For hundreds of parenting students at Long Beach State, Luz Lopez has helped to provide the support they need in order to achieve their academic goals. Since joining the Isabel Paterson Child Development Center (IPCDC) as the eligibility specialist in 2002, Luz has worked with hundreds of families in order to determine how ASI and the IPCDC can best suit their needs.

“These days, childcare is just too expensive,” she explained. “For a great number of students, the IPCDC takes that overwhelming weight off their shoulders and allows them to focus on their education at the university.”

Since entering as a freshman in 1997, Luz has had a deep connection to Long Beach State. She recalls working at the Candy Counter, now called the Candy Corner, for two years. She also worked at the ASI Business Office for her final two years as a student assistant, the start of a long-lasting relationship with the organization.

“This university is like a second home to me,” she stated. “I’m so lucky to have been raised here in Long Beach, educated here and working so close to home. Eventually I might come back to the classroom to get my master’s, but for now, I’m comfortable exactly where I am.”

Having had a daughter go through the IPCDC’s various programs, a son currently in the program and another son coming close to the age of enrollment, Luz’s appreciation for the IPCDC goes beyond her role as eligibility specialist. She admires the center’s affordability and commitment to high standards, which she credits to her colleagues’ work ethic and passion for what they do.

For Luz, working at the IPCDC was one of the easiest decisions she has ever made. With a degree in child development, a four-year history with ASI and a profound passion for helping others, she is where she wants to be, and the numerous people she has helped would say the same.

“Watching parents grow parallel to their children is truly special,” she remarked. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing parenting students and alumni achieve their goals in school, their careers and beyond. That’s what makes the Child Development Center an incredibly fulfilling place to work.”

Luz Lopez was awarded the Essential Piece of the Puzzle during the January ASI employee assembly. As a part of ASI’s commitment to uplifting customer service, each month all full-time staff participates and votes in this monthly employee of the month program.