Sirens screech in the streets. Voices call for loved ones’ protection. Stressful perspiration seeps into skin. Crime is a truth to the real world, no matter how much humanity fights against it. Since the dawn of man, crime has existed beside us. It pins us against one other and removes our compassion. Yet, citizens also have shields in a system that protects them. While crime upends the peace, there will always be officers to protect the people. Those officers also work to regain the safety for the community. Though faith has been broken in the system for many citizens in our country, instructors across the nation strive to create a new generation of police officers, detectives, and protectors that regain the people’s trust.

Alfred Lopez at Rosemont College is one such professor. Teaching criminal justice and homeland security classes, Al focuses on his students with integrity and strength. He ensures that they understand how to find compassion for those they will be serving and protecting. He also works as the director of the School Graduate Studies for Security Justice and other programs that explore security.

Crafting a Future at Rosemont

Al came to Rosemont as a guest speaker approximately twelve years ago, and crafted an interesting activity for students to witness. Al explains with nostalgia enlightening his eyes, “I actually produced a simulated crime scene and it was a big hit…I was asked to come [back] a couple times [after that]. When the [then current] professor [of criminal justice] found another path, he asked me to take his place. After ten years, I was asked by the dean to become the director.” For the past two years, Al has strived to ensure all the best instructors visit and teach at Rosemont. He ensures that the students receive the most updated and important information in protecting the country.

Aiding Adult Learners Through Passion

Al’s teaching philosophy focuses on his students’ journeys and how they can find compassion for everyone. “To me, it’s the relationship with the students that matter the most,” Al says with passion. “I love to help them grow and evolve with them. It’s always a two way street.” Most of Al’s students are adult learners. However, that doesn’t stop him from discovering new ways to teach and help them thrive in education. “My goal is to help them on their journey. I was an adult learner going back to college, and no one was there for me…No one helped me with financial aid, there was no guidance, so I wanted to make sure I was always there for my students.” Creating a community of adult learners each and every year, Al leads them through a new journey towards their goals. He helps them discover new aspects to themselves and their lives. He admits with a somber voice, “When I went [as an adult learner] myself, I saw it like climbing Mount Everest…One of my main things is it may seem like a mountain, but it’s really a mole hill.”

The Importance of Being Patient

While teaching students, Al discovered the importance of patience, and how that can lead into compassion. “In my years of law enforcement, I’ve dealt with so many people in crisis and seen the worst of them. I keep telling my fellow officers [and my students] that we’re seeing the worst [in people]. There’s probably a good person beneath them.” Transferring his empathy to his students allows them to feel the effects of compassion. They also have the opportunity to carry that positivity forward. This offering a hope for the new generation of police and security that will be joining the system to serve. Furthermore, Al enjoys hearing the different views of diverse students. “Being in criminal justice [for] 35 years and in the defunded police movement, I love getting non [Criminal Justice] students so we can debate the issues and expand everyone’s points of view.”

Humanity’s Best Friends

Al isn’t alone in his journey in educating those who will serve and protect. His two companions, a therapy dog, Buddy, and a training dog, Ollie, are often on campus. They are happy to see and comfort all students. Al says with a bright smile, “[Students] can come to my office and chill with the dogs…[My office is] in the basement of the science building. Come on by and say hi to Buddy and Ollie!” He also admits with a deep sense of gratitude, “I owe all of my success to Dean Kolick. He was an amazing friend, tutor, and mentor…[He] was enthusiastic to bring the dogs to the campus. Both Dean Kolick and the president were encouraging of the therapy dogs program.”

Searching for a Hopeful Future

The past has been difficult to explore. The present has been full of fear and anxiety. Yet, there is always the possibility for a better future. Through instructors like Alfredo Lopez, students gain an understanding as to how compassion is the greatest asset in protectors of society. Thanks to Al and the other members of the Criminal Justice department at Rosemont College, the country can hope for a generation of servers and protectors who will uphold the law with respect and grace.