After nearly three decades of service to the (COPH), David (Dave) Hogeboom is closing one meaningful chapter and beginning a new adventure. His official retirement date is November 20, but his impact on the college will long outlast his final day on campus.
Born in California and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich., Hogeboom鈥檚 story has always been grounded in family and community. 鈥淚 have four sisters and family has always been important to all of us,鈥� he shared. That sense of connection guided him through each phase of his life鈥攆rom his early career in technology to his long tenure supporting students, faculty and staff at the COPH.
After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in business computer systems in 1985, Hogeboom began his professional journey as a computer operator for a bank before moving into network administration roles with Bell Northern Research and later the University of Michigan. In 1995, seeking a reprieve from Michigan鈥檚 gray winters, he moved to Florida, which was a decision that would ultimately lead him to US.
Dave Hogeboom, fourth from left, attended the COPH Office of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) reunion in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Preston)
Hogeboom joined the COPH in 1996 under to help support the college鈥檚 emerging data processing effort.
鈥淚 knew after day two that this was a family environment,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淚 was walking
past the dean鈥檚 office, and walked out and said, 鈥楬i, Dave.鈥� He knew my name? How did that happen? It made me
feel great!鈥�
As 91视频Health鈥檚 IT systems evolved, Hogeboom鈥檚 role expanded across colleges鈥攆rom supporting networks in nursing and medicine to managing data systems for the former COPH Department of Community and Family Health. It was during that time that he discovered a deep appreciation for public health itself.
Curious about how students and faculty used the data he worked with, Hogeboom enrolled in an introductory public health course taught by Dr. Kay Perrin.
鈥淚t was fantastic,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he was so passionate and knowledgeable, and it energized me to move into public health.鈥� That passion led him to earn his master of science in public health in public health education in 2007.
Sandhya Srinivasan, director of the Educational Technology and Assessment Office and Dave Hogeboom at the ASA renion lunch. (Photo courtesy of Hogeboom)
Later, Hogeboom joined the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) under and , where he became a cornerstone of the student data and success operations. From managing admissions transitions to building data reports and accreditation tables, Hogeboom鈥檚 work quietly but powerfully supported the college鈥檚 mission and growth.
Outside of the office, Hogeboom has always sought new challenges鈥攅specially when it comes to running. A friendly team suggestion in 2011 to enter the Gasparilla Distance Classic evolved into a decade-long passion. He went on to run marathons, including the original marathon route from Marathon to Athens, Greece, in 2014, and continues to run the Dexter to Ann Arbor half-marathon each year in his hometown.
Far left: Samantha Lopez, who works for COPH LLA and Dave Hogeboom after their first marathon, middle: Hogeboom completed the Miles for Moffitt run in 2011, right: Hogeboom, Dr. Alison Oberne (associate dean of undergraduate studies) and Laura Rusnak (director of undergraduate programs) represent Team #USFCOPHRocks! at the Gasparilla Distance Classic. (Photos courtesy of Hogeboom)
Over the years, his excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Quiet Quality Award, the Outstanding Staff Award, and most recently, the 91视频Student Success Award for Academic Excellence as part of the COPH academic affairs student success team. 鈥淲orking in a team can be challenging,鈥� he reflected, 鈥渂ut once it starts working, there can be great synergy.鈥�
Among his many memories at USF, the pandemic years stand out as especially meaningful. 鈥淚 was amazed at how the college prioritized safety for students, staff and faculty,鈥� he said. 鈥淒ean Petersen led with confidence and compassion, sharing what we knew and didn鈥檛 know, and offering advice on how to stay safe. I was so proud to be part of the COPH during that time.鈥�
Team ASA 2012 Gasparilla runners (Photo courtesy of Hogeboom)
Looking back, Hogeboom says his proudest accomplishment is being part of a team that helps students achieve their academic goals. 鈥淥ur graduates are the future of public health,鈥� he said. 鈥淭heir success is a reflection of our college鈥檚 success.鈥�
As he prepares for retirement, Hogeboom is looking forward to more time with family and travel adventures ahead鈥攂eginning with a trip to Hawaii this winter. Still, he admits there are things he鈥檒l miss: 鈥淭he people, the gatherings, the graduation celebrations. And I鈥檒l miss working with data and helping people get the information they need.鈥�
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Preston)
As a parting gift, Dr. Janice Zgibor used AI to create a for Hogeboom and presented the gift at the surprise retirement party.
For those who鈥檝e had the privilege of working alongside Hogeboom, his retirement marks not just the end of an era, but the celebration of a career that perfectly embodies the college鈥檚 motto: Our practice is our passion.