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Words cannot express how saddened I was to learn early this morning about the passing of Dr. Stephen Kopp, president of Marshall University.
It was a privilege to first meet him in 2006, when Capstone was fortunate to be selected to partner with the University on the new First Year Residence Halls and Recreation Center. Many of us here at the Capstone Companies worked very closely with him through that process and have continued to work with him on the operations of those facilities.
I think I feel like everyone else who knew him does today: that you felt important and valued each time you interacted with him. I was looking through past emails this morning where, for example, I sent him an article that I thought he might find of interest. I didn’t just get a quick response of “hey, thanks,” I received two to three paragraphs of appreciation and commentary. A response that took considerable time and thought to write.
It was an honor to interview him earlier this year on a podcast we did for Student Housing Matters. Interestingly, unlike other presidents we have interviewed, he meticulously reviewed and edited the questions we proposed for the interview. Not because he was trying to avoid uncomfortable questions or sensitive issues. But because he cared deeply about everything he did, and in everything he did, he did it excellently.
I think I speak for all who knew him that I count myself blessed for having known him.
