Lola Ann Salazar MA '92 | Mack Easton Distinguished Alumni Award
Apr 11, 2023Lola Salazar grew up in Denver, a product of Denver Public Schools. She married her high school sweetheart and they moved to Alamosa, Colorado. Even at the age of 18 and having just graduated, the Salazars focused on their values — to rely on each other, prioritize education, and work tirelessly towards their goals. After moving back to Denver, Lola received her bachelor's from Metropolitan State University and her master's from the University of Colorado Denver. Lola taught in Jefferson County for eight years, and then decided it was time to be with her family full time.
In 1999, after the Columbine High School tragedy, Lola and Rob founded the Salazar Family Foundation. Since that time Lola has served as the Salazar Family Foundation Board President and continues to support education throughout Colorado.
Salazar Family Foundation’s core mission is to provide support to deserving nonprofit organizations in the areas of education, low-income housing assistance, and other community unmet needs. The foundation has provided grants of over $20,000,000 since its inception.
Lola still dreams, sets goals, and works hard in the same way she did as a teenager. She often says, “If you believe you can achieve. Dream big, set goals, work hard, and remember to give back.”
CU Denver celebrates first named building.