Donor focus: Barbara Lopez

Barbara Lopez is a life-long learner, dedicated volunteer, mentor, and avid traveler. Her path to her UNM degree in computer science in 1986 may have taken a non-traditional path, earned after she had married and while also working full-time for the government, but she says that hard work changed her life and allowed her to have a rich and varied career in information technology.

Indeed, Lopez has enjoyed working in a variety of positions through the years, including for Science and Engineering Associates, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the director of IT infrastructure at PNM, and the senior director of IT at the New Mexico Gas Company. Currently, she is IT program manager at PNM Resources.

Beyond her dedication to her career in IT management, Lopez has an equally long list of volunteer and community service involvement, youth and career mentorship, leadership and social groups, and hobbies she enjoys. She has also served on the UNM School of Engineering Alumni Advisory Board and was keynote speaker for the fall 2019 School of Engineering Convocation.

How did you choose to give back to UNM?
I choose to support organizations that can make a difference for the future of our community and citizens. The UNM School of Engineering makes a difference in students’ lives by providing a solid education in important fields, like Computer Science and Engineering, so graduates can contribute to future technological improvements and advancements for our community and the world.

Why did you choose to give back to UNM?
As a UNM School of Engineering alum, I wanted to support the school where I received the degree that provided me with the wonderful opportunities and career that I have had. I am grateful for the education and knowledge I received from the UNM School of Engineering and wanted to show my appreciation and support.

What do you hope your gift will accomplish?
I hope that my gift will contribute to the many programs in the UNM School of Engineering that help draw young students to the School of Engineering, support the innovative efforts of the departments, and continue support services that help existing students with scholarships, advising, and tutoring.

Why should others consider giving back to UNM?
Others should consider giving back to UNM to help create a strong educational environment in our state that we can all be proud of, where we can recruit top professors, support innovative and exciting programs for students, and continue the long tradition of excellence.