AU mourns recent losses of two long-time Board of Trustees members

ASHLAND, Ohio – James Simmermon and Stephen Williams, two long-time members of the Ashland University Board of Trustees, each passed away recently. Simmermon died Nov. 18 at the age of 99, while Williams died on Dec. 5 at 85. They combined for a remarkable 50 years of dedication and service to the AU Board and both were emeritus members.

Simmermon, who was also a 1949 alumnus of Ashland College, served on the Board for 22 years from 1987 to 2009. He was a recipient of AU’s 2018 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an alumnus/alumna who has donated both time and talent in service to the university.

Simmermon, who called western Pennsylvania home, was a successful businessman, highlighted by purchasing and owning Collection Service Center, Inc., which remains in operation today in four states. Associated Credit Bureaus honored him with the Excalibur Award – the trade association’s highest distinction. He also was highly involved with Rotary International, serving as an active member for 74 years and attending meetings in 22 countries.

Simmermon’s complete obituary can be found here.

Williams, from Roanoke, Indiana (near Fort Wayne), served on the AU Board of Trustees for nearly three decades from 1987 to 2015. He was an elder of the Brethren Church, of which AU maintains a strong affiliation with, and an avid supporter of the Eagles’ athletic program. Two of Williams’ four children are AU graduates.

Williams was an attorney and became a partner at Shambaugh, Kast, Beck & Williams, LLP. He specialized in the estate and tax planning practice of law and was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Williams’ complete obituary is here.