Alumnus Spotlight - Jack Hupp '54
After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1948, Jack Hupp went throught fall rush and pledged SigEp. It took him a while to adapt as pledgeship lasted for at least 4 quarters! Jack began as an engineering student, but later switched to sociology, and finally, general business, joining the ranks of the “6 Year Plan” brothers.
Jack’s parents lived conveniently nearby on NE 58th and Roosevelt Way, so he spent his first 3 years in the chapter living at home and taking the bus or walking to the fraternity. No backpacks then; he carried a briefcase to school. When he moved into the chapter house he was lucky to still have mom closeby to do the laundry!
Jack at the 1951 SigEp Conclave, holding the Travel Trophy awarded to the chapter with most man-miles traveled to the event. Texas Alpha ended up edging out WA Beta
Upon entering school, he was required to take ROTC. Prior to that he enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in October of 1952. This cross-fertilization of leadership experience between school, military, and later the business world, turned out to be the most important ingredient in his life. This led to a parallel growth between the insurance industry and the military that fed each other. Jack retired from the military after 28 years of service, and from the insurance industry after 40 years in 1992, where he was President and COO of Seibels Bruce Insurance Group. Coming out of a short retirement, he become CEO of the Greater Columbia (SC) Chamber of Commerce from 1992 to 1994.
In his later years at the UW, Jack was heavily involved in school activities, serving as VP and then President of the Associated Men Students, as well as numerous committees and boards. He saw the importance of serving others after graduation by joining Kiwanis Clubs in Salt Lake City, Denver and San Francisco. He has been a leader in the 300 member strong Columbia Rotary Club for 25 years, helping with activities from ringing bells for the Salvation Army, to giving blood, to supporting food banks. The Columbia Rotary has over 40 committees dealing with the needs of his community. Jack has received many awards over the years, including the Order of Palmetto and Distinguished Rotarian award.
It has been hard for Jack to live in Columbia and provide service to his fraternity in Seattle, but he does what he can to help by providing financial support. Jack is one of our most consistent and generous alumni givers.
Jack encourages other alumni to get involved within and without the fraternity. He states that “Quite frankly, from what I’ve read, Washington Beta has been doing a magnificent job of living the “Balanced Man Program” as well as leading many sectors of the campus community. Academics has improved dramatically from my days in the chapter. The steps taken by the chapter to be where they are today are to be applauded and supported.”
Jack and wife Marilyn (married since 1958) have 2 daughters and five grandchildren.
