Like many people interested in physics and astronomy, George Mitchell is a fan of the world-famous Cambridge University theorist and professor. A former student of Hawking’s, Christopher Pope connected the philanthropist and the physicist which resulted in the establishment of the George P. and Cynthia W. Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics.  Hawking delivered a celebrated series of lectures at Texas A&M in conjunction with the Institute’s inaugural event.

Holder of the Stephen Hawking Chair in Fundamental Physics, Pope’s expertise is string theory, which, like Einstein’s  theory of relativity, eexplores the fundamental laws governing the universe. Thanks to the Mitchells’ endowment, Pope remains at Texas A&M.

World-caliber scientists like Pope attract outstanding faculty and students. Graduate student Zhiwei Chong left his native China to pursue his doctoral studies at Texas A&M although he had offers from seven American universities. What drew him here was the opportunity to study with Pope, whom Chong considers the best in the field; Chong’s research is supported through Pope’s chair. The Mitchells’ vision and generosity made it all possible.