DETROIT - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan President and CEO Dan Loepp addressed the Class of 2019 at De La Salle Collegiate’s second annual 1926 Society Breakfast held at the Detroit Athletic Club in November. 

Loepp, a 1975 alumnus, spoke to the group about the importance of character, Lasallian Catholic education, and philanthropy. 

“This was a great experience and opportunity for our senior class to hear firsthand about a Pilot who has lived a life of hard work, faith, and philanthropy, encapsulating the values of St. John Baptist de La Salle,” said Dennis Koch, director of alumni relations. 

An eastsider who attended Guardian Angels Grade School in Detroit, Loepp followed in his older brothers’ footsteps when he attended De La Salle. He cited his father purposely moving the family back to Detroit so his sons could attend De La Salle, and then enduring long commutes to Wyandotte for his job, just so the Loepp boys could attend the all-boys school. 

Loepp himself was an active student, participating in school musicals among other activities, before heading to Wayne State University for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He served in Lansing as an aide and chief of staff to former state representative Curtis Hertel.

Following the values which De La Salle strives to instill in its students, Loepp has volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations in the Detroit area in an effort to enrich the community around him. He is the Executive Committee Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership Board, a nonprofit that works to strengthen Detroit through engagement, development, and programs. He’s also a director on the board of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. He chairs the board of the Parade Company, the group responsible for the annual Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade, and the July Fireworks on the Detroit River.

Greg Esler, major gifts officer, described Loepp as one of the greatest Pilots of all time.

“He has given back to De La Salle and to other organizations and charities,” Esler said. “Dan Loepp epitomizes what philanthropy means.”