A Space for EJ: Honoring a Brilliant Mind and Beautiful Soul

Hi, my name is Isabel Jolie Torres, and I’m a student at William & Mary.

I’m reaching out today to share the story of someone who meant more to me than words can truly express—Edwin Jay “EJ” Baum—and to ask for your support in creating a lasting memorial in his honor.

EJ wasn’t just a friend. He was the kind of person who made you feel like you were a part of something bigger, something real. From the moment I met him, I knew there was something extraordinary about him. His sharp wit, his brilliant mind, and his unshakable authenticity set him apart. EJ was loud in all the best ways, unapologetically himself, and never afraid to speak up, even if it made people uncomfortable. He had a heart so big, it could fill a room, and he brought laughter and light wherever he went.

EJ’s passion for mental health, technology, and helping others was unmatched. He was a Neuroscience major and a Psychology minor, with dreams of using technology to change the world, to make it better for everyone. He served as the head of the Wellness Advocates team in W&M Esports, a role he took on with such dedication because he knew how important it was for others to have the support he gave so freely.

He wasn’t just brilliant; he was kind and selfless. When I was sick, EJ didn’t hesitate to walk all the way to Walgreens just to get me medicine. That’s the kind of person he was always showing up when it mattered most. And he did that for so many of us. He made our little friend group feel like family. The bond we shared was irreplaceable, and the space he left behind feels impossible to fill.

Since his passing, I’ve been reaching out to his family and friends, sharing memories, photos, and moments that will stay with us forever. But as much as we’ve talked about him, it’s impossible to fully capture who he was. Words cannot do him justice. EJ wasn’t just someone you knew; he was someone you experienced. His energy, his humor, his heart those things can never be replicated or truly described. He made you feel seen and valued in a way that is rare. And now, in his absence, the silence is deafening. It feels like a piece of the world has been taken from us.

We’re raising funds to create a permanent memorial or space on campus in EJ’s honor. We want something that reflects the energy and warmth he gave to every person he met. We want a place that embodies his spirit whether that’s a quiet garden where students can reflect, a tech hub where innovation and wellness intersect, or an event that brings us all together to celebrate what he loved most: community, friendship, and making the world a better place.

We want to honor EJ’s legacy in a way that reflects who he was, who he will always be to us. This campaign is for him, for his dreams, and for all the people he touched along the way.

Thank you for reading, for sharing in our grief, and for helping us create something that will keep EJ’s light shining. We will carry him with us always, and we hope this memorial will serve as a reminder to everyone that even when someone is gone, their impact never fades.

With all my heart,

Isabel J. Torres