Newport News, Virginia
- Bill Saunders
Why did you choose to attend EHS?
My father graduated from EHS – through his experience there,
he saw the wisdom of encouraging me to attend. I respected my father and that
was the best advice he ever gave me. Both my mother and father sacrificed a
little to send me away to school, but the lessons learned and instilled at EHS
have helped me progress through life in a manner that has made them, as well as
myself, grateful for the sacrifices.
Tell us about your most recent visit to campus.
Our 50th class reunion was a first-class event. The School
looked great, and the campus was alive with real, intelligent, honest ladies
and gentlemen (our by-product specialty). The discussions with classmates were
seamless, as if we had never left campus. Reunions are a must for alumni for
many reasons; by staying engaged with EHS and your many truly lifelong friends,
you are more prone to give back through gift annuities, scholarships,
charitable remainder trusts, and the annual giving fund. These gifts will
enable EHS to help meet the many challenges the world constantly finds for us.
Do you have a favorite EHS memory?
After I finally graduated in 1956, the entire five-year
experience is still my favorite memory. (Sports, coaches, teachers, trips to
Washington, D.C. on the public bus systems, and classmates).
What is the most important lesson that you learned at Episcopal?
Be responsible for your actions – there are consequences for
everything you do. Keep trying to achieve your goals in life – never give up –
be it sports, grades, business, or trying to make the world a better place.
How did your EHS experience impact your life?
The EHS experience enforced integrity and moral and ethical
standards that stand you well anywhere in the world. I have just completed 50
years with one firm as a financial consultant and have set for myself a new
record goal of 60 plus years. Life is good. Being of small stature, I was able
to participate in sports at EHS (i.e. cake team, to the varsity team and then
wrestling, etc.) that I otherwise probably would not have experienced in our
local high school. I firmly believe that sports enable one to better handle the
ups and downs of life. The team spirit and the sportsmanship that were
instilled in us at EHS definitely distinguish us from the crowd.
Tell us something that we probably don't know about you.
After 34 years, I am still actively involved with our local
Boys & Girls Club. I have served as president and started its own
foundation and continue to manage it. I have just recently completed a custom
pistol tactical course at Blackwater in North Carolina (now currently called
U.S. Training Center). I wish I had done it at age 40, not 74, as it was very
intense and instructive, but an excellent course.
What's your philanthropic philosophy?
Always give back. Always leave a place in better shape than
when you were first there. Always help your community and your church. You
definitely benefit more from giving than receiving.
Why do you give to Episcopal?
Many people before me gave back to EHS so that I could enjoy
the same experiences that they had. Our country needs leaders with vision and
honest people who can think and solve problems. EHS provides these leaders for
our country and our local communities.