Maria Elena Lopez Moreno Memorial Scholarship
Maria’s Story
Maria Elena Lopez Moreno, an exemplary scholar from the Imperial Valley, overcame the challenge of monolingualism with resolute determination, earning her GED at Imperial Valley College. Her dedication to community health led her to become a compassionate health worker, deeply connecting with patients across the Imperial Valley.
Recognizing her potential, clinic director Manuel Gonzalez urged Maria Elena to pursue higher education. Maria excelled at Chaffey Community College, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Her master's thesis on sexual assault among women farmworkers, conducted at California State University, Long Beach, earned her international acclaim, with presentations at prestigious venues like Oxford and conferences in Mexico and China.
Maria Elena's passion for education led her to become the first full-time Latina faculty member at Mt. San Jacinto College. Over three decades, she left an enduring mark, not only as a dedicated Psychology teacher but also as a symbol of empowerment for the Latina/o community. From co-creating the Honors Enrichment Program to fostering connections with influential figures like Terrence Roberts, Dr. Raul Ruiz, and Philip Zimbardo, Maria Elena paved the way for others to follow her trailblazing path.
Maria Elena Lopez Moreno served as a psychology faculty member at MSJC for more than 30 years.
Invitation to Donate
Maria Elena's journey as an educator, leader, and role model stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, proving that with determination and compassion, one can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success. Throughout her illustrious career, Maria touched the lives of many students, instilling in them the belief that they could achieve greatness. Her inspiring narrative, teaching style, and unwavering support nurtured a generation of leaders. Maria’s students have gone on to become elementary school teachers, entrepreneurs, administrators, campaign consultants, physical therapists, lawyers, and many other occupations.
We invite you to be a part of a transformative initiative—the Maria Elena Lopez Moreno Memorial Scholarship, dedicated to preserving and extending her remarkable legacy at Mt. San Jacinto College. This scholarship symbolizes the perpetuation of hope and the pursuit of greatness for all students, just as Maria Elena envisioned.
Click on Donate to contribute online.
Contact Aimee Bravo (abravo@msjc.edu) at the MSJC Foundation if you have any questions.