University News
Hoover Estate Gift Benefits WIU Physics and Chemistry
October 6, 2016
MACOMB, IL -- The Department of Chemistry at Western Illinois University meant a lot to "Wild Bill."
Bill Hoover, also known as "Wild Bill" during his 40-year teaching career at Carbondale Community High School, graduated with a degree in chemistry from WIU in 1944. Because of his connection with Western, Hoover established a trust in 2004. As a result, an estate gift of nearly $400,000 was recently received by the WIU Foundation for the William Hoover Endowment for Chemistry and Physics, which will provide for unrestricted support for these degree programs.
Following his graduation from Western, Hoover received a master's degree in education from Washington University and a master's degree in chemistry and physics from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He spent his entire career teaching chemistry, physics and math at Carbondale Community High School until his retirement in 1986.
According to Brad Bainter, vice president of advancement and public services, at its inception in 2004, the trust provided income to Hoover and his wife, Frieda. Following Bill's passing, the trust continued to provide income for Frieda until she passed away earlier this summer.
"We first started working with Bill back in the 1990s," Bainter added. "Bill and Frieda were wonderful people, and I so enjoyed visiting with them throughout the years. This gift will provide great support to our chemistry and physics programs and serve as a testament to Bill's commitment to teaching science."
For more information on giving opportunities, contact Bainter at (309) 298-1861 or visit wiu.edu/giving.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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