Normand endowed scholarship establishes legacy for future teachers

Monica Mendoza Galvan and Guadalupe “Lupe” Gomez Normand have established the George Richard Normand and Lupe Gomez Normand Endowed Scholarship to benefit students in Texas State University’s College of Education.

A portion of the gift is designated for immediate scholarship awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The scholarship is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in the College of Education to become teachers. Those currently student teaching to complete their teacher certification are also eligible. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. 

Lupe Gomez Normand and her late husband, George Normand, lived in Wimberley. They loved the natural beauty of the area but also loved the idea of nurturing future generations as they learned more about their community and Texas State. Their connection to Texas State grew into a vision: to create a lasting impact on education.

Lupe, alongside her niece Monica Galvan, turned this vision into reality by establishing the endowment to provide scholarships for aspiring teachers facing financial hurdles.

“It’s about passing the torch,” Lupe said. “George would have been thrilled to see this dream come to life.”

The endowment isn’t just about financial aid—it’s a lifeline for students on the cusp of their teaching careers. It also extends a helping hand to those navigating the crucial student teaching phase, a make-or-break period for budding educators.

“We’re not just funding education,” Lupe said. “We’re investing in the future of our communities, one teacher at a time.”

As TXST continues to pursue R1 Carnegie Classification as a national research university, gifts like the Normands’ play a pivotal role. They’re not just changing individual lives; they’re reshaping the landscape of education in Texas and beyond.