UNCSA announces ‘Hector Manuel Lopez, Jr. Memorial Scholarship’ to honor late Dining Services staff member

UNCSA has announced the establishment of the Hector Manuel Lopez, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, to honor a beloved Dining Services staff member who passed away on June 12. Established by longtime UNCSA supporters Bill and Judy Watson, the scholarship is named in the memory of Lopez and reflects the joy and interest Lopez had in supporting the academic, personal and creative success of UNCSA student artists.

It is a needs-based scholarship open to students in any field of study at UNCSA.

Chancellor Brian Cole at Party on the Plaza / Photo: Jennifer Scheib

Chancellor Brian Cole announced the new scholarship at the university’s Party on the Plaza, an annual event to mark the kickoff of the school year. The event included a celebration of Lopez and the opportunity for those who knew Lopez to share memories.

“When you walk into the Dining Hall you will be walking into a place that honors Hector Lopez,” said Chancellor Brian Cole. “He cared so much about our students, he cared so much about their well-being, about their development as people, about their development as artists, and I know there’s nothing he’d want more than to serve and help those students forever.”

Hector Manuel Lopez Jr. / Photo: David Hillegas

The UNCSA Board of Trustees recently formally approved the naming of UNCSA’s Dining Hall in memory of Lopez, who was a cherished member of the Dining Services team for more than a dozen years. Lopez started at UNCSA in the Pickle Jar, a snack bar, and his services were soon requested in the Dining Hall. His dishes made at the “Hector’s Home Cooking” station at the Chef’s Table were favorites.