Fourth-year Commerce student Scott May died this past weekend from natural causes.
May battled many health problems, including juvenile diabetes and kidney problems, said Rebecca Leonard, associate dean for student services.
May was a non-traditional student, as he attended the University in his 40s after having been in the work force for many years. He earned an associate's degree from Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke before transferring to the University's Commerce School in fall 2008.
"His father said the happiest years of his life were at U.Va.," Leonard said.
May was closer in age to many of his professors than his classmates, Assoc. Commerce Prof. Jim Burroughs said, and had to overcome many hurdles to return to the classroom as an undergraduate student.
"It really spoke volumes about his commitment to furthering his education and bettering his life," Burroughs said, describing May as kind, gentle and quiet.
"But when he offered an opinion in class, he had something to say," Burroughs said. "He represented the best of what the McIntire and U.Va. community is about."
Asst. Commerce Prof. Janette Martin, who taught May for three semesters, referred to May as the anchor of her classes.
"He had a very steady presence," Martin said, also lauding May's integrity and abilities as a student.
Fourth-year Commerce student Natalia Rodriguez remembered May as good-tempered and a hard worker.
"He never had a bad thing to say about anyone," Rodriguez said. "He was always joking around."
Fourth-year Commerce student Tracy Dunn also noted that May was easy to work with and well-liked.
"Scott was one of the most genuine people I've ever met," Dunn said.
May interned with the Coast Guard last summer, and Leonard said he would have worked for the Coast Guard or Navy in a management position after graduating in May.
May's family will hold a private burial in West Virginia next week.
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