The William J. Ziegler Annual Best Student Paper Award

William Joseph Ziegler, the creator of Bethune-Cookman University’s International Business department and founder of its award-winning business outreach program died early in 2004, at the age of 60.  In recognition of Dr. Ziegler’s outstanding contribution to student development and his support of the chapter, the AIB-SE (USA) awards a best student paper award to students participating in the chapter's annual conference in honor of his memory. 

Dr. Ziegler was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  He received his B.A. from Rutgers University, M.A. from the University of Massachusetts, M.B.A. from New York University and his D.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Ziegler was a professor of economics, marketing and international business for Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) since 1990.

During his tenure, he oversaw the introduction of a major in International Business at B-CU. In 1994, Dr. Ziegler founded the SIFE program at B-CU. SIFE students apply their classroom experiences to develop and implement educational outreach programs that teach individuals in their communities the principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance success and business ethics. The Bethune-Cookman SIFE team was a Regional Champion for five consecutive years and in 2003 finished as one of the top 16 four-year division teams at the SIFE USA National Exposition in Kansas City. The organization named Dr. Ziegler a Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellow in recognition of his leadership and support of the program.

In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Ziegler’s legacy to the community of Daytona Beach includes a litany of community service projects, including a joint project with the Mid-Florida Housing Authority and the City of Daytona Beach that taught the aspects of entrepreneurship to low and middle-income households. He was also a Nissan Fellow.

Left behind to cherish his memories is his wife, Marcella. The couple had no children of their own, but considered his students to be their “children.”  He also left behind a sister, Mary Ann (Jack) Pilato; in-laws Mr. & Mrs. Jim Yonkosky; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.