Think of a Southern Illinois University family and the Bleyer name will soon come up. Dorothy Bleyer is a graduate with three degrees from the University and was a faculty member for 39 years. She taught mathematics and physics at the Vocational and Technical Institute in the 1950s and '60s and served as associate dean of the School of Technical Careers. William Bleyer received two degrees from SIUC and was a faculty member for 29 years. He started his career in 1957 as the freshmen football coach and later became the director of intramural sports. There, his duties included management of the $8.9 million multipurpose sports complex known today as the Student Recreation Center. The two retired from the University July 31, 1986, but every time they open their mouths to speak, their Saluki pride rings loud and clear.

Dorothy and William Bleyer, in front of the No. 12 fairway at the Crab Orchard Golf Course.

"We have nothing but good memories about the University, and we get upset whenever we hear the media talk badly about SIU," said Dorothy Bleyer. The couple contends that they have the most degrees attained by a single family from the University. "We have 19 degrees from the University within our immediate family," William Bleyer said.

After retirement, the two remained in touch with the University. Five years ago, they established the William and Dorothy Bleyer Scholarship, which is given to the outstanding student in the College of Applied Science and Arts and to the outstanding student in Recreational Intramurals. The Bleyers are also season-ticket holders for the basketball and football seasons and regulars at the on-campus shows.

Dorothy is on the committee for Applied Science and Arts to establish a memorial plaza for Mary and Ernest Simon. The late Ernest Simon was the founding dean of the College of Applied Science and Arts, and the plaza dedication is scheduled for September.

The University is a big part of the Bleyers' lives, but they also enjoy traveling. Before returning to Carterville four years ago, the Bleyers lived on the Lake of Egypt. They purchased a boat and often enjoyed quiet trips on the lake. Since then, they have enjoyed voyages through the Panama Canal and trips to the Caribbean. The year after they retired, they went to Europe with the architectural program. During that trip they were able to visit several countries in Europe. Five years ago the Bleyers visited Ireland.

They're planning a cruise to Hawaii in October. Every winter, they visit Marco Island in Florida for at least one month.

The Bleyers often find time to visit their four sons and nine grandchildren. Their eldest son, Mark, is married with three kids and lives in West Lafayette, Ind. Their twin boys, Tim and Brad, live in Carterville and Carbondale. Both are married, and each has two children. The youngest son is Eric; he is married with two children and lives in Springfield. The Bleyers enjoy visiting their families and are proud to say that all four sons and their wives are graduates of SIUC.

Whether planned or not, most of these trips often include golf. Between family and Saluki pride, their love for golf has to fit in somewhere. The Bleyers golf at least four to five times a week with friends and family. This is easily accommodated, because the Crab Orchard Golf Club's No. 12 fairway is directly behind their home. They have a trip lined up to go to Alabama and play at the Robert Trent Jones golf trail.

Both Dorothy and William are active members in the community and church. William is on the board for an educational foundation that provides financial and grant assistance to the public school system.

While living on Lake of Egypt, the two were volunteer lake monitors for the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Association. Twice a month, they prepared a lunch, packed their boat, went out on the lake and conducted tests for depth, color and other levels. They then reported their results to the EPA. Both agree that they miss going out on the lake, but they sold their boat when they moved to Carterville

The Bleyers also serve on boards and committees at the Grand Avenue Baptist Church and team-teach an adult Sunday school class.

Even after 16 years of retirement, the Saluki maroon and white still shine bright when you are in the presence of William and Dorothy Bleyer. If you are having any doubts about attending or returning to Southern Illinois University, the Bleyer family has 19 reasons that are sure to influence your decision.-- Khalid Hannah

May 15, 2002