Many of you walk by the Doc Oc sculpture sitting on the bench in front of Adelbert Hall. You might not realize who he was or why there is a sculpture. Professor Ignacio Ocasio, better known as “Doc Oc,” was a professor of chemistry for 20 years here at Case Western Reserve University, but he was much more than that.

Doc loved his students and would do anything to help them. He took the time each summer to learn the names of his 500-plus students, so on the first day of class he could call on them by name. He was very involved in student life, from mentorship to helping organize the first-years’ Hudson Relays team. His passion for teaching was infectious, and his enthusiasm for helping students thrive at CWRU was even stronger. He embodied all that a teacher, a mentor and a true friend can be.

The reason his sculpture includes a bench was for students to visit as they passed that way. So next time you walk by the Doc Oc sculpture, stop, sit a minute and tell him your thoughts. He would love to hear your story.

If you want to learn more about him, please stop by my office. I have plenty of fun stories to share. He was my best friend, and I try every day to be half the educator he was.

As the plaque says, “In memory of our beloved and dedicated teacher, Ignacio Ocasio, Doc Oc, (1952-2005), who touched our hearts, enriched our minds and changed our lives forever.”

Chris Butler