Joe Lopez '91

Owning a business is a tremendous undertaking that requires great tact and knowledge. Grand Valley alumnus Joe Lopez understands this responsibility – as he recently opened his fifth Denny’s franchise.

This impressive entrepreneurial achievement has enabled him to give back to Grand Valley.

“I want to give students the opportunity to grow,” he said. “My personal success has allowed me to do just that.”

Lopez attributes much of this success to his time at Grand Valley and the guidance he received from his Hospitality and Tourism Management professors.

“My professors were great in that they incorporated real world experiences into the classroom,” he said. “During my senior year, I created a business plan for a restaurant. When I began the process of opening my first Denny’s franchise, I used that plan as a template for the restaurant’s organization.”

Through his gifts to the university, he hopes to enable these same opportunities for students.

“I want to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom,” he said. “And giving to Grand Valley is the best way to do that.”