High school sweethearts Marilyn and Jack Hopper '59 have established the Marilyn and Jack Hopper '59 Endowed Scholarship to provide support to first-generation undergraduate students in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering who are pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry.
“Texas A&M University provided me with the education that led me to work for an exceptionally well-respected company, Humble Oil & Refining Company (now Exxon Mobil),” said Jack. “This became the stepping stone for the rest of my career.”
From success in industry to dedication to furthering education, Jack has made a lasting impact on the field of chemical engineering. Over his career, he has acted as a mentor, an instructor, and a leader to students and peers alike in academia in such roles as distinguished professor and dean emeritus in the chemical engineering department at Lamar University. He has served as a member of the Chemical Engineering Advisory Council at Texas A&M and the American Chemical Society, an advisor to the chemical engineering department at Louisiana State University and a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Now as he looks forward the helping the next generation of leaders achieve their academic goals, Jack took a moment to look back at his own Aggie experience.
What stood out the most to him?
The strong values – integrity, responsibility, loyalty, leadership and commitment – and technical skills that members of the Aggie family always strive to uphold.
The Hoppers’ endowment will bolster first-generation students as they break barriers and dedicate themselves to making a difference in the chemical engineering department, living out the core values and paving the way for a better future in oil and gas.How to Give
The College of Engineering is one of the leading engineering programs in the United States, ranking first in undergraduate enrollment and ninth in graduate enrollment. Endowments supporting the students in the college have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering or would like more information on how you can give, please contact Haley Jennings, director of development.