Duncan Hopkin was a committed and enthusiastic member of the University of Aberdeen alumni community, attending events both on and off campus over many years and becoming a very generous life-time donor. His death in December 2023 was deeply felt by those who were lucky enough to have enjoyed his company over the years but the gift he left in his will is testament to his generous and kind-hearted spirit.
Born in September 1943 in Birkenhead, Duncan was the eldest of four children to Jim and Mary Hopkin. A move to Aberdeen when he was 10 saw him attending Ashley Road Primary School and, after proving his academic prowess, Aberdeen Grammer School, before enrolling at the University in 1961. He graduated with a BSc in Chemistry in 1965, followed by an MSc, before enjoying a varied and successful career, starting with Proctor and Gamble in Newcastle in 1968 as Product Development Chemist working on the launch of products such as Ariel. Periods as a university lecturer, training officer and personnel manager saw him rise through the ranks to become Director of UK Human Resources for Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Group before ending his career as a compliance officer with a personal lines insurance agency.
Duncan made the first of many philanthropic gifts to the University in 1995 and in 2010 his generosity established the Hopkin Scholarship to support a full-time undergraduate student undertaking any physical or medical sciences degree. A few years later, further support from Duncan established the Hopkin Chapel Conducting Scholarship and both these scholarships have enriched the lives of many Aberdeen students.
Settling in Folkestone, Duncan was a stalwart member of the Channel Rotary for nearly 40 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to charitable activities. Fiercely proud of his Scottish roots he was a Robert Burns enthusiast and annually organised the Rotary Club’s Burns Night celebrations.
Duncan doted on his two sons and their wives, but especially his four grandchildren who became the centre of his life and who he described as ‘his bestest buddies’. He was wonderful company and enjoyed a lifelong relationship with his University. The generous gift in his will ensures the future of the Hopkin Scholarship and Hopkin Chapel Conducting Scholarship so Aberdeen students will be able to enjoy their studies without financial pressures and maximise the opportunities available to them for years to come.
We are extremely grateful for Duncan’s generosity and to everyone who pledges a gift in their will to the University. If you would like to find out more about remembering the University in your will, please contact: Vanessa Holmes, Development Officer for Legacy Giving at vanessa.holmes@abdn.ac.uk or phone +44(0)1224 274132.
The University has partnered with Bequeathed to offer an exclusive free will writing service in the UK for staff, alumni and supporters and you can find out more about Bequeathed here.
