Bill Rex ’54 was recruited to attend UMass Amherst and play football for the Minutemen. It was the beginning of a lifelong affection for and affiliation with the campus. “It was tough to get into UMass Amherst and tough to stay in,” he said. Only eight of the 45 freshmen in his class, who also played on the football team, graduated.

Bill majored in physical education with a minor in science. He became a science teacher and football coach, then assistant principal of a high school, and eventually principal of Foxboro High School in Foxboro, Massachusetts. His UMass Amherst education served him well, and he returned the favor, serving on the Dean’s Admissions Council for many years as a UMass Amherst ambassador to prospective students. Bill also served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for six years.

But that’s only half the story.

Bill has five daughters, all of whom attended UMass Amherst: Catherine ’77, Elizabeth ’78, Judith ’80, Sally ’82, and Amy ’87. Each used her education to achieve success in her chosen career: Catherine is a real estate manager; Elizabeth teaches physical education; Judith serves as executive director of a crime victim center; Sally is a guidance counselor, and Amy teaches social studies. “I could see how the campus was growing each time I came back with one of my daughters,” he says. “It’s come a long way since my graduating class of 500 students.”

Every fall, Bill takes one of his daughters to the Chancellor’s breakfast and Homecoming game. “It’s an opportunity for father-daughter time,” he says. And every year, he meets his brother for a UMass vs. Northeastern football game. This year, he also hosted his own football party.

Several years ago, Bill joined his classmates at their 50th reunion. Otherwise he stays in touch with campus by checking the Web site for news and upcoming Alumni Association and athletic events. “The Alumni Association has built momentum over the last few years,” he says. “Keep up the good work!”