No matter the role, Richard “Dick” Bond acted as the driving force for educational efforts in Greeley for more than 50 years.

Bond’s advancement of education through programs and initiatives continues to impact the lives of hundreds of students nationwide.

Bond, who was born and raised in Salem, W.Va., died at the age of 95 on Oct. 26 at The Bridge at Greeley, according to his obituary.

Bond served as president of three colleges across Colorado: the University of Northern Colorado, Front Range Community College and Morgan Community College.

During his 10 years at UNC, starting in 1971, Bond worked to create “an innovative, student-oriented and accessible institution,” according to a UNC article. He ensured UNC was a teaching university with students as the primary focus, worked to create a liberal arts community atmosphere and focused on increasing diversity and opportunities for all students, his obituary said.

More than 30 years ago, Bond co-founded The Greeley Dream Team, which encourages high school students to stay in school and plan for college. Thanks to his vision, the organization serves more than 1,800 students annually, according to Elizabeth Barber, executive director of The Greeley Dream Team.

“Dr. Bond was an amazing man of character who valued his family, community and access to education,” Barber said. “Thirty-six years ago, as one of the founding fathers of The Greeley Dream Team, he had a vision to challenge the dropout problem and provide a pathway and funding for students to go to college.

Over the years, Bond and his family foundation continued to stay involved by providing scholarships to students, according to Barber.

His “value of educational access and giving back to others” inspired many people in the community, including Barber, who said Bond served as a mentor and role model to her.

“He will be deeply missed and we will work hard to continue to honor his memory by serving others,” Barber said.

Bond was also a founding member of the Weld Food Bank and served as the first president and CEO of the Weld Community Foundation.

“Dick Bond was a great friend and advocate of Weld Food Bank,” CEO Bob O’Connor said. “Dick played a vital role in establishing a reliable food rescue and hunger relief program in Weld County. He will be greatly missed by us and the community, but the impact of his legacy will be felt for years to come.”

At UNC, Bond established a student-oriented culture through the creation of departments, such as Mexican-American Studies, African-American Studies and Women’s Studies. In 2005, UNC formally recognized his legacy and contributions to the university by naming a dorm residence “Bond Hall.”

“Dick was a great leader, and the legacy he left on our university is eternal,” UNC President Andy Feinstein said.

At Morgan Community College, Bond collaborated with four school districts to help high school students earn their diplomas while attaining associate degrees from community college, his obituary said. Today, this program is replicated across the state.

After he retired from UNC, Bond served three terms in the Colorado Legislature.

His obituary listed political accomplishments including anti-tobacco legislation and other health legislation.