Alumni Merit Winner Speaks to Class of 2026
William P. Hopfinger, a 1978 graduate of the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences, was selected to receive the 2026 Alumni Merit Award and addressed the Class of 2026 on May 15 during the school's spring precommencement.
Hopfinger urged graduates to prioritize finding a way to serve others to facilitate a rewarding career and life, and further implored graduates to engage with professional organizations, emphasizing their role in the future of their professions.
“The Alumni Merit Award recognizes alumni for outstanding accomplishments, dedication to their profession and commitment to the Jesuit mission of Saint Louis University," said Tricia Austin, Ph.D., interim dean of Doisy College. "Through the award, we acknowledge and celebrate Mr. Bill Hopfinger’s many and noteworthy accomplishments and dedication to his profession. We are thrilled to honor him as a Saint Louis University graduate and grateful for his engagement with and contributions to our college.”
A graduate of the bachelor’s program in physical therapy, Hopfinger spent his career improving lives as a physical therapist. While at SLU, he was a catcher and outfielder on the men's baseball team. After graduation, he started his professional journey as an athletic trainer and physical therapist for collegiate and professional soccer teams.
Hopfinger worked with the SLU Billikens and the original St. Louis Steamers and served as the head athletic trainer for the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes during the 1984 national championships. He was inducted into the SLU Billiken Hall of Fame in 1998 for his athletic training service.
Hopfinger founded Rehab 1 Network, which provided physical therapy services in outpatient clinics throughout the St. Louis area, in 1978. In 2016, Rehab 1 consolidated with SSM Health Physical Therapy, and Hopfinger became a business development consultant for SSM Health. More recently, Hopfinger owned and operated St. Louis Home Health, Inc., a Medicare-certified home health agency.
He currently serves as a guest lecturer for Maryville University, St. Louis Community College and the Metropolitan Community College—Penn Valley. He has served on the boards of directors of St. John Vianney High School and Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, and as chair of the Advisory Commission for Physical Therapists for the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
About SLU’s Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences
The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.