EvCC names outdoor plaza in honor of former Dean of Students Bill Deller
Press Release
Release Date: June 2, 2016
EvCC names outdoor plaza in honor of former Dean of Students Bill Deller
Photo: Former Everett Community College Dean of Students Bill Deller, who worked for the college for more than 50 years, at the dedication of Bill Deller Plaza May 26.
EVERETT, Wash. – For more than 50 years, Bill Deller was part of Everett Community College campus life.
Now, his name is a permanent part of the college’s future. EvCC’s Board of Trustees named the outdoor plaza between the Parks Student Union, Henry M. Jackson Center and Gray Wolf Hall in honor of Deller.
“This is a place where students gather,” said EvCC President David Beyer. “It’s a perfect location to honor a man who believes as strongly as anyone I’ve met in the mission of EvCC.”
Dozens of friends, family and former colleagues packed Bill Deller Plaza May 26 to celebrate with Deller and his family.
“Bill is one of those folks who built the ethic and culture of this college,” said Washington State University Senior Advisor Bob Drewel, who worked with Deller when Drewel was president of EvCC 1984-1991.
Deller 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.
“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 into 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.
Bill Deller Plaza
