Entrepreneurial Award

WILLIAM C. STONE, BUS AD '77

Windsor, Conn.

Bill Stone’s favorite quote, from Abraham Lincoln, defines his life: “Whatever you are, be a good one." Bill listened.

He founded SS&C Technologies Inc. in 1986. In the years that followed, he guided the company through the acquisition of 33 firms and grew SS&C to more than 1,500 employees, with offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and throughout North America.

“Running a financial services software and services company provides an environment where everything that happens in the world affects the company or our clients," says Bill, who is chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors. "It makes my work intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding.”

In 1996, SS&C raised capital in an Initial Public Offering and was acquired by entities affiliated with the Carlyle Group in 2005. In 2010, the company again went public and now trades under the symbol SSNC on Nasdaq.

“My primary focus is to position SS&C in a global environment,” Bill says. And though his eyes are set on the global market, his heart holds the lessons his father taught him. “My father taught me to have discipline, energy, brains and ability, he says. “Because those were all traits he had in abundance.”

Bill has made a life of taking after his father. Today he holds — or has held — National Association of Securities Dealers securities series licenses 6, 7, 8 and 22. He was a New York Stock Exchange and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board principal and an associated person with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Additionally, he has served on the boards of the University of Connecticut School of Business and University of Connecticut Foundation.

In addition to seeking professional excellence, Bill is also a philanthropist and supporter of the arts. His company operates SS&C SummerWind, a performing arts amphitheater based in Windsor, Conn., for which Bill is a major benefactor.

I’ve seen the trials and tribulations of contracting major musical acts,” he says. “As well, I’ve watched the vagaries of fundraising and experienced the joy of sitting in the prime seats on a beautiful Connecticut evening to enjoy wonderful musicians.”

Fun facts about Bill:
Hometown: Evansville, Ind.
Favorite quote: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” — Abraham Lincoln
Someone alive or dead he’d like to have dinner with: Ronald Regan
The Marquette faculty member who had an impact on Bill: Rev. Roland Teske, S.J.
Favorite Marquette memory: “Being at the Omni in 1977 when Al McGuire walked out on the floor for the national championship game.”
In grade school, Bill wanted to be a pro football player.
Most influential person in Bill’s life: His father