Stoller Dies—Klog 100.7 News

 A former two-sport athlete at Lower Columbia College who went on to incredible success in the business world has passed away at the age of 74.

Bill Stoller, who played basketball and baseball at Lower Columbia College in 1970 and 1971, died unexpectedly in his sleep overnight on Thursday.

Stoller appreciated his time at LCC. The fitness center on campus is named for him after he made a $2 million donation for facilities and scholarships.

Stoller continued his college basketball career at Pacific University in Forest Grove, where the gymnasium on that campus is also named for him.

Stoller started his career at a small staffing company in the US, learning the ropes of the recruitment business as he climbed the ladder in the industry. 

Bill became the CEO of the Oklahoma-based Express Employment Professionals, which he co-founded in 1983.

Express Employment Professionals has an international reach through its network of local franchises, including one in Longview, that has helped more than nine million people find work since its inception.

Stoller is also the founder and proprietor of Oregon’s Stoller Family Estate. Bill recently was the recipient of a prestigious international award for his contributions to the wine industry.

Stoller’s support of LCC has been impactful.

“He was an incredibly generous man who started his education at LCC on an athletic scholarship,” said LCC Vice President of HR and Foundation Kendra Sprague.

“His generous gift to the foundation supports athletic scholarships and athletic facilities. His legacy will live on for years to come and will benefit LCC students for years to come.”

Stoller was inducted into the LCC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.