HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — On a candlelit stage in the Cam Henderson Center, Marshall University paid tribute to one of its own Tuesday afternoon.
Numerous speakers painted a portrait of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp as an aggressive yet knowledgeable and thoughtful leader, father and friend during a public memorial ceremony attended by hundreds whose lives he touched.
Kopp had served as president of the university just short of 10 years when he died on December 17, 2014, following a sudden illness.
“It has been said that Stephen J. Kopp was known by many titles: President, leader, administrator, researcher, mentor friend, family member, grandfather, father and husband,” said Bill Bissett, former chief of staff and senior vice president of communications at the university and current president of the Kentucky Coal Association. “Today’s event is designed to share memories of Stephen J. Kopp in all these different capacities and, while giving us a sense of closure, reminding us of the legacy…