Ardent Fresno State supporter makes lasting impact on the university
Dr. William M. Lyles, an engineer, businessman, longtime community philanthropist and ardent supporter of Fresno State, passed away on March 26. He was 91.
“Bill Lyles and his family have been pillars of our community, embodying the true spirit of generosity, leadership and dedication,” says Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Bill’s entrepreneurial vision and his commitment to empowering future generations have left an indelible mark on our university and the entire Central Valley. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the power of compassion, community and the pursuit of excellence. We are deeply grateful for the privilege of being part of Bill’s lasting impact, one that exemplifies the very best of humanity.”
As the leader of the Lyles Group for more than five decades, Dr. Lyles lived by the mantra, “joy is in the building.” His passion for construction was rooted in his work with the family business, W. M. Lyles Co., which was founded in 1945 by his parents, Bill Sr. and Elizabeth Lyles, in Avenal. Dr. Lyles, a Purdue University civil engineering graduate and U.S. Navy officer, rejoined the family business after serving abroad.
In 1965, after the death of his father, the third-generation engineer assumed leadership of W. M. Lyles Co. Under his visionary direction, and with the support of his brother Gerald Lyles and a dedicated team of employees and partners, the company grew and evolved into Lyles Diversified Inc. His companies have been involved in construction, real estate, development, underground pipeline and utility construction, and heavy concrete and mechanical construction.
Dr. Lyles was a longtime strategic adviser and benefactor to Fresno State, assisting with numerous projects at the university. He served on the Craig School Business Advisory Council, the Maddy Institute Board of Directors, the Board of Governors for the California State University, Fresno Foundation and was a longtime member of the university’s President’s Circle. In recognition of his service, advocacy and contributions, Dr. Lyles was awarded the California State University, Fresno Foundation Service Award in 1999 for meritorious services or contributions made to Fresno and Fresno State, and, in 2001, was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters by the California State University trustees.
In 2003, Dr. Lyles partnered with Fresno State in creating the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A generous gift from the Lyles Family Foundation funded the dream of a new facility, which opened in April 2006. Another transformative contribution was his support of the Lyles College of Engineering at Fresno State. In 2008, Fresno State took a major step forward in educating more students in the Central Valley for careers in engineering and construction management thanks to a generous gift from the Lyles family.
In 2017, Dr. Lyles was awarded the Fresno State Alumni Association’s Arthur Safstrom Service Award which honors an alumna or alumnus, faculty, staff or friend of Fresno State who has made significant impact on the university through dedication of time, talent or treasure.
“Bill had an extraordinary passion for student success. He often spoke about the power of upward social mobility and deeply valued the opportunities available to students in the Lyles College of Engineering,” says Dr. Ram Nunna, dean of the Lyles College. “In his meetings with students, he would share stories from his own life journey, expressing genuine admiration for their resilience and achievements — often moved to tears by their determination and dreams. The faculty, staff and students of the Lyles College of Engineering are forever grateful to Bill Lyles and the entire Lyles family for the lasting and transformational impact they have made on our college and community.”
– Esra Hashem (’13, ’16, ’21)
