The Lori Cardenas Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the memory of the longtime employee of Texas A&M University.
Cardenas, who began working for the university in 1989, passed away March 31, 2015.
The majority of Cardenas’ career was spent in what is now the Engineering Academic and Student Affairs office within the Dwight Look College of Engineering. She served in various positions during her more than 20-year career with the Look College including managing programs to enhance access and inclusion for women and underrepresented populations in engineering. At the time of her death, Cardenas was a senior program specialist. In this position, she was responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting data for the college.
Cardenas was well respected for her work ethic, integrity and dependability and was recognized for her dedication and hard work through several awards: Staff Excellence Award (2014); President’s Meritorious Service Award (2009); and the Outstanding Support Staff Achievement Award (1992).
“Lori was more than a colleague, she was a good friend,” said Valerie Taylor, senior associate dean for academic affairs. “She truly cared about the Look College and the success of engineering students, always raising important issues based upon data analysis. This scholarship is a wonderful way to honor her memory by providing funding for successful engineering students, which was her passion.”
Proceeds from the endowment will provide one or more scholarships to full-time students in good standing pursuing an undergraduate degree from the Look College.
Contributions to the Lori Cardenas Memorial Scholarship can be made through the Texas A&M Foundation.