Outstanding Alumni

2026 Award Recipient - William J. Roby, Sr ’65

Bill Roby ’65 credits his years at St. X with helping shape the values that have guided his life — respect, integrity, resilience, and leadership rooted in faith.

After graduating from St. X, Bill attended Xavier University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and participated in Army ROTC. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer and sent to Fort Bliss, Texas, before serving in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant with the 4th Psychological Operations Group.

After completing his military service, Bill continued his education through the American College of Financial Services, earning two professional certifications before entering the insurance industry. He served as President and CEO of Langan Insurance, Benefits, and Mortgages until its sale to BB&T Insurance Services in 2004. Bill remained with BB&T for another decade as Vice President and Agency Manager before retiring in 2014.

Bill has dedicated much of his life to charitable and civic organizations, particularly those supporting veterans and military families. He served on the board of USA Cares from 2009–2012 before being elected National Board Chairman, a role he held until 2022. During his time in leadership Bill led teams that raised over 50 million dollars and assisted more than 150,000 military families in crisis. He currently serves as Chairman of the organization’s Executive Advisory Council.

Passionate about veterans’ mental health, Bill participated in a weeklong program through the Save a Warrior Foundation in 2015, living alongside and supporting suicidal veterans. He also served on the 2011 Medal of Honor National Convention Committee in Louisville, helping raise $1.5 million in support of the event honoring the nation’s most decorated military heroes.

In addition to his veteran’s work, Bill has volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations, including Home of the Innocents, Sunrise Children’s Services, Saint Mary’s Center, United Healthcare Children’s Foundation, Catholic Education Foundation, and YMCA Safe Place. He has spent more than 25 years serving in leadership roles with the Dismas Charities Foundation Board.

Bill’s service has earned him several honors, including the WLKY Bell Award, the Sister Marilyn Spink Award for community service, the Business First Salute to Veterans Award, induction in the St. X Hall of Honors, and recognition as runner-up for Kentucky Male Veteran of the Year. In 2018, the Roby family received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award on National Philanthropy Day.

Bill and his wife, Mary Jane, have been married for 57 years. Together they have four children and eight grandchildren.