Service Award

William J. Krueger, Eng ’87
Brentwood, Tenn.

Bill’s passion for mentorship began during his undergraduate years at Marquette, where he tutored and mentored inner-city students in science and math. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to serving those in need. Over the past 40 years, he has extended that ethos to every aspect of his life, from his career to his volunteer work.

After a 35-year career in the automotive industry, culminating in executive leadership roles with General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan, Bill retired in 2019. But retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, he dedicated a year to serving his church and community before embarking on an “encore” as COO of The Americas for The Greenbrier Companies, a leader in railcar manufacturing. Here, Bill embraced the opportunity to mold the next generation of leaders.

Bill’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional life. He serves his local parish as an usher, lector, and Eucharistic minister, and he helped develop and launch Leadership Catholic, a mentorship program with the Catholic Business League of Nashville. He is a frequent Saturday volunteer feeding the homeless in downtown Nashville and has served his community through past board roles with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the American Red Cross. Bill recently reached a personal milestone, completing his goal of donating 10 gallons of blood.

Bill credits Marquette for shaping his values and paving his career path. While studying electrical engineering, he participated in the university’s Cooperative Education program, which led to his first job in the automotive industry and a distinguished career that took him across the globe. “That first opportunity opened doors I couldn’t have imagined,” he says.

Now, Bill is facilitating the same opportunities and connections for others through his heart for mentorship and his philanthropic leadership of the award-winning Marquette Mentors program.

Despite his professional success, Bill’s humility and faith remain at the center of his work. “A tangible expression of my faith is to serve others in need,” he says. Whether it’s mentoring young professionals or simply offering a kind word, he lives by the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Do small things with great love.”

For Bill, receiving the Service Award is a reminder of the difference Marquette continues to make in the lives of its students and alumni. “All glory goes to God. I hope this recognition inspires others to give back with their time, talent, and treasure,” he says.

Fun Facts:

• Bill credits Sue Michaelson, former director of the Engineering Cooperative Education program, for supporting his pursuit of a co-op role during his sophomore year. It was his first job in the automotive industry and led to a 35+ year career.
• Bill fondly recalls playing intramural sports, dropping by the Avalanche, followed by a Lucci’s Pizza, a cold pop, and a night in watching David Letterman. He recalls it as “a great relief from the academic pressures of the electrical engineering program.”