Dr. William A. Van Wie ’67

A Laurentian who has been both steadfast in his support of St. Lawrence students for 55 years while building a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry as an exploration geologist, it’s easy to see that Bill rocks!  During his undergraduate days in Canton, Dr. Bill Van Wie ’67 studied geology and competed for the St. Lawrence football team.  A member of the L-Club, he was also a brother in Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Following his Commencement, Bill earned his Masters and PhD in geology from the University of Cincinnati.

Bill’s career began at Tenneco before earning positions at industry leaders such as Chevron, Pennzoil and Amerada Hess.  He joined Devon Energy Corporation in 1999, eventually earning the title of Senior Vice President, which he held until his retirement in 2010.  Bill currently serves his profession as a trustee and treasurer of the American Geosciences Institute Foundation, and is a former board member of the National Ocean Industries Association, and a former Vice Chair of the Independent Petroleum Association for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Though Bill made many contributions in his professional field, he has always found time to support both his local and the St. Lawrence communities.  He has been a leader of several community organizations in the Houston area, including as a member of the Board of Directors of both the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston and the Salvation Army.  He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Trees for Houston, where he has served as President and Chair.

At his alma mater, Bill has been instrumental in helping to establish the St. Lawrence University Geology Alumni Conference (SLUGAC) and spearheaded efforts to create the Doc Bloomer Lecture Fund.  For these and other service efforts to the University’s Geology Department, he was awarded the William T. Elberty, Jr. Medal in 2015.  Bill has served on a number of Reunion committees, the Leadership Gifts Committee, and as both a career advisor and LINC mentor for the University’s Center for Career Excellence. 

He has made St. Lawrence a philanthropic priority throughout his life as a regular supporter of the St. Lawrence Fund.  Bill is a leader in supporting the geology department through the University Fellows summer programs and lecture funds.  He also established the Harold W Van Heusen ’34 Scholarship in honor of his St. Lawrence mentor.  Bill and his wife, Kathy, also funded a major classroom renovation for the geology department to modernize a key learning space.