From an Aggie cadet chasing a degree to a storied entrepreneur in Dallas, James T. "Jim" Hopper Sr. ’68 has enjoyed a successful career thanks to his roots at Texas A&M University. Jim now hopes to support the future of other engineering students by providing them with opportunities they may not have believed were possible.
A Clear Choice
Jim’s journey to Texas A&M began when he made a deal with his father that would shape the course of Jim’s life. "I’m going to let you go to any school in the Southwest Conference," his father told him, "except I’ll pay your way to A&M.” For Jim, the choice was clear, and Aggieland became his new home.
Arriving at the College Station campus, Jim, like all freshman cadets, was allowed to bring only a single personal item. With his footlocker in hand, he stepped into the dorms and was immediately confronted with the disciplined world of the Corps of Cadets. “Hey! Get over here! What are you doing in the hallway?” an upperclassman cadet barked, marking the beginning of a college experience that would be anything but typical.
Jim was the first in his family to pursue higher education. The scholastic challenges he faced were immense, but they only fueled his determination to succeed. Graduating with his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, Jim commissioned to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
After completing his service and marrying his wife Kathleen, Jim started his Dallas-based company Megahertz Technology, Inc in the early 1970s. A leader in his field, Jim steered Megahertz to become a successful developer of wireless communication services to both the public and private sector. While molding his career, Jim chased an MBA at Texas A&M, which developed his business knowledge and skill.
For Jim, being an Aggie has opened doors he never imagined. "You just don't know how being an Aggie will have you getting into doors you wouldn't have gotten into," he said.
Sharing a love for exploring, Jim and Kathleen have joined several Traveling Aggies trips, which are hosted by The Association of Former Students. Adventuring to historic cities and diverse countries, Jim and Kathleen built strong friendships with fellow travelers.
“One of our favorite parts about visiting these places is getting to travel with our friend, Jennifer Bohac,” Jim said. “The energy she brings allows us to explore the world and embrace Aggie camaraderie.”
Even while abroad, the Aggie spirit is a constant in his life, a reminder of the values he learned during his time at Texas A&M—values that continue to guide him today.
The Power of a Gift
Jim's commitment to Texas A&M and his desire to see future generations of engineers thrive led him and Kathleen to create the Kathleen A. and James T. Hopper ’68 Endowed Scholarship in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. Through this scholarship, Jim aims to provide students with the same opportunities he once had — opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
"My biggest hope is that I was able to get them [scholarship recipients] an education where they couldn't have done it on their own," Jim said. This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a foundation for a successful engineering career, offering students a chance to excel in a field that Jim knows is vital for the future.
"It would really make me feel honored to see other people succeed," Jim said. "When you get to actually see it happen, it's wonderful."
Jim's passion for engineering and his connection to Texas A&M are evident in everything he does. "Anytime you love what you're doing, you will find success in your ventures," he said, a sentiment that has clearly rung true in his own life.
As Jim looks back on his journey from cadet to entrepreneur, he hopes to inspire the next generation of Aggie engineers, giving them the same opportunities that helped him achieve his goals. Through his scholarship, Jim ensures that his legacy at Texas A&M will continue, fostering a new wave of engineers who will carry the Aggie spirit into the future.
The Kathleen A. and James T. Hopper ’68 Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) or Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology (MXET) from Brooks, Cameron, Duvall, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Nueces, Starr, Webb, Willacy or Zapata county.