In her first year with SUNY Oswego, April Lopez –- the university’s assistant dean of students and basic needs case manager -- has made a large impact that earned the SUNY Council of Senior Student Affairs Officers (CSSAO) Dr. Bob Bonfiglio New Professional Award for 2025.

“I’ve heard these are a very big deal, so I’m very excited,” Lopez said. “I’m grateful that the work we’ve all done collectively is getting recognized.”

Among other programs, Lopez runs Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP), the university’s pantry providing free food, clothing and personal items to those in need –- traditionally in the basement of Penfield Library but which expanded this year to the Syracuse Campus.

“This was an institutional goal she was able to make happen in just a few short months of being on campus," said nominator Grace Maxon-Clarke, associate dean of students. 

More generally, Maxon-Clarke noted that Lopez serves as a resource and trusted presence for students: “She provides a space where students can authentically show up, discuss the barriers they are facing and will be found with a warm, gentle and encouraging smile."

“What’s been really great to see since I arrived about a year ago is that there is such an interest in supporting basic needs,” Lopez said. The Syracuse SHOP location came about because Lopez met Sarah Nagle, an instructional designer at the Syracuse Campus, at New Faculty and Staff Orientation in August 2024.

“I loved the idea” when Nagle pitched it, and the two worked on making it a reality, with a February grand opening that has already met a significant amount of need. 

Christy Huynh, the university’s dean of students, noted that Lopez’s expertise and dedication make an impact beyond the campus and as far as a national level.

“April is co-editor for the New Director for Student Services Journal on Basic Needs and was recently appointed to a national role with Swipe Out Hunger’s Leadership Council,” Huynh said. “As a member of this council, she collaborates with professionals across the country to fight student hunger and elevate student voices in shaping solutions. April is also active in the SUNY Homeless Liaison Network, the SUNY Pantry Collaboration, the American College Health Association Basic Needs Task Force, and the Student Basic Needs Coalition Momentum Institute."

‘Deep care’ for students

"She brings authenticity, intelligence, and deep care to everything she does, and our students are better for it," said Steve McAfee, assistant vice president and executive director of Auxiliary Services, who works with Lopez on initiatives bringing food to students in need. 

"What distinguishes April’s approach is not only her efficiency or reach, but also the way she reframes the conversation around basic needs, particularly food insecurity,” McAfee noted.  “Her work is not about temporary fixes; it is about dignity and agency. She does not see students as recipients of aid. She sees them as individuals navigating complex systems, and she works to equip them with the tools, information, and voice to do so confidently. By destigmatizing food insecurity, she creates space for students to seek support without shame and, more importantly, to see themselves as capable and deserving of stability and success." 

In turn, Lopez appreciated how generous Auxiliary Services has been in supporting students, as well as a new fresh fruit giveaway program.

Lopez also appreciated the work of the Office of Sustainability, including providing early access to items collected from students moving off campus that go into the OzThrift sale. This helps with specific student needs, including mini-fridges, clothing and more.

In addition, Lopez appreciated Penfield Library providing the space as well as laptops for students who need this support. 

Lopez also praised students in the new Empire State Service Corps programs, who help students and others fill out applications for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and with SHOP food drives that include Thanksgiving baskets.

“We just have a lot of great partners on campus,” Lopez said.

Lopez is also optimistic about providing even greater support for students with the recent addition of another staff caseworker in Kimberly Fuqua, to address additional basic needs, such as finding transportation and childcare solutions for students who need such help to succeed in their studies.

In the meantime, Lopez continues to ensure anybody who needs support can receive it in the summer. SHOP’s office in the basement of Penfield remains open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays. Visit the SHOP website for more information.

“April Lopez's future is both bright and promising,” Maxon-Clarke said. “Her impact on basic needs on our campus, in SUNY, regionally, and nationally are already in effect. As she continues to gain support and momentum, it is clear she is a trailblazer that will continue to keep SUNY at the forefront of student support services and basic needs work."