Alan M Shapiro
1949-08-01 2016-09-11
Died at the age 67. Struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease for the past 17 years.
Alan was a 1967 St. Louis Park State Champion in the mile relay. He then went on to letter four times on the University of Minnesota Track & Field team from 1967-71 and was a member of the the Big Ten Championship team in ‘68. While attending law school at WIlliam Mitchell College of Law, Alan co-founded Shapco Printing, Inc. with his two brothers in 1976. Shapco Printing became one of the top commercial printers in the nation and still exists today. Alan also worked as a Prosecutor for the St. Paul City Attorney’s office. In 1987, Alan was elected President of the Minnesota “M” Club (Letterman’s Club). In his tenure, he led a community wide ticket drive for the Gopher Spring football game which set an all-time national attendance record. During the Lou Holtz era, he chaired and hosted the Gopher Football luncheons. Alan was also the founder and General Chairman of the highly successful “M” Club raffle which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the athletic department. After successfully challenging the NCAA, his “M” Club raffle became the standard for NCAA fundraising regulations.
After his diagnosis, Alan became a face for young-onset Alzheimer’s Disease awareness. He is best remembered for his strong will, work ethic, vibrant personality, storytelling ability, leadership in the community, and as driven as he was he was a sweet and gentle man. He was incredibly loving and dedicated to his family.
Alan was a 1967 St. Louis Park State Champion in the mile relay. He then went on to letter four times on the University of Minnesota Track & Field team from 1967-71 and was a member of the the Big Ten Championship team in ‘68. While attending law school at WIlliam Mitchell College of Law, Alan co-founded Shapco Printing, Inc. with his two brothers in 1976. Shapco Printing became one of the top commercial printers in the nation and still exists today. Alan also worked as a Prosecutor for the St. Paul City Attorney’s office. In 1987, Alan was elected President of the Minnesota “M” Club (Letterman’s Club). In his tenure, he led a community wide ticket drive for the Gopher Spring football game which set an all-time national attendance record. During the Lou Holtz era, he chaired and hosted the Gopher Football luncheons. Alan was also the founder and General Chairman of the highly successful “M” Club raffle which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the athletic department. After successfully challenging the NCAA, his “M” Club raffle became the standard for NCAA fundraising regulations.
After his diagnosis, Alan became a face for young-onset Alzheimer’s Disease awareness. He is best remembered for his strong will, work ethic, vibrant personality, storytelling ability, leadership in the community, and as driven as he was he was a sweet and gentle man. He was incredibly loving and dedicated to his family.