Dr. Jack R. Hopper Memorial Scholarship established

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. 

Dr. 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."  

Dr. 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.  

“Dr. Hopper loved Lamar and the many students that he helped achieve a better life through education. It was a great pleasure knowing him as a friend and colleague and having the opportunity to donate a scholarship fund in his name,” Dr. Victor Zaloom, professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at LU, said.   

Reflecting on their long-standing friendship and professional collaboration, Dr. Zaloom fondly recalled Dr. Hopper’s friendship.   

“I first met Dr. Jack Hopper when I came to Lamar in 1981 to interview for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. Dr. Hopper was professor and chair of Chemical Engineering at the time. He took me to dinner on my first evening in Beaumont. We have been friends and colleagues ever since until his passing,” Zaloom said. “Dr. Hopper served as Dean of Engineering and asked me to serve as his Associate Dean of Engineering which I did for many years. We ate lunch together most workdays, and as I used to say: ‘we discussed and solved the problems of the world’.”  

The $15,000 scholarship named in his honor will benefit full-time undergraduate and graduate engineering students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. It seeks to support students who embody Dr. Hopper's commitment to excellence and leadership in engineering education.  

The scholarship not only honors Dr. Hopper's legacy but also highlights the profound impact he had on his students' lives, both academically and professionally.  

“Dr. Hopper was more than a professor or dean, he was a mentor to many of the engineering students,” CEO of Sinclair Belgrave Energy 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.