Key takeaways:
- Lupe Martinez, Ph.D., professor emeritus in MSU Denver’s School of Education, died Oct. 11 at age 86.
- During his 30-year career at the University, Martinez championed diversity in education and helped establish a longstanding teacher-preparation partnership with Denver Public Schools.
- Colleagues and friends can honor his memory at a Nov. 4 funeral Mass or through donations supporting education at MSU Denver.
Lupe Martinez, Ph.D., a longtime Metropolitan State University of Denver professor whose passion for education shaped generations of future teachers, died Oct. 11 at age 86.
For 30 years, Martinez taught in the University’s Elementary Education and Literacy Department, preparing future teachers to lead diverse classrooms and better serve their communities. His work emphasized culturally responsive teaching, curriculum development and the importance of understanding students’ backgrounds and experiences.
One of his most significant contributions was helping develop and implement an urban teacher-preparation partnership between MSU Denver and Denver Public Schools’ Math and Science Leadership Academy. The program, which continued for more than 15 years, connected teacher candidates with hands-on classroom experience while strengthening relationships between the University and local schools.
Martinez shared his approach to teacher preparation with educators around the world, presenting at conferences in Barcelona, Beijing, Singapore and throughout the United States. His scholarship explored diversity, educational partnerships and the characteristics of effective 21st-century educators.
A lifelong commitment to learning
Martinez was a lifelong educator and learner, and his personal connections with students, whom he affectionately called “my young scholars,” were central to his work.,“Lupe believed you could hold people to high standards while still leading with kindness, dignity and compassion,” said Rosemarie Allen, Ed.D., dean of the School of Education.” “His leadership deeply touched MSU faculty, staff and students, and we are all better because of him.”
Martinez began teaching in his hometown of San Francisco, where he worked as a kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher in the neighborhoods where he grew up. He earned his teaching license and master’s degree while working in the federal Teacher Corps program.
He earned his associate degree from City College of San Francisco, bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and doctorate from the University of Colorado.
After retiring from MSU Denver, Martinez continued teaching local high school students through the CU Succeed program.
Martinez is survived by his wife, Linnea Wilkinson; three sons, Michael, Anthony and Ramon; five grandchildren; two great-grandsons; four stepchildren; and eight step grandchildren.
Honoring Martinez
Colleagues, former students and members of the MSU Denver community are invited to remember Martinez and celebrate his contributions to education.
A celebration of life and funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd.
The Dr. Lupe Martinez Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established, and in lieu of flowers, the family also requests donations in Martinez’s name to the Aurora Animal Shelter.
Through the educators he mentored, the partnerships he built and the students he continued to inspire, Martinez leaves a legacy of learning and service.
