Mayor Hubert Yopp '79, '92, is city booster

Yopp speaking at Community Resource Day, March 28

It's no surprise that the mayor of Highland Park, Mich., Hubert Yopp '79, '92, is an enthusiastic supporter of his city. But, Mayor Yopp's dedication to service in the city he loves goes back many years.

Yopp grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School. He then enlisted in the Army and after serving 7-1/2 years, returned to his hometown and joined the police department. When the department expanded to include public safety, Yopp took the training required to become a firefighter.

At the same time, he continued to pursue his education. With a focus on criminal justice, he earned his associate's degree from Mercy College and his bachelor's degree from University of Detroit Mercy. He also has taken advanced courses in police work at Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University. In addition, he is a licensed real estate agent and a bonded private investigator.

Yopp retired from the Highland Park Police Department after a 31-year career. He then became an elected official in Highland Park, serving on the City Council for four years, 2003-2007. In 2008, he was elected to a four-year term as mayor of Highland Park.

Through the years, Yopp has witnessed the gradual decline of this once bustling city and wants to do something about it. He explains, "Highland Park has gone through some tough times. We currently have the highest unemployment rate in the state, and there are numerous blighted structures throughout the city. But, I'm focused on its recovery. We're busy renewing regional relationships, tearing down the unsightly buildings, planning for re-development in both the neighborhoods and commercial areas, and working hard to get Highland Park moving forward again."

Most recently, Yopp and several state organizations teamed up with UDM to sponsor a Community Resource Day in Highland Park. A variety of services related to University programs, schools, departments and clinics were offered to residents at no charge. These services included counseling, dental, legal, education, nursing and psychology.

Charles Marske, dean of UDM's College of Liberal Arts & Education, who was instrumental in putting together this unique program, says, "We at UDM are so happy to be able to bring together many of our best academics to help coordinate many services for the Highland Park residents."

Yopp enthusiastically commented on the day. "This was a tremendously successful program. It provided so many valuable resources for our residents. We're going to repeat the program in June and intend to add transportation for those who need rides."

Among his recent accomplishments, Yopp is especially proud of completing a program for elected officials at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2008.

In addition to serving as mayor, he currently operates Yopp's Detective Agency. In his spare time, Yopp enjoys exercising, basketball, traveling, theatre and jazz concerts. He also enjoys spending time with his four children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in the Detroit area and Windsor.