On the morning of June 9, 2009, the Department of Economics lost a beloved member of our family, Aaron Wuensch. Aaron, who was an avid athlete, suffered a cardiac arrest while working out at the University's athletic facility. Aaron earned his BS in Economics in the summer of 2008, and then joined the Master's program in Economics in the fall of 2008. He recently was recognized with the department's top honor for graduate students, the "Faculty of the Department of Economics Scholarship." Aaron was an outstanding student, a great friend, and a fine young man. He will be sadly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Please share your memories of Aaron or leave a message or comment below.
I first heard the name "Aaron Wuensch" during the spring semester of 2008 when my colleague, Young Se Kim, tracked me down to tell me about an undergraduate student that he had in Intermediate Macro who he said was the best student that he ever had. I was so impressed by Young Se's words that I said: "Wow, we have to get this guy into the graduate program!" In the fall of 2008, Aaron began our Master's program and the rest, as they say, is history. His brilliant smile, warm personality and great sense of humor filled this department with life and laughter. He excelled in his classes and was well on his way to becoming a brilliant economist. At the end of spring 2009, my colleague Todd Jewell and I started to debate the issue of which one of us would get Aaron for our teaching assistant for next spring — only one of us would be allowed to claim him. We decided to arm wrestle to settle the matter but, being the kind soul that I am, I decided to let Dr. Jewell have the prize when it became clear that he could not beat me. I know Aaron was looking forward to being the TA for Advanced Micro and he was looking forward to teaching his own sections of Principles come fall 2009. His many years of training as a Karaoke singer would have served him well in the classroom — I am sure that those of you who have seen him perform would agree!
The people in this department really are like a family and that makes it so much more difficult for us to face the loss of this fine young man. Let us not mourn the loss of our son/brother/friend but, rather, celebrate his life. Aaron's father, David, said something at the funeral that really hit home with me: "Go live your life to the fullest because Aaron would not want anything less!" I am sure Aaron would agree.
— Margie Tieslau
I will always remember Aaron as part of "Team Rockstar". He was encouraging and funny in class and his good attitude always rubbed off!
— Cailin
It is so hard to believe in that he passed away. I will always remember him with his great hospitality and friendliness. We miss you a lot.
— Ibrahim Kekec
Aaron was a terrific student, but more importantly he was a terrific person, and his life was well-lived. We will always miss him.
I wish comfort for his family and for all who loved him.
— Michael McPherson
Aaron was a great student. He was in my classes as an undergrad and graduate student, and I was able to see him progress and mature as a student and as a young man. I was pleased to hear him speak of extending his education after our program, and I'm sure he would have become an excellent PhD economist. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. He will be missed.
— Todd Jewell
Aaron's last 18 months were the best 18 months of his life. While many know of his athletic exploits and entertaining shenanigans, he thrived in the UNT Economics department and wanted so much to help make a name for UNT Economics. He would want every student and faculty member to strive to put UNT Graduate School Economics Department on the map! The Econ Department students and faculty and his housemates made all the difference this past year. He is with you in this coming year and years to come!
David Wuensch
dtwusma77@yahoo.com
PS Any bike riders that want to do part or all of the Hotter N Hell Hundred? I will be riding Aaron's bike in his honor and am training to do the entire Century Ride! You are welcome to join the RIP Aaron David Wuensch Team if you like.
— David Wuensch
My job teaching Intermediate Macroeconomics was so much easier because the students could go to Aaron in the Help Center for wonderful one-on-one help. Aaron was a huge asset to the department and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and was helped by him.
— Susan Dadres
One of the last times I remember laughing with Aaron, everyone was trying to study for finals in the graduate center. As usual, we became distracted by YouTube and started trading funny clips. The clip Aaron had introduced to the students, of course, was the funniest. I will definitely never forget the "Hooked on a Feeling" music video by David Hasselhoff.
Nothing will be the same (and probably never as funny) without Aaron, but I am so fortunate to have been touched by his jovial spirit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQVlVHsFF8
— Jessica Kelton