From Jimmy Shirley

August 11, 2002

Dear Dr. Doughty:

I am so pleased to hear that the scholarship program in honor of Dr. Chopra, or Dr. C as some of his students used to call him, and Omi is progressing so well.

Dr. Chopra was a major influence on my plans for the future. In fact, it was discussions with him that helped me make the decision to pursue my graduate degrees at New Mexico State University. That is a decision I never regretted.

Even so, it is my time at East Texas State University with Dr. Chopra and others that I remember most fondly. His lectures always showed his desire to explain physics as dearly as possible, and he was always available to answer questions. He was serious about teaching, and that is part of why I find the story I am about to tell about him so amusing.

It was an early morning Electricity and Magnetism class with only six or seven students, well into the semester, and we were all tired. Dr. C. came into the classroom and said "Good Morning." We all mumbled something close to "Good Morning." It was clear that we were not enthusiastic. So, Dr. C. said "What’s new?', trying to get a little enthusiasm. Nobody answered. So, he said in a slightly louder voice "You mean to tell me we're half way through the semester, and you guys still don't know that nu is c over lambda!" That woke us up. We had a great class after that.

Sincerely,

Jimmy D. Shirley, Ph.D.