Mourners gathered at the 12th Street Auditorium on Tuesday to honor the memory of beloved New School security guard Will Gary, who passed away unexpectedly in December at the age of 46. The memorial, which drew a crowd of students, faculty, staff and Gary’s family members, took place only steps from Gary’s usual work spot by the 12th Street entrance. Tears and laughter were abundant as speakers shared their favorite memories of Gary.

“It’s still hard to walk past that desk,” president David Van Zandt said in his opening speech. Van Zandt and other speakers, including students, professors and a security officer colleague of Gary’s, spoke fondly of his radiant smile and positive attitude.

“When I heard the news, I broke down,” said Urban Studies Associate Professor Jürgen von Mahs in his speech, before mentioning that he, like Gary, has a ten-year-old son. “When my son asked why [it happened, I told him] that God needed a security guard.”

The memorial event also included musical performances by NSPE and Jazz students, as well as a sign language performance by Assistant Professor Jeff Mooney. Mooney performed Gary’s favorite song, My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.

In his closing remarks, Van Zandt told the crowd that New School students and faculty have ensured that a full scholarship will await Gary’s son, Adrien, at the school in the future if he chooses to apply and passes the admission process. Van Zandt also said that one of the annual Service Excellence Awards will be renamed the Will Gary Award.