NJ Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez Named 2026 L’Hommedieu Award Winner

New Jersey Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez has been named the 2026 Paige D. L’Hommedieu Award recipient by Middlesex College. 

Named for the founding chair of the Middlesex College Board of Trustees, the award, established in 1974, recognizes community leadership and is the highest honor given by the College. The award was presented during Fall Convocation on August 31. 

“A dedicated public servant with deep roots in our community, Assemblywoman Lopez’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of the Paige D. L’Hommedieu Award – an unselfish devotion and tireless commitment to the people she serves,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “We are grateful for her commitment to public service, education, and the betterment of the community.” 

Lopez has served as Assemblywoman for New Jersey’s 19th Legislative District since 2018, representing the interests of the State of New Jersey and Middlesex County with distinction and compassion. She serves as chair of the Assembly Housing Committee and member of the Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee, as well as Deputy Speaker and member of the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus. 

“I am truly honored to receive the L’Hommedieu Award from Middlesex College. This recognition represents far more than individual achievements; it’s a reflection of the people, the experiences, and the opportunities that have shaped my journey and have inspired me to give back,” said Lopez. “I’ve always been a firm believer that the greatest measurement of success is the difference we make in the lives of others, and I’m grateful to have made an impact that reinforces that belief. Middlesex College represents the transformative power of education and community, and I’m proud to be a part of that tradition.” 

Lopez’s dedication to public service has included serving in the Community Relations Department for Wachovia Bank, as Director of Donor Relations for the Trinitas Health Foundation, and as Executive Director and CEO of the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development. She has also served in volunteer leadership and roles in numerous local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Perth Amboy, which she founded, the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District, and the Rutgers University Corporate Advisory Board.  

A resident of Perth Amboy, Lopez has served as a pillar in her community and played an integral role in obtaining support for significant projects and programs, including the Wachovia/DCA Housing Scholars Program, the Trinitas Regional Medical Center’s Center of Regional Education, and the expansion of initiatives of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness. 

Lopez has generously volunteered to serve as a mentor to students participating in the Middlesex College Success Bound Leadership Academy, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into public service and policymaking, supporting them in advancing their educational goals, and preparing them to assume leadership roles in their communities. 

“Assemblywoman Lopez is a shining example of the power that public service can have,” said Praful Raja, chair of the Middlesex College Board of Trustees. “Her commitment to representing and uplifting the community will have a lasting impact on citizens of all ages.”