Bill Became a Knox Trustee from 1939 to 1968. He was Honorary Trustee from 1968 until his death. HE was instrumental in the creation of the Hunter Trophy Cup. He was instrumental in the creation of the Knox College Alumni Achievement Award in 1938. And he was instrumental in the creation of the first Knox College Homecoming Celebration in 1921.
Bill, a native of Galesburg, had always a great loyalty during his whole life for Knox athletic teams and their members. It was in 1960 when he was awarded a “K” blanket and honorary “K” Club membership for “continued counsel and service to the Knox athletic program.”
In 1969 Bill became the first recipient of the Knox College Special Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding service to the community and the College.
He created the Tom Dean Memorial Scholarship Fund- named after his son who was killed in the Vietnam War.
While living in Scarsdale, New York, for some 35 years, Bill played an important and active part in every aspect of community living. In 1969 he received the Scarsdale Bowl Award, its highest civic honor. In addition, the Scarsdale High School football field was named after Bill Dean in recognition of his enthusiastic support of Scarsdale athletic teams for over 30 years.
Bill, who always had a great interest in what athletic programs provided and accomplished, became a strong supporter in what Knox had to offer its students. Subsequently, he participated in track and baseball and served as manager of the basketball team. IN addition to taking an interest in athletics Bill had the following credentials in his years at Knox:
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Member of Sigma Delta Chi.
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President of the Student Council for 2 years.
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President of the Athletic Association.
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Chairman of the Athletic Board of Control.
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President of the Gnothantii Literary Society.
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Member of the YMCA cabinet for 2 years.
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Member of the Junior Prom Committee.
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Member of the Knox Student and Gale Staffs.
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Received General Honors during his sophomore year.
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Received special honors in Economics in his second year.
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A Corporal for 1 year and a Lieutenant in the student ROTC for 2 years.
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College Marshall.
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Senior Class President.
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Member of the Prohibition, Political Science, Journal, Republican and French Clubs.
After his graduation in 1919, Bill attended the Harvard School of Business for 1 year. The following year he served as assistant to the Knox President as athletic manager and Alumni Secretary.
From 1923 to 1927 he was employed at the American Chicle Company, serving as a member of the Board of Directors. In 1928 Bill became associated with Consolidated Laundries Corporation and remained with this firm as secretary, director and vice-president until his retirement in 1964
