Hoppe, David M. and Kathleen L. Endowed Fund for Music Student Performance at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall

The David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Fund for Music Student Performance at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall was established by Dave '80 and Kathy '78 Hoppe in 2025 in honor of the We Rise Together Campaign for TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï.

Dave and Kathy, having benefited greatly from their UA education, established this endowment to help deserving students achieve their own dreams.

Dave was raised in ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and was the first in his family to attend TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, completing his degree requirements for a B.A.Ed. (social studies comprehensive) in 1980. Dave's parents, along with his aunts, were raised in the Kenmore area of ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï. Dave self-­financed his college education by working full time for Holiday Inns of ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï/Canton. Upon graduation, Dave began a long and rewarding management career at the Bell System/AT&T. His most important and valued client during his career was TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï.

Kathy was raised in ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï. She is the third generation of her family to attend TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï. She and Dave met while both were students at UA. She self-financed her education by working while attending college, graduating with a degree in business administration (marketing) in 1978. Recruited by B.F. Goodrich, she went on to work as a district sales manager for Columbus Coated Fabrics (Borden) and brand manager at Benchmark Wallcoverings (National Gypsum). Kathy earned a master's degree in business administration from Cleveland State University in 1988.

Dave and Kathy, both retired, made their home in Kenmore. Their son, Benjamin Lauer, graduated from Kenmore High School in 2008. Ben went on to attend TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Honors College (now The Williams Honors College), receiving a B.S. in accounting in 2012.

The David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Fund for Music Student Performance at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall supports performance costs for Music Department student productions held at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The Director of the UA School of Performing Arts will administer the fund. 

To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit UA’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Hoppe Fund for Music Student Performance at E.J. Thomas” in the text box. Thank you!