Photo credit: Roger MarchandBill Wise, namesake of the William B. Wise Learning Center
Long time Gorham resident William B. (Bill) Wise was honored on Oct. 14, at a dedication ceremony at the Costello Sports Complex. The University of Southern Maine Athletic Department’s learning center is now the William B. Wise Learning Center. The study center is required for first year student athletes. This study center gives them a welcoming comfortable place to study. Thirteen athletic coaches and administrators work in this area and provide support when needed. The emphasis on student athletes is important at USM.
Wise began his twenty-five year career at USM in 1966 retiring in 1991. He held a variety of positions from dean of Academic Affairs, dean of Education, assistant to the vice president of Academic Affairs and executive assistant to the president.
USM Athletic Director Al Bean, said, “The reason Bill was so successful was that he deeply cared about people and supported them to get the best out of themselves.”
All during his career, Wise was an advocate of the Division III student athlete model. In 1988 the athletic department first honored him by establishing the William B. Wise Scholar-Athlete Award program. To earn this award the student athlete must be a full-time student for both semesters and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Twenty students qualified for this award in its first year while last year 256 of the 450 student athletes met this standard. In addition, nineteen of the twenty-two athletic teams had a 3.2 or higher combined grade point average.
Athletic Director Al Bean summed up what Bill Wise means to the USM community. “Bill’s impact at the University of Southern Maine was immeasurable. He served seven presidents during his career at USM and in his varied roles at the University, he was an effective leader, mentor and problem solver. Bill’s role in the development of Husky Athletics was impactful, serving as liaison to Athletics for many years and working closely with Athletic Director, Richard “Doc” Costello. Bill was instrumental in the Huskies move to NCAA Division III membership in 1985-1986 and helped to promote the overall importance of the athletic program to university leadership and the community. Following his retirement, he stayed active as a member of the Husky Hall of Fame Committee. We’re proud to have Bill’s name attached to our Athletics Learning Center. It is a very fitting honor given his many contributions to the athletic program.”
In addition to his contributions to USM, Wise was an involved community member serving on both the Gorham Town Council and School Committee. Wise and his late wife Roberta raised two sons in Gorham, Bill and Brad, who both attended Gorham schools and graduated from USM. His son Bill was a long time teacher at Greely High School and is also an accomplished author. Brad was an outstanding athlete at USM in both soccer and baseball. He retired as the President of Hannaford and now works as a consultant.
With such dedication to USM student athletes the William B. Wise Learning Center is a fitting tribute to a man who has made a difference for many.