Bill Deller

Everett Community College students, faculty and staff are mourning the loss of former Dean of Students Bill Deller, who worked for the college for more than 50 years. Deller, who was the first executive director of the EvCC Foundation, died on Aug. 9. He was 98. “His generosity and care for thousands of students sent ripples of kindness that span generations,” EvCC President Daria Willis said. “He was truly a great man.” Deller’s 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.

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.”