“Do what is right, not what is easy,” is the advice Karl V. Hopkins ’89 shares with Bush School students. Hopkins believes these words resonate deeply with students at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, where President George H.W. Bush’s vision of developing men and women of character dedicated to serving society remains vibrant.
Hopkins has demonstrated his commitment to the Bush School by serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board and establishing an excellence endowment for the school’s Intelligence Studies Program through the 41 for 41@100 Dean’s Endowed Initiative. This program, part of the Department of International Affairs, boasts faculty with real-world experience in covert operations, counterterrorism, surveillance, counterintelligence, hostage negotiations, crisis action planning, and all-source intelligence analysis. Directed by Professor of Practice Greg Vogle, a distinguished 30-year CIA veteran, the program equips students with critical skills for national security.
Hopkins articulated the intentions of his philanthropic gift, stating, “Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. This endowment aims to support the Bush School in attracting top-tier students and helping these future public servants acquire the skills needed to lead in national security. They must apply what they learn with the character, compassion, and judgment exemplified by our 41st president.”
Hopkins, a 1989 history graduate from Texas A&M, earned his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law, and in 2012, received a graduate certificate in International Affairs with an Intelligence Emphasis from the Bush School. He furthered his education at Georgetown University, obtaining a Master of Professional Studies in Cyber Security Risk Management in 2021.
Now an internationally recognized legal advisor and partner at Steptoe, Hopkins specializes in cybersecurity, infrastructure, energy, compliance, and multinational dispute resolution. He advises clients on international strategy, security and threat analysis, and global operational risk. Hopkins has represented clients in over 50 countries and serves as incident response counsel for several global institutions, managing crises including physical security breaches, cyber incidents, insider threats, and reputational impacts.
Dr. Frank Ashley, interim dean of the Bush School, expressed gratitude for Hopkins’ gift, stating, “Karl’s active contributions to international affairs and his endowment will equip our students with the essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in intelligence and national security, vital for protecting our homeland. We are extremely grateful for Karl’s investment in our students and, consequently, the future and safety of our nation.”
Tyson Voelkel ’96, president and CEO of the Texas A&M Foundation and a Bush School graduate, stated, “The Bush School is increasingly vital in educating and inspiring future policymakers, practitioners, and selfless servants. Educated, principled, and practical leadership in public service matters to our country and its future. This fund exemplifies how philanthropy can play a role in helping democracy. Impacting national security and intelligence practitioners aligns with the Bush School’s mission, and the Texas A&M Foundation is proud to invest this gift and hopes to raise many more in support of the Bush School’s unique mission.”
Hopkins hopes more people will recognize the quality and character of Bush School students and faculty. He encourages others to consider a philanthropic gift to support these principled individuals as they play a pivotal role in our nation’s future. To support an Aggie student committed to public service, contact BushSchool.Development@tamu.edu or 979-845-7614.
