Andrew William Ern

1997 - 2024

Andrew William Ern

February 22, 1997 - October 6, 2024

Andrew William Ern, 27, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. He was born on February 22, 1997, in Charlottesville, VA, the son of Shelby Putnam Ern and David Bradford Ern.

Andrew graduated from Western Albemarle High School in 2015, then went on to the University of Virginia to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 2019, and a Master's of Education in Higher Education in 2020.

While at UVA, Andrew made the most of opportunities both in and outside of the classroom by forging a path focused on ensuring the best student experience for fellow "Wahoos." A few of his legacies included serving as a Resident Advisor, an Orientation Leader, a member of the Coed Cheerleading team, a Fellow in the Meriwether Lewis Institute for Citizen Leadership, a resident of 27 West Range in the Academical Village, a student-athlete mentor in the office of Athletics Academic Affairs, a member of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award committee, an intern at the Virginia Athletics Foundation, and a student ambassador for the UVA Club of Charlottesville.

His peers acknowledged Andrew's extraordinary service to incoming, current, and past students saying he always went the extra mile for everyone he encountered, particularly first-year students. Andrew was admired for his work ethic, dedication, welcoming personality, and his generous and kind heart. His goal was to give others confidence in their abilities so that they could overcome any obstacles and be successful in their endeavors.

Andrew joined EAB Global, Inc., in Washington, DC, in October 2020 and worked with colleges and universities on enrollment strategies and solutions. As an Associate Director of Partner Development, Andrew was tapped to move into a Senior Strategic Leadership role at the firm in late-2024. EAB was a wonderful experience for Andrew and represented a perfect match for his interest in, and enthusiasm for, higher education. His colleagues shared that when you were chosen as one of Andrew's passions, you were the lucky one, he went all in. He cared so deeply about the things he loved and was a true cheerleader for everyone in his life. What made him special was his ability to show up in between, faithfully checking in and supporting during the smaller moments making him the best friend and coworker to have in your corner. Uplifting, kind, sweet, supportive, and energetic, his positivity made an enormous imprint on colleagues and partners alike.

Never shy about expressing his interests, Andrew especially treasured time visiting and chatting with family and friends. Regularly keeping in touch by text messages and FaceTime calls, he was willing to "go along for the ride" to run errands, pick up coffee at Dunkin' Donuts, or go to a sporting event. "AE" was a walking encyclopedia about UVA athletics past and present, loved fitness activities including gym workouts, tennis, golf, and enjoyed travel. Andrew never met a stranger and always sought to find a connection with, or elicit a laugh from, people he encountered every day. He was a stickler for routine, was always on time, was extremely dependable, and could seemingly accomplish more in a morning than most were able to do in a day!

Andrew was a wonderful son, brother, friend, mentor, and colleague. He was an absolute joy to be with, always, and we will deeply miss that. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched, reminding us all to hold dear each and every moment and to be there for others along the way.

Remaining to cherish Andrew's memory are his parents, Shelby and David Ern; brother, Alex Ern and his wife Hayden; grandparents, Petie and Ernie Ern, and Bill Putnam; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Preceding Andrew in death are his maternal grandmother, Rebecca Westmoreland Putnam and uncle, William Ignatius Putnam, IV.

Andrew's ashes will be interred at the All Saints Memorial Garden at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, VA.

A celebration of Andrew's life will be held at Ern Commons, University of Virginia, 567 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22904, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make gifts to honor Andrew, the family suggests donations to a memorial bench that will be placed in the portico of Ern Commons, a first-year residence space named for his grandfather. The bench will welcome students to take a moment to sit and reflect. To give online visit: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/54914/donations/new, or by check to: Rector and Visitors, University of Virginia, designate "GF002905/Ern Bench" and mail to University Advancement Services, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50036.

Memorial gifts to honor Andrew can also be designated for the UVA Cheerleading Program by sending a check to the Virginia Athletics Foundation, P. O. Box 400833, Charlottesville, VA 22904.