Lamar University's College of Engineering has established the Dr. Jack R. Hopper Memorial Scholarship in Engineering to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Hopper, who passed away on April 11 at the age of 84.
Hopper, a native of Highlands, Texas, began his academic journey at Lee College in Baytown, followed by Texas A&M University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1958. He later obtained his master’s degree from the University of Delaware before gaining valuable industrial experience at ExxonMobil. In 1969, he transitioned to academia at Lamar University, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the engineering curriculum and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
“Hopper was loved at LU and served as a distinguished member of LU College of Engineering as a Chemical Engineering faculty member, department chair and ultimately dean, along with other leadership roles. He was a teacher, colleague, friend, mentor, and leader to thousands, and was the consummate gentleman,” Dr. Brian Craig, current dean of the College of Engineering, said. “The LU College of Engineering has been given the honor and responsibility to continue Dr. Hopper's legacy.”
Hopper served as the seventh dean of the College of Engineering from 1999 until his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the college, including the creation of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board and initiating a successful capital campaign that raised $150 million in endowments.
The $15,000 scholarship named in Hopper’s honor will benefit full-time undergraduate and graduate engineering students that maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. It seeks to support students who embody Hopper’s commitment to excellence and leadership in engineering education.
“Dr. Hopper was more than a professor or dean, he was a mentor to many of the engineering students,” Sinclair Belgrave Energy CEO Terry Welch said. “I credit him, not just for supporting me while I was at Lamar, but being a trusted confidant throughout my career. As the current chair of the College of Engineering Advisory Council, I clearly see that the Lamar reputation with industry partners was established and continues because of Dr Hopper.”
To establish an endowed scholarship with Lamar University, visit https:// www.lamar.edu/advancement/index. html.
— April Thompson Lamar University