I graduated from Cathedral in 2004, where I was a member of the varsity football team, National Honor Society, and was part of the inaugural class that earned dual credit in Government and Economics.

My parents, especially my mom, didn’t give me much of a choice in where I would attend high school. Her brothers (my uncles), Pablo Guzman ‘75 and Leo Guzman ’77, were proud alumni. She recalled not only how much they enjoyed it, but how it shaped them in their personal and professional lives. To this day, I am grateful she aggressively encouraged me to go to Cathedral. Days into my freshman year, I quickly realized this is the place I needed to be. I like to think, this is the reason my brother, Isidro Lopez ’14, went and enjoyed his time at Cathedral as well. Looking back on my years at Cathedral, what I treasure the most is the Brotherhood.

Sure, it’s a concept that is hard to define and easily dismissed by anyone who did not attend Cathedral. As you move on to college, your first job, and the various social settings you find yourself in, you quickly realize that life will never replicate the 4 years you had at Cathedral. Ask any alumni and they will tell you that the Brotherhood is real. It’s not so much a concept, as it is an environment: It is not about the good times you share (from singing the fight song, to ridiculously corny (immature) inside jokes), but a bond you have with people who will continually be there for you.

Brotherhood is sharing some of the best years of your lives with not only friends, but also people who look out for you by constantly encouraging you to be a better person in all facets of life. Most importantly (and impressively), this Brotherhood lingers long after graduation. I am proud of the fact that my closest friends to this day are people I graduated with in 2004. As time moves forward, and life happens (marriage, kids, new jobs, moving to different cities), we still support each other and rely on each other for help. That’s Brotherhood.

After Cathedral I double-majored in Political Science and Sociology from Texas Christian University where I graduated in 2007. After TCU, I spent 5 years in graduate school at The University of Arizona, where I received my advanced degree in Political Science, with a concentration in American Politics. Currently, I am a Political Science Professor and Pre-Law Advisor at the University of Texas at Tyler, where I teach Texas and American Politics, Constitutional Law, and Judicial Politics.

I went into academia because Cathedral taught me to serve others. Since Cathedral helped me to create a life that I am thankful for everyday (from a beautiful wife to an ever-interesting job), the least I can do is serve and teach others. Hopefully, helping students achieve their academic and social goals. My wife and I currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

“What are you proudest of?”
Cathedral taught me that life is about helping others. I am proud that I am in a position to teach and mentor undergraduate students. Cathedral imparted on me that a teacher/mentor is one who is graciously willing to assist those who seek guidance. At Cathedral, Joe Gonzalez, Brother Nick, and Sam Govea had a profound influence on my personal and academic life. They taught me that students need a reliable ally in their teachers and that successful mentors are those that establish relationships with their students, where students trust that their guidance will help ensure their success or facilitate their learning.

“What lessons from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
Anyone who went to Cathedral while Sam Govea was Principal lives by the creed: Be honest and be on time. Certainly, this is a solid creed to live by. Another equally important lesson was a simple prayer that was recited before every class: We asked that Jesus would live in our hearts forever. If we think about what we are praying for, it’s that we always have the grace to love others.

“Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
In everything that you do, work hard and enjoy the moment. And, always be thankful for Cathedral, as she will shape you into the person you want to be. ¡Viva La Cate! ¡Para Siempre!