A story worth telling… the Alma Mater is known for having a learning environment where its students can change, grow, and meet their unlimited potential. The University’s sons and daughters graduate and go on to spend a lifetime of doing wondrous things. So it was with Alumnus William Alfonso Allen, IV.
Bill was born in Cleveland Ohio and attended East Technical High School where he met, courted and after a three year engagement married his sweetheart Janice. A great athlete, he matriculated to The Ohio State University and became a member of its Championship Track Team. Bill graduated with a degree in Physics, after transferring to Central State University. During his college years, he pledged and crossed over into the land of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Bill was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a 2 ND Lieutenant and became a Battery Executive Officer. From there he was accepted into flight school, becoming certified in the fixed wing (Bird Dog), Mohawk (OVI), and several other aircrafts.
Bill spent two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded a Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. During his 23 years of military service, Bill earned the rank of Major and received a total of 23 air medals, the Army Commendation Award and the Master Aviators Badge.
The Alma Mater and the U.S. Army prepared Bill for his life’s work- a career in the military, bringing peace and stability to the world. The lessons learned, the opportunity to travel and see the world and the many life long friends he made during his lifetime were priceless.
Tuesday May 8, 2018 the Alma Mater lost one of her sons as Bill passed away. On behalf of the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees, and to the Allen Family, we say, “job well done” for a true, much loved and highly respected Centralian.
Dr. Veronica R. Watkins
Executive Director
