Bill Ridgeway ‘68
I enrolled at LBSC (long beach state college) as an Industrial Design Major in 1960 where life was exciting, entertaining, and sometimes frustrating. The campus was blooming with newer buildings and it seemed that most students were as tall as the freshly planted trees. Trying to get into classes or finding a parking space was always challenging.
I tried frosh football, but due to an old ankle-injury, it was short lived. I soon realized I could not afford to go to school full time and graduate in four years so I found a drafting job. Balancing work and being a full time student was not going to be easy.
I was involved in so many activities: Forty-Niner Days, Home Coming, winning the quick draw contest, twice (best time 0.24 Sec.), playing Inter-mural sports, attending LBSC Football and Basketball games.
Delta Gamma Sorority, 1965 Man of the Year. Getting a dream job that allowed me to go to school in the morning so I could enjoy the college environment.
In 1961, I decided to rush a fraternity and become an SAE, one of my better moves and I learned a lot about life and responsibility.
In 1963, working in registration and checking the new student’s residence requirements. By doing this, I was able to pick my classes first and that’s where I met my future wife.
I attended most CSCLB sponsored parties, dances and the exciting football and basketball games, especially the games with our big rival, San Diego State.
I spent a lot of time at the cafeteria and hanging out with friends in between classes while discussing the future and current day’s events.
Dean C. Burglund, Dr. Kraft, and Dr. Thompson were the most impactful professors to help guide me and keep me moving forward… plus they were the only ones to put up with me and my busy work schedule.
It was the guidance and the pearl of wisdom that gave me the confidence, encouragement, and vision moving me forward to obtain my goals.
All of the jobs like North American Aviation working on the Apollo program through CSCLB helped me gain experience. It was my Industrial Design major that taught me to think, problem-solve and be creative enough to develop my own T-’shirt business. I learned that for every problem there is a solution.
In December of 1966, my wife and I were able to buy our first home in Belmont Shore. We moved in on a Saturday and gutted the kitchen on Sunday while learning how to be more efficient in the construction trade.
In 1969, we bought our second home in Naples and won a beautification award for the redesign of the added second story.
1972, I started an architectural design business -- Bill Ridgeway Design, with over 2,000 design projects. In 1975 I started Bill Ridgeway Enterprises, buying and building income properties.
June 1964 - US Army Engineer Reserve, basic training at Fort Ord, Fort Belfour, MOS training, Topo Draftsman.
July 1966 - I became a Los Angeles County Fireman, and in 1969 a new Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, a pilot program #0010 Paramedic. There is nothing else more rewarding than to bring life into this world and bring life back into this world. I birthed approximately 10 new babies to 100 men having heart attacks. I was co technical advisor for the TV show Emergency.
After finishing an incomplete class, fall of 1967, I graduated with a fine arts degree and received my diploma in 1968. Promoted to a fire fighter specialist engineer in 1973 and a fire captain in 1976. I retired due to a fire related injury in 1980.
In 1969 I became involved with 49er Athletes raising lots of money, getting jobs for athletes and numerous other projects.
I was a member of: Long Beach State College 49er Club (1970-1974). 49er Athletic Foundation Board (1983-1995), 49er Athletic Foundation Vice President (1984-1989), Charter Member, Athletic Hall of Fame(1985-1992, 1994-1970), Designed the Hall of Fame Trophy, student athlete awards, and other projects. Vice Chairman 1989, Chairman 1990 of the Hall of Fame Banquet.
Chairman of Hall of Fame golf Tournament (3-years) Design and raised the money and Built the Weight Room, and the 3-court Beach Volleyball, Design and over saw the building of the Football Locker Room, and Women Basketball Locker Room, Committee Member – to build New Basketball Arena (President McCray), Foundation AD HOC Committee Member to Raise $300,000 to save Football, Task Force Committee Member- Regarding the Future of Football - (President McCray) AD HOC Member – To Formulate plans to maintain Division One Football - (President McCray), Physical Education Advisory Council (3 years) 1994, inducted into the Long Beach State Athletic Hall of Fame (community) 2010, inducted into the Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Cal Lambda chapter, Hall of Fame.
I was able to serve on various committees in the city of Long Beach: Advisary board for Mayor Kell and updating master plans for the City of Long Beach like the third district’s new zoning codes.
I retired from my “Bill Ridgeway Design” company specializing in architectural design, (1972-2004) and moved to Prescott, AZ. where I was voted into the board of the Centrral YavaPai Fire District overseeing various city matters regarding the fire department.
In 2014, my wife and I returned to Fallbrook, CA. A migration due to grandbabies.
I am still enjoying life: Staying active, watching grandchildren, growing avocados, woodworking, traveling, doing artwork and seeking adventure. Recently I was a mentor to advise three students during the Annual Entrepreneur Competition at CSULB. These young men learned how to create a business plan from all my life long heartaches.
I contribute much success to my grandmother for instilling her great work ethic along with Downey High School, Sports, Y-Club, the brother-hood of SAE, my friends and all the interesting jobs I’ve had. LBSU and my major trained me to design and problem solve.
Go Niners
