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Elena Lucore Memorial Scholarship
The Elena Lucore Memorial Scholarship was created by her parents, Peter and Laura Lucore of Bay St Louis, MS. Through the Lucores’ endowment, this scholarship will allow intelligent, talented students, especially those who may be underrepresented, financial assistance to attend the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, when they otherwise may not have had the ability to do so.
The scholarship will provide support to students in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management with financial need as determined by UMass Amherst. Preference will be given to members of the Isenberg Women in Business student organization, which is open to all students. Additional preference will be given to students who come from an educational or cultural or geographic background that is underrepresented in the United States or at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, or students who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity (meaning efforts in the United States to reduce social, educational, or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity, or gender or to improve race relations in the United States) in the academic, professional, or civic realm through their work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of a student or community organization or have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances.
Once the scholarship fund reaches the $25,000 goal, the Lucores will generously contribute another $25,000 in honor of Elena.
Born in Malacatán, Guatemala, Elena was just 5 months old when she was brought home to Mississippi by her parents to her three older brothers. Elena grew up surrounded by her loving family and the close-knit Gulf Coast community. She performed well in school, with her academic successes made even richer because of her hard work in overcoming learning disabilities. Elena worked hard for everything she achieved. Because of her outgoing personality, Elena served as a school ambassador for the younger high school students and provided after-school care for a local elementary school. She volunteered at the Humane Society and donated many hours to local community events. She even traveled to Belize to take part in a Medical/Dental mission that provided care to the underserved population there.
Elena was overjoyed when she was accepted into UMass and the Isenberg School of Management in 2021. She was immediately drawn to the warm and friendly atmosphere as well as the great sense of campus community in Amherst. With her oversized and outgoing personality, Elena quickly made many friends and, just as she had at home, became involved in social and academic groups, including Isenberg Women in Business and the Iota Gamma Upsilon sorority. Elena’s joy and passion for life, combined with her desire to work hard to succeed, gave promise to her years ahead at UMass and her dreams for the future. Unfortunately, a tragic accident in February 2022 prematurely ended her life at 19 years of age, still in her freshman year.
Because of her strong work ethic and the extra effort needed to accomplish everything that she had achieved, and being a member of an underrepresented group, Elena would want to help others in similar circumstances. Though Elena’s loss has left a lasting void in the lives of her family and those who knew her, it is hoped that the recipient of the Elena Lucore Memorial Scholarship will honor Elena by mirroring her vibrancy and her zest for life and learning, as well as giving back to the community, especially those that are most in need.
Prefer to mail your donation?
Please send your donation to the address below, and note "Elena Lucore Memorial Scholarship" in the memo line of the check:
