William S. Woods, Jr.
(July 3, 1920–January 24, 2017)
Trustee Emeritus William S. Woods, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2017, at the age of 96, exactly one month before the passing of his wife, Johnina “Dolly.” Born in Wildwood, NJ, Bill was raised in Collingswood, NJ, where he graduated valedictorian of his high school class at age 16. He went on to study accounting at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and later earned his MBA from Wharton.
Not only was Bill an accomplished student, but he also had varied career experiences in the military, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. He served in the Second Armored Division under General Patton during World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star. He also held positions as vice president and treasurer at Sunoco (formerly Sun Oil Company). In addition to serving on Cairn’s Board of Trustees (1977-2009) and on Cairn’s Financial and Audit Committee, Bill was also on the Board of Directors of Messiah College, Fox Chase Cancer Center, CitiFunds, and the Cherry Hill School Board, where he served as president from 1965–66.
Throughout his life, Bill’s greatest passions were his love for God, his family, and his country. “With over 30 years of exemplary service as a trustee, Bill was a man of great faith and prayer,” says Dr. Todd Williams, Cairn president. “He was always positive and forward-thinking, and he cared greatly about the students.” He will be greatly missed by his three daughters, two sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.


Hall of Fame Vietnam Veteran David Christian Speaks to Students
On Wednesday, November 15, Vietnam Veteran David Christian was invited to speak to Cairn University students. Christian, originally from Bucks County, is the youngest most decorated Vietnam War veteran, having