Bill Prather ’71

Bill’s time at Hobart College was one of his happiest times. To commemorate his experience at HWS, Bill has generously included the Colleges in his plans and has documented his bequest to be designated between Hobart Baseball and scholarship support to aide minority students who pursue a major in English.

While at Hobart Bill played both football and baseball, though admits he was (in his words) a better baseball player. Supportive of both programs, his true affinity is for baseball and as the saying goes, nothing is more American than apple pie and baseball. Bill was delighted to hear that the program has returned to HWS, noting that it's an important sport to have at the Colleges with the potential to diversify the student body. This announcement spurred Bill to document his Wheeler gift in support of Hobart Baseball.

After graduation Bill began his career as an English teacher for a city school district in New Jersey. Bill then spent the bulk of his career in retail management, including overseeing several stores between Rochester, New York, and Middletown, Connecticut. A final career transition to financial services led Bill to his current position with Ameriprise Financial. He is now semi-retired, enjoying both the work and the commitment to his clients. Bill was also active on his most recent class reunion committee which brought together the Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 for a spirited joint 50th reunion.