Damen Lopez

In 2004, Damen Lopez founded the No Excuses University Network of Schools. This endeavor helps to build a bridge for all students to attend college as it begins promoting a comprehensive college readiness model starting in pre-kindergarten. Ten years after Damen first began sharing this message with thousands of educators across the country, there are now hundreds of schools participating as part of the No Excuses University revolution. To date, this work, which is now influencing the lives of more than 150,000 students in twenty-two different states, has received national attention and has been featured in numerous television and newspaper stories.

Damen completed his B.A. and M.A. at Point Loma Nazarene University. He is the youngest educator to earn the University of San Diego Remarkable Leader in Education Award and has also been given the coveted Alumnus of Point Loma award from his alma mater. Today he works with schools, districts, and educational organizations throughout the country. Damen’s groundbreaking book No Excuses University describes Six Exceptional Systems that promote academic results for all students under the umbrella of college readiness. He continues to inspire educators, especially school leaders, with his new book titled No Excuses Leadership: Nine Bold Choices Exceptional Leaders Make. Damen’s enthusiasm for providing leadership so every student, especially those living in poverty, will be both academically successful and college ready is widely respected.