William "Bill" L. Erickson

Bill Erickson was born February 3, 1932 in Sacramento, California; he was always proud of his employment with the YMCA prior to graduating from Sacramento High School in 1950. Following high school, Bill attended Sacramento State College as a business major and joined Kappa Alpha Pi fraternity, which resulted in many lifelong friendships.

Bill grew up down the street from Cathleen Pugh, whom he married in September 1954. With Bill's enlistment in the United States Navy, they moved to Coronado Island near San Diego, where he was stationed as a Navy supply and disbursing officer for a beach jumper unit.

Following his military service, in 1956 Bill and Cathy returned to Sacramento where he accepted a position at Sacramento State College as a purchasing officer. They established their home in Parkway Estates and Bill and Cathy had their two daughters, Caren and Gayle.

Bill was offered a position at the Chancellors Office as an Administrative Service Officer for the California State University system in 1962. The family relocated to San Diego in 1964 when Bill accepted the position of Foundation Director for San Diego State University. The SDSU Retirement Association still refers to Bill as "the founding father of the SDSU Research Foundation." This promotion was the beginning of his adventure through a long and fulfilling career with SDSU. As a result of his accomplishments at SDSU, Bill was promoted to Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs in 1970, and continued in this capacity until his retirement in 1994.

Bill valued giving back to his professional community and enjoyed being an active member of many organizations throughout his life, which include:

National Association Colleges and Universities
Western Association College and University Officers
Board Member 1978-79
Secretary 1979-80
Vice President 1982-83
President 1983-84
National Representative 1984-88
NACUBO Secretary 1987-88
Vice Chairman of the College Area Community Council 1969-78
Steering committee on School Facility Utilization 1983
Rotary- Paul Harris Fellow
SIRS
Over the Hill Gang


President of Timberland Association of Homeowners (TAHO)

Following Bill's retirement, the couple returned to the Sacramento area to live closer to their only grandchild, Catherine Rideout. Rah-Rah and Nana could always be found at Cate's cross country and track meets.

While working for the CSU system, things that brought Bill the greatest joy were the Aztec football and basketball games, and his SDSU colleagues. In retirement, Bill was passionate about his time at Lake Tahoe, where he enjoyed skiing, golfing, and participating in the Timberland Association of Homeowners. Bill was known for playing an active role in maintaining public access for Lake Tahoe's beaches.

Travel was an exciting part of their retirement, and they enjoyed numerous trips both in Europe and the United States.

Bill enjoyed bringing together friends and colleagues at their home. Much to Cathy's chagrin, he insisted that "all you need to have a party, is friends and a bag of chips."