Corry Village

Honoree

William Walden Corry

William Walden Corry was a well-rounded student that left his mark on the University of Florida through his involvement and dedication to leadership, athletics and numerous organizations on campus.

While at UF, Corry was the starting fullback and captain of the 1942 football team. Through hard work and talent, Corry became a three-year letter winner in both football and golf (1940, 1941, 1942). In addition to athletics, Corry served as president of multiple organizations, including the student body, the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and the military honor society Scabbard and Blade. He also served as Vice President of the social fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon; the honorary accounting fraternity Beta Alpha Psi; and the F-Club, an organization that fosters relationships between former UF letter winners and Gator athletics. Moreover, Corry was a member of Florida Blue Key and a colonel of the Army ROTC. In May 1943, Corry graduated with honors from the Warrington College of Business Administration.

Shortly after, Corry entered the Army as a second lieutenant and headed into the battlefields of World War II. On the night of February 4, 1945, Corry’s unit engaged in a major artillery battle and took a direct hit from a German shell. Medical help arrived, and according to reports, Corry instructed the aides to tend to his men first. Before they returned, Second Lieutenant Corry had passed away.

Corry was buried in Quincy, FL where he was born and raised. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross and a Purple Heart for his bravery and service.

As a result of Corry’s commitment to the University and the nation, the William W. Corry Memorial Village was dedicated in his honor.

Facility History

William W. Corry Memorial Village was completed in March 1959 to house veterans and their families. At that time, 24 percent of the University of Florida student body was married.

In 1965, twenty-four additional apartments were constructed at a cost of $178,500. Rental rates were from $54 to $60 per month when the facility opened. The Gainesville area had approximately 2000 apartments available for rent but few students could afford off-campus rental rates. Before Schucht Village and Corry Village were completed, there were 607 units in temporary buildings available on campus specifically for rental to married veterans only. Corry Village is part of Village Housing, a collection of apartment complexes that provide graduate students and student families with reasonably priced housing.