Bill Euille '72

Bill Euille '72 is the mayor of Alexandria, Va., and the CEO of William D. Euille and Associates, a general contracting firm he founded 20 years ago. It's a hectic schedule, but he believes strongly in giving back to the community in which he was raised.

The city's first black mayor, Euille was first elected in 2003 and then re-elected in 2006 to a second term in office. Between government meetings and community events, such as arts festivals and store openings, the job keeps him busy. But Euille says he savors the opportunity to solve problems and make a difference in the lives of his constituents.

Euille had his first election victory at Quinnipiac. He was elected class president in both his freshman and sophomore years and Student Government president as a junior. He attended Quinnipiac on a full scholarship and earned a business degree in accounting.

Though far away, Quinnipiac remains close to his heart. He served as president of the Washington, D.C., alumni chapter for several years and also established a scholarship at the University to ensure that others would have the opportunity he did.

Euille says that the foundation of his success was having faith in his abilities and the opportunity to further his education. That's why he donates his annual $32,000 salary as mayor to the William D. Euille Foundation, which supports scholarships for high school and funds educational programs.

"There are no limits but the sky," he says.