Students Say Goodbye to Nick Votaw ‘13, The Cowboy on Campus
Nick Votaw lost his battle to cancer this past Sunday, February 9. Votaw, who graduated with a BA in Economics in May 2013, hoped to start a career with the California Fire Department, he said. He was currently working as a tutor at his old high school, Bellarmine College prepatory, in San Jose, California.
“Nick was an incredible guy,” said senior business administration major Aryan Azizian. “I’ve honestly never met a more selfless person in my entire life. He was always thinking about others, which is something I think we can all learn from Nick,” he said.
Votaw was known on campus for sporting his signature cowboy hat and for offering a cheerful, “See ya, partner,” to his friends and acquaintances.
“He was just a fantastic guy; strong, brave, wise, and had one hell of a sense of humor,” Azizian said. “I think his love and kindness will live on in everyone that he met. I feel very lucky and privileged to have known him and call[ed] him my best friend.
Matt Miller, junior media studies major, “There aren’t really any words. Rest in peace to one of the most kindhearted, genuine people to have walked this Earth. We love and miss you, Votaw.”
USF Remembers Alum Raymond Basilio ‘11 with Memorial Service
Raymond Basilio, who graduated in 2011 with a BA in psychology, passed away at the end of last month, on January 31. Students were able to honor Basilio at a memorial service held on campus yesterday, Wednesday February 12.
Resident Advisor (RA) and dedicated member of University Ministry, USF Voices, national fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, and Filipino-American cultural club Kasamahan during his time at USF, Basilio is remembered throughout campus as an active and involved leader and friend.
“He loved everything he did,” said Tala Dayyat, a USF senior. “No one could escape his smile; it was contagious. Honestly, the most loving person you can run into.”
USF alumn Joseph Emde ‘12 worked with Basilio as an RA for a couple of years. “He was a great guy that was always in a good mood. No one had anything bad to say about him ever,” he said.
Basilio was working as a rehabilitation counselor for Progress Foundation, a non-profit that serves adults with mental illness, and had plans to go to graduate school.
USF graduate Aida Martinez ‘12, said “He will be wholeheartedly missed, especially his beautiful singing, energy, and his celebration of life.”
