Theresa Hopkins-Staten, '81, '84 J.D.

Alumni Association Service Award 2009

The Connecticut Light and Power Company
Former UCAA Board Member

Nominated By: Leonard P. Blanks, Jr.

Theresa is the Director of Public Affairs for Northeast Utilities where she directs and plans the development of community relations strategies, tactics and programs in Connecticut and western Massachusetts for a $1.5 billion electric power transmission infrastructure upgrade and related enhancement projects. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Theresa graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She continued her education, earning a Juris Doctor degree in 1984, at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Prior to joining NU, Theresa was employed by the State of Connecticut's Freedom of Information Commission, where she was the Commission's counsel. She began her NU career in May 1988 as an attorney and was elected to the additional position of assistant secretary in August 1988. She was promoted to counsel in 1990 and senior counsel in 1996. In July 1999, she was chosen to head the Corporate Community Relations Department. Theresa is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association; the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut; the Phi Beta Kappa United Chapters; the American Association of Blacks in Energy; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and is a National Urban League Trustee. She served as President of the University of Connecticut Alumni Association's African American Alumni Council from 2000-2006 and is still an active member, serving as the co-chair of its scholarship committee. She is also a former member of the University of Connecticut Alumni Association Board of Directors where she served on various committees and still lends her experience as a member of its Strategic Planning Committee.

"Theresa Hopkins-Staten is an amazing person. Her life is a stunning representation of one who has a marvelous capacity in making all of our lives better. All of us are enhanced by her marvelous spirit of giving generously to humankind." - Dr. Willena Kimpson Price '00