Planted September 7, 2023 First Street Towers Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
We traveled to Purdue this weekend to see the memorial trees we had commissioned for planting last year. The trees are finally installed at the new First Street sculpture garden outside of the center tower off of Mitch Daniels Blvd. These are under-story trees and will grow to eventually 20-25′ in height. So, they are starting out small but we know they will make a big impact to the surroundings, just as Ethan did when he lived at First Street during his undergraduate studies. This species is a less common white flowering variety which will be very exciting to see in bloom next spring!
You can see the record of the trees from the Purdue Arboretums interactive treemap website… Many thanks to Brooke Sammonds, Landscape Architect on staff with the Purdue Grounds division, whom helped with the process of choosing this site and her efforts toward making the memorial trees a reality this year!
We feel a deep connection to the people of Campus House at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Pastors, staff, members and attenders have poured out their love on us since we stepped into the church when we were discovering Purdue for our son Ethan back in 2016. That first meeting was within the walls of their older building… a “mushroom-like” place in the heart of Purdue.
Located in the heart of Purdue’s campus, Campus House is a Jesus-centered, non-denominational church community being formed together in His ways for the sake of the campus, the city, and the world. For over 50 years, our heart has been to reach Purdue’s campus and Greater Lafayette with the love of Jesus, to encourage and equip disciples who make disciples, and to be a sending base for mission and ministry throughout the world. God has brought a unique mix of undergraduate and graduate students, young professionals, families, and retirees into our community, so whatever your life stage, you belong here. We’d love for this to be your church home on campus.
When Ethan became a student at Purdue in the Fall of 2018, he jumped into life on campus and with the Campus House community. We are so grateful for everyone whom welcomed him and walked alongside him with the rest of the student population in the four years of his undergraduate degree. He had returned to the community of Campus House the day he passed away. It was a beautiful day, challenging each other to live for the Lord in bible study and the care of the men in his life at Joshua House.
This community has honored our son and his commitment to follow Jesus even now in these days without him. Campus House hosted a Game Night on June 7th, 2023 for our JolteOn Memorial Game Days and brought together friends to remember the joy of his life in games. They touched our hearts incredibly by dedicating Classroom 1 in honor of Ethan’s impact.
Remembering Ethan Wang Classroom 1, Second Floor Campus House 1000 Mitch Daniels Blvd West Lafayette, IN
Here are the words from the Campus House pastoral staff on the plaque in honor of Ethan’s life…
“Ethan graduated from Purdue in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering. He loved Star Wars and video games, cheese and sushi, and was known around campus as the “roller-blading guy”, a nod to his passion for the game of hockey.
Ethan was part of a core group of students who saw us through the COVID-19 pandemic, including our year in “exile” in a temporary leased space as we tore down our previous building–remembered as “the mushroom” for its odd shape–and built this one. Ethan was a teacher and a learner, brilliant and brutally honest, an intense yet wonderfully hospitable kind of leader who loved Jesus and desperately wanted others to know the grace he had experienced. He wrote this in his notes one Sunday: “What you put at the center of your life affects what is at the center of the lives of those close to you”. For Ethan, that was undoubtedly Jesus.
He was excited about what God was doing in and through the Campus House community and, upon graduation, Ethan accepted a local job offer so that he could continue to participate in what Jesus was building here. Tragically, he died the week he was to begin this new chapter in his story. When Ethan put his faith and ultimate hope in Jesus, he was banking everything on the reality of the resurrection. The hope that he had is the hope that doesn’t disappoint, that can’t be cut short. It isn’t wishful thinking, but rather a living hope, the deep reality of life in Christ. As we gather in this space, we remember Ethan’s unshakeable hope in Christ and deep love for our community, and we honor all that God did in and through his time with us.”
We are forever grateful for Jesus’ work through Campus House.
Ethan’s long time friends came together on Wednesday, May 31st… Minecraft was the perfect game of choice to highlight the time of remembering their friend through games. Everyone lives in separate places now, some near and some far. I remember the days of elementary, middle and high school when it was just a short drive from house to house in order to be in community with each other.
Check out the results of their Minecraft shenanigans below!
I am especially touched by how the time helped them remember him…
As is customary, the game was preceded by an hour of IT troubleshooting, but miraculously it worked. Playing video games, it was a toss up whether Ethan was going to be competitive, or a carefree agent of chaos. In Minecraft he was usually the latter. It was really nice to get together and remember the jovial spirit Ethan would bring to games.
One thing I particularly loved about Ethan was his ability to meet people where they were. While gaming he adopted different attitudes and playstyles to make sure everyone was included and having a fun time. He also stayed up way too late on school nights to accommodate the night owls (though i wish he prioritized sleep a little more). That’s the kind of person he was.
Comment taken from the original Game Days posting
Thank you all! We carry such wonderful memories of all of you along with our son!
The Jolt-On! Memorial Game Days Game Pass event at the Boiler Game Mine last Tuesday, May 30th was a great success! It was our honor to have been able to share this great space with the Purdue and West Lafayette, Indiana community. In this game replay, we are sharing some of the fun that happened on Ethan’s 23rd Birthday…
Our sponsored Game Pass time at the Boiler Game Mine started at 4pm on Tuesday May 30th, 2023, in celebration of the Esports efforts at Purdue over this last academic year and Ethan Wang’s 23rd birthday.
The generous staff of the Boiler Game Mine welcomed gamers through the afternoon and evening. For those coming to the Boiler Game Mine for the first time, the staff provided one on one game challenges on the Nintendo Switch and XBox console along with giveaways of Free 1 hour gaming coupons to those who participcated. In these photos, I recognize several faces of Ethan’s friends and fellow Esports gamers whom were able to come enjoy the space. One friend from Campus House noted:
The day was full but I made it with just enough time to catch the end and talk with a couple of friends who were there. What a cool idea! I remembered Ethan’s calm presence with a joyful heart yesterday. Thank you for the invite!
Cupcakes were provided through Baked by Brittaney, a Boilermaker owned bakery in West Lafayette, IN. Ethan’s favorite… yellow cake with chocolate frosting were enjoyed by all!
We are very grateful for the leadership of the Purdue University Recreation & Wellness staff, along with the Purdue Memorial Union and Boiler Game Mine Management whom came alongside us to make the event possible. Jason Maynard and Travis Huston were hugely present in the planning and bringing ideas for the event. They assisted us with promoting the event throughout the Purdue Memorial Union in the days and weeks during May, 2023. On the big screens in the Mine, Travis graciously gave us the ability to share some of the highlights during the last year that have brought this space into reality through the efforts of Jason Maynard (Recreation & Wellness). Jason continued the work that Ethan started alongside him on campus before his passing.
You can read more about Ethan’s capacity to bring forward the Esports program at Purdue University on our post for the event, Capacity: Esports at Purdue. There are also links to several of the current Esports Clubs through the University website if you are interested in being involved! If you missed it this year, we are looking forward to providing future Game Pass events from time to time in Ethan’s honor. In addition, we are always staying in touch with the Esports club leaders of Splatoon @ Purdue and Battle Association @ Purdue for support of their seasons efforts. Be on the look out for what comes next!
If you were able to attend the Game Pass event, head to the comments below and tell us about your time! Not on campus or able to attend? Not a problem, head back to our Game Days Schedule to see what is coming up next for the remainder of the Jolt-On! Memorial Game Days!
It has been a privilege to continue to support the Esports community that our son enjoyed during his undergraduate years (2018-2022) at Purdue University. Intensely involved as player and President for both Splatoon @ Purdue and Purdue University Battle Association (a Pokémon Draft League) during the 2021-2022 seasons, Ethan was determined to build a lasting legacy. Through his capacity to lead, collaborate with University leadership and mentor teams, Ethan brought forward improvements to better the gaming scene on campus.
ITaP (Inkling Technology at Purdue) Competitive Team – Ethan (right) “head Inkling”
During his leadership time with Splatoon @ Purdue, Ethan was purposeful to encourage student leaders and membership towards involvement in all areas of club life. The current leadership carries on that legacy as a community which encourages everyone to be involved. The Club encourages recreational through competitive play. In addition to playing the game of Splatoon 3, members are invited to take initiative toward fundraising, building membership attendance, tournament roles and overall campus community. In the video below, created by Zach Nahorski, hear from Ethan and other members on what involvement in the life of the club is all about:
Thank you to Zach Nahorski, Vice President of Splatoon @ Purdue (2022-2023), for providing this awesome video!
In the spring of 2022, excitement grew as the Club, under Ethan’s leadership as President, worked with RecWell staff to host an Intercollegiate Invitational Tournament. The tournament took place at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN campus) vs Michigan State.
“Purdue’s match against Michigan State was the first-ever known match between official collegiate Splatoon club teams. Members of Splatoon @ Purdue hope the event and connections with other collegiate clubs will encourage more student organizations to form club teams and establish collegiate events.”
Ethan Wang, excerpt from Spring 2022 interview with Student Life staff writer, Matt Vader
While Ethan is now no longer with us, his legacy will continue on for years to come. Jason Maynard, Sr Assistant Director of Sport Programs (RecWell) worked with Ethan to bring forward a number of institutional developments in the realm of Esports. The Boiler Game Mine, which opened November of 2022, is the completion of the vision Ethan had to provide a dedicated space for Esports teams and the gaming community on campus. We honor our sons legacy on his 23rd birthday by sponsoring this afternoons Game Pass for fellow Boilermakers and the West Lafayette community to enjoy all that Ethan envisioned it could become.
Find out more about Esports at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) on the Purdue University Club websites listed below:
PMU Boiler Game Mine Info on access to the Game Mine at the Purdue Memorial Union
Happy Birthday, Son. Our first without you birthday. Really unspeakable what it is to wake up to today and not have you here. All I can do is hold onto the time we had with you at your birthday last year. I am focused on eternity, taking it all to Jesus… until I see you again. All my love, xoxo Mom
Anna Golden “Take it to Jesus”
22nd Birthday… a simple (and favorite) gluten free yellow cake with chocolate frosting
These are my guys… Ethan (forever 22) and Noah (14 at the time). I am so glad to have been given sons. They are the joys of my life at all times. I find there are not many pictures of me with them, for I am usually the one taking the picture! In the highs and lows of motherhood, I will always be in awe of the impact they both have on my life.
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.”
Psalm 127:3-4
I tuned in to listen to a favorite podcast this morning hoping to frame this Mother’s Day. While We’re Waiting Ministry has been a lifeline for me walking through this year. I had saved Episode 43 “The Highest Form of Love” for today. Just over 5 minutes long, but just the right message I needed to face the day. I am grateful to you, Jill! You have given me courage to keep going by focusing on God’s sacrifice for us all by giving up his son Jesus so that we are able to receive His grace. Powerful!
SBR 2022Last Beautiful Day June 8, 2022CHI Ferris Wheel 2017Hockey Game TX 2015Tyler TX 2017Waco TX 2016SBR 2014Williamsburg VA 2021Senior Year Hockey 2018Chicago Shoreline 2018Batavia IL 2018Handsome HS Grad 2018Planetarium Adventures 2010Mother’s Day 2022
Look at that smile… Today marks one year since the most beautiful day… Graduation Day at Purdue University. Ethan earned his Materials Science Engineering undergraduate degree on May 13th, 2022. I recall him dancing into Elliot Hall in the processional as the graduates took their places. The Materials Engineering Class of 2022 was a small niche group seated directly in front of the massive Mechanical Engineering section.
The excitement in the auditorium rose as the divisions were announced and students began to rise and receive their degrees. I took this shot of the big screen at that very moment when Ethan received his. Just amazing!
I recall the roar of engineers as each division was called to rise and proceed to the platform. It was just incredible. After the ceremony, we found Ethan on the lawn outside of Elliot hall near the Engineering fountain. We stood taking pictures and marveling at the beauty of the day. Then we walked down the mall one last time to Armstrong Hall to join his fellow Materials Engineering professors and graduates in further celebration of their accomplishment.
We were treated to all the energy of a Big Ten University as they celebrated the largest School of Engineering undergraduate class in history that Spring… the amazing voices of the Purdue Men’s Glee Choir and Orchestra. President Daniels keynote speech to the graduates expressed to each and every one of them the idea that they are not one dimensional. Rather, they would make their mark and continue growing and learning. He proudly stated they were “about to add another facet to their diamond that is you as you receive your degree.”
It feels sadly surreal now, one year later. At times, I find myself unable to contain the overwhelming desire I have to see Ethan carrying out his purpose in the world of materials. I am still just as proud of him as I was on graduation day… only now I await the time when heaven is brought here on this earth, resurrection day and the ceremony God has planned for the new life that is waiting. We are promised that God will redeem it. I know I will get to see Ethan use those amazing gifts… Until I see you rise… waiting for that day.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first..”
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Joyful Grad…Armstrong Hall 2022Moving Out of First Street.“I’m The Rollerblade Guy”After our tour on the Boilermaker Express!
In my last writing, you saw our boys enjoying brotherly time together. Even though Noah and Ethan are more than 7 years apart, it was beautiful to watch them grow up together. I recall remarking often how Ethan just had God’s ear. Anytime he set to praying for something, it seemed that sooner or later he had an answer… January 31st snow storm of 2011, Ethan prayed for 2ft of snow (all in the hopes of not having to head back to school so early the next day!). We woke the next morning to almost exactly that!!
There was one time even more precious than that snow storm though… it was the day Ethan determined to pray for a brother. Before age 5, we could see Ethan was ready to share life with someone else along side. December 2006, tired of waiting, Ethan wrote at the top of his Christmas list…“#1. A Brother”.
We helped him understand that God is the one who determines if he would have a sibling. We encouraged him to simply pray and trust that God would answer him. It was such an amazing gift a few months later when we learned we were expecting our second child! We tried to set expectations for Ethan. Explaining, just because God was answering his prayer, it did not mean that he would automatically receive a brother... Ethan was so confident that God was going to give him a brother though. To our delight, in November that year, Noah was born.
Our guys are true brothers! Challenging each other in just about every way. However, for all of their competition, there is a sweet bond they both share.
Both having highly creative minds, Ethan loved to take Noah’s ideas and spin them into reality. Countless lego builds, video/stop motion projects and forts were built over the years. Loving all things StarWars (Clones, droids, and every kind of battle ship), Legos and science projects, mini-golf, riding bikes, playing “shinny hockey” in the hallway or street hockey in the driveway. They were always about time together, just hanging out.
June 2022Always Michef!
In those days together, Noah studied his older brother well. He could keep up with the quick witted teenager even before he grew to be double digits himself. They are both equally good at remembering movie lines and hilarious sayings… not to mention using them to frame moments in our days. To have two boys growing up in our home provided days full of energy and joy! At times when it is quiet, I remember the noise of my guys and think about how much Noah also needs a brother…
Thank you, Ethan, for praying for Noah… even more than that, for trusting God had your back in the answer!
Love you both, Mom
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The passage of time these last eleven months has been the most difficult part of the grief journey. Waking up to today marked passage into the last month in our year of “firsts” without Ethan present in this life. Honestly, May has always been Ethan’s month: My first Mothers Day, Purdue Grad (May 13th), Birthday (May 30th).
It is all so overwhelming and terrifying. Moment by moment, I often recite the one chapter that reminds me I am not alone…
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23 (NIV Holy Bible)
Loving you, son, and missing you even more profoundly than I did one minute, one day, one week, one month… 324 days ago. You are now always head of me. I rise every day with the knowledge that I am one day closer to the joy of meeting my Jesus face to face. I am squarely focused there. Only then will I see you again… praise the Lord!
