Scholarship renamed for State Board of Education member

Grand Valley leaders introduced a a renamed scholarship and new endowment fundraising partnership that honors Lupe Ramos-Montigny, West Michigan leader and member of the Michigan State Board of Education.

The announcement was made in October during the annual Hispanic Scholarship and Awards Gala held at the Eberhard Center. 

President Thomas J. Haas said the scholarship was established to honor Ramos-Montigny's "work and dedication to education in the West Michigan community and statewide."

Current Grand Valley students Christopher Lopez and Jessica Solis received the scholarship. Both participated in Laker Familia, an orientation and support program for Latino students and their families.

Ramos-Montigny spent much of her career as a teacher and building principal for Grand Rapids Public Schools, retiring in 2008. She was elected to the State Board of Education in 2012. Active in politics and the community, she was the first Latina to hold an office in the Michigan Democratic Party and she helped establish the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez.

Ramos-Montigny was honored the scholarship fund was named for her and said the work and legacy of Chávez continues in West Michigan.

"It's the individuals and students recognized, along with everyone supporting this important event, that espouse César’s hard work and philosophy," she said. "By coming together for this cause, we continue to perpetuate his legacy for the entire community, not just Hispanics.”