Lopez, Sanchez Thankful for Villarreal Scholarship

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Earlier this year, Anderson University started the Berenice Villarreal Endowed Scholarship Fund after the generous gift of an anonymous donor. The scholarship assists students from Latin America, other international students, or students who are immigrants to the U.S.

Abby Sanchez

Ulises Paz Lopez ’25 and Abigail Sanchez ’24 are the first AU students to earn the scholarship, and both have experienced the blessings of financial aid to continue their education.

“This scholarship means that I am able to go to the school I want to and that someone cares about me and what I am doing,” said Sanchez. “They believe in me enough to financially support me.”

“The Villarreal Scholarship has given me peace of mind knowing that I can use that money to help pay for textbooks, classroom fees, food plans, and more,” said Lopez.

Ulises Paz Lopez

​Both Lopez and Sanchez have endured life through the COVID-19 pandemic and are experiencing their first “normal” year of college. Through the gifts of generous donors, AU has recently updated several spaces on campus and Lopez says it’s a highlight of his experience.

“​​During my time at Anderson University, I have had the privilege to utilize the renovated facilities such as the cafeteria, classrooms, and engineering equipment and supplies,” said Lopez. “It is amazing to see the progress Anderson University has made and I am eager to see what the future holds here.”

Sanchez came to AU from Lake Wales, Florida, to study psychology, while Lopez is from Decatur Township in Indiana and is studying mechanical engineering. While neither student knows the donor that has helped them financially, they are both grateful for the opportunities they are now afforded.

“I would tell the donor ‘thank you for believing in me and supporting me,’” said Sanchez. “I know finances have been tough for everyone the past couple of years and I am so thankful that they would donate to me.”

“To the donor of the Berenice Villarreal scholarship, I would like to sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart,” said Lopez. “It has allowed me to focus on my education and not worry about how I’m going to pay for college.”

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.