Rocky Lopes: UMD Class of 1980
Meet Rocky, a dedicated UMD alum from 1975 to 1980, who has a remarkable journey to share. As a freshman, Rocky actively sought ways to become involved in campus life, driven by a desire to make UMD more than just a place for classes.
In his 1975 first semester, Campus Activities Director Dru Bagwell invited him to join the Homecoming Committee. In 1977, Rocky made history as the first commuter student to serve as Homecoming Chair. His commitment didn't stop there; he went on to found the Student Alumni Board in 1978 (known today as the Student Alumni Leadership Council), all through connections made with campus mentors like Joan Patterson and Dru Bagwell.
Thriving as an engaged commuter, Rocky's involvement continued to flourish. He participated in three more student organizations, including University Sing, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and was elected as a Commuter Legislator on the '79 SGA.
Rocky's mission is to inspire commuter students to make campus feel like "home" by engaging in student organizations. He believes the skills he gained through student leadership, such as organization, presiding over meetings, activity planning, budgeting, conflict resolution, and networking, played a pivotal role in his successful 42-year career. As a gesture of gratitude, Rocky has endowed scholarships at UMCP.
