For decades the face and heartbeat of a proud national fraternal organization, the steady hand who charted the course and successfully navigated turbulent years of reduced student enrollment, war and campus unrest, the living, breathing personification of a real fraternity man… Sigma Tau Gamma’s legendary leader William P. “Bill” Bernier, Kent State ’70, has passed to the Chapter Eternal.

At the time of his retirement as Sig Tau’s 5^th Chief Executive Officer in 2014, Bill had served in that professional capacity for almost 42 years which was longer than any other executive of any Greek organization, men’s or women’s. During that tenure, more than 35,000 new members were initiated, 51 chapters were chartered, and many other goals and milestones were reached.

Pictured (left to right): National Presidents McGowan and Hembree meeting with Brother Bernier in the Founders Library at the National Headquarters.

In the 1970s during a time of exceptional growth, he lead a Capital Campaign for the construction of a new National Headquarters Building in Warrensburg on the original founding site located adjacent to Central Missouri State University. Later, his vision was felt as the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation exceeded fundraising goals through its pioneering Project PITCH and Wilson C. Morris Fellowship. Also under his leadership the Path of Principles Program and the Earl A. Webb Academy of Principled Leaders became a reality as did increased numbers of new Initiates and campus chapter locations. Significantly, he broke a long standing barrier and drove remarkable growth to major universities that had at one time seemed kept out of reach for a brotherhood with just a “teachers college” pedigree.

For these contributions and many more, Bill was honored with the Millsap Medal for Distinguished Foundation Service and the Winebrenner Medal for Distinguished Service to the Fraternity. The capstone for all this was his unanimous election into membership within the iconic Society of the Seventeen, Sigma Tau Gamma’s highest individual recognition and one limited to only 17 living Members.

His leadership skills, unique insight into the mind and motivation of an undergraduate college student and indomitable work ethic were an integral part of his professional career as he mentored generations of young men and especially his Headquarters Staff. Bill earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and was a past President of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives (ASAE). For many years he was actively involved on the North American Interfraternity Conference Standards Committee, served in every office of the Fraternity Executives Association including President and was very proud to be a recipient of the Gold Medal, the highest interfraternal honor the NIC can bestow.

Pictured (left to right): Bill expresses gratitude to Marvin Millsap, Central Missouri ’26, for his lead gift to the Capital Campaign; Brother Bernier congratulating brother Millsap and Maureen Achauer during the dedication ceremonies; Bill receives the prestigious NIC Gold Medal at the awards ceremony in Indianapolis.

Missouri Governor Christopher Bond appointed Bill to the Board of Regents of Central Missouri State University and he eventually rose to become President of that Board as well. He is believed to be the only fraternity or sorority chief executive to have served on the governing board of a state university.

The Bernier extended family is clearly unique within the membership as well. Bill has long said his wife of more than 50 years, Wendy, “is my most important partner in service to Sigma Tau Gamma. She loves the Fraternity because of all the wonderful Brothers and spouses she has become friends with through the years. Our children Elaine and Andy (initiate of the Alpha Chapter) grew up with the Fraternity and both consider it an important part of their lives.” Wendy received acclaim as our National Sweetheart, “The Rose of Sigma Tau.”

Dr. Bob Bernier, Bill’s twin brother, was a member of the national professional staff before Bill began his service, then became President of the Fraternity Editor’s Association, a Foundation Trustee and Member of the Society. Doug, Bob’s Son, is a Manager of the WPN National Housing Company. Bill’s younger Brother Jim was a Founder of the Chapter at Michigan Technological University. The youngest Brother Ken also joined at Kent State, served as a Regional Director and advisor to the Miami of Ohio Chapter where his Son Dan was initiated. Once when asked about his Grandson’s Elliot, Emery, Joel and Jordan, Bill responded as only he could by saying “I fervently hope that they will benefit from a fraternity experience and that Sigma Tau Gamma will be for them an attractive choice.”

Pictured (left to right): Bob and Bill Bernier present the Bernier Family Communications Award at Grand Conclave.

Pictured (left to right): Ralph C. Bedell Ph.D., Alpha ’26, presents a first edition of Teacher Immortal in front of the Wilson C. Morris Science Building during a ceremony held in Warrensburg at the University of Central Missouri; Professional staff celebrate Bill Bernier in Warrensburg; Bill and brothers pose for a photo at a Fraternity event.

For the many Sig Taus privileged to know Bill and to walk for a moment or two in his humble shadow, to witness first hand how he ordered his life according to our Principles, to observe his generosity of spirit and full commitment in support of those linked to him and each other through history and ritual… we will never forget this Noble Man as the true embodiment of a Sig Tau for Life.

We will always Hail Thee, Brother.

Memorial Services to be held in Warrensburg, Missouri on June 17, 2025. Details to follow.

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Sigma Tau Gamma is gathering stories and memories of Bill. Send yours to W.P. “Buz” Barlow, Jr., UW – Oshkosh ‘64, bbarlow@sigtau.org. Buz is leading efforts alongside our staff, Boards, and the Society of the Seventeen for long-term plans to honor Bill.

Written condolences or remembrances can be sent to the Fraternity:
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
880 Monon Green Blvd. | Suite #101
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Donations in Bill's honor can be made to the Foundation:
Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation
In Memory of Bill Bernier
880 Monon Green Blvd. | Suite #101
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Online donations in Bill's honor can be made below:

Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation

ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity will celebrate its 105th year of Brotherhood this summer. Since its Founding, the organization has called 197 campuses home and has more than 77,000 initiated Members. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation and WPN National Housing Company, is located in Carmel, Indiana.  Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.