The Al and Judy Lopez Scholarship Endowment

Al Lopez shared a deep passion for giving back to his community, along with his wife and partner in service, Judy Lopez. The Al and Judy Lopez Scholarship Endowment was established to honor Judy and Al’s unwavering servant leadership, passion to create more equitable educational opportunities for all students, and the incredible impact Al Lopez had during his decade-long service to IDEA.

Like so many IDEA alumni, Al was not only the first in his family to graduate from college, he was the first in his family to graduate high school. The impact education and a college diploma had on his own life shaped his deep commitment to IDEA’s mission of College for All. Contributing to IDEA’s scholarship fund is how Al and Judy personally chose to philanthropically support IDEA’s mission. We are honored to establish a means for Al’s impact on IDEA scholars to continue through an annual $10,000 scholarship award to students who embody the following tenets that Al held in high regard and are reflective of his legacy.

Integrity – As pillars in their community, Judy and Al’s deep faith have guided all their decisions and actions to be made with integrity. At IDEA, we see this in the way Al has led by example, setting the bar high to do the right thing for kids even when it is hard for adults.

Quiet Generosity – Judy and Al’s leadership in their community will be forever characterized by an enduring and quiet generosity. The Lopez family gave freely their time, talent, and treasure to causes they knew would have life-changing impact on those who needed support the most.

Determination – Al’s determination for excellence and hard work defined his ability to succeed not only as a first-generation college student, but also as the first Hispanic baseball player to a receive a scholarship at University of Arizona, a finance executive, husband, father, and grandfather.

The IDEA Team & Family is forever grateful and stronger because of the transformational leadership Al provided as Board Chair, Acting Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. With the support of Judy and the Lopez family, the Al and Judy Lopez Scholarship Endowment fund will continue Al’s legacy of commitment to the IDEA mission for many years to come.

Inaugural scholarships were issued to the Class of 2022 through the generosity of members of the Al and Judy Lopez Scholarship Endowment’s Legacy Giving Circle.