Randy Koopman '78 receives 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award
Posted by Judy Korn on Thursday, Jun. 25, 2009
The University of Minnesota, Morris Alumni Association (UMMAA) Board of Directors announces that Randy Koopman ’78 is one of two 2009 recipients of the University of Minnesota, Morris Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors alumni who have made noteworthy contributions in their professional lives, in public service, or in service to the University of Minnesota. Ken Bruss ’78 also received the award.
Koopman earned a bachelor of arts in chemistry, pre-veterinary medicine. His career path has led him from field service engineer to technical sales representative to regional manager to director and, finally, to his current position as senior director for Waters Global Services. The company’s waters products are used by pharmaceutical, life science, biochemical, industrial, academic, and government organizations working in research and development, quality assurance, and other laboratory applications including regulatory compliance.
“It has been a great ride with more ahead,” states Koopman. “If someone had laid out this vision for me during the graduation ceremonies at UMM, I would have been awe struck. My thanks go out to the students and faculty of UMM for playing a key role in my life and career.”
Jim Togeas, professor of chemistry, proudly notes of Bruss and Koopman, both former chemistry students: “There is a beautiful arc to your careers beginning as bench chemists in the same lab with General Nutrition Corporation and then moving to positions of authority and high responsibility with other firms.”
Koopman and Bruss, director of technical operations for sanofi-aventis Pharmaceuticals in Kansas City, Missouri, will receive the award during the UMM Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award Banquet on Friday, October 9, 2009, during Homecoming weekend.
“We look forward to welcoming Ken Bruss and Randy Koopman back to campus as part of our 2009 Homecoming celebration,” states Carla Riley ’85, director of alumni relations and annual giving. “For their outstanding contributions in their fields of endeavor, they will be honored as our 2009 UMM Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.”
Photo: Randy Koopman ’78
