Our Story

The Founders

Hector and Gloria López grew up very differently from each other, but their lives were both changed by education and a mutual commitment to South Texas. They understood the importance of advanced education to an individual’s financial freedom, and were able to forge a successful future together through their academic achievement, their family business and their participation in civic leadership.

Today

Acknowledging that higher education attainment in the US and Texas can be neither accessible nor affordable, HGLF is committed to providing financial support to address obstacles and create opportunities for Texas students through their journey toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond.

Our History

Coahuiltecan

Indigenous Peoples lived on the land later claimed by Spanish colonial expansion. Labeled as Coahuiltecan for their common language, many were displaced by Lipan Apaches and Comanches, as well as by Mexican and European settlers.

1830

”Las Animas”

Land grant from the state of Tamaulipas, México. The ranch, Las Animas, officially granted to brothers Nicolas García Y Garza, Jose Matias García y Garza, and Jose Bruno García y Garza was later certified by the new State of Texas, in Jim Hogg county in 1853. This is the oldest of the 14 family ranches.

1874

Dr. Jose G. García

Great grandson of Jose Matias García, Dr. García, Gloria’s father, was born in Camargo, educated at Colegio Civil de Monterrey, and graduated from the Escuela Nacional de Medicina de México in 1900. After medical school, Dr. García settled in San Diego, Texas, and served as the town doctor and civic leader while adding to his portfolio of real estate.

1925

Gloria Martinez de García

Raised in San Diego, Texas by Dr. Jose G. García and Tomasa Martinez, Gloria was homeschooled by her father and went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in French from the University of Texas in 1947 returning to San Diego to become a teacher.

1927

Hector S. López

Raised in Oilton, Texas by Francisco López and Emilia Guerra. At the age of 16, Hector attended the University of Texas in Austin. He was drafted into service in World War II and after his service returned to Baylor Law School where he received his LL.B in Law in 1949.

1951

Hector and Gloria López

Hector and Gloria married and settled in Alice, Texas where Hector opened his law practice. He became a legal expert on real estate and oil and gas leases while Gloria focused on the financials and accounting for the family business. Together, through conservative investments offsetting oil and gas speculation, the López’ became extremely successful. With no children of their own, their fortune was left to HGLF to further their commitment to higher education for Texas students.

2022