Nearly 100 supporters gathered June 5 at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club to celebrate the release of Work Ready, a new book inspired by the leadership philosophy of the late William “Will” Bushelle, an SIU alumnus, U.S. Navy SEAL and mentor whose influence continues to shape student leaders.
The book signing brought together family, friends, veterans, community members and supporters to honor Bushelle’s legacy while highlighting the leadership principles that continue to impact students through Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Leadership Development Program.
Co-authored by Dr. Bruce DeRuntz, director of SIU’s Leadership Development Program, and Shannon Barnett, Work Ready explores the lessons Bushelle developed through his military service and applied throughout his personal, academic and professional life. The book serves as both a practical leadership guide and a tribute to Bushelle’s lasting impact.
Bushelle enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 1994, completing basic training, Electrician’s Mate “A” School and Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training before serving as a platoon operator. While assigned to Naval Reserve SEAL Team Eight in Great Lakes, Illinois, he enrolled in classes at SIU, where he met DeRuntz.
What began as a student-professor relationship quickly developed into a lasting friendship. Bushelle shared how the leadership principles he learned as a Navy SEAL shaped his approach to his career, civilian life and service. He graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a minor in business administration before beginning a successful engineering career while continuing his service in the Navy Reserve.
Years later, Bushelle returned to campus to speak with students in the Leadership Development Program, introducing the leadership principles that would become a cornerstone of the program. Today, the program has achieved a 100% graduation rate and a 96% career placement rate, with graduates pursuing careers as engineers, physicians, researchers, professors, military officers and business leaders.
Each chapter of Work Ready pairs real-world Navy SEAL experiences with student case studies and practical leadership exercises, making Bushelle’s philosophy accessible to readers from all backgrounds.
family and friends of the late William “Will” Bushelle, including
his parents, Bill and Paula Bushelle, during a book signing.
The Fort Walton Beach event followed an earlier book signing held May 30 in Carbondale at TRAXX, where Bushelle worked as a student while attending SIU. Together, the two events celebrated a legacy rooted in service, accountability and leadership while connecting those whose lives were influenced by Bushelle’s example.
All net proceeds from Work Ready support the Will Bushelle Scholarship through the SIU Foundation. The scholarship benefits engineering students who are active-duty military members, reservists, veterans or ROTC participants, ensuring Bushelle’s commitment to developing future leaders continues for generations to come.
Learn more or order your copy: brucederuntz.com/work-ready