Over ten years ago, a small group of courageous leaders from across the political spectrum in our state joined together to found the Campaign for College Opportunity.  R. William "Bill" Hauck was one of those leaders.  And quite frankly, one of the most dedicated and passionate people concerned about the future of California that I have been honored to work with.  I am sad to share that he passed away this weekend. 

Left to right: David Wolf, Bill Hauck, Antonia Hernandez, David Viar, and Steve Weiner

For the first seven years of the Campaign's work, Bill served as our Board Chair.  His strength and vision brought together a strong and unlikely alliance of leaders that included civil rights, business, education and community leaders who held a common belief: the future of California required increasing the educational opportunities of a diverse and young population.  When Bill co-founded the Campaign, he was President of the California Business Roundtable and a leader on the California State University Board of Trustees.  Prior to that, he served for both Republican and Democratic leaders from the legislature to the Governor's office.  What I remember most about Bill was his pragmatism.  He wasn't driven by fierce ideology, but by a love for our state and its future. 

As a first time Executive Director in 2008, he met with me regularly to help guide and support me as we faced the most devastating years of cuts to higher education.  He understood that even in the midst of crisis, there was opportunity for us to press for reforms - like historic passage of the Student Transfer and Reform Act of 2012.  And that was just one of the many exemplary ways that Bill served his state and higher education in California. 

His passing reminds each of us, certainly all of us here at the Campaign for College Opportunity, that his legacy and leadership is a call to action.  Just as his work and dedication was in service to a better California, each of us will continue to step forward to do what we can in his honor. 

Losing Steve Weiner and Bill Hauck within a year of each other, while devastating, reaffirms that we must honor their legacy by ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to go to college and succeed, so that we can keep California strong.   

Rest in peace Bill, and thank you for a life well lived. 

Our deepest condolences go to Bill's wife, Padget, and to the entire Hauck family.

Sincerely,

Michele Siqueiros   

Executive Director