On Saturday, August 25, more than 300 friends, colleagues and family members gathered to honor Dr. Bill Hilton, vice president emeritus, for his 57 years of service to Abilene Christian University.
Hilton earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from ACU in 1948, and joined ACU's business administration faculty in 1950.
Several speakers who have worked with Hilton throughout his career at ACU spoke during the presentaion about this kind-hearted, hard-working man.
"Working with Bill has always been fun for me," said Kevin Watson, associate vice president for administrative services at ACU. "I felt respected and valued by him, and in turn, I deeply respect both Bill and Alvah Jean."
Hilton taught for several years at ACU before becoming the university's business manager in 1969. One year later he was named vice president for finance, and in 1990 his title was changed to vice president for finance and administration.
Although Hilton "officially" retired in 1992 and became vice president emeritus, he has continued working on a part-time basis for the university.
"Bill was a key architect in making ACU what it is today," said Watson. "He is a true hero to me and many, many others."
During his career, Hilton has received many honors and recognitions of excellence, both from the university and from his other areas of involvement. In 1986, he was elected chairman of the board of directors for the Central Tax Authority of Taylor County. Also that year, he was honored with a "Resolution of Appreciation" from the Higher Education Servicing Corporation for his service on the board as a founding director and officer. In 1989, he received a Presidential Excelling Award for his work as chairman of the construction committee for the $9.2 million Biblical Studies Building.
In 1990, Hilton was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Christian Education degree by Amber University, one of only three such honorary degrees awarded by the institution up to that point. In 1991, the main room of the McGlothlin Campus Center, primarily used for large meetings and dinners, was renamed the Hilton Room in honor of Hilton and his wife, Alvah Jean. Recently, Dr. Royce Money, ACU president, announced that ACU's new food court will be named the "Hilton Food Court."
"Bill Hilton has been, and will always be one of my favorite people," said Watson. "His willingness to stand in the gap so that others may be blessed is unsurpassed. It is a pleasure to give honor to whom honor is due. And in his case, it is certainly due."
Hilton has also served the Abilene community for many years. He was a member of the Abilene City council, the Taylor County chapter of the American Red Cross, the Board of Adjustors for the City of Abilene and the Planning and Zoning Commission of Abilene. He also served as chairman of the Education Committee for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, and was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Abilene Higher Education Authority.
"When you look at his civic work, his military service, his services to the churches they (Bill and Alvah Jean) attended, the bible studies they held in their home and their vacation time spent in service to others, you begin to get a sense of the man and his family," said Watson.
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