Luna scholarship recipients Jose Antonio Buso Jr.
(in white trousers) and Albessa Vargas (wearing
glasses) with Luna family members
UTSA announces first recipients of Luna scholarship
(Nov. 16, 2001)--On the eve of what would have been the late Sen. Gregory Luna’s 69th birthday, many of those closest to him gathered at the UTSA Downtown Campus he championed to award the first two scholarships from a fund established there in his honor.
UTSA freshmen Jose Antonio Buso Jr. and Albessa Vargas, both graduates of Luna's alma mater, Lanier High School, were chosen as the inaugural recipients for the Sen. Gregory Luna Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
Buso, 17, who completed high school in only three years, recently changed his original career goal from that of becoming a computer scientist to becoming an educator. After college, he would like to return to Lanier and teach history.
In thanking Luna's wife, Helen, Buso said, "I have been preparing for college since my freshman year of high school, and I intend to use this scholarship to its fullest."
Vargas, who is 18, is pursuing a degree in anthropology and aspires to a
career in forensic medicine. "Thank you for making life easier for me
as I further my education," she told members of the Luna family and other
scholarship supporters.
Among those attending today's (Nov. 16) ceremonies was Texas Sen. Robert Puente, who announced a $500 gift to the scholarship fund by Gov. Rick Perry. A $1,000 gift was presented by Wells Fargo Bank, represented by Emma Juarez.
Lanier Principal Peggy Stark introduced her former students, and Leticia Ann Luna, daughter of the late senator, wished them well.
"You will always be special because you were the first recipients," an emotional Luna told Buso and Vargas. "Whatever you end up getting your degrees in, stay in school until you complete your degree."
Addressing the group, which included many who have contributed to the scholarship fund, she added, "When someone we love dies, we want them to be remembered for a long, long time. This (scholarship honoring my father) will certainly do it, and I thank you."
Luna also announced plans for an art auction next March to benefit the scholarship. Local artist Kathy Vargas has donated the first piece for the effort.
Established by family, friends, former colleagues and constituents of the
longtime Texas legislator, the scholarship effort began shortly after Luna's
death in November 1999, and the endowment was announced last Nov. 17, Luna's
birthday. A
portion of the fund is earmarked for Lanier High School graduates.
For more information about the UTSA-Senator Gregory Luna Memorial Endowed
Scholarship, contact the UTSA development office at (210) 458-4130.
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UTSA announces first recipients of Luna scholarship
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2001