Giving Back Anna & Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship
Doctors Ogden Leadership Award Endowment
After hearing a podcast on supporting small colleges that provide a pathway to opportunity for the underserved population, Rodney Lopez ’66, and his wife, Anna Lopez, established the Anna and Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship. “Teaching is a vital force in a student’s life and through this scholarship we would like to encourage more students to become teachers. It is a rewarding career choice,” Rodney Lopez said. Rodney Lopez’s college experience opened his eyes not only to academics but introduced him to the rich outdoor and historical sites in the San Luis Valley. “There were students from all over the country and I learned how the college encouraged and supported them.” He realized his passion for teaching as a student teacher at Alamosa High School, which was enhanced during his Peace Corps service. After teaching in smaller school districts in Colorado and New Mexico, Rodney Lopez completed his 37-year career with the Colorado Springs Academy School District 20. “Each was a unique and rewarding experience which I would like to encourage others to experience.” As first-generation college students, the Lopezes believe education is vitally important for people to be able to achieve their dreams. “Adams State is uniquely positioned to allow students to pursue higher education while remaining close to home.” It provides services to the area, enabling migrant children to get an education and see a brighter future. Anna Lopez, the daughter of a coal miner, especially appreciates the value of education as a path to an improved future. “We decided to contribute to Adams State to assist in its goal to serve those in the San Luis Valley.”
No matter how far they’ve roamed Denise and J.R. (Doc) Ogden remember when Adams State University was their home. Denise Ogden, Ph.D. ’90 said as a student she felt her professors really cared about her success. “My professors were also mentors that showed by example what service learning is about. They pushed me to excel.” “We recognize the value of higher education and believe that Adams State is important to the San Luis Valley economy as well as serving the higher education needs of the SLV and beyond.” And excel she did, eventually earning a doctorate and teaching for the Adams State MBA program when it first started. “In general, Adams State students are hard-working and motivated. Many are first-generation who recognize the value of higher education.” A Monte Vista High School graduate, Denise Odgen was a first-generation college student who appreciated the financial assistance from the Woodard Scholarship. She encourages current students to get involved. “Leadership development is very important for your future.” There are many clubs that provide opportunities to develop social and leadership skills. “When you graduate, your resume should show your leadership development through your course work and the clubs and activities that helped prepare you for your career.” Doc Ogden taught in the School of Business for seven years. He is currently the chair of the Board of Directors of the Council for Retail and Sales located at DeSales University of Pennsylvania. He is an emeritus professor of marketing at Kutztown University as well as CEO of the consulting firm, The Doctors Odgen Group (T-Dog). He is in demand as a public and motivational speaker. In addition, Doc has published in leading journals and is the author of nine books on business and integrated marketing communication (IMC). Denise Ogden is in her 20th year and is a professor of marketing at the Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus. Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Denise Ogden worked for D&B and the Bureau of Reclamation. She is a two-time recipient of the Lehigh
The Anna & Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship is available for full-time education majors, who are at least a sophomore and graduated from or obtained a GED from a San Luis Valley high school or institution. by Kaitlyn Kelley ’21
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