---

Inside Iowa State
December 11, 1998

Hopson announces plans to retire from alumni association

by Steve Sullivan

After 30 years with Iowa State University's Alumni Association, including 20 as executive director, Jim Hopson is retiring.

Hopson's retirement takes effect June 30, 1999.

"My career with the Alumni Association has been perfect for me -- exciting, rewarding and fun," said Hopson. "It's been a privilege working for and representing Iowa State University. While it will be difficult to give up direct ties with so many wonderful and supportive Iowa State friends, my wife Judy and I look forward to the next phase of our lives, which will include more time with family, travel and new opportunities."

Hopson joined the ISU Alumni Association staff in 1968 as records coordinator. From 1971 to 1975, he served as assistant director and records coordinator, and from 1975 to 1978, as assistant director and business manager of the association and the ISU Achievement Fund, the precursor to the ISU Foundation.

From 1978 to 1979, he served as assistant director and manager of annual giving for both groups. He was appointed executive director of the ISU Alumni Association in 1979.

"Jim Hopson is a legend in his profession and a tremendously respected professional among the nation's alumni association directors," said vice president for external affairs Murray Blackwelder.

During Hopson's tenure, the ISU Alumni Association has tripled both its number of alumni of record and memberships, and the assets of the organization have increased ten-fold. Over 30 years, Hopson has worked with 20 volunteer presidents of the Alumni Association and more than 600 members of its board of directors. He also has been active on regional and national committees of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

Hopson received a B.S. in education from Iowa State in 1969.

Iowa State homepage

Inside Iowa State, inside@iastate.edu, University Relations
Copyright © 1998, Iowa State University, all rights reserved
URL: http://www.inside.iastate.edu/1998/1211/Hopson.html
Revised 12/10/98