Comments on: Slide show: Bill Hiss ’66 retirement reception

By: Orla O'Callaghan

Orla O'Callaghan — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:19:18 +0000

Bill, you were one of the reasons I chose to go to Bates. I came to interview on a Maine School day, where you probably had interviews scheduled every 15 minutes. Despite this, you and I talked for a long time. You ignored the calls from your secretary, and her insistent knocking on the door, as we just talked. A month later, I made an unscheduled visit to campus, when I passed by you on the quad, you remembered me by name. On the first day of freshman year, the newspaper took a picture of me helping my roommate move her stuff in. You came over to our quad the next day to see how we were settling in. You went above and beyond for me, and so many others. You were a real selling point for Bates. Thank you! I wish you luck in the next phase of your life.

By: Nancy Mills Mallett '56

Nancy Mills Mallett '56 — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:43:12 +0000

Bill,

May you enjoy and thrive in retirement. You made so many contributions to Bates in varied assignments and should be proud of a great legacy. I was on the committee with you as you researched and established the removal of the SAT admission requirement. That alone was a milestone to be copied by many other schools.

Best regards,

Nancy Mills Mallett ’56

By: John Spence '81

John Spence '81 — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:15:48 +0000

Bill,

Congratulations on your retirement, and thanks for your many years of service to the Bates community! You left an indelible mark on many people at Bates–myself included–for your commitment, your passion, and your thoughtfulness. Thank you!

All the best,

John Spence

By: Minoo Saghri

Minoo Saghri — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:37:41 +0000

Dear Dean Hiss (that’s what you will always be in my mind),

When I think back to my days at Bates, it is always the people who stand out. James Reese, Wylie, Mitchell, Leigh Campbell and so many others. But what stands above all was the one summer I spent traveling across New England with you (as an unofficial admissions intern), visiting schools, observing you and handing out Bates material.It took most of the summer, but when I was finally ready, I began talking about my experiences at Bates. We are often asked to name one person who affected us deeply in our educational years. That is difficult for me, it is a close tie between you and Dean Reese. You both saw a reserved person and without prodding, gently guided me. I have a feeling that many others might say the same. I am forever grateful to you, as is the entire Bates community, for all the lives you single-handedly changed and all your years of dedicated work.
May your next chapter be as good as the last.

Wishing you all the best,

Minoo (Malek Saghri)

By: Sharon Williams

Sharon Williams — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:02:46 +0000

Bill — Congratulations on your retirement, and a hearty thank you for all you have done for Bates. I still remember my interview with you in the Fall on 1981. It was by far the most personable and personal college interview I had. You have a way of drawing people out of their shells and making them feel comfortable expressing themselves, which is an extraordinary talent. Thank you for all you’ve done for Bates.

Sharon Williams, ’86

By: Dana Denault

Dana Denault — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:30:45 +0000

Hi Bill,

My congratulations on your retirement from Bates where you have served with distinction for so many years. Welcome to retirement and the many volunteer opportunities that await you! I will often remember seeing you over the years at admissions meetings as well as occasionally on campus. My son, Dana, is now living in Marblehead with his family and enjoying his old hometown after many years in California. Hope to connect with you in the future.
Best regards, to you and your lovely family.
Dana

By: John Tagliabue

John Tagliabue — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:34:05 +0000

Bill

Congratulations on your retirement.. As they say, when one door closes, another opens!! Enjoy retirement..

Best
John

By: Paul Savello '66

Paul Savello '66 — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:15:30 +0000

Congrats, Bill! Stay as busy in retirement as you did during your many great years of service to Bates!

Wishing you happy years ahead,
Paul Savello

By: Sarah Stone '90

Sarah Stone '90 — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:02:31 +0000

Dear Mr. Hiss – I still remember my interview with you back in the late 80s – it was my first college interview, a practice one in my sophomore year (and then had my “real” one with Wylie Mitchell). Mainly I remember how much fun you made it, despite me being a very shy, nervous kid.

My oldest son is now a high school sophomore and I hope that his first college visit is as pleasant as you made mine!

Thanks for all your years of service to Bates! And enjoy your retirement!

Sarah Stone

By: Carol Stone Beyna '65

Carol Stone Beyna '65 — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:23:14 +0000

Dear Bill,

Bates should be eternally grateful for all that you have done for the college. I remember you from our student days, and I think it’s marvelous that you’ve been with Bates ever since.

Congratulations on your retirement from your many Bates jobs, all done exceedingly well. Enjoy your retiement days!!

All the best,
Carol