Hupp ’77, Hupp ’84 Honored with Spirit of VMI Award

On Jan. 20, 2024, during halftime of VMI basketball’s game against The Citadel—a contest in which the Keydets emerged victorious, 70-63—brothers William T. “Billy” Hupp ’77 and Stephen E. “Steve” Hupp ’84 were presented with the VMI Keydet Club’s highest honor, the Spirit of VMI Award. First presented in 1975, the award recognizes outstanding service to and support of VMI athletics.

Joining the brothers in Cameron Hall for the awards presentation were Diana Hupp, Billy’s wife; Renee Hupp, Steve’s wife; Jim Miller, VMI athletic director; Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent; Andrew C. Deal ’12, VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies chief development officer; and Danny Thornton ’78, Keydet Club president.

The story of the Hupp family’s support of VMI is one of generational attendance and gratitude for all the Institute has done for them. The brothers’ father, H. Thomas Hupp Jr. ’44, was a lifelong supporter of Keydet athletics and passed that pride and loyalty on to his sons. In honor of their father’s legacy, the Hupp brothers established the Hupp Family Athletic Scholarship in 2005.

William T. “Billy” Hupp ’77 and Stephen E. “Steve” Hupp ’84 receive the Spirit of VMI Award, the Keydet Club’s highest honor, during halftime of the VMI basketball game against The Citadel Jan. 13. Pictured are (from left) Jim Miller, VMI athletic director; Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent; Billy Hupp and his wife, Diana Hupp; Steve Hupp and his wife, Renee Hupp; Andrew C. Deal ’12, VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies chief development officer; and Danny Thornton ’78, Keydet Club president.—Photo courtesy VMI Communications & Marketing.

Continuing to a third generation, the Hupp family legacy has kept thriving through Steve’s sons, Stephen E. Hupp Jr. ’16 and Thomas B. Hupp ’20. Both were involved with VMI athletics as cadets: Stephen as a member of the Keydet football team and Thomas by serving on the S-6 (now S-9) staff as a liaison between cadet-athletes and the rest of the Corps.

Through this work, Thomas met Kiley Cropper ’21, a member of the women’s soccer team, and they later married. Rounding out the family’s involvement with and commitment to the Institute, Steve and Renee’s daughter, Maj. Rebekah Martin, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and her husband, Donnie Martin ’13, is an adjunct faculty member in that department.

Following Thornton’s presentation of the award, both Hupp brothers offered remarks. “When we’re recognized, we appreciate it,” said Billy. “But that’s not why we [support VMI]. We do it for these great student-athletes. … All VMI people have one thing in common: They’re willing to sacrifice to get ahead in life. They come here with that attribute. They leave here earning a lot more than that. And that’s why their success level is so high.”

Steve also thanked the Keydet Club for the honor, saying, “This is an amazing honor for us, for my father and also our family. The nation needs what VMI produces, and that is men and women of honor, courage, and integrity. … We love that VMI does that and does that with excellence. So all we ask is that you join us in supporting VMI in any way you can with time, talent, and treasure.”

“The Keydet Club was honored to recognize Billy and Steve Hupp over the weekend of Jan. 20,” said Deal. “The impact they have made with their philanthropy and service is profound. To be able to celebrate them at halftime of The Citadel basketball game and enjoy a wonderful dinner that evening with their families and friends was really special. It has been a pleasure working with them both to serve our mission in support of our coaches and cadet-athletes.”

Review the complete text of the award presentation to the Hupps.