Gussner dedicated his life to expanding opportunities for students, teachers and schools across Illinois and Missouri. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Illinois College, he earned his degree in mathematics, played football and was a member of Phi Alpha Literary Society. He also met Sandy, an English major and member of Gamma Delta Literary Society, as a student on the Hilltop. Together, Bill and Sandy built a life grounded in education, service and generosity.

After graduating from Illinois College, Gussner earned a master’s degree in education and later pursued doctoral studies at Washington University in St. Louis. He began his career as a mathematics teacher and went on to serve as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in respected school districts across Illinois and Missouri, including Jacksonville, Wilmette and Webster Groves. Throughout his career, he championed students and educators, broadened educational access and mentored future teachers and administrators as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University.

Gussner remained deeply engaged with his alma mater throughout his life. He served two terms as an Alumni Trustee and received Illinois College’s Distinguished Service Award in 1997. In 2007, Bill and Sandy established an endowed scholarship in loving memory of Sandy’s parents, Howard and Pearl Selcke. Their commitment to education continued through their membership in the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society beginning in 2014 and through their enduring support of Illinois College students.