyed video games."
Joe said Will touched people he did not even know.
"Will was an unconditional person," Joe said. "He did things to help people out because that is what you should do, not because they could do anything for him. We heard stories of him helping classmates and people he didn't really know. They said he would do things for them just because he knew they needed it. That is just who he was."
According to Joe, Will's life, though short, was full of meaning.
"He lived life to its fullest," Joe said. "He believed in having a good time. We have so much to give and we get caught up in what's going on in our lives and we forget to be there for others. Will seemed to understand that at a very young age."


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