The International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) mourns
the passing of Dr. Earl Hopper (1940–2025), Past President of IAGP and one of the most
influential thinkers in the field of group analysis. A distinguished scholar and a generous
mentor, Earl’s work has profoundly shaped our understanding of groups, social processes,
and the human condition.

Our President, Dr. Roberta Mineo, who shared a close professional and personal bond with
him, has written the following message of remembrance on behalf of IAGP.

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Dear esteemed colleagues,

On Monday, 3 November, I lost a dear friend, Dr. Earl Hopper, who passed away at the age
of 85.

Many of you have already heard fragments of this sad news. Over these past difficult weeks, I
remained in close contact with Earl and his family. In the last few days, I also felt the
responsibility to gently prepare some of his closest friends and lifelong colleagues for the
gravity of his condition and, after his passing, to share the news with them personally before
addressing our wider community. Out of respect for Earl’s privacy and for his family’s wish
for quiet, I have waited until now to write to all of you.

It is difficult to express how deeply this loss touches me. Earl was not only a mentor, a trusted
advisor, and a generous companion in countless conversations; he was also a kind and loving
friend whose presence enriched my life.

Earl’s contribution to IAGP and to our wider field is immeasurable.
He served as one of our most beloved and prolific Past Presidents, and his guidance and
active dedication as Scientific Advisor to the Scientific Program Committee for the recent
triennial IAGP Congress, which I had the honor to co-chair, was invaluable, as many of you
personally witnessed in Sapporo.

He was an extraordinarily productive and innovative thinker, writer, and scholar, and a true
mentor to many. A sociologist, psychoanalyst, group analyst, organizational consultant, and
political scientist, Earl brought a rare breadth of vision and ethical depth to all he did. His
legacy lives on in the ideas he advanced, the people he inspired, and the integrity with which
he lived his intellectual and personal life.

The family will share details about the funeral when they are ready.

Meanwhile, as President of IAGP, I will be organizing a memorial event to honour Earl’s
life, his work, and his enduring legacy within our association and beyond. A full biographical
note on Earl’s distinguished career and contributions to IAGP will soon be available on our
website, together with his final recorded interview.

Until then, let us hold Earl in respectful remembrance and quiet gratitude, and extend our
compassion to his family as they navigate these first days of loss.

With sorrow and reverence,

Roberta Mineo
President, International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes
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Messages of condolence may be shared with the IAGP Secretariat ([email protected]) and
will be forwarded to the family.