Dave Poplar '87

Dave Poplar was a 1987 graduate and benefactor of Saint Ignatius High School. Dave's strong values for self-improvement, kindness, charity; work ethic instilled by his parents; and spiritual faith were bolstered and magnified by his experience at Saint Ignatius.

As a freshman, Dave was already familiar with the school and was prepared for the academic and athletic rigors required of any Wildcat who attends classes or steps onto the playing field. While earning first honors, he also excelled on the football field as a split-end and on special teams. A true man for others, Dave was happy to devote his practices and conditioning for the good of the team, forming friendships with teammates and memories he would cherish throughout his life. Dave found true happiness and fulfillment through his work, and this joy stayed with him throughout all his professional successes in the business world.

Dave felt a deep connection to the Ignatius family. This passion and connection drove him to follow the Cats to many corners. He traveled to cheer on his Wildcats in New Jersey, Detroit, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Mishawaka and many other fields or gyms in between. Anywhere there was a gathering of Ignatians or their fans, Dave wanted to be part of the supporting network. He embraced the "man for others" mantra and lived and practiced that spirit.

Dave's passing in 2016 was untimely and tragic. But true to Dave's nature, he had made sure that his love for and commitment to Saint Ignatius would be continued. In addition to gifting all his Ignatius memorabilia to a friend and fellow alumnus, Dave also made a generous bequest to the school that made so many of his successes in life possible. The Poplar Family is proud to have set up a scholarship fund in Dave's name to continue his memory and give the gift of a Saint Ignatius education to future generations.