Grand Rapids, Mich. (WZZM) - William Seidman left a mark on the national landscape and his hometown. "Our thoughts and prayers and a moment of silence to reflect on Bill Seidman and keep Sally and the family in our thoughts and prayers," said GVSU President Tom Haas. A moment of silence was observed at a Grand Valley State University foundation dinner to Wednesday. "His vision in 1958 was a university of 25,000 thousand and we're almost there," said Haas. As GVSU grew into the institution it is today, William Seidman was busy shaping the American economy. "When Gerald Ford was made Vice President and local for able staff Bill Seidman was a natural," said long time friend and President Ameritus Arend Lubbers. Siedman was assistant to President Ford for U.S. Economic affairs. He served along side President Reagan, and was Chairman of the FDIC from 1985 to 1991. "He was the leader in solving the Savings and Loans crisis in the 1990's," said Lubbers. Through it all, Seidman nurtured the growth of GVSU. "Bill related to Tom that Grand Valley State University was singularly the most important achievment in his dad's life," said Haas. Siedman leaves a legacy of accomplishment and promsising futures for those following his path at Grand Valley State University. "He lived to see it thrive and develop and see it become what he dreamed it would become," said Lubbers. Siedman was also one of the founding investors in WZZM 13 in the early 1970's. He was 88 years old.
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