Williamson College of the Trades announced that Thomas J. Goeke 8W0 will become chairman of the board of trustees effective July 1, 2026, succeeding William J. Bonenberger 7W9, who will remain on the board as chair of the finance committee.
In 2016, Bonenberger was unanimously elected chairman after serving as vice chairman since 2005 and a trustee since 2003. Under his leadership, Williamson experienced a remarkable period of transformational growth and advancement. Over the last decade, the College successfully completed two comprehensive capital campaigns, introduced a new electrical trade program and increased enrollment by nearly 30 percent. Campus facilities were significantly enhanced with the construction of the Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley Student Center, the addition of three new residence halls, Watson, Strine, and Howley Dormitories, and the renovation of several original dormitories. In addition, renovations to Rowan Hall enhanced the student experience by creating sufficient dining space for the entire student body to share meals together and expanding the chapel to accommodate all students for daily morning services and assemblies.
Additionally, the College achieved Middle States accreditation, reaffirming Williamson’s commitment to educational excellence and institutional effectiveness. Williamson also expanded graduate opportunities with new articulation agreements with Rowan University, Villanova University, and Neumann University. Collectively, these accomplishments have had a lasting and monumental impact on the College and have positioned Williamson for continued success for generations to come.
Bonenberger said, “It has been the honor of my life to serve as Williamson’s board chair for the last 10 years. Being a Williamson alumnus myself, I experienced firsthand the impact a Williamson education can have on a young man’s life. Serving as chairman was like coming full circle for me and something I couldn’t have envisioned as a student nearly 50 years ago. A Williamson education is truly the most direct path to success in life for a financially deserving young man that I’ve ever seen or had the privilege to be involved with. What we accomplished over the last 15 years is the direct result of the commitment of an amazing group of trustees I had the pleasure of working with, and the dedication and professionalism of the administration, faculty and staff led by President Mike Rounds. Mike leads by example and sets a very high bar for his team to follow. The relationship between the board chair and the president is vital to any institution’s success, and Mike and I developed a chemistry and friendship that benefitted Williamson immensely.”
President Michael J. Rounds said, “On behalf of the entire Williamson community, I cannot thank Bill enough for his extraordinary leadership as board chairman for the last 10 years. The unwavering commitment and generous support of Bill and his wife Janet were critical in helping Williamson reach new heights. Throughout his tenure, a defining feature of Bill’s leadership has been his respect for Mr. Williamson’s vision, which has remained central to Williamson’s direction and growth. It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside him, and I am grateful for his continued service as he remains on the board as chair of the finance committee. At the same time, I am excited to welcome Tom Goeke as board chairman. As a long-serving trustee and proud alumnus, he knows Williamson well and has shown great dedication to our mission. I look forward to working with him in this next chapter of the Williamson journey.”
As a 1980 Williamson graduate, Goeke’s connection to the College spans decades and reflects the enduring impact of a Williamson education. He was elected to the board of trustees for the second time in 2017 and has provided service across numerous board committees. Most recently he served as chair of the finance committee, where he played a key role in advancing strategic and responsible financial stewardship to ensure Williamson’s long-term strength and sustainability.
“Williamson has had a profound impact on my life and my family’s life. To now serve as Board Chairman is both an honor and a responsibility I hold deeply. I am committed to advancing the mission, vision, and values established by Isaiah Williamson 138 years ago and ensuring this extraordinary institution continues to transform lives for generations to come,” Goeke shared.
In recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to Williamson, Goeke was honored with the Isaiah Vansant Williamson Award in 2004 and received the Williamson Association of Alumni Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2023.
Goeke brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the plastics and manufacturing industry. His distinguished career includes serving as president and chief executive officer of Milacron, as well as holding several other chief executive roles across his professional journey. In 2019, he founded TJG Consulting, where he provides investment, industrial consulting, and management advisory services. He also serves as an advisor and board member for Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc., advisor and Chairman of the Board of Thomas Precision LLC, and remains actively engaged with Williamson students, including recent participation at the College’s career fair.
Beyond his professional and board service, he and his wife Lucy—a nurse practitioner, educator, and humanitarian—are deeply committed to Williamson’s mission. In recent years, the couple has served as lead contributors to Williamson’s annual Giving Tools-Day campaign. Through their leadership and support, they have helped increase donor participation and inspired broader alumni engagement, including the establishment of endowed scholarships in perpetuity.
Rounds concluded, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Bill for his years of dedicated leadership and service as chairman, and we look forward to the future under Tom’s guidance.”
