Bill Stockberger serves as the director of the Comet Club, designed to provide financial support to The University of Olivet’s athletic programs. Bill has been in this role for six months, and in that short time organized an extremely successful reverse raffle fundraiser, netting $16,000 that will benefit OC Athletics. His passion for his role comes from a love of sports himself, especially golf, and decades of experience working in sales, customer service and fundraising. For the future, Bill’s only goal is to have a positive impact on as many students’ journeys as possible.
Why do you love The University of Olivet?
I enjoy the passion students and alumni have. I believe giving our youth an opportunity to get a college education is paramount to what our mission states.
Where does your passion for working in higher education stem from?
I believe the young men and women of our country will create our future, and if I can do a little bit to help students, I have had a good day. The small college atmosphere is so unique with real life experiences for students, faculty and staff. I sign all my letters, “making a difference together.”
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
I have the opportunity to visit and talk with alumni daily, learning more about their time here at Olivet. I also have the opportunity to work with the coaches and athletic staff to learn what their needs are as the liaison between development and athletics.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
I think the relationships that are built between faculty, students and staff are outstanding and necessary in the lives of students. My wife and I live in Angola, and when teams visit Angola, we make a point to go to the games and buy them pizza. Many of my colleagues also go out of their way to make The University of Olivet a special place for students, so I know every Comet will have the chance to build these special relationships.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I will be managing the Comet Classic, OC’s annual golf outing. After the success of the Reverse Raffle, I’m very excited to throw another similar event. Not only are these events extremely beneficial to the Athletics Department, they are a ton of fun and a great way to bring alumni together. In addition, I held a tailgate for the wrestling team in February, and plan to have two football tailgates this season following the success of that event.
What is an interesting or little known fact about yourself?
I tried out for the Senior Golf Tour when I turned 50. I didn’t make it, but I did earn my PGA temporary golf pro status – and crossed off an item on my bucket list!
What advice do you share with students or alumni?
To students, your college life will be the most carefree time of your life, so enjoy your experience at Olivet. Don’t forget, part of that experience is your education, so study!
To alumni, if we gave $1 a day every day of the year we would make a gift to Olivet of $365 annually. We have a community of 12,000 alumni that have the potential to raise $4,380,000 per year. When we break things down to giving up one cup of coffee or a soft drink a day, anything is achievable!
Register for the Comet Classic golf outing now, and connect with Bill at wstockberger@uolivet.edu or 269.749.6691 to learn about sponsorship opportunities and other ways you can make an impact on the lives of students.