Dr. William John Ganza

Dr. Bill Ganza, mentor, colleague, and friend passed on Monday, September 28, 2020 at his home in Jacksonville, Fl. Those who knew Bill, are without a doubt lost as there was not a person with whom he met that he did not leave a lasting impression. Education was not only his life passion, it was a way of life. Many of us pursuing our own educational journey were recipients of his wisdom where he often shared his personal story: “I started in 1985 and it took me until 2012 to finish my doctorate, you can do this.” He earned a bachelors degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Sociology, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. This path led him to his first job as a college professor teaching Sociology. As a father, he was driven in securing a quality education for his daughter. In this pursuit, he stumbled into Early Childhood Education when he accepted a position as the director of a childcare facility. Since then, Bill has been an advocate for early childhood education, but his journey did not end there.

In the 90s, Bill was naturally an advocate for distance education and online learning when a need for an online Child Development Associate (CDA) credential was discovered. Bill became a pioneer of online education and development, a man truly ahead of his time. As a believer in volunteerism and giving back to his community, Bill served as the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) president where he used his leadership skills to advocate for the professional development of early childhood professionals. Bill credits his biggest accomplishment in this capacity in the reorganization creating state affiliates to increase the organization‘s functionality. Although Bill remained a fervent advocate, he transitioned back to higher education in 2005 when he accepted a position at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) as the Director of Faculty Development. In 2015, he accepted a position at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) as Director of Faculty Development. The impact Bill left on faculty, staff, students, and the entire community at his positions at FSCJ, USAHS, FLAEYC, and the numerous boards and committees he served on will never be forgotten.

One of Bill’s most beloved hobbies, stemming from his childhood, was his love of photography which led him to meet his wife of over 40 years together. Bill and Pam were married and had a beautiful daughter named Adrian. Bill enjoyed outdoor recreation activities which included kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and traveling. He had the goal of visiting all 50 states and which he accomplished in his life among visiting numerous places in the Caribbean. One of his most prideful and awarding of adventures was traveling to St. Luca to visit his students that he had tought virtually

Bill was the oldest of six children and grew up in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his wife and daughter as well as five siblings: Jack, Nannette, James, Kathy, and Kristie. Bill also had a huge heart for his animals . He is also survived by his four cats, Felix, Liam, Binky, and Miss Cat. Anyone who has had communication with Bill during the current pandemic have probably seen his “babies” walk across the keyboard and or hanging out in the background.

Bill left us much too early, but the lasting impression he has left on so many of us will be a legacy untouched by any.

Visitation will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences will be hosting the livestream of Dr. Bill Ganza’s Celebration of Life on October 11th from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Eastern time.

The livestream will be available through RingCentral Meetings. You can access it via a web browser, by downloading the Ring Central app, or by dialing in with your phone.

During the livestream, you will be able to watch live remarks from friends and family and leave comments via the chat function of RingCentral. The livestream will be recorded, as well as the written comments, and will be shared with the Ganza family. If you are unable to join the event, please feel free to leave comments at the Dignity Memorial site that is provided by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home.

Remembrances posted to the Tribute page on Campus Connection also will be shared with Bill’s family.

A link to the livestream recording will be provided following the event with the permission of the Ganza family.

Please use the following access information to join on October 11th from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Eastern time:

Join at https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1496002478 or by telephone:

US: +1 (646) 357-3664

+1 (720) 902-7700 (US Central)

+1 (469) 445-0100 (US South)

+1 (623) 404-9000 (US West)

Meeting ID: 149 600 2478

International numbers available: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/teleconference

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be given to the Dr. Bill Ganza Memorial Scholarship fund.

Bill believed in the positive outcomes of receiving an education, and this memorial scholarship fund will be used to help students with emerging financial needs to pursue a degree in Human Services or Early Childhood Education.

You may contribute to the fund by mail or by the below-listed link. If choosing to contribute by mail, please send your donation to the Florida State College at Jacksonville Foundation at 501 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Please add “For the Bill Ganza Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo section.

You may wish to contribute by clicking the following link and follow the below instructions:

https://www.fscjfoundation.org/Give/Scholarships.html

1.) Scroll to the donation section and under “Designation” please select “Emerging Needs.”

2.) Check the box that states “Make this gift on behalf of an organization.”

3.) Type the scholarship name “Dr. Bill Ganza Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

4.) Continue filling in the form with your contact name and payment method, select Donate when done The family has asked to send their appreciation for the assistance given to them by all those who knew and loved Bill.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.