Alumni Spotlight – Wilbur H. “Bill” Gantz ‘55

The Calumet staff had it right when they designated Bill Gantz “Most Popular” and “Most Active.” Those character traits served him well when he left Glen Rock to make a difference in the world, pioneering medical technology and leading a host of successful business enterprises.

While at Susquehannock, Bill was the Senior Class President, member of the Calumet and Courier staffs, served on Student Council, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Outside the classroom, he lettered in four sports: football, baseball, basketball, and track.

After graduating in 1955, he attended Princeton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and received an MBA from Harvard. He then began a career in pharmaceutical development, pioneering treatments for human chronic infectious diseases. He has led many organizations in his career, notably Baxter International Inc. where served for 25 years, rising to the position of President and publicly traded Pathogenesis Corporation, where he was Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President.

Bill is currently Executive Chairman of the Board for Ovation Pharmaceuticals, providing innovative medicines to people with unmet medical needs in more than 85 countries, focusing on diseases that other drug companies have chosen not to address, like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Wilms tumor, and intermittent porphyria.

In addition, Bill serves on advisory boards for the Molecular Biology Department at Princeton University, the Biomedical Engineering Department of Northwestern University, and Kellogg Center of Biotech of Northwestern University. He is serving or has served as a member or the Board of Directors of the Gillette Company, W.W. Grainger Inc., Harris Financial Corporation, and Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization.

Bill was the first recipient of the Susquehannock High School Distinguished Alumni Award. In his commencement address, he acknowledged the values instilled in him during his student days in Glen Rock.

Thanks Bill Gantz ’55 for making us Warrior Proud!