A Lifetime of Dedicated Mentorship and Intellectual Curiosity
Bill Hiss ’66, whose connection to Bates began as an 18-year-old first-year, and grew into that of a dean and dedicated donor, has defined his relationship with the college through intellectual curiosity, lifelong mentorship, and a commitment to helping future generations.
When Bill Hiss arrived at Bates in the fall of 1962, he was just 18 years old. He had chosen to come to Bates after a 45-minute conversation with Dean Milt Lindholm in the basement of Roger Bill (Roger Williams Hall).
“I came to Bates with the feeling that I was smart enough, but no genius,” he recalls. Bill left as a curious academic. Over four years, Bates gave him a new perspective on the world. From the classroom to the Admissions Office, where he later returned as dean, Bates became the setting for a lifelong relationship defined by growth, gratitude, and giving back.
His Bates experience was shaped most deeply by close relationships with a few key faculty members—Professor Lavinia Schaeffer welcomed Bill to the theater, offering him roles in Hamlet and Henry V. Professor John Tagliabue introduced him to world literature, from early English poetry to Asian literature. A junior year abroad at Glasgow University encouraged him to think globally. A car ride to Cambridge in 1965 with newly hired Professor Carl Straub planted the seed for Bill to make his way to Harvard Divinity School, where he landed after graduation, thanks to a Rockefeller Trial Year fellowship. These mentors challenged him intellectually and supported him personally. Such connections between students and faculty seemed like a rare gift. At Bates, these deep faculty-student relationships remain at the heart of the academic experience.
For decades, Bill has returned that gift with steady, purposeful generosity. He set a goal many years ago: to contribute $100,000 to Bates during his lifetime. And he’s reached that milestone—through regular annual giving, the establishment of a scholarship fund for students from Vietnam or descendants of immigrants from Vietnam, and a charitable gift annuity (CGA) that reflects his long-term commitment to Bates’ mission.
“I have accomplished what I want to do for Bates in my lifetime,” he says.
When Bill decided to include a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) as part of his giving to Bates, he found an option that allowed him to meet his philanthropic goals and support his own financial needs.
Here’s how he made it work:
- Gift Amount: $40,000 (using his IRA, which at the time was earning approx. 4%)
- Result: Annuity rate of 8.2%, fixed income for life, and future gift to Bates.
- Bonus: He can use the annuity payments to make current use charitable gifts to Bates, both for the Bates Fund and the Vietnam America Scholarship Fund.
What’s a CGA?
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple agreement between you and Bates: you make a gift, and in return, you receive fixed payments for life. After your lifetime, the remainder of your gift supports the college.
To learn more, contact us at giftplanning@bates.edu | 800-762-3145. But, don’t just take it from us. We can put you in touch with alumni who can share more about the reasons they have updated their giving strategy for Bates.