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.
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I (Rudy Joan Lubov ’66) have visited 150 countries. I am grateful for Integrated Liberal Studies (ILS) and other courses in literature, history, geology, art history, etc., that help me see the world through so many lenses.
Kurt Kayser ’91 was recently selected as the Wisconsin School Safety Coordinator of 2025. As the chief operating officer of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine, he implemented numerous safety upgrades for his seven schools and 1,600 students. Josh Ka...
Carol Kobak Abrams ’62 was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society as a Hoosier Legend in 2024.
I [Robert Rosenblum ’47] moved to San Diego from New York City 70 years ago as a result of a connection made at the UW and have enjoyed my life here. After working in home construction for a dozen years, I entered the travel business, opened an ag...
I (Rudy Joan Lubov ’66) have visited 150 countries. I am grateful for Integrated Liberal Studies (ILS) and other courses in literature, history, geology, art history, etc., that help me see the world through so many lenses.
Kurt Kayser ’91 was recently selected as the Wisconsin School Safety Coordinator of 2025. As the chief operating officer of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine, he implemented numerous safety upgrades for his seven schools and 1,600 students. Josh Ka...
Carol Kobak Abrams ’62 was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society as a Hoosier Legend in 2024.