Honoring service – conference rooms named for former Student Affairs personnel

December 17, 2018
Categories: General News Tags: Student Affairs

Outstanding service to the University is rewarded in a number of ways. Recently, the Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) recognized its founding director Sam Simono with the dedication of a conference room in his honor.

Simono was recruited by Bonnie Cone in 1967 to establish a Counseling Center on campus; he served as its director for 36 years, prior to retiring in 2003.

David Spano, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and director of the Price Center, noted, “Dr. Simono’s contributions to the department are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to live on daily through the center’s service to students.”

Earlier this semester, the Division of Student Affairs honored two former employees for their service to UNC Charlotte.

Jackie Simpson, who retired in May 2017 as associate vice chancellor and director of housing and residence life, had a conference room named in her honor in the Housing and Residence Life Building. Simpson, who served the institution for 37 years, joined UNC Charlotte in 1980 after seven years in housing and residence life at Western Illinois University. A native of Missouri, Simpson completed a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in counseling and personnel services from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Also, James Hoppa, who was senior associate vice chancellor for student union, activities and recreation (SUAR) when he retired in May 2018, was recognized for his 36 years of distinguished service with the naming of Room 200 in the Popp Martin Student Union.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in education and Master of Science in Higher Education from the State University College at Buffalo in New York, Hoppa started his professional career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in residence life. He joined UNC Charlotte in 1982, and during his tenure, he held a number of positions. Eventually, Hoppa joined the staff of the Cone University Center taking the helm as director in 1994. He was promoted to assistant vice chancellor for student life facilities in 2003, advancing to associate vice chancellor for student union, activities and recreation in 2008.

Photo, left to right, Susan Havanek, David Spano, Sam Simono, Karen Simono, Rebecca MacNair-Semands, Terri Rhodes.