The man, the myth, the philanthropic legend: ‘Billy Beanpot’ honored for his service to Northeastern

Northeastern trustee emeritus William Cotter was honored as a “visionary leader” and “trusted adviser” by President Joseph E. Aoun and others during a recent luncheon at the Endicott Estate.

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Billy Cotter posing next to President Aoun and four others.
Northeastern University Trustee Emeritus William “Billy” Cotter, center, was honored with a Distinguished Service Award last month in Dedham. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

After every meeting with Northeastern University Trustee Emeritus William “Billy” Cotter, President Joseph E. Aoun knows he will receive a handwritten letter saying, “you’re doing a good job … so far.”

Aoun recently had a chance to return the compliment — honoring Cotter with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his years as a “tireless champion of Northeastern.”

“We all deserve to thank you for your engagement, for your passion, for your love and your loyalty,” Aoun said during a luncheon in Cotter’s honor on Monday. “So far, you’re doing great.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Cotter graduated from Northeastern as a business student in 1973 and was a three-year letterwinner with the men’s ice hockey team. He remained active as an alumnus, serving for 25 years as a member of the Northeastern Board of Trustees. 

During that time he was an early advocate for the Torch Scholars Program, which provides support for first-generation learners. As “Billy Beanpot,” Cotter is also an “athletics superfan.” 

Now as a trustee emeritus, Cotter was honored as a “visionary leader” and “trusted adviser” during a luncheon at the Endicott Estate in Dedham.

“For as long as I can remember, he has dedicated so much of his time, his energy and resources for the benefit of others,” said Cotter’s son, Chris. He noted his father’s dedication as a youth hockey coach, an interviewer for prospective Huskies, and fundraiser. “His focus was really never on himself; it was always on helping others.”

Speakers emphasized these characteristics while telling stories and praising Cotter. 

“He touches one’s heart before he goes after their wallet,” joked John Burke, a corporator emeritus at the university and a friend of Cotter’s since the two played hockey together. “You truly are one in a million. You’ve always inspired me, Billy, as well as others we know.”

A glass award with the Northeastern emblem on it.
09/30/24 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Trustees and Corporators Emeriti members celebrate Networked for Life Distinguished Service Award Trustee Emeritus William Cotter during a luncheon at the Endicott Estates in Dedham on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Speakers include President Joseph E. Aoun, John Burke, Corporator Emeritus, and Northeastern Athletic Director Jim Madigan. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
President Aoun speaking into a microphone at the luncheon.
09/30/24 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Trustees and Corporators Emeriti members celebrate Networked for Life Distinguished Service Award Trustee Emeritus William Cotter during a luncheon at the Endicott Estates in Dedham on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Speakers include President Joseph E. Aoun, John Burke, Corporator Emeritus, and Northeastern Athletic Director Jim Madigan. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Billy Cotter posing with 7 other people.
09/30/24 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Trustees and Corporators Emeriti members celebrate Networked for Life Distinguished Service Award Trustee Emeritus William Cotter during a luncheon at the Endicott Estates in Dedham on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
A speaker standing up in a room full of people and giving a speech at a luncheon.
09/30/24 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Trustees and Corporators Emeriti members celebrate Networked for Life Distinguished Service Award Trustee Emeritus William Cotter during a luncheon at the Endicott Estates in Dedham on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Speakers include President Joseph E. Aoun, John Burke, Corporator Emeritus, and Northeastern Athletic Director Jim Madigan. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Northeastern University Trustee Emeritus William “Billy” Cotter was honored by President Joseph E. Aoun and others last month in Dedham. Photos by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Jim Madigan, director of athletics and recreation, recalled the first time Cotter hit him up for a donation to Northeastern — $500 toward a players’ room in the summer of 1985 while Madigan was still a student and recently engaged. 

“What he actually did was he introduced me to philanthropy and giving back and understanding the impact that that’s going to have,” Madigan said. 

Madigan also praised Cotter for supporting him throughout his career at Northeastern, especially during a “rough two-year start” as men’s head hockey coach beginning in 2011. 

He’s calling, ‘OK, we’re gonna be OK. We’re gonna be OK, let’s keep moving forward. Believe in yourself,’” Madigan recalled. “Bill was always there for me.”

And after Aoun read a citation honoring him, Cotter said he was “proud to be a Northeastern Husky.” 
“Thank you very much for today,” Cotter said in closing the event. “I will never forget it.”

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