Transtecs Corporation Endowed Scholarship

Godwin and Margaret Opara migrated from Nigeria to the United States in 1977 and 1980, respectively, in search of educational and business opportunities. After receiving a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Dr. Godwin Opara took a position with Boeing. There he worked while raising a family of five and pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering.

Dr. Opara’s experience with various military programs at Boeing and Lockheed, led to his founding of Transtecs Corporation in 1988, headquartered in Wichita. As president and vice president of finance, Dr. and Mrs. Opara grew the company into a major provider of products, services and solutions for aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, military and other federal government agencies.

Throughout their 15 years living in Wichita, the Oparas developed a strong relationship with the surrounding community and WSU. Mrs. Opara received a degree in accounting from WSU in 1992 and two of their children are WSU graduates with degrees in mechanical engineering and chemistry. The Oparas are active with the growing number of families from Nigeria in Wichita and involved with their church and the Kansas African-American Museum. This general scholarship, on behalf of Transtecs, shows the couples’ continuing belief in higher education and concern for struggling students.