As a loyal Heidelberg alumnus, Bill Landess embodies the full package – thoughtful, strategic, prepared, respectful, curious, kind, and humble. He brings just the right blend of humor and, above all, generosity to his lifelong commitment to give back to his alma mater.
“Bill cares a lot about Heidelberg students, about what distinguishes the Heidelberg experience and how to market it,” said President Rob Huntington. “And he knows how to sell it.”
“I admire him more for his leadership and engagement,” Rob added.
On Thursday evening, during the annual Givers Gala, Bill was honored with the Distinguished Trustee Service Award in recognition of his exceptional philanthropy and dedicated service to his alma mater, which equally includes time, talent, and treasure.
’Berg foundation = career success
Bill began his service to Heidelberg soon he graduated in 1995 with a double major in business and German. In 2003, he joined the Alumni Council, ultimately becoming its vice president. After 5 years, he was selected to join the Board of Trustees and like so many other times when asked to step up for Heidelberg, he said yes. He is currently completing his 18th year as a Trustee, leading the Enrollment Management Committee and serving on the Finance and Facilities, the Advancement, Alumni, and Community Relations, and the Executive Committees.
In his acceptance remarks, Bill recalled coming to Heidelberg in 1991 “as a naïve teen with no idea what I wanted to do.” Thanks to the mentorship of professors such as Dr. Bill Reyer (English), Dr. Bob Berg (German) and the late Dr. Bill Wickham (business) along with football position coach Larry Shank, he graduated in ’95 “as a prepared young man.”
“I left with an understanding of teamwork and humility. I owe this school a lot,” he said.
Today, Bill credits Heidelberg with laying the groundwork for his professional success as CEO of The Carriage Group. His impressive career began just a month after graduating from the Berg, when he accepted a position as a commercial insurance underwriter. Through a combination of strategic vision, steady advancement, and strong leadership, he rose through the ranks to lead The Carriage Group, an organization comprised of three independent insurance agencies and a financial services firm with real estate interests as well.
The German connection
While at the Berg as an undergrad, Bill was a four-year varsity letterwinner as an offensive lineman on the nationally ranked Student Prince football team. In 1992, he joined his teammates in the first Rhine River Game in Germany – the first collegiate football game played on German soil. Great memories, although HU and Otterbein finished that game in a 7-7 tie.
It wouldn’t be Bill’s last trip to Germany; he spent the second semester of his junior year in Heidelberg, Germany, as part of the American Junior Year program – an eye-opening and life-altering experience, made even more impactful because he was there about 5 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Ironically – and in a way that holds deep meaning for their dad – Bill’s daughters, Maria, a rising junior at Heidelberg, and Sara, a sophomore at Wooster, are both planning to study in Germany during the second semester of the upcoming academic year, albeit at different colleges.
A strong commitment to giving
Philanthropy has always been a priority for Bill and his wife, Staci, both at Heidelberg and beyond. As long-time, generous supporters of The Heidelberg Fund and the H Association, they have made significant contributions to major campus initiatives, including the construction of Hoernemann Stadium and track and field complex, the renovation of Adams Hall, and most recently, the Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center, set to open later this summer. One of their most meaningful initiatives was the creation of the William E. Landess Fund for Academic Enrichment & Recruitment of Student Athletes, better known as the Landess Scholar-Athlete Awards. In addition to these major projects, Bill and Staci have also supported several smaller campus efforts, such as the Sue & Ralph Quellhorst Endowment for Student Community Service, among others.
The couple are members of the University Society of the Builders and Benefactors in recognition of their lifetime giving to Heidelberg. They are also members of the Heritage Society.
“If this college can do for other students what it has done for me … I will keep giving as long as the good Lord gives me breath,” Bill said.
Cars, guitars and good-natured 'giving
As tradition goes, Rob surprised Bill with a few memorable – and let’s just say – lighthearted gifts: a beer stein and a Heidelberg Dad mug, a ’73 Ford Mustang Mach 1 of the Matchbox variety to represent his love of muscle cars, an alarm clock appropriately set for 10:07 a.m., a plaque from that first Rhine River classic game, and a child’s toy guitar reminiscent of his love of music and playing the bass guitar.
Congrats, Bill! Your alma mater appreciates all you do!