As a new school year begins, we want to wish our López Scholars, their families, and our university partners a wonderful year ahead filled with growth,?possibilities, and lasting relationships. Happy Back-to-School Season!
As students return to campus and 75 new López Scholars begin their higher education journeys, I want to take a moment to share reflections on the conversations held with Scholars and our university partners over the last several weeks. I had the opportunity to attend orientations at 3 new partner universities in San Antonio last week. The best part of those meetings with new López Scholars and their families is hearing their personal stories. One young man approached me and told me he is an aspiring international business major from a rural community who is excited about his future prospects. A young woman from Brownsville shared how she moved far away from her family to go to the school of her dreams and she wouldn’t have been able to do it without the scholarship. Her brothers and sisters are watching her closely. I also met a young woman from Austin and her parents, who are first-generation Americans with roots in Monterrey, Mexico. The story of Gloria's father, Dr. Jose García, and his Mexican roots resonated strongly with them. The stories were endless, but across Scholars and parents, they all had one thing in common - they are seeking a better future and they know that a university education is the key to that success. These are the individuals and dreams that my aunt and uncle envisioned supporting when they founded the Hector and Gloria López Foundation. To López Scholars and your parents, I see your resilience and strength. Never forget that you belong here, and we are eager to see all you will accomplish. To our partner universities, thank you for being stewards of education and committed to our shared mission and the mission each of you serve.
