As a financial aid counselor, Paul Carlile interacted with thousands of University students, working to ease their financial course through college and teach them to be money-savvy in the world after graduation. Carlile was repeatedly described by colleagues as an inspired, intelligent and dedicated man, and his death on Jan. 15 at the age of 39 came, University Technology Specialist David Peterson said, as a shock.
“Paul was an extremely gifted scholar as well as athlete who lived his life joyfully,” Peterson said in an e-mail. “Paul’s work at the university connected him to thousands of students, parents, and colleagues, and all who met him truly were touched by his warmth and humor.”
On Wednesday, friends and family assembled in Knight Library to reflect on the life and achievements of Carlile. University Web Communications Editor Aaron Ragan-Fore attended and spoke at the memorial.
“The fact that we had around 300 folks crammed into the Browsing Room, with standing-room only, is testament to the grace, charm, and deep passion of our friend Paul,” Ragan-Fore said.
How to donate to Carlile Scholarship
| ? Checks should be made payable to “UO Foundation.” ? On the check description line, state: “To Memorial Gift Account, Scholarship in Memory of Paul Carlile.” ? Send all checks to: 360 E. 10th Ave., Suite 202 Eugene, OR 97401-3273 |
In memory of Carlile’s work with students and faculty, the University has established a scholarship in his name. The award will be given to a first-generation college student from Oregon with financial need.
Financial Aid counselor Shamra Clark remembers Carlile as a committed student advocate who was deeply devoted to community outreach. Carlile established a University class called “Money Matters” that strives, Clark said, to teach students about managing finances.
“He WAS the University of Oregon. After you met Paul, you never forgot his name,” Clark said in an e-mail transcript of her speech at the Jan. 21 memorial.
Susan Stumpf, admissions office operations manager, said in an e-mail that Carlile constantly thought of ways to help students “cut through the red tape (and get) better service.” Carlile consistently dreamt up and worked out new ideas to improve University financial aid, Stumpf said.
“We would be doing dishes together, and he would tell me about how he got a new idea for a program or service,” Stumpf said. “Then (he) found someone on campus who could help him implement it.”
Financial Aid Assistant Director Judy Saling wrote and distributed a memorial article in the financial aid office, detailing Carlile’s work with migrant families in Salem. Carlile shared financial aid tips with the families, and inspired hope in them that their children could attend college. According to Saling’s article, Carlile worked until his last night giving guidance to families.
Almost two weeks have passed since Carlile’s death, but the qualities his fellow University faculty members appreciated in life shall continue to be treasured in death. Jim Gilmour, associate director of Student Financial Aid, said his former co-worker was a man both passionate and forward-thinking.
“He cared so deeply for students here,” Gilmour said. “He will be incredibly hard to replace.”
[email protected]
