Time For Memory

William C. Gross, 49, Paw Paw died Thursday, April 7, 2005 in Greenville, Michigan. He was born December 12, 1955 in Charlottesville, Virginia son He was an Associate Professor at the Western Michigan University Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Bill completed two degrees at Temple University (Safety and Security Administration and Community Health) and two degrees at Indiana University (Masters in Safety Management/Health Studies, Doctorate in Health and Safety Education/Public Administration). Bill accepted a position at Fort Hayes State University in Kansas in 1984 where he was a member of the faculty until 1987. He began his career at Western Michigan University later that year when he was appointed to the faculty of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. A community health specialist, Dr. Gross taught a variety of courses for the department both on and off campus. He was active in several professional organizations and held leadershiip roles in several groups. Among theses were; Vice-President for Health (Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) and Vice-President of Health Division (Midwest District Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance). He was also a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, American Public Health Association, American School Health Association, Eta Sigma Gamma, National Wellness Association, Phi Delta Kappa and the Society for Public Health Education. He was also an active volunteer for American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the Safe Kids Coalition. A dedicated professor,Dr. Gross served as the adviser for many years for Gamma Mu Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma at Western Michigan University. He received the Honor Award from this group for his tireless efforts on behalf of the students. One of the many service projects that Bill and the students offered the campus was the "Ultimate Tailgate". This service project was held annually for four years to promote alcohol awareness and personal responsibility among students. Bill received the Presidential "Spirit Award" for his efforts on the projects. In addition, Bill was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Paw Paw, and member of the Mason's and Shriners. He is survived by his brother, George J. Gross, of Georgetown, South Carolina, and a sister, Mrs. G. William (Barbara) Cantwell of Washington, North Carolina. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, April 22, 2005 at Kanley Memorial Chapel on the campus of Western Michigan University.