William J. Hopkins received the Pugsley Medal in 1990 "for outstanding leadership in the development and improvement of policies as director of Delaware State Park." He was educated at Ohio State University (1949-50), Ohio University (1950-51), and Alexander Hamilton Business Institute (1954-56).
Hopkins' 40-year career in the parks field included early stints with Ohio State Parks and The Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, but 27 of those years were with Delaware, including six years as state park director.
He was extensively involved with professional associations especially the Maintenance Management School at Oglebay Park and The National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Office which elected him president.