Donor Spotlight: Judy Love, MA
July 29, 2024 - Megan Borders
A Journey of Passion: From Teaching to Volunteering
Judy Love is dedicated, passionate and humble. She has a profound commitment to education and student advancement. She has found great joy in dedicating much of her adult life to volunteering for many local nonprofit organizations, including Visit Albuquerque, Popejoy Presents and Anderson’s Rainforest Student Pitch Competition.
Originally from East Texas, Judy earned her B.A. in English and journalism in 1964. Upon graduating, she was hired for the opening of Del Norte High School, where she taught English and journalism. With an exceptional group of students, they created an outstanding newspaper called THE LANCE.
After marrying Del Norte’s basketball coach, she transferred to Highland High School and initially taught English, later transitioning into print media, radio and television, motion pictures, and film history. During this time, she was a part-time faculty member at T-VI, now CNM, for 18 years. Retiring in 1989, she and her husband Frank traveled almost constantly, visiting over 200 countries and island groups together.
Judy first enrolled in graduate-level courses at UNM in 1966 and instantly fell in love with the education environment. She earned her M.A. in education administration in 1974. She is very proud to have received a grant during her graduate studies to take courses at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Her love for UNM’s educational atmosphere has remained strong over the years, fostering connections with many other university supporters. Her involvement in numerous community programs led her to the Rainforest Student Pitch Competition. She finds great joy in witnessing the students' creativity, meeting with them to chat about their passions, and understanding the next generation of business leaders. Most notably, she makes donations to fund the prize money for winning pitches. Her support encourages students to develop business ventures and provides seed money to help them progress to the next entrepreneurial stage.
The competition’s purpose resonates with her because she loves how it encourages students to think creatively to find solutions while learning how to put a business idea into practice through guidance from Anderson faculty. “I’m a proponent of educational formats that train students to be creative in finding solutions for their community that also help with the trajectory of their lives,” she said.
Judy also navigated a time in history when women had certain positions that were more acceptable for them to pursue, teaching and education among them. She finds it amazing to witness what young women can now pursue and accomplish. She enjoys seeing the capabilities of young people and the support that all students receive from Anderson.
Connect with Anderson to find out how you too can support students by becoming involved in programs that inspire future business leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Melanie Hitchcock, senior director of development at (505) 277-7114.