Virgil Williams
Chief Pilot, Director of Aviation, The Upjohn Company
Virgil Williams graduated from Oklahoma State University. At the 1953 NIFA annual air meet in Minneapolis, he placed 1st and 2nd in numerous events so was awarded the "Outstanding Male Pilot” trophy. Williams' 35-year professional career was spent at The Upjohn Company as chief pilot and director of aviation, engaging in global operations. Upjohn began an internship program for WMU aviation students, which continued until the Pfizer merger. Williams served on the Citation advisory aboard during construction of Citation III and X. From 1986-94, Williams served on the NBAA Board of Directors and upon retirement from NBAA, was asked by the head of Michigan Aeronautics to help form the MBAA. This was accomplished by working with directors of aviation from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. The Virgil and Maurine Williams Family Aviation Endowed Scholarship was established at the WMU College of Aviation in December of 2008 and has provided support for a countless number of students over the years. It was established to acknowledge Williams' outstanding career in aviation and recognize the three generations of pilots in the Williams family. During his retirement, Williams volunteers as the Plainwell Airport manager. He helped found the Plainwell Aviation STEM Academy, a non-profit organization that introduces aviation to underprivileged children, many who continue on at WMU. Williams is a recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award from the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of 50 years of safe flying. Virgil’s three children and grandson also soloed at age 16. There is no doubt the Williams Family Aviation Endowment is about saluting family tradition.