Merrick Mavi Woldridge

Merrick Mavi Woldridge, age 20, passed away leaving behind a legacy of joy, curiosity, and compassion that touched everyone who knew him. Merrick was the most positive person you could ever meet - full of energy, laughter, and kindness. In every moment and every situation, he radiated optimism and made those around him feel seen and valued. Always smiling, with his unmistakable dimple, Merrick brought warmth and connection wherever he went.
From a young age, Merrick's zest for life was unmistakable. He threw himself wholeheartedly into every new experience, eager to try everything at least once. An athlete with natural drive and enthusiasm, he played many sports growing up - wrestling, swimming, baseball, and soccer - before discovering volleyball, which became his greatest passion. He continued playing competitively with the Oregon State University Men's Club Volleyball team, where his spirit and encouragement uplifted everyone around him.
Merrick was deeply curious and loved learning about the world. In high school, he challenged himself academically, pursuing the International Baccalaureate program so he could earn college credit and broaden his understanding of global perspectives. His love of learning led him to Oregon State University, where he found his perfect academic home. As a third-year student majoring in Psychology with minors in Anthropology and Biology, Merrick's intellectual curiosity and empathy shaped his dream of pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychopharmacology. He was especially fascinated by neurology, psychopharmacology, and cross-cultural psychology, and was determined to help others through his future work.
His curiosity extended beyond the classroom. Merrick loved to travel and immerse himself in other cultures - from exploring Germany, Switzerland, and Austria during high school to visiting Italy and England in college. He also expressed this love of discovery through food, finding joy in learning about different cuisines and recreating them for friends and family. Cooking was another way Merrick shared love - gathering people together with good food and laughter.
Above all, Merrick was a people person. He made friends effortlessly and cherished every connection. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, Merrick made you feel important. His compassion, openness, and genuine care for others left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Though Merrick's life was far too short, it was beautifully full. He lived with joy, curiosity, and courage - embracing each day with purpose and love. His light will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched, reminding us all to live fully, love freely, and see the good in everyone, just as he did.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00pm, Thursday October 30, 2025 at the Memorial Union. Located at 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis OR 97331 13 MPR. There will be signs in the Memorial Union providing directions to the room.
Entrance to find MPR 13 : https://tinyurl.com/Entrance-to-find-MPR13
Parking Information
General OSU Visitor Parking Information : https://transportation.oregonstate.edu/parking/visitors
General OSU ADA Parking Information : https://transportation.oregonstate.edu/parking/ada-parking
Parking Garage – has a Beaver Bus stop on 26th Street : https://tinyurl.com/3w9hm9kb
Reser Parking Lot – has a Beaver Bus stop on South side of Reser : https://tinyurl.com/4p257utn
Beaver Buses schedules and information : https://transportation.oregonstate.edu/beaver-bus.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the OSU Psychology Department NEST and SUN Research Labs, where Merrick focused their research studies, and/or the OSU Men's Volleyball Club, a community Merrick enjoyed being part of.
To donate to the NEST and SUN Research labs, checks should be made out to "OSU Foundation," noting that the gift is in memory of Merrick Woldridge in the memo line and sent to OSU Foundation, 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333. Gifts may also be made online at https://osufoundation.org/give. Please type "Psychology Department Unrestricted Fund" in the box that says "I want to give to" and note that this is a memorial gift when prompted.
To donate to the OSU Men's Volleyball Club, go to https://give.fororegonstate.org/PL1Uv3Fkug and follow these instructions:
1) Within the 'I want to give to' box, start typing 'OSU Sport Club Program Fund'.
2) Select it when you see it.
3) In the 'Comments or Special Instructions', a few screens later, the donor can add a note saying Men's Volleyball Club.
4) Complete the gift.