James L. Waters, H'93
On what makes Northeastern University an important part of his life: “I never attended Northeastern, but I hired a lot of Northeastern engineers. And they were very good, in the sense that I think the most important thing about an employee is his attitude. If they have a good attitude, you can always find a place for them.”
Listen to the full clip.
On his involvement with the Barnett Institute: “And again, it was just such a practical thing. A university with an institute dedicated to analytical chemistry. There wasn’t anyplace else in the world that had that. Northeastern has done the practical kinds of things. Good for the ordinary person.”
Listen to the full clip.
On the changes he has witnessed at Northeastern University: “It was just a very practical, working person’s university. Growing out of the YMCA and it has just changed so much since then. I think the big thing is—you did a very good job with entrepreneurial students, students who are going to be entrepreneurs, and engineers.”
Listen to the full clip.
Jim in a recent visit to Northeastern's Alumni Center.
On how Northeastern has made a positive impact on society: “There were a lot of people who were bright enough, who’s families could never afford to send them to a university full time. But they could live at home. They could come to night school.”
Listen to the full clip.
On the changes to the Northeastern campus: “The minus is it would be very easy to lose the things that are so good about Northeastern and become just like every other university. The good thing is, if you can keep your culture you will be appealing to a larger group of students.”
Listen to the full clip.
Jim with his wife, Faith.
On the James L. Waters Chair in Analytical Chemistry: “It just seemed like a grant to Northeastern was worthwhile. They said—Oh, well, why don’t we create a chair for you. So I said okay.”
Listen to the full clip.
On the role of university trustees: “A trustee’s role at a university is probably more of a guardian role. In other words, if for some reason the university is going to be impractical or just go way off, the trustees are likely to try to bring them back.”
Listen to the full clip.
On changes he had an impact on as a trustee: “So, I could be, it wasn’t even a cheerleader, it was just a solid supporter of, remember Northeastern is different, let’s not try to be like other universities. Let’s make sure we keep our message and let’s be good at it.”
Listen to the full clip.
Jim, who grew up in Nebraska, sits outside wearing a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Huskers hat.
On the role Northeastern has played in his life: “It’s been a nice experience. I enjoy the people. They are good people. It’s just a joy.”
Listen to the full clip.
On what makes him proud to be involved with Northeastern: “I think I’ve delivered a few benefits. And it’s always nice when your…the older you get, the nicer it is to look back and say—I delivered some benefits. I made a difference.”
Listen to the full clip.
This interview is available in its entirety in the Northeastern University Archives. Photos: Jim Waters and University Advancement Office. Compiled by Jessica Melanson.
Biography
James L. Waters is an entrepreneur and industry pioneer who received an honorary degree from Northeastern in 1993. He is the founder of Waters Corporation, an instrument company that started as a research boutique building instruments to specification and grew into a billion dollar business serving scientists all over the world.