With 25 years of volunteer experience with Literacy Pittsburgh, Bill Campbell has no intention of stopping any time soon.
When he came to Literacy Pittsburgh in 2001, Bill had no prior connection to adult education or workforce development. His professional career was spent in the manufacturing sector, where he advanced into leadership roles. Beginning as an auditor at US Steel Corporation, Bill worked in the financial and managerial sides of operations before moving to Aristech Chemical, a spinoff of US Steel, where he finished his professional career.
As retirement approached, Bill knew he wanted to find purpose in serving his community, and he found just the opportunity with Literacy Pittsburgh. With a deep love for our region and a longstanding interest in other cultures and languages, becoming an English Language Learning tutor seemed like a perfect path.
In the 25 years Bill has volunteered with the organization; over 250 students have passed through his classes. These students leave their mark, like a Brazilian family that he met in 2004.
"They came to Pittsburgh seeking medical treatment for their young son. The family has remained in Pittsburgh, and I continue to have a strong connection to them, including becoming the godfather to that young son, having the honor of attending the parents’ naturalization ceremony, and enjoying a family like relationship with them."
He emphasizes that his students become a chosen family, one that engages because they want to share their own cultures, ideas, and life experiences: not because they have to.
He continues to teach his English classes, noting that while the settings and technology has changed, the students still come with new perspectives and open minds. “These days, I am teaching a weekly conversation class for adults from around the world. We focus on current topics of interest to all. This group has become like a family.”
When reflecting on his impact, Bill hopes that the students who have come to his class have left with fond memories and a positive impact on their lives. His advice for those who want to volunteer, donate, or advocate for Literacy Pittsburgh? Bill’s advice is simple - “just do it.” He was hesitant in his own beginnings but says his “eyes were opened to the importance of this activity, and I plan to continue doing it as long as I am able.”
Beyond his classroom involvement, Bill gives his time to chair our Tutor Campaign, spending the last three years coordinating tutor involvement with the Development team – growing engagement and creating more opportunities for current and new students.
When it comes to the future of Literacy Pittsburgh Bill is just excited as he was in the beginning. The organization’s dedication to its mission is what keeps him inspired. He believes the commitment of the people who “give their time and effort to spread the ideals of literacy and promoting the Pittsburgh region around the world” are what makes the difference.
It's one reason Bill won’t be stepping away from his chosen family any time soon.
We thank Bill Campbell for his years of dedication to our students and our mission.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania's largest provider of foundational education and literacy services for adults. A nonprofit organization, it helps 3,200 individuals each year gain the skills they need to reach their full potential and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small-class instruction, both online and in-person. Founded in 1982, it serves adults in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
