EvCC remembers former Dean of Students Bill Deller
Press Release
Release Date: August 11, 2020
Contact: Katherine Schiffner, Director of Public Relations, 425-388-9554 office, kschiffner@everettcc.edu
Photo: Former EvCC Dean of Students Bill Deller, who worked for the college for more than 50 years, at the dedication of Bill Deller Plaza in 2016.
EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College students, faculty and staff are mourning the loss of former Dean of Students Bill Deller, who worked for the college for more than 50 years.
Deller, who was the first executive director of the EvCC Foundation, died on Aug. 9. He was 98.
“His generosity and care for thousands of students sent ripples of kindness that span generations,” EvCC President Daria Willis said. “He was truly a great man.”
Deller’s career at EvCC started in 1955 as a coach and physical education instructor. He also taught aviation maintenance, coached swimming, gymnastics and golf. He became the college’s Dean of Students in 1968, then the first executive director of the EvCC Foundation. He also served as the first advisor to the college’s Black Student Union. A World War II Navy veteran, Deller also advised the Veterans Club.
He was inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. The college also named the outdoor plaza between the Parks Student Union, Henry M. Jackson Center and Gray Wolf Hall in his honor in 2016.
“I was excited about being here during the week. I was excited for Mondays,” Deller recalled at the plaza dedication. “I told my wife ‘I don’t know why they’re paying me.’”
Deller is the parent and grandparent of several EvCC alumni, including his son Mike Deller, a current member of EvCC’s Board of Trustees, his daughter Patty Safley and his grandson Brett Deller.
Mike Deller recalled his dad’s leadership during difficult times, such as Vietnam War protests on campus, and care for students facing challenges. One time, his dad tried navigating the campus in a wheelchair to identify where students with disabilities had difficulty with access.
“This was way before the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). He cared, so he jumped in to help,” Mike Deller said.
The college is continuing his dad’s legacy with the Bill Deller Fund, an EvCC Foundation fund to help students with disabilities, students of color and student veterans. To donate, contact the EvCC Foundation at 425-388-9555 or donate online at EverettCC.edu/Foundation and note that the donation is for the Bill Deller Fund.