Stephanie Lopez Earns AAUW Award at VSU

Stephanie Lopez of Pelham, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2023-2024 American Association of University Women Award. She is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU, and Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs.

VALDOSTA — Stephanie Lopez of Pelham, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2023-2024 American Association of University Women Award.

Lopez was recognized during VSU’s annual Academic Honors and Awards Dinner on April 25.

The American Association of University Women Award is presented to a female student with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5 who has demonstrated talents for intellectual growth and leadership through her involvement in clubs, organizations, projects, and/or work experience throughout her time at VSU.

“I feel honored to receive this prestigious award and an honorary membership to the AAUW,” she said. “I love to see women triumph. I advocate for the younger generation of girls by empowering them and dedicating my time to their education.”

The AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

Lopez graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders and an Honors College Certificate. She will continue her education at VSU and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders. 

Highlights of Lopez’s time as a student at VSU include the following:

- Presenting “Acoustic Properties of Connected Speech” at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference and VSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium and winning first place in poster presentation and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Student Research Award.

- Working at AmeriTherapy Services and as a peer alliance learning facilitator for the VSU Academic Support Center, where she provided collaborative learning sessions for students to review course content, ask questions, and connect with peers.

- Being named a Jennett Scholar, the highest scholarship awarded to students at VSU.

- Serving as a big sister to middle school girls during the AAUW’s Sister-to-Sister Summit.

- Volunteering and serving the community through the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, the Wesley Foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, Disciple Now, and other organizations and being awarded the College Assistance Migrant Program Community Service Award.  

Her supportive family includes father Ramon Lopez, mother Isabel Lopez, and sister Jasmine Lopez. She said they “have been my strongest support in every season of my life. From my family, I have learned the true meaning of unity and to always persevere to be the best and give the best of myself in everything I do. I am extremely thankful for everyone God has placed in my life. I give all the glory to God.”