Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor William L. Holcomb Class of 1952

William L. Holcomb '52 has made significant contributions to the Western New York community and business world -- as a human resources professional, an officer in the United States Army Reserves, and a tireless volunteer for many charitable organizations.

Mr. Holcomb's many roles as a community leader reflect his education and experience as a student at Canisius High School. As a Crusader, he was recognized as a well-rounded student, serving as a class officer his freshman and senior years and playing football, basketball, and baseball. He also nurtured his spiritual life at Canisius as a member of Sodality and the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament, and he was engaged in numerous activities such as the German club, debate team and drama club.

After graduating from Canisius High School, Mr. Holcomb earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Canisius College. He also began a career with the United States Army Reserve, graduated from both the United States Army Command and the General Staff College, and ultimately achieved the rank of colonel.

Early in his business career, Mr. Holcomb served as assistant director of personnel at Chevrolet Motor Division's Tonawanda plant and later as director of labor relations for the City of Buffalo. In 1974, he formed William L. Holcomb Associates, which served a springboard for a long career in the human resources field.

His career path included roles such as director of human resources for the Erie County Water Authority; vice president of human resources at Greater Buffalo Press; coordinator of labor management programs for the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University; and director of operations at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation. A man for others

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Throughout his career, Mr. Holcomb gave back to the community in the spirit of his Jesuit education. He served as chair of the Northeast Region of the American Red Cross; chair of the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter Board of Directors; board member of the Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce; board member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society; and president of the Professional Businessmen's Association.

Furthermore, Mr. Holcomb has served as general chairman of the Catholic Charities Appeal; a member of the board of directors for Our Lady of Victory Infant Home; and president of the Canisius College Alumni Association. He is also member emeritus of the Canisius College Board of Regents.

Mr. Holcomb's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. His many awards include the LaSalle Medal from Canisius College and the Clara Barton Award from the American Red Cross. He also was inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame at the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association and was named 2010 Citizen of the Year of the Labor Relations Association.

Mr. Holcomb and fellow Canisius High School classmate, Joseph Deck, were the founders of a program that brings members of the class of 1952 back together at least four times a year to celebrate their lives and the benefits of their Jesuit education at the school.

It is a privilege to welcome William L. Holcomb '52 to the Canisius High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor.

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