Family with strong U-M ties honored by regents

More than 15 members of the Williams family have served the University for several decades and in departments all over campus—Building Services, Facilities and Operations, LSA, and more.

Members of the Williams family assemble before the Board of Regents meeting, where they were honored. (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

To honor the family, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Timothy Slottow read a resolution in their honor during the Sept. 23 Board of Regents meeting.

"They clearly exemplify 'The Michigan Difference,'" Slottow said. They are an example, he said, "of what makes Blue go."

Frank Williams was a custodian at U-M in the 1950s, and sons Richard and Kent both worked for the University.

Richard Williams, a 22-year employee of Building Services, died July 31.

His four children also have worked at U-M: Ken in Building Services, Debbie as a transit coach operator, Tyrone as a mechanic in roofing/sheet metal and Myron as a steam fitter.

Kent Williams was the first African American tradesperson at U-M. His four children all have been employed at U-M: Eric in Facilities and Operations and Human Resources, Melanie at LSA, Monique at the U-M Health System, and Frank in Construction Services, where he became president of the Trades Union for two terms.

Eric Williams spoke at the regents meeting and said he has done the math. "I've estimated that our family has contributed over 300 years to the University," he said.

The University also is naming the conference room in the Plant Services Building on North Campus for Richard Williams.