Dr. C. Thomas Hopkins Jr. (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’74) was recognized by the Flint River Council of the Boy Scouts of America as its 2023 Council Alumnus of the Year. Hopkins was presented with the award at the Council’s Adult Recognition Banquet at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Williamson, Georiga, on April 4, 2023.
The Council Alumnus of the Year Award is different than other awards in Scouting as it does not simply recognize the individual for being a distinguished person or honor those giving time and energy to the Boy Scouts of America as a volunteer leader; Scouting already has awards that do that. It is more of a combination between the two. Primary consideration is given to those that remind Scouting alumni to maintain a lifetime relationship with Scouting which enables Scouting to remain healthy for future generations.
Dr. Hopkins is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and orthpaedic sports medicine, engaged in private practice in Griffin as a partner of OrthoGeorgia. He served in the United States Air Force as a fighter squadron flight surgeon and orthopaedic surgeon. He is the past president of the Griffin Rotary Club, Georgia Orthopaedic Society, and medical staff of Spalding Regional Hospital. Dr. Hopkins serves on the board of United Bank Corporation, United Bank of Griffin, Augusta University (MCG) Health System, and MAG Mutual Insurance Company. Не was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2010 and reappointed by Governor Nathan Deal in 2018. He served as chairman of the board in 2017.
Dr. Hopkins has served on the boards of the Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Health Strategies Council, Governor’s Physician Partnership, Southern Crescent Technical College, Salvation Army, and First Methodist Church of Griffin. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Arthroscopy Association of North America. Hopkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, attended the University of Georgia, completed his medical degree and residency at Emory University, and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and the Gridiron Secret Society. He was a member of Griffin’s Troop 1 with Scoutmaster Newton Crouch. the same troop as his great uncle in approximately 1910.
Dr. Hopkins and his wife, Sara Lucas Hopkins, have two children, Charles Thomas Hopkins III, DMD, Paige Hopkins Parker, DPT., and 5 grandchildren.
Dr. Hopkins is a Forever KA participant, a member of the Loyal Order, and a member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society. He has been inducted into the John L. Hardeman Court of Honor.
