UW Students Pay Homage to Mentor

January 7, 2021
photo of a man with his mouth wide open

In April, news of the untimely passing of Julian Abas, coordinator of Associated Students Technical Services (ASTEC) and co-founder of Studio WYO, devastated the community. In response, friends and family have established the Julian Isaias Abas Music Production Excellence Fund.

Abas was known for being a world-class audio engineer, paving the way for young technicians in the area. He was a firm believer in students being the drivers of the university, which was evident through the respect and love he had for each person who learned from him.

“Julian was in a class all of his own,” says former ASTEC Coordinator Andrew Hays. “He didn’t commit to norms, and he sacrificed so much for his students.”

Running on a shoestring budget, Studio WYO managed to give something the UW community was starved for—organic social experiences sustained by public coalition and passion. Studio WYO created a bridge between the university and Laramie’s rich and diverse music scene, featuring locally based performers including the Whiskey Slaps, Sorry No Sympathy and Moral Panic.

The program was the brainchild of Abas and Hays, who wanted to provide an inclusive space where creativity, collaboration and experiential learning could thrive. With severely limited funding, Studio WYO produced over 32 events a year, and ASTEC supported over 500—creating one of the most compelling programs at UW.

Abas’ focus was always to propel and empower students by helping them create roots that extended beyond college. Under his guidance, technicians were recognized and gained confidence.

“He was much more than just a boss,” says former Student Technician Donatellia Austin. “He was also a friend and mentor to many. We often called him ‘Uncle Jules.’ He encouraged us, always, to pursue our dreams and our goals first.”

An unconventional mentor, Abas had an honest perspective and dark humor that students gravitated toward.

“He could make me laugh anytime he wanted,” says former Student Technician Chase Austin. “Julian was met consistently with obstacles, but throughout it all he still kept students first.”

He shared his knowledge candidly with those eager to learn, in hopes that they could grow beyond his own scope of experience. A patient listener and quiet observer, he modeled leadership to his students unlike anyone else.

“He was kind, modest, hardworking, able to push through the noise and see what’s important, able to put aside differences and grievances when it needed to be done,” says former Student Technician Riley Shogren. “He set an example of what a good person is and ought to be.”

Over the years, ASTEC fostered a dynamic learning environment. For Abas, protecting the heart of the program was central to everything he accomplished.

In honor of Abas, friends and family have established the Julian Isaias Abas Music Production Excellence Fund. It is designated for students working in music production and other audio and visual services. Through this fund, Abas continues to support the young technicians he cared for during his time with them.

“Julian was fiercely loyal to his students,” says former ASUW Program Coordinator Aaron Lozano. “He was not only a master at tech but a master at supporting and developing fine humans. He always—ALWAYS—did what was right for his students. He was a wonderful man, a wonderful and dedicated employee. More importantly, he kept the mission of serving students at his heart. He is terribly missed.”

 

 

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Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
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Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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