Andrew Lopez, the new president of SJC

Andrew Lopez

Here in the city, at Saint John’s High School and Junior College, a new president has also been named. The Board of Trustees is appointing Andrew Lopez as new president to replace Jorge Espat who demitted office last Sunday coinciding with the commencement exercises held on that day. Lopez has taught at both the high school and junior college and has a well established record with the institution. According to the release from SJC, he has maintained a professional association with SJC as administrator, member of faculty, coordinator of the Belizean Studies Resource Center, Director of the school’s journal, Assistant Headmaster and then headmaster for eight years. At the time of his appointment Lopez taught Social Sciences at the institution. He told News Five today that he is filling big shoes.

Andrew Lopez, Incoming President, SJC

“I was shortlisted by a search committee from the Board of Trustees of Saint John’s College. I went through a grueling interview and early last week, my name was submitted to the Provincial, which is the head of the Missouri Province that St. John’s College is a part of along with other schools, colleges and universities. Early this week, the Board informed me that I was selected as the candidate to replace my dear friend and colleague, the outgoing president, Jorge Espat.”

Duane Moody

Jorge Espat

“Sir, tell us about taking on this role and what you see for the school as an educator, as a professional.”

Andrew Lopez

“Well firstly let me commend Mister Jorge Espat for a superlative job; his superlative leadership and accomplishment. The record is in on that. He is going to leave the office at St. John’s in the black financially; enrollment has gone up, which means that the SJC brand is in high demand by our clients. The physical client facilities are conducive to learning and good work; just to mention a few. My pledge is to work assiduously to build on those accomplishment; to work assiduously with a fine team that includes a supportive Board of Trustees, my brothers in Christ of the Society of Jesus in Belize; a fine team of professional colleagues, administrators, faculty, teachers, support staff—stakeholders within Belize and SJC stakeholders outside of Belize. I pledge to work with this team to continue to move this institution in the direction of greater progress.”

Lopez’s appointment is for a period of three years.