Blazing Trails with Beth Hopkins '73

When Beth Hopkins left the Wake Forest campus in the early 70s, she put her hands on her hips and swore she’d never come back. Instead, she and her late husband Larry ended up spending their entire careers serving Wake Forest in law and medicine. Now, a dorm is being named in their honor to recognize their trailblazing contributions to the university. In this episode, Beth shares her journey from what she calls being a rabble rousing student to what has been a distinguished career in law and civil rights. It’s a story you’ll want to hear.In our conversation, Beth reflects on her experiences as one of the first Black students at Wake Forest, the challenges she faced, and the impact of her heritage on her passion for civil rights. The discussion also touches on her late husband Larry's contributions to the community and their shared commitment to making a difference. The conversation highlights the evolution of Wake Forest University, the importance of community engagement, and the significance of celebrating milestones in the history of the institution. In this conversation, Beth Hopkins reflects on her impactful career in law and community service, emphasizing the importance of pro bono work and social justice. She discusses the role of law in ensuring equitable representation and the need for optimism in challenging times. The conversation also touches on the significance of memorialization in recognizing contributions to society, particularly in the context of her own legacy at Wake Forest University. Beth envisions a future for the university that embraces diversity and prepares students for a multicultural world.