In Memory of Vassilios "Bill" Alex

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Vassilios “Bill” Alex lost his four-year battle with blood cancer on March 22, 2022. To honor his legacy, we intend to establish a college scholarship fund to support first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students graduating from Brockton or Milton (Mass.) High School who aspire to careers in communications and journalism. For more on our dad's educational and professional journey, see below, and we thank you for your interest in our efforts.

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The son of immigrants whose rural Greek village only offered schooling through grade 4, Bill attended Boston and Milton Public Schools, graduating from Milton High in 1961. He went on to attend Emerson College as a commuter student, thrilling at the chance to be a pioneer in TV production and serving as manager of the WERS TV studio his senior year. Throughout college, Bill also nurtured his passion for communications through work for the Grecian Echoes radio program and as writer of the weekly “Alex’s Arena” sports column for the Hellenic Chronicle newspaper. He received his bachelor’s in speech broadcasting in 1966.

Upon college graduation and during the Vietnam War, Bill enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Adana, Turkey and Mountain Home, Idaho.

After completing his military service, Bill embarked on his broadcasting career, traveling around the United States as play-by-play announcer for the New England Tea Men of the North American Soccer League. Upon the league’s move, he joined WBET 1460 radio in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he hosted the very popular “Newsline” talk show mornings from 9-11 AM and produced news reports throughout the day. Bill was deeply dedicated to the city of Brockton, and his mission during “Newsline” was to bring the same sort of journalistic excellence one would expect in major market radio to the local community. The show became known for stimulating interviews with notable personalities, as well as “open lines” for listeners to discuss anything they wanted to talk about.

Bill's lived experience as a first-generation college student, dedication to the communities of Brockton and Milton, and passion for both education and the field of communications have inspired us to create this scholarship fund in his memory.