The Luévano Foundation   

History of the Luévano Foundation

Since 1983, annual scholarships have been awarded to students who have demonstrated economic need and academic potential. The foundation has simultaneously nurtured an endowment, which now totals over $500,000. The Luévano Foundation proudly honors the lives and legacy of Ralph and Maria Luévano.

Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Ralph immigrated with his family to the United States as a child. Ralph was raised on farm countryside outside of Wichita. He was deeply patriotic and at age 17, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the military campaign in the South Pacific during World War II. After witnessing General MacArthur’s famous return to the Philippines, Ralph was a decorated U.S. Veteran. He returned home to complete his college education under the G.I. Bill. It was then that he met, and fell in love with Maria.

Maria was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. After the death of her mother, two-year old Maria was raised by her godparents in Kansas. After marrying in 1949, Ralph and Maria headed west to Orange County, California to begin their new life. As a salesman and manager of an appliance company, Ralph and Maria enrolled their five children in Catholic elementary and high schools. Maria was a dedicated wife and devoted mother and grandmother. While she raised her five children and managed the household she also worked for the Santa Ana School District for many years.

Ralph Luévano succumbed to cancer in July of 1983. As a fitting legacy, the Luévano family requested donations for the educational needs of Latino children. This simple request captured the hearts and imaginations of the community of St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. There, Father Rafael Luévano, Ralph’s son, served as a Roman Catholic priest. The St. Joachim’s Latino community saw Ralph Luévano as a role model of acculturation. They were touched by his generosity and inspired by his educational achievements for himself and his family. Maria Luévano passed away in April of 2007.

The Luévano Foundation recognizes the life and shared commitments of Ralph and Maria Luévano. Together they educated their children, were faithful Catholics, and always worked for the advancement of their people.

The Luévano Foundation is a fund of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF). OCCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Federal ID number 33-0378778. Contributions to this fund are charitable tax deductions within the limits of federal law.

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