Counter, when honoring Lopez, called him“ a man of extraordinary talent.”

“[He] never forgot who he was or where he came from. This is a man who helps out with issues of violence...This man is a role model for all of us,” Counter said.

Lopez is a strong supporter of community arts and education programs, for which he founded his own charity—the George and Ann Lopez-Richie Alarcon Care Foundation.

Accepting the Award, Lopez told the students “you remind me of hope, and perseverance, and pride...the fact that you are so young and so proud makes an old Mexican very proud.”

“This is only the beginning of my giving back,” Lopez said, “I will use all of my power for good, and never for evil.”

Lopez also had some advice for the students in the audience.

“Be multi-lingual because it scares white people,” he said.

Lopez also pledged to put a Harvard shield on his refrigerator for the remainder of his television show.

After the program, The Harvard Foundation hosted an ethnic food festival in the Science Center.

Following the first performance, a second show was held in Sanders featuring new groups such as the Han Ma Eum Korean Drum Troupe and TAPS, a Harvard tap-dance group.

Lopez, who left before the second show began, asked the Harvard community to welcome him back anytime.

“If you see me around,” he said, “don’t be a stranger.”