In Memory of Bill Quigley -

" I'll never forget how nervous I was the very first day I started the nuclear technology program. Nervous that it would be too challenging, that I wouldn't be smart enough to get through it since I had never done well in school before that point or had any classes remotely similar to what we were about to take, nervous that my drive was the only thing I had going for me, afraid to not succeed. It was a scary decision for me because I was unsure of myself about it. The first day of classes I remember I walked into the room not knowing a single person & as I scanned the room, receiving all of these blank stares back at me, my eyes shifted towards where you were sitting in the center of the room & you were the only one smiling at me - so I decided to sit next to you. I had no idea that over the next two years we would grow to become close friends & how lucky I was because of that. You were such a selfless, intelligent, humble, hard working, driven, empathetic man. You were my lab partner for every lab we had during that program & you saw in me potential that I did not know yet I held. You pushed me to do my best, always willing to study and work together with me, and you helped me immensely. You always told me I was so much smarter than I recognized I was - on the days where I felt like I was having trouble in school and wanted to pull my hair out you ALWAYS took the time to explain math concepts or circuitry concepts that I was having trouble grasping & you would tell me that it was you who was lucky to have a lab partner like me to help you...I know for a full blown fact that if it were not for you, I would not be where I am today. Your encouragement and pleasant attitude & constant reassurance was what gave me the confidence to keep pushing through school on the days where I just wanted to quit. You always had my back & I am so thankful that we became close during college & the 2 years of seemingly nothing but studying and having my nose in a book that I had a friend like you. You opened my eyes to the potential that I had & because of that I gained the confidence to not give up on school, because of that, today I have the job I wanted so badly. Endless study sessions, beers at Kelly's when our brains were fried from the studying, blabbing about the walking dead & life lessons got us through that program. You kicked ass. You lost your mother in the middle of our program, got diagnosed with (and beat!) esophageal cancer during our program, and you STILL maintained a perfect 4.0 every semester. The fact that you were going through chemo and still acing every single class we had proved the level of ambition, drive, intelligence, and mental strength you had. I met a lot of great people during the Nuclear Technology program, you were my favorite. Always willing to help out anyone who needed it, always kind, always enthusiastic, and could make us laugh. I was sad to learn last week that your cancer had come back...couldn't believe it when you told me you only had +/- 2 months to live...and I am deeply saddened to see you go. Rest easy Quigs."

Bill Quigley was a good man, one of the good things in this world. Everyone who knew him is deeply saddened by his passing...the post above was my own personal experience. I know if it were not for Bill, I would not be where I am today. He helped me immensely throughout school, and I am starting this campaign in hopes of returning the favor by raising money to give to his 5 children to help them with their future educational endeavors / any type of support they need...as he will devastatingly not be here with them to financially support them throughout their college experiences. Anything helps, and even if you cannot afford to donate, please share this post.

Rest In Peace Bill.