Dr. John Thoppil ’97 has always known what he wants out of life: to become a doctor, to join the Air Force and to be an Aggie — just not necessarily in that order. Having achieved those goals, he now wants the opportunity to change a student’s life.
“I went to A&M on a President’s Endowed Scholarship, and I was blessed enough to not incur any debt,” he said. “I went to medical school, and that was paid for by the Air Force, and so it was always important for me to figure out a way to give back.”
Thoppil decided to establish the Drs. Nimmi and John J. Thoppil ’97-1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandegrift ’03 Memorial Scholarship in partnership with the Vandegrift Family Foundation (VFF), to help one or more undergraduate students in good standing studying in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The foundation is named for Matthew R. Vandegrift ’03, a United States Marine and Texas A&M international business graduate who died in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008. The VFF was created to honor his memory and grant scholarships for students from Vandegrift High School, which is in Austin, to attend Texas A&M. The high school was named for Matthew in 2009.
“My son will be starting high school at Vandegrift, and the story of Matthew is just one of a true American hero,” Thoppil said. “He grew up in a military family, was a bright kid and graduated summa cum laude, then served his country and was unfortunately killed in action in Iraq. Honestly, giving in his name is important. I have so much respect for the military and A&M, and I thought this was a nice way to honor his legacy.”
Unlike Vandegrift, Thoppil didn’t come from a military family. A first-generation American, his parents moved from India to complete their residency, and Thoppil grew up in Killeen, near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood).
“Even though I didn’t grow up in a military family, I grew up in a military community,” he said. “That culture certainly rubbed off on me and is a big reason why I always wanted to serve.”
It was while in this military community Thoppil said he realized he wanted to attend Texas A&M.
“While in high school, we came to Texas A&M every year for a science event, and every time I would come, it felt like a community, like a small town,” he said. “I always felt at home. A&M was the only school I applied to.”
Thoppil studied biochemistry in preparation for medical school. After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force and then attended Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and served his country as a physician in the Air Force.
Today, he has his own obstetrics and gynecology practice in Austin.
“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor,” he said. “I love my job because this is the only specialty where you’re surgical but you are also primary care, so there’s the continuity to the relationship. That’s really special.”
Building relationships is one of the many things Thoppil loves about Texas A&M.
“Aggies are really good people,” he said. “There’s a selflessness in becoming an Aggie, and I think the military culture and the idea of serving others is ingrained into the entire school. That’s why people are so proud to be there.”
Thoppil hopes this gift affords more people the chance to also become Aggies and experience a unique and service-oriented campus.
“I’m hoping to give opportunity,” he said. “I was able to get out of college without any debt, and I believe that helped me get to where I am today. I just want to level the playing field for as many people as I can.”
He’s also hoping his son will get to experience the Aggie spirit firsthand.
“My son knows he can go anywhere he wants, but there’s only one school I’ll pay for,” he joked. “But in all seriousness, graduating from A&M opens the door to whatever you want. It’s one of the best values in the country.”