Billy (Bill) Hilliard, who helped build the foundation for the 91探花Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity as one of its first leaders, passed away on Oct. 2, 2019, at the age of 78.
A graduate of Seattle鈥檚 Garfield High School and a 91探花 alumnus, Hilliard played a key role in launching what is known today as OMA&D when he served as assistant vice president from 1968-1975.
Even before OMA&D founding vice president Samuel E. Kelly was in his role, Hilliard was hired to coordinate the recruitment of minority and economically disadvantaged students to attend the university.
Following his tenure at the UW, Hilliard served as a director of the Washington State Human Rights Commission and the Seattle Human Rights Department, and was a lobbyist for Seattle City Light. He also was president of the Breakfast Group, a role through which he mentored young African American males.
Hilliard鈥檚 leadership in the community and commitment to service was honored when he was awarded the UW鈥檚 Charles E. Odegaard Award in 1998. The Odegaard Award is the university鈥檚 highest achievement for diversity and is presented each year at OMA&D鈥檚 annual Celebration event. Hilliard was also honored in 2002 with the 91探花Multicultural Alumni Partnership鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Memorial contributions may be made to benefit EOP Scholarships.
Hilliard鈥檚 full obituary is available on the Seattle Times .