Mark Hopper’s Moraine Park Technical College roots were planted in the early 1970’s when he was a business marketing student at Moraine Park Technical Institute, as it was then called. As a Fond du Lac resident and 1974 graduate, Hopper has witnessed growth and change in his alma mater, so it’s especially appropriate that Hopper is honored with the Distinguished Alumnus award this year, as Moraine Park celebrates its 100th anniversary.

“It is truly an honor to be able to award Mark the Moraine Park Distinguished Alumnus award,” said Kelly Norton, Moraine Park Alumni and Foundation director. “Mark is extremely dedicated to the community; selflessly giving his time and talent to other organizations to ensure that Fond du Lac continues thrive. More so, Mark is a champion of Moraine Park having served on the Foundation Board and newly developed Alumni Advisory Committee. He is a true testament to the caliber of students here at Moraine Park.”

“It’s wonderful to be recognized by an institution that has helped make me what I am today. I’m humbled by this award that so many are worthy of. It’s nice to see that, almost 40 years later, Moraine Park is still a valuable resource for continuing education in the Fond du Lac area.”

A valuable resource thanks in part to alumni like Hopper who give back their time and resources. “Maintaining my involvement with Moraine Park is my way of giving back to the community. Moraine Park is crucial to my success story and it’s important for me to give back to students today,” said Hopper.

Hopper is the CEO/president of Hopper’s Silk Screening Inc., nestled in downtown Fond du Lac. He established his business with his wife Kim in 1978, a few years after graduating from Moraine Park. Since then, Hopper’s Silk Screening, Inc. has grown from a small, community-based business into one that serves customers all over the world. Hopper’s dedication and commitment to quality and service has made Hopper’s Silk Screening Inc., the largest area screen printer.

According to Dave Hopper, Mark’s son and business associate, “Moraine Park gave Dad the ability and confidence to face the challenges of the entrepreneurial world.  Even in today’s economic times, he looks back and uses the tools and lessons from his education and applies them to the current business landscape.”

Moraine Park helped Hopper target special skills like business planning, economics, financial planning, forecasting, accounting, marketing and communications to compete in the workforce and empowered him with the confidence to move forward.

One of Hopper’s favorite quotes is, “Bring your passion to your career and success will follow.” Hopper credits his instructors and education at Moraine Park for planting seeds to grow for a lifetime of success. work.”