From Honduras to Maryland With Honors: English Major Kevin Lopez Cruz Leads With Purpose

When Kevin Lopez Cruz arrived in Maryland as a child, he carried more than a suitcase. He brought a deep appreciation for education, culture and language, values that continue to guide his path today. Now an English major in the Department of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies, he has built a record of leadership and scholarship that reflects resilience, curiosity and gratitude. 

Lopez Cruz says reading, more specifically, engagement with the arts, shaped his early years and continues to influence how he thinks and connects with others.

“Self-education built my discipline and perspective,” he said. “It taught me to think critically and engage with people from all backgrounds.”

He chose English because it touches nearly every field, from archival research to academic publishing to government policy. It allows him to explore civic life and storytelling at the same time. 

His path to Bowie began with an email to a professor while he was still in high school. At the time, personal challenges had taken a toll on his GPA, which limited his college options. But, that professor encouraged him to apply to Bowie, describing the university’s culture of close mentorship and personal connection.

“He told me that at an HBCU I would get more one-on-one attention from professors who truly did care about my growth, intellectual and otherwise,” Lopez Cruz said. “He was absolutely right.” 

He credits the Department of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies and advisor Dr. Horacio Sierra for helping him discover his potential. Through Sierra’s guidance, Lopez Cruz earned the James Patterson Scholarship twice, a competitive award funded by the world-renowned author to support English students with strong promise.

“That scholarship changed everything,” Lopez Cruz said. “It allowed me to focus on learning and give back to my family and community.” 

Lopez Cruz has also become a leader on campus and beyond since enrolling in fall 2024. He is the first Bowie student to serve as an observer on the Maryland State Education Association Board of Directors, the largest teachers’ union in the state. He also holds a position as co-director of diversity, equity and inclusion on the University System of Maryland Student Council. Both roles allow him to represent student voices and advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity across sectors.

“Representation matters,” he said. “Bowie gives me a platform to show that identity is a strength and a way to shape the conversation.”

He’s since also been appointed to roles in city and county government, where he met Samantha Howard, a major role model: “Samantha for me embodies a lot of the work I’d like to advance in my career.” 

He recently led the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, an event honoring Latino contributions to education and public service, which took place at Bowie State. The program featured Maryland Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee and the highest-ranking Latina in the Maryland General Assembly. The event, organized with Bowie faculty and students, reflected Lopez Cruz’s commitment to bringing people together and amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Lopez Cruz says Bowie provides a strong sense of belonging.

“My professors know my story, they check in and they challenge me to grow,” he said.

That connection, along with recognition in the department newsletter and continued encouragement from faculty, has motivated him through challenging moments.

“Last year, that encouragement kept me going,” he said. “My work was seen and celebrated, and that mattered.” 

Looking ahead, Lopez Cruz plans to graduate early and pursue a PhD in English with a focus on rhetoric, education and civic engagement. His advice for other students reflects the lessons he has lived.

“Do not underestimate persistence or your own potential; your circumstances today do not dictate your success tomorrow,” he said. “Keep learning, keep showing up and surround yourself with people who see your potential. That is what Bowie did for me.” 

Lopez Cruz’s journey demonstrates the strength of Bowie State’s community where faculty support, scholarship opportunity and student determination work together to create success that reaches far beyond the classroom.