COPPERAS COVE, Texas — A Copperas Cove legend is still making a difference in his community even after his death.
With the help of the Central Texas College Foundation, an endowed scholarship for $5,000 will be created in the name of late Copperas Cove High School announcer Joe Lombardi.
Lombardi died on March 9, 2023, from pneumonia.
Well before he met his wife, Sherri Hoffpauir, Lombardi was the voice of the Bulldawgs, calling football, basketball, volleyball games and more.
Now, Hoffpauir has set up the "Big" Joe Lombardi Endowed Scholarship with the Central Texas College Foundation to raise money for the scholarship in honor of Lombardi's support of students in their educational and extracurricular ventures.
Hoffpauir said she wants the endowed scholarship to go to a student who is interested in pursuing a degree in radio or TV broadcasting through Central Texas College to follow in the footsteps of her husband.
"Joe was very humble, but I think he would like the fact that we're helping a student who is interested in broadcasting," Hoffpauir said.
Even back during their time working at a radio station together, Hoffpauir said Lombardi would always take extra time talking to interns about what it took to make it in the field of broadcasting.
"We would hope that it would be someone that would carry on his legacy on radio, TV or writing for the newspaper," Hoffpauir said.
Hoffpauir said Lombardi was a fervent supporter of student athletes on and off the field and the scholarship is an ode to his generosity.
"Joe was the voice of the Dawgs and I know he'd be very excited to see a scholarship in his name honoring a student," Hoffpauir said.
Anyone who would like to send contributions to the scholarship can send them to: Central Texas College Foundation, Attn: Foundation Director P.O. Box 1800; Killeen, Texas 76540.
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