William Graham
March 01, 1941 - January 29, 2025
Bill Graham was the captain of the wrestling team, and graduated from Bucknell in 1962.
He then joined his father's insurance agency as a sales representative and eventually became the sole owner in 1972. From 1970 to 1999, he was president, and currently serves as chairman and CEO.
Starting with six employees in 1972, Graham now leads a team of over 160 employees, with revenues of over $50 million, placing it among the largest agency and brokerage firms in the United States by revenue size. Graham has been a member of the Philadelphia business community for more than 50 years.
Hall of Fame coach Bob Ferraro stated that Graham was his first alumni phone call when he was named the Bucknell wrestling coach in 1973. Ferraro asked for help to build a national program, with the assistance of Graham's financial support and mentorship. Graham then visited the Bucknell campus each year to address the team, and convey the message why it was wrestling that he credited for his professional career success. He also wrote a generous check each year to the Bucknell Grapplers Club, and always assisted if more money was needed.
In the early 1980s, Graham became the first inductee into the Bucknell Wrestling Hall of Achievement, which honors career success. Graham was also the first inductee into the National High School Coaches Association National Hall of Achievement in 1996, which also honors career success.
Graham was the sole person responsible for bringing back Bucknell wrestling in 2005, after it was dropped in 2002. It took a year to rebuild the team, but the Bison returned to competition in 2006. Graham has donated more than $15 million to the Bucknell wrestling program, and recently completed a new wrestling facility. He has also donated over $200,000 to the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
In addition, Graham also gives wrestlers the top priority when hiring people for his firm. In 2015, Bill received the Musser Award for Excellence in Leadership from Temple University, recognizing outstanding achievement, leadership and commitment to the community. He earned the Alumni Athlete Achievement Award from Bucknell University, also in 2015, which recognizes outstanding career achievement by a former Bucknell athlete. Additionally in 2015, Graham received the National Health Service Leading the Way Award for his philanthropy and support of numerous charities.
Graham and his wife Frances raised two children, and currently reside in Philadelphia
Awards:
Year
2017
|
Award
Outstanding American
|
Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania
|