James H. Thompson Retires from Qualcomm Technologies
- Feb. 04, 2025
Congratulations to James H. Thompson ’85, MS’87, PhD’91 on his retirement as chief technology officer at Qualcomm Technologies.
A proud Badger, Jim has had an extraordinary career, joining Qualcomm in 1992 and playing a pivotal role in advancing wireless technology. Along the way, he has recruited countless UW–Madison electrical and computer engineering (ECE) graduates, helping them launch successful careers.
Beyond his professional impact, Jim has been a dedicated supporter of ECE and UW–Madison, contributing through both service and philanthropy. His generosity includes championing the creation of the James H. Thompson Electronics Design Studio, advocating for Qualcomm’s support of the Qualcomm Design Lab, and establishing multiple professorships in honor of his family.
His leadership and dedication to innovation have left an incredible legacy at Qualcomm and continue on at UW–Madison.
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Dr. Jim Sernoe BA’86, MA’89 has been promoted to full professor at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was also honored with his 30-year service pin this spring.
After twenty-six years of teaching at two law schools, Scott Pryor JD’80 was named professor emeritus of law in January 2026. Pryor entered the tea...
Laurie Iudin-Nelson PhD’97 (Slavic languages and literatures) is professor emerita of Russian studies at Luther College. Following retirement, she earned the MDiv degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa) and was ordained as Minist...
Congrats to Chelsea Blair ’12 on celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary to Justin Blair ’14! The couple lives in Los Angeles, but they got married in Madison on a night full of incredible people, music, food, and laughter. They even jumped i...
Michelle McCready ’07 is serving as the deputy CEO of the national nonprofit Reach Out and Read. Over the past year alone, Reach Out and Read serve...
Kristin Paul ’02 has been appointed executive secretary and chief executive officer of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), bringing more than two decades of experience and a lifelong connection to the ...
Dave Seiler ’88, MS’92 was named president and CEO of First Business Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBIZ), parent company of First Business Bank...
In 2021, after 29 years of service, Alfred Norris MS’69 retired from Reliance Steel and Aluminum.
Joshua Filipowski ’01 has been teaching ESOL and performing and producing stand-up comedy for more than 20 years. With a nod to both of his careers...
The Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP has selected Dianne Post ’69, JD’78 as a Civic Engagement Honoree for their Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and ...
Dr. Jim Sernoe BA’86, MA’89 has been promoted to full professor at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was also honored with his 30-year service pin this spring.
After twenty-six years of teaching at two law schools, Scott Pryor JD’80 was named professor emeritus of law in January 2026. Pryor entered the tea...
Laurie Iudin-Nelson PhD’97 (Slavic languages and literatures) is professor emerita of Russian studies at Luther College. Following retirement, she earned the MDiv degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa) and was ordained as Minist...
Congrats to Chelsea Blair ’12 on celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary to Justin Blair ’14! The couple lives in Los Angeles, but they got married in Madison on a night full of incredible people, music, food, and laughter. They even jumped i...
Michelle McCready ’07 is serving as the deputy CEO of the national nonprofit Reach Out and Read. Over the past year alone, Reach Out and Read serve...
Kristin Paul ’02 has been appointed executive secretary and chief executive officer of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), bringing more than two decades of experience and a lifelong connection to the ...
Dave Seiler ’88, MS’92 was named president and CEO of First Business Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBIZ), parent company of First Business Bank...
In 2021, after 29 years of service, Alfred Norris MS’69 retired from Reliance Steel and Aluminum.
Joshua Filipowski ’01 has been teaching ESOL and performing and producing stand-up comedy for more than 20 years. With a nod to both of his careers...
The Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP has selected Dianne Post ’69, JD’78 as a Civic Engagement Honoree for their Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and ...