Lopez is working toward an associate in science degree and is also in the first cohort of WCC’s Community College Collaboration (C3) dual-enrollment, dual-admission program with NC State University. He currently serves in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was recently promoted to Corporal of Marines.
Additionally, Lopez is a member of WCC’s Multicultural Club, Science Club, and Scholars of Global Distinction, where he also serves on the leadership team. He has volunteered on campus in multiple aspects, including hosting a campus Bible study, helping Mexican citizens receive documentation during the Consulate General of Mexico’s visit, and appearing at events as Billy the Bison, WCC’s mascot.
“A leader is someone who can encourage others, think of others before themselves, and show compassion,” Lopez wrote in an essay on leadership. “WCC and the people around me have allowed me to grow more as a leader by finding ways to help, listen, guide, and encourage my peers so that they can be leaders as well.”
Lopez will receive a plaque for the award at WCC’s Student Recognition Ceremony.
Award finalists and their programs are Shalon Dunlap – Business Administration, Ryan Gilmore – Applied Animal Science Technology (Special Credit), De’Rontae Lee – Human Services Technology, and Michael Rarick – Business Administration.
