William “Bill” Hood ’66 died on Dec. 25, 2022, of cancer. An avid reader and photographer, he is remembered as someone who believed in the power of education, in both the traditional and unconventional sense.

Hood once said: “All students should have some experience traveling out of the country. In every case it becomes a life-changing experience.” To that end, he and his wife of 50 years, Vicki Hood, gave generously to establish the William ’66 and Vicki Hood Global Citizens Scholarship. Their $250,000 pledge continues to provide financial support for students to travel outside the United States and explore educational opportunities in other countries.

After graduating from IC, Bill went on to Northwestern University to study law. Over the course of his career, he worked as an investigative reporter, lobbyist and
government affairs executive, and had a 20-year career at American Airlines. Bill served the College as a Trustee and a member of the Inspiring Achievement campaign committee. He was a recipient of IC’s Distinguished Service Award, a lifetime member of the Illinois College Society and a frequent volunteer for his alma mater.

“Bill came from very modest beginnings and was adamant that it is a duty and a privilege to give back to his community. His hope and mine is that our contribution to making higher education programs available to as many young people as possible will open their minds to a world that goes beyond their current surroundings and make them more likely to be curious, thoughtful and better world citizens,” Vicki shared after Bill’s passing. The couple raised two sons, Tyler and Elliott, and had four grandchildren.