Oct. 17, 2006

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State University Office of Development announced the establishment of the Roger E. Hopkins Athletic Scholarship in an announcement made by Director of Development Wes Wicker on Tuesday morning.

The endowed fund, established with the help of many of his longtime friends, will support a baseball scholarship. Hopkins, who was Kennesaw State's first Vice President of Business and Finance, passed away earlier this year.

An avid supporter of Kennesaw State athletics, Hopkins was, according to Wicker, "a major force among a small and dedicated group that laid the foundation for the university's increasingly impressive athletic program."

"You cannot think of KSU without recalling Roger," said Dr. Dave Waples, Kennesaw State Athletic Director and longtime friend of Hopkins. "Without him there would be simply be a little school in northern Cobb County rather than the great institution we have today."

Hopkins' legacy is defined by his fiscally conservative yet responsive approach as Kennesaw State grew from a two-year college to a major state university. More than just a campus official, Hopkins was proud of each program at KSU. Supportive of all departments and their endeavors, he was a fan of KSU itself and throughout the years he was one of the most visible and vocal supporters of athletics.

A fixture at Stillwell Stadium, baseball was his first love and received the bulk of his attention after he retired. However, he was an avid supporter of each and very team, coach and player.

For giving options to the Hopkins Athletic Scholarship contact Joan Duncan at the Office of Development at 770-423-6027 or visit the development website at www.kennesaw.edu/giving. Campus donors may also wish to make use of the payroll deduction option.