Lopez Memorial Scholarship

The Ted S. Lopez Memorial Scholarship was endowed through the University of New Mexico Foundation in June of 2017 in honor of Ted Lopez, US Navy Veteran, and UNM alumnus. This was established by Ted’s daughter, wife, & sons, with the help of generous friends/family/donors.

2021-2022

Due to the challenging times many faced during these recent academic years, and the excellence of the applications received, the Lopez family decided to provide financial support to 10  veterans attending the University of New Mexico between 2020–2022!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS!

Cory Henn

Chloe Orange

Crystal Baca

Jorge Edjuardo Vallecillo 


2020-2021

Amanda Giraldo 

United States Army

Nursing School

3rd Year

 

 

 

Derek Metzgar

United States Coast Guard

Bachelor of Science: Physical Education

Graduated May 2021

 

 
Ramon Owens

United States Navy

Bachelor of Arts: Physical Education


Sophomore

 

Nickolas DeSantis

United States Air Force

Secondary Education

Graduating May 2022

 

Laura Gonzales

United States Army

Master of Arts in Organization, Information, Learning Science: Organization Development and Human Resource Development

Graduating May 2022


2019-2020 RECIPIENTS:

Jennifer Mendoza-Badilla
United States Air Force
Bachelor of Business Administration: Human Resources
Junior

Ryan K. Stairs
United States Army
Double Majoring in Bachelors of Science: Astrophysics  & Earth & Planetary Science
Senior

Jasmine Fernando
United States Marine Corps
Nursing School
Senior

2018-’19 RECIPIENTS:

Jason Kauffin
United States Army
Bachelor of Arts: History
Awarded as a 4th year 

Valentina Basile
United States Air Force
School of Law
Graduated December 2018

Timothy Beaton
United States Army
Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Minor in Communication
Awarded as a Senior- 4th year

 

 2017-2018 Inaugural Scholarship Awards

In the scholarship’s first year, financial assistance was given to three different veterans at UNM!  Congratulations to two of the recipients, Francis Valencia and Lalydia Belone who graduated from UNM in May of 2018!

2017-’18 RECIPIENTS:

Francis Valencia 

United States Navy

Bachelor of Science: Political Science

Graduated May 2018

Nicholas Larkin 
United States Navy
Medical School: Physical Therapy
Awarded in his 4th Year

Lalydia Belone 

United States Marine Corps

Bachelor of Science: Psychology

Graduated May 2018

 

 

The “Tee Off For Ted” Memorial Golf Tournament is an annual event held to amplify the level of assistance the scholarship may provide from year-to-year. Francis Valencia and his wife joined the Lopez family at the 2018 Tee Off For Ted Memorial Golf Tournament Luncheon: 

In partnership with the Veterans Resource Center, the scholarship accepts donations year-round.


~ABOUT TED S. LOPEZ~

Theodore (Ted) S. Lopez, was a loving husband to his wife of nearly 40 years, Terry, and was an incredible father to their four children; Kevin, Kenny, Keith, and Kathryn.  He was a caring son & brother, devoted co-worker, and dedicated friend.

~IN THE NAVY~

In 1971, Ted graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the College of Santa Fe. Upon graduation, Ted signed up for the United States Navy and attended Officer Candidate and Communications Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island.
He became the Communications Officer (COMMO) who ran the Communications Department that sent and received messages to and from other ships, aircraft, and shore facilities. He served on the USS Anchorage LSD-36, an amphibious support ship, where he was assigned to Pacific 3rd Fleet based out of Naval Station, San Diego, CA. He was promoted to lieutenant  j.g. and would often get his fellow crew members involved in the Catholic orphanage in San Diego.
The ongoing Vietnam conflict, the evacuation of Saigon (Operation Frequent Wind), the efforts to rescue refugees, and chasing the pirate hijacked SS Mayague were among the operations Ted helped support during his time of service.
Ted valued his years in the Navy and appreciated the camaraderie formed with his lifelong friends, Ed Alder and Chuck Johnson.
He was respected and admired by his division/entire ship’s company and returned home June 15th, 1975.

~LOBO EXPERIENCE~

Ted was always an avid Lobos fan. From being a season-ticket holder to visits to “The Pit,” he had the Lobo spirit!

He also was a life learner, always seeking opportunities to enrich himself. Thus, at the age of 62, he pursued a master’s degree, ultimately earning his Executive MBA from the UNM Anderson School of Management in October of 2013. The knowledge and friendships he made during those two years were something he deeply cherished.  Ted always told his children that one of the best decisions he ever made was going back to school, enriching himself, and getting his master’s degree. He was always loyal to the Lobos, but finally became one!

WATCH VIDEO OF TED RECEIVING HIS MBA FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO:

Upon graduation in October of 2013, he became the Director of the Small Business Development Center at UNM-Los Alamos. He consulted with New Mexico business clients in strategic planning, marketing, program management, sales, customer service, and more, to start and grow their small businesses.

He was an avid note-taker at meetings and conferences and was genuinely interested in learning how to assist his clients. Colleagues will remember him for his kindness, expertise, humility, and how he truly gave his best every day. Ted loved his job from his first day, through the rest of his life.

Ted treasured his family, enjoyed the outdoors, appreciated a variety of music, and loved traveling. He was an authentically good, intelligent, and generous man. He cared about those around him and always put others’ needs well above his own. He was the first to bring positivity to one’s day and was incredible at investing in the lives of those around him, while always remembering that it’s the little things in life and the relationships we have that truly make a difference. He treated every day as a gift. His strength, courage, sense of gratitude, faith, and love of God are an inspiration to all who knew him.

~Theodore S. Lopez |  November 9th, 1949 – June 15th, 2016~

Sign In

Skip to toolbar