2026 Medallion of Merit Award
Joseph B. Hoffmeier Jr. ’88
The Medallion of Merit Award recognizes an alum for their outstanding service to ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ or the Alumni Association.
Simply put, Joseph (Joe) B. Hoffmeier Jr. ’88 is a passionate supporter of all things ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ. Year after year, he shows up, gives back, and finds new ways to champion the place that has meant so much to him.
A native of Bethlehem Township, Joe majored in journalism at ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ and immersed himself in campus life—especially in athletics. He competed on the track and field team for all four years and ran with the cross country team for two. Beyond the track, Joe served as sports editor of The Comenian and became a familiar voice in Johnston Hall as the public address announcer for Lady Greyhound basketball games beginning in 1986, a role he continued for nearly two decades.
After graduating, Joe joined ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ’s development department as assistant director of annual giving, building on the leadership experience he gained as a student chair of the class gift committee. Two and a half years later, he transitioned into a career in financial services, becoming a financial advisor in asset management—a profession he continues today.
Even while advancing to the roles of senior vice president, financial advisor, and branch manager at Morgan Stanley, Joe has remained deeply committed to ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ and its students. Over the years, he has dedicated countless hours to volunteer service, supporting alumni programs, assisting career 2026 Medallion of Merit Award The Medallion of Merit Award recognizes an alum for their outstanding service to ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ or the Alumni Association.services, and organizing homecoming tailgates with classmates. He has served as president of the Lehigh Valley Alumni Group and chair of the ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ Leadership Council, and he has sponsored numerous career networking events in New York City and Philadelphia.
Joe’s commitment has been recognized with several honors. He received the Alumni Emerging Leader Award, which celebrates a young alum for dedicated service and leadership, as well as the Robert M. Herbstman Award in 2008, recognizing the qualities of teamwork, leadership, and selflessness that exemplify the spirit of ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ athletics.
His dedication to the university has extended to important moments in ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ’s history. As an alumni member of the presidential search committee, Joe played an active role in recruiting Dr. Christopher M. Thomforde as ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ’s 15th president, helping usher in an era focused on expanding access and strengthening support for first-generation and historically underrepresented students. Joe has also remained a steadfast financial supporter of ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ—especially its athletics programs—giving a gift nearly every year since graduating. His involvement with the Blue & Grey Club reflects that dedication. Initially representing the track team, he served for several years on the club’s executive committee before becoming its president. A golf enthusiast, Joe is also a longtime sponsor of ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ’s Golf Classic and has served on the event’s planning committee.
Joe’s energy and generosity have made a lasting impact on ¹ú³±ÊÓƵ. For him, supporting the university is more than a tradition—it’s a lifelong commitment.