*In this photo:* Distinguished Alumnus of 2020, Joel Coppadge (center), Class of 1981, stands with his wife Arlene and University President Tony Allen.

On Campus

Joel Coppadge, 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, Photos

Monday, March 16, 2020

Del State alumni traveled to Norfolk, Va., to root on the Lady Hornets and Hornet Men’s basketball teams at the MEAC Tournament, as well as celebrate Delaware State University’s 2020 Distinguished Alumnus – Joel V. Coppadge, Sr., Class of 1981.

For images of the event, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72157713509967133/show

The tournament began with a Hornet Men’s win against the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, 68-64, in the opening round. The Hornet Men, however, fell short in the quarterfinal game, losing to North Carolina Central, 92-75.

In a game that was in question down to the last minute, the Lady Hornets lost in the quarterfinal round to Morgan State University, 64-63. Immediately after the game, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced that it was canceling the rest of the tournament due to coronavirus concerns.

The abrupt end to the tourney did not keep Delaware State University alumni from convening at the Waterside Sheraton Hotel to honor Mr. Coppadge and engage in some warm fellowship before departing. Joel V. Coppadge

Mr. Coppadge was a member of the first basketball program to play Division I during the 1978–1979 season. As an athlete, Joel was noted for his outstanding defensive play; he served as co-captain of the team during his senior year. Mr. Coppadge was a member of the Hornet Men’s Basketball Team from 1977–1981 and was awarded its highest academic honor. In addition to excelling in sports, he was also active on campus, participating in multiple theatre performances and talent shows.

After graduation, Mr. Coppadge began a 39-year career in the insurance industry, in which he worked for Allstate Insurance Company, the Cigna Corporation, and Coventry HealthCare/Aetna, where he retired as a Vice President of Executive Medicaid Service Operations. Coppadge is currently co-owner and CEO of LuckyQ Solutions, LLC.

Mr. Coppadge has a strong love for his alma mater and served as a volunteer for an alumni mentoring program. For several decades, he has also remained connected to Hornet Athletics as a season ticket holder during the basketball and football seasons.

The Joel and Arlene Coppadge Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in the fall of 2017 to benefit matriculating students at Delaware State University. He is currently President of the University’s Alumni Men’s Basketball Affinity Group and an active member of the New Castle County, Delaware Chapter of the Alumni Association. The avid University supporter recently helped organize an Alumni Church Service, a fundraiser during Homecoming 2019. All proceeds from the service were donated to Delaware State University Athletics.

Mr. Coppadge’s support and commitment to his community has been demonstrated over the years in the following roles:

Vice President, The Pointe Condominium Association
Board of Directors, Nexters PAC
Founder and Head Coach, Delaware Diamonds Track Club – 10 years
Coach, YMCA Youth Soccer and Basketball Programs
Basketball Coach, Concord and Brandywine High Schools
President and Board of Directors, Police Athletic League, Wilmington, Del.

Joel has been married to the Honorable Arlene Minus Coppadge for more than 34 years.

They are the proud parents of two adult children, Alexandra and Joel II, and one grandson, Jax.