Texas Lutheran University Sumners Scholar Announced: Andie Lozano-Lomeli Awarded $40,000 Scholarship

Andie Lozano-Lomeli, a sophomore communication studies and political science double major at Texas Lutheran University was recently awarded a $40,000 scholarship by the Sumners Foundation of Irving, Texas. Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation based on civic engagement, academic excellence, a capacity for leadership, and a desire to further our democracy. Andie is one of just 36 students nationally to receive a Sumners scholarship in 2026.

TLU has a longstanding relationship with the Sumners Foundation going back more than two decades, including support for TLU's Washington Semester partnership with American University. Andie is the first TLU student ever to compete for and to win this scholarship. "Being awarded the Sumners Foundation scholarship has given me the opportunity to commit to learning about deliberative dialogue and to focus on continuing my education at TLU in political science," Andie said. "Having the space to learn and to grow with the resources to do so is something I'm immensely grateful for, and I'm thankful for Dr. O'Brochta's help in achieving this goal." Dr. William O'Brochta, Assistant Professor of Political Science, remarked that, "Andie has already established herself as a leader in facilitating deliberative dialogues on campus, engaging in the scholarly study of vocation and civic engagement, and using what she learns to improve our community. This scholarship will help provide her space to explore these passions and to connect with other people and organizations working in this arena."

"The Sumners Scholarship program has been at the core of the Sumners Foundation's purpose since shortly after its inception in 1949. Our Scholars are selected from the very best students at colleges and universities after a rigorous interview process. To be selected as a Sumners Scholar is an honor that will remain with the Scholar throughout his or her lifetime," said Board Chairman Scott Higginbotham. "Over the decades Sumners Scholars have made significant contributions to their communities, their states and America. Following in the footsteps of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, the Foundation is pleased to support students striving to improve our political system, address societal challenges through crafting public policies based upon the fundamental principles of American democracy, educate all Americans about their civic obligations as citizens, and be active, productive members of our Republic."

Sumners Scholar alumni include such notables as TLU alumnus and U.S. District Judge Fred Biery who received the scholarship while in law school, former Senior Deputy Attorney General of Oklahoma Dara Derryberry, Chairman of Matador Resources Joe Foran, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Nathan Hecht, President of the University of Texas at Arlington Jennifer Cowley, and past Chancellor of the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Charles L. Moore.