James H. Thompson Retires from Qualcomm Technologies
- Feb. 04, 2025

Congratulations to James H. Thompson ’85, MS’87, PhD’91 on his retirement as chief technology officer at Qualcomm Technologies.
A proud Badger, Jim has had an extraordinary career, joining Qualcomm in 1992 and playing a pivotal role in advancing wireless technology. Along the way, he has recruited countless UW–Madison electrical and computer engineering (ECE) graduates, helping them launch successful careers.
Beyond his professional impact, Jim has been a dedicated supporter of ECE and UW–Madison, contributing through both service and philanthropy. His generosity includes championing the creation of the James H. Thompson Electronics Design Studio, advocating for Qualcomm’s support of the Qualcomm Design Lab, and establishing multiple professorships in honor of his family.
His leadership and dedication to innovation have left an incredible legacy at Qualcomm and continue on at UW–Madison.
More Alumni Notes
Kristyn Hare ’00 BSN, MMS, CCD, PA-C who is currently a practicing physician assistant at the UW Health Orthopedic Bone Health Clinic has been selected to receive the 2025 International Society of Clinical Densitometry Clinician of the Year Award....
I [Kari Nelson ’91] was the broadcast manager for Primetime in Paris with Mike Tirico. NATAS [National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences] recognized me for my leadership and work on this show in Paris for the Olympics. I have previously been...
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of David Charles Singer, a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Class of 1969 and a member of AEPi. Dave passed away at the age of 78. During his time at the UW, he studied history and rem...
Florence Ledwitz Rigby PhD’72 passed away in November 2024 following surgery. Florence was born on February 14, 1946, in New York City. She attended the Bronx High School of Science, and went on to receive her BS in biological science from CUNY, h...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Kristyn Hare ’00 BSN, MMS, CCD, PA-C who is currently a practicing physician assistant at the UW Health Orthopedic Bone Health Clinic has been selected to receive the 2025 International Society of Clinical Densitometry Clinician of the Year Award....
I [Kari Nelson ’91] was the broadcast manager for Primetime in Paris with Mike Tirico. NATAS [National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences] recognized me for my leadership and work on this show in Paris for the Olympics. I have previously been...
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of David Charles Singer, a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Class of 1969 and a member of AEPi. Dave passed away at the age of 78. During his time at the UW, he studied history and rem...
Florence Ledwitz Rigby PhD’72 passed away in November 2024 following surgery. Florence was born on February 14, 1946, in New York City. She attended the Bronx High School of Science, and went on to receive her BS in biological science from CUNY, h...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Kristyn Hare ’00 BSN, MMS, CCD, PA-C who is currently a practicing physician assistant at the UW Health Orthopedic Bone Health Clinic has been selected to receive the 2025 International Society of Clinical Densitometry Clinician of the Year Award....
I [Kari Nelson ’91] was the broadcast manager for Primetime in Paris with Mike Tirico. NATAS [National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences] recognized me for my leadership and work on this show in Paris for the Olympics. I have previously been...
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of David Charles Singer, a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Class of 1969 and a member of AEPi. Dave passed away at the age of 78. During his time at the UW, he studied history and rem...
Florence Ledwitz Rigby PhD’72 passed away in November 2024 following surgery. Florence was born on February 14, 1946, in New York City. She attended the Bronx High School of Science, and went on to receive her BS in biological science from CUNY, h...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.