Former APSU president writes book with retired APSU PR director

Clarksville, TN – Months prior to the death of her husband, former Austin Peay State University President Dr. Sherry Hoppe began writing the untold story of Bob Hoppe, the Auburn football star charged with first-degree murder in 1988 – 31 years after the crime had happened.

After her husband died in 2008, Hoppe recruited another former APSU administrator to co-author the book. Dennie Burke, the longtime executive director of the APSU Public Relations and Marketing Office, served seven years under Hoppe’s tenure at APSU and agreed to collaborate with her on the book project.

Together, Hoppe and Burke wrote “A Matter of Conscience,” published by Wakestone Press in Nashville, TN. To celebrate the release of the book, the Office of Alumni Affairs will hold a book signing reception from 1:00pm-3:00pm, Wednesday, October 6th at the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill.

The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

In the book, Hoppe tells the story of her love for Bob Hoppe, and the mystery submerged in his conscience as he faced the consequences of a fateful morning in July 1957. In the weeks before his death in 2008, with her husband’s blessing, Sherry Hoppe began to write his story, pouring through trial transcripts, combing through boxes of old newspaper clippings and interviewing friends, family and witnesses.

For more information about the book signing, call the APSU Office of Alumni Relations at 931-221-7979.