William J. Roby, Sr. ’65 Named 2026 Outstanding Alumnus

Saint Xavier High School proudly recognizes William J. Roby, Sr. ’65 as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award, honoring a life defined by faith, service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.

For Bill, the foundation of that life began at St. X.

“St. X helped shape the values that guided my life: respect, integrity, resilience, and leadership rooted in faith,” Bill shared.

Following graduation from Saint Xavier, Bill attended Xavier University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and participated in Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before serving in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant with the 4th Psychological Operations Group.

During his remarks to the Class of 2026 at graduation, Bill reflected on how his military service profoundly shaped his perspective. Witnessing fellow soldiers lose their lives in Vietnam taught him lessons about time, purpose, and what truly matters.

“You realize very quickly that a lot of what people spend their lives chasing doesn’t matter,” Bill said. “So what does? People. Time. Purpose.”

After returning home to Louisville, Bill built a successful career in the insurance industry. Following additional professional studies through the American College of Financial Services, he went on to lead Langan Insurance, Benefits, and Mortgages as President and CEO until its sale to BB&T Insurance Services in 2004. He remained with BB&T for another decade as Vice President and Agency Manager before retiring in 2014.

Yet Bill says his most meaningful work began later in life.

At age 60, he was introduced to USA Cares, a nonprofit organization that supports military families in crisis. What began as volunteer service became a deeply personal mission. Bill served on the organization’s board before becoming National Board Chairman, leading efforts that raised more than $50 million and supporting over 150,000 military families nationwide. Today, he continues to serve as Chairman of the organization’s Executive Advisory Council.

“My chapter of purpose began,” Bill shared during his graduation address. “A chapter where all of that weight I was carrying finally had somewhere to go.”

His passion for helping others extends beyond USA Cares. Bill has worked alongside organizations including Save a Warrior Foundation, Home of the Innocents, Sunrise Children’s Services, Saint Mary’s Center, Catholic Education Foundation, YMCA Safe Place, and Dismas Charities Foundation, where he has served in leadership roles for more than 25 years.

His extraordinary service has earned numerous honors, including the WLKY Bell Award, Business First Salute to Veterans Award, induction into 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.

In accepting the Outstanding Alumnus Award, Bill reminded students and fellow Tigers of the enduring power of St. X brotherhood and the importance of living for something greater than yourself.

“Some of my closest friends are men I met freshman year right here at St. X,” he said. “Decades later, we’re still showing up for each other’s big moments.”

Bill and his wife, Mary Jane, have been married for 57 years and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to eight grandchildren.

Saint Xavier congratulates William J. Roby, Sr. ’65, our 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient, and thanks him for a lifetime of leadership, service, and faithful commitment to others.