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Texas Lutheran University Names 2024 Family of the Year

Every year, Texas Lutheran University celebrates the supportive role families play in the lives of their students by selecting one Family of the Year. The family can be made up of parents, spouses, partners, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins—but whatever their shape or size, they are a group who has gathered around and faithfully upheld the TLU student in their midst.

This year, the Lopez family will be honored during the Homecoming football game as TLU’s 2024 Family of the Year.

Parents Juan and Maria have three daughters. Samantha graduated TLU in 2016, Michelle is midway through her sophomore year and studying business administration, and Amanda enjoys visiting campus.

Michelle, who nominated her family for the honor, says “Being named Family of the Year holds many meanings! It’s often seen as recognition of the love, support, and bonds within a family. For me, it’s about appreciating everything my parents and sisters have done for me. As a child of two immigrant parents, they inspire me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. My two older sisters, always cheering me on, remind me of how we’ve lifted each other through tough times and celebrated our achievements together. From my family’s perspective, this honor highlights the strength of our bonds and the value we place on our relationships.”

Both Michelle and older sister Samantha are TLU First Gen students. Their parents, Mexican immigrants whose education ended at the middle school level, “praise TLU every single day for changing their daughters’ lives,” Michelle says, adding that her parents believe that TLU has given them opportunities that they could not have found elsewhere.

The family is closeknit. “They have been with me through thick and thin, unconditionally loved me, and celebrated all my successes in college, Michelle says, adding, “In Lopez’s view, being named the Family of the Year symbolizes the value, motivation, and joy we find in our connections with one another.”