Thursday blood drive showcases Meyer's passion to help

As a middle school student, William Meyer was bullied because of his autism and other challenges, which could have forced him to isolate and bitterly turn inward. Instead, he says high school friends rescued him. Now as a Purdue University Fort Wayne senior, he finds ways to help others.

The human services major is spearheading a Red Cross blood drive on Thursday with the goal of making it the largest in PFW history. The available records say the most donors have been 40, a mark set a couple of years ago, but Meyer is encouraging at least 50 people to sign up or walk in.

The blood drive will take place at Walb Student Union from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is handled through the Red Cross website. Sponsors are the Division of Campus and Community Wellbeing, Campus Recreation, Student Life, Student Leadership, and the Student Activities Board.

Meyer knows all the previous blood drive stats—there have been 77 events recorded on campus; he’s participated in or helped lead 11 of them; 50% of participants are first-time donors; and each donation can save up to three lives.

“Will is just a phenomenal conduit to other groups because we don’t know who to reach out to,” said Zak Bernath, Red Cross account manager. “His reputation and credibility to help get the ball up on things is just incredible.”

Incredible, but it’s also what the extroverted Meyer does, always greeting people with a smile and making friends. He can’t help but say “hi” to almost everyone he meets, and most students have met him, usually through his public service and campus involvement.

While fulfilling whatever current goal is on his list, Meyer is often working on the next thing.

“For those who truly know and understand Will, it’s impossible to overlook his genuine desire to help others both on and off campus,” said Eric Manor, associate chief for campus and community wellbeing. “Whenever I’ve given Will the chance to assist with literally anything that supports his mission of helping others, he’s always eager to jump in. Despite the challenges he faces, Will remains committed to making a positive impact.”

That includes posting flyers across campus, taking on extra shifts when needed, and proposing new ways for local businesses to partner with the FRIENDS of the University Pantry. As an example, Meyer donates through his Starbucks job to campus entities to take advantage of employer-matching opportunities.

“I know money is always tight for Will, and I figured only those with money did that kind of thing,” Manor said. “That just shows how much his determination to help others drives him.”

Dave Egolf, coordinator of student activities, became friends with Meyer in 2019 while watching a baseball game. Egolf said Meyer is always around when needed or suggesting other ways he can help.

“He proves that strength is not defined by obstacles but by the determination to overcome them,” said Alice Jordan, director of PFW’s Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute. “William’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that hard work can transform challenges into triumphs.”

It’s been a difficult journey, always overcoming limited expectations and ignoring the jibes. Just taking the abuse didn’t work, as Meyer said not speaking up for himself and others led to people not understanding him. Now he feels like he’s wearing armor, and helping others gives him true purpose.

Meyer’s career goal is to work with local nonprofits and eventually become an organization director.

“I feel like being a voice and a face for those with challenges helps a lot of people understand it’s not whatever negative stereotype there is,” Meyer said.  “The community really helped me out and built me up to where I am. That gave me a love of Fort Wayne and PFW and changed my perspective on life. I want to serve the community like friends have served me.”