William 鈥淏ill鈥� Simon, a beloved professor of public relations and journalism, passed away on Feb. 28 after a brief illness. Simon, who was 57, devoted more than 30 years of his life to a career in media and shared his passion for public relations with Biola students for nearly 10 years. 

Simon started at Biola as an adjunct professor in 2010 and became a full-time professor in 2015. He was instrumental in growing Biola鈥檚 public relations program and was working on developing a new concentration in advertising. 

Colleagues and students described Simon as a man of compassion and generosity who deeply loved his Lord. 

鈥淗e was more than a professor to students; he was a mentor and friend,鈥� said Tamara Welter, chair of the Department of Media, Journalism and Public Relations. 鈥淚 shared conversations [with Bill] that challenged me as a professor, as a human being. His deep care for all that he set his hand to was driven by a desire to honor his Creator. He will always be a part of my person and, I am sure, anyone he met during his service in this life.鈥� 

Simon would praise colleagues pursuing journalism and public relations as modern-day 鈥渟hepherds of storytelling and influence.鈥� He had wide experience in the field 鈥� including radio, television, print and digital. He worked with many notable nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies, including the California Space Authority, the Columbia Memorial Space Center, NASA and Salem Communications Corp. He also worked with award-winning authors, writers, screenwriters, editors and designers, and edited more than 40 book titles. 

Simon, a lifetime member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, received a master鈥檚 degree from Northwest- ern University鈥檚 Medill School of Journalism and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English and political science from Westmont College. 

The Biola community remembered Simon and his impact at a memorial service on March 24. To honor his legacy, the Department of Media, Journalism and Public Relations created an endowed scholarship called 鈥淭he Bill Simon Scholarship Fund.鈥� 

To give to this fund, go to . Click "Give Now," select "Other" and type "The Bill Simon Scholarship Fund" in the space provided.