William A. Cooper MBA ’66 was granted Muskingum University’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in recognition for his personal and professional achievements. The award, the university’s highest alumni honor, was presented at a June 17 ceremony, held as part of the university’s annual Alumni Weekend festivities. Sponsored by the Muskingum University Alumni Council, the DSA recognizes and honors alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional endeavors and exemplary services to society. Any living Muskingum graduate or former student is eligible to receive this award. William Cooper is president of Cooper & Company, a full-service industrial and commercial real-estate brokerage and real-estate development firm in Santa Clara County. Since the late 1960s, he has helped strengthen Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial climate, providing technology start-up companies with access to facilities which support their innovation and business growth. A professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers from 1961-1966, Mr. Cooper’s achievements have brought a positive and powerful spotlight to the educational and athletic ideals embodied by NCAA Division III.  In 2000, he became the first Ohio Athletic Conference player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. As a power fullback for Muskingum, “Cannonball Cooper” gained 3,651 yards rushing during his college career.  He led the Muskies to the 9-0 undefeated 1960 season with 1102 yards rushing that year, and was named to the 1960 Associated Press All-American Football first team.  He is a three-time member of the All-Ohio Athletic Conference first team, and the first and only three-time recipient of the OAC’s Mike Gregory Award. Mr. Cooper earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Muskingum and a MBA from Santa Clara University. He has served as a member of the Muskingum University Board of Trustees for over 25 years. He is married to Muskingum classmate Sandra “Sonie” Green Cooper, and through their leadership and support of their alma mater, they have furthered educational opportunities for generations of students. The Coopers reside in Monte Sereno, Calif.