Jim Kuipers ’85
Jim Kuipers is a life-long resident of Coventry and a 1985 graduate of Coventry High School.
In addition to focusing on academics, Jim’s high school years were characterized by involvement in a number of extra-curricular activities as well as activities outside of the school community. He had a particular affinity for the Student Council, serving on the Council during all four years at Coventry High School. The highlight of Jim’s time at CHS was his significant involvement and contributions during the 1984 National Student Council Conference, serving as student Chairperson of the Transportation Committee.
After graduating in 1985, Jim went on to Rhode Island College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and graduated with honors in 1989. He continued his commitment to service during his college years, serving as an officer of the American Marketing Association and as a student member of the Academic Review Board.
In 1989, Jim began a career with MetLife. In 2014, he celebrated 25 years with the company, holding a number of positions of increasing responsibility and currently serving as Assistant Vice President in the Group Insurance Products division.
The commitment to service and involvement that Jim developed during his school years and his ties to the community continued after college. He spearheaded the planning for Coventry’s 250th anniversary and served as the committee’s Chairperson, helping to plan and host a full-year of events helping to commemorate this milestone occasion for our town. Jim also served on a number of other organization’s and committees including the Town of Coventry’s Comprehensive Plan Commission, Planning Commission, and Town Manager Selection Committee as well as serving several years on the Camp E-Hun-Tee Advisory Board (past President) and the Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club (past President). He also served as a founding member and key organizer of the Celebrate Coventry Committee which hosted several successful community festivals and events. Jim presently serves as the Chairman of the Coventry Juvenile Hearing Board, a member of the ‘Tis The Season’ charity organization, and as an officer of the Coventry High School Alumni Association. In addition, Jim is a member of the board for the Central Coventry Fire District.
Jim’s active involvement and contributions to Coventry High School as well as his continued and extensive commitments to serving his community to this day make him a deserving candidate for induction into the CHS Hall of Fame.