In 1961, William "Bill" Hillman enrolled in the BSc program at Brandon College. Shortly after moving into the Men's Residence, he gave his first musical performance in the city on a flatbed float during the Brandon College 'Freshie' Parade. The twin paths of education and entertainment were set.

Over the next 50 years, Bill and his wife Sue-On would perform for countless audiences earning the 1979 Manitoba Music Entertainers of the Year Award for Country Music. Their musical repertoire included rock 'n' roll, country, big band, folk, western, old time, rock, bluegrass, pop, gospel, Cajun and even original music.

Bill graduated with a Silver Medal and a BSc degree in geography and later became the first Canadian student to earn an MEd at BU in 1991. While teaching with the Faculty of Education,he worked with former BU professor John Tyman to compile the massive online "Cultures in Context" resource, featuring thousands of notated photos (www.johntyman.com).

Bill has volunteered countless hours to organizations including the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, XII Manitoba Dragoons, Brandon Mental Health Centre, Westman Chinese Association, as well as events for First Nations, music, culture and education.

Bill retired in 2011 as an Assistant Professor with the Brandon University Faculty of Education.

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Presented at the May 31, 2013 Convocation

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Bill receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award  from Brandon University President, Dr. Deborah Poff.	Bill Hillman and BU president Deborah Poff  at the annual convocation ceremony.

Canada's preeminent TV journalist  Lloyd Robertson  and Bill Hillman before the convocation ceremony.	Lloyd Robertson with his Honorary Doctorate and Bill Hillman with his Lifetime Achievement Award  at the Brandon University Convocation.

Mrs. Nancy Robertson and Sue-On Sharing tales about their hubbies.

The Hillmans ~ A Brandon University Family