Higher Ed Utah

Growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sergio Lopez’s father could only go so far in his education. He wanted better for his son.

“He wanted to be somebody in life, that’s what he always told me,” Lopez said. “That’s what keeps me going, because I want to be somebody too.”

Lopez, a football standout at Hunter High in West Valley City, will take his next step this fall when he enrolls at the University of Utah to study engineering. He plans to attend for one year, then go on a mission for the Mormon church before returning.

Lopez was one of several students recently awarded scholarships from private donors or the U.’s alumni association and recognized at Partners in the Park, an event held each summer at parks throughout Salt Lake City’s west side. It’s the U.’s attempt to reach kids in Glendale, Rose Park and other low income neighborhoods.

Read the entire article at deseretnews.com.