Long-time fraternity leader and Gold Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. William C. Himstreet, Southern California ‘54-Life, entered Audit Eternal on January 16. He was 91 years old.
The beloved scholar, teacher, author, and mentor served as the fraternity’s 25th president from 1962-65, having previously served as a vice president (1959-62) and Southwest regional director (1956-59). He went on to serve as a director of the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation (1968-75, 1979-85), holding the title of chairman from 1979-83. In addition, while meeting the demands of regional and fraternity offices, Bill managed to serve—officially and unofficially—as an advisor to the Alpha Zeta Chapter at USC.
“Dr. Himstreet was a great American and fine brother,” recalls Past Fraternity President Elliott Cunningham, Texas State ’76-Life. “He had an impact on my early years as a student member, was a valuable mentor in my developing years in leadership all the way through my tenure as president and chairman of the board. He was instrumental in getting AKPsi involved with the business communications professors and represented the finest of our objectives.”
In 1965, Bill became only the 23rd individual to receive the fraternity’s highest honor, the Gold Distinguished Service Award. He previously received the silver degree in 1957, which was presented by the Alpha Zeta Chapter.
Bill’s career at USC was long and distinguished. During his 30 years on campus (1952-82), he served as an assistant professor; associate professor and chairman, Department of Office Administration and Business Education; associate dean, School of Business; associate dean, Graduate School of Business Administration; associate vice president of Student Affairs; and as a professor of business communication. The emeritus professor of business received the university’s Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. A classroom at USC’s Jane Hoffman and J. Kristoffer Popovich Hall bears his name—his students raised the funds to redesignate the room, a testament to his popularity as both a professor and an administrator.
In addition to his dedication to USC and to AKPsi, Bill made time to participate and be active in numerous civic and professional associations. He served as president of the Pacific-8 Athletic Conference; a director of Delta Pi Epsilon Research Foundation; a fellow of the Association of Business Communication, and as a speaker on business, education, and communication topics at hundreds of professional society, industry, association and corporate meetings. He authored more than 20 books and monographs, and other articles—too numerous to mention—published in local and national publications.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Maxine. He is survived by his daughter, Sue Johnson, her husband Roger and three grandchildren.
Dr. Himstreet in 1972, at the presentation of an honorary membership to Dr. John R. Hubbard, president of the University of Southern California, joined by Paul Michelson, president of the Alpha Zeta Chapter.
