Michael Carl Ludders

What single thing to say about someone whose friendship has so defined your life for 20 years? There are simply too many memories, so I will recount how we met, and how it changed my life. When I got to Kenyon, I was a long way from home, yet full of excitement at the promise and possibility of a new beginning. However, by the end of the first semester, things were not going well for me, neither academically nor socially. I could not even get along with my roommate! Depressed, I spent more and more time with the few friends I had made in the third-floor triple dorm down McBride Hall. It was there that I met Mike over a game of chess and a cup of coffee. All around me swirled one of those uniquely college conversations, between Nick Kwiek, Adam Jacksonbey and Mike. At some point Mike quipped something uniquely Mike--at once as clever as it was insightful as it was deep as it was meaningful--as it was uproariously funny! For the first time in many months, I laughed until I could barely breathe. I knew I had found a life-long friend. Through my friendship with Mike, college and life turned around to become what I always hoped it would be. It seemed if I were ever feeling down, walking through campus, he would (often literally) pick me up, toss me over his shoulder and drop me into something new and fun. Through him, I found purpose, direction, friends, and activities. He had such an ability to bring people together and bind them as friends. Wherever he was, however long he had been there, it was as if he'd always been there, and they had always known him. Through him, I met so many amazing people--especially my wife Sara (a Mike-filled story of its own!), had so many adventures, and was left with so many fond memories. No matter the ups or downs of our lives, I always knew that Mike was just walk, a drive, a call, and email, or a video game chat away. Whatever followed, would be at once funny, profound, and meaningful. Mike's passing leaves a unique, and appropriately Mike-sized hole my soul, and I will miss him terribly.

Everyone at Kenyon knew Mike. Not only for his strong vocal opinions and brilliant mind, but his goodhearted, overwhelming generosity. I remember his hugs and quick wit and his belief in me even when I didn't believe in myself. We were so lucky to have him in our midst. What a mensch.