Cordelia Dennis Liggett
Memorial Scholarship
Cordelia Dennis Liggett
1927 - 2015About the Scholarship
Ted Liggett has been an integral member of the Lubbock community for many years, always striving to give back and to uplift the people around him. When asked what motivates his dedication and generosity, Ted doesn’t take credit himself. He instead attributes his community-focused efforts to the woman who raised him, Cordelia Dennis-Liggett.
“Upon reflection, I realized that I do all of this type of stuff because of my mom.”
– Ted Liggett
Ted’s desire to honor the impact his mother has had on his life doesn’t stop at words. While his work in the Lubbock community has always been a tribute to her legacy, in 2024, Ted went above and beyond his previous extensive efforts. In order to shine a light on the good that Cordelia brought into the world and to continue her work, Ted established the Cordelia Dennis-Liggett Memorial Scholarship. Through this ongoing gift, Cordelia’s memory will continue to change the lives of many, just as she did throughout her own life.
In order to establish this fund, Liggett Law Group partnered with the Hispanic Association of Women (HAW) to help a student in higher education pursue their educational dreams by sponsoring a four-year, sustaining scholarship. Ted believes every student deserves a fair opportunity to pursue their education, regardless of financial barriers. Inspired by Cordelia Liggett’s legacy of service and her meaningful contributions to the community, we are proud to support initiatives that invest in the next generation. This scholarship reflects those values by recognizing hard work, determination, and potential, helping students move forward in their academic journeys while building a stronger future for themselves and those around them.
Who was Cordelia Dennis Liggett?
Cordelia was born in Anthony, Kansas in 1927. She and her husband, James Liggett Sr., had six children, including Ted. Much of Ted’s childhood was spent moving around the country for his father’s work. The Liggett family eventually settled in Borger, Texas – where Ted would spend most of his youth. Cordelia was committed to raising her children into compassionate and involved adults. She worked to accomplish this in part by keeping the family involved in social action focused on the issues of the time. When remembering his childhood, Ted remarks that:
“Mom never stopped with the message of helping others. She introduced us to Caesar Chavez, for instance. There weren’t a lot of civil rights marches in Borger, Texas, in the 1950s and 1960s, but if there was anything like that, we were there.”
And now, decades later, Ted is still present and actively involved in bettering his community, embodying all of the values his mother worked so hard to impart to him.
When James and Cordelia retired to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Cordelia had more free time, which she used to invest in her community in every way she could. She was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, serving through ministries such as the lunch stop program, the paper guild, and the bereavement committee. She was also a longtime volunteer at the Agape Mission. She was driven to do as much as she could for the people in need around her. While she contributed to her community in just about every way a person can, she had a particular affinity for giving back through education. She tutored children at Cain Elementary and was a longtime volunteer at the local Child Learning Center. In 1984, she completed the Episcopal Education for Ministry to Children Program, a four-year certification course that enables those who complete it to more effectively minister to and educate children.
With all of her efforts, it came as no surprise when she was awarded the Jim Gillie Outstanding Citizens Award by the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce in 1997. This award is given to community members who are considered to be “heroes” for consistently giving their time and talent to the betterment of their community for 10 years or more.
“If there was someone in need or someone in the disenfranchised world, Mom was there to help.”
For so many people, life is about survival. It can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to reach for more without the help of others. Cordelia knew this, and dedicated much of her life to being that necessary helping hand. She worked hard to pull people up out of survival mode and give them the tools they needed to start living a better life. Through the Cordelia Dennis-Liggett Memorial Scholarship, Ted and Liggett Law Group will continue that mission, honoring the incredible woman who inspired her children to continue her legacy of giving back.
2024 – Present: Start of the Scholarship Fund
Scholarship opportunities like the Cordelia Dennis Liggett Memorial Scholarship are designed to support students who are driven to succeed but may need financial assistance to reach their goals. These programs often reward hard work, community involvement, and academic dedication, giving students the chance to further their education without the added burden of significant costs. By applying, students not only gain access to financial support but also recognition for their efforts and a valuable opportunity to invest in their future.
Past Scholarship Recipients
HAW Scholarship Recipients 2025
- Kynzely Peña
- Daniela Flores
- Ayleen Aranda
HAW Scholarship Recipients 2024
- Emily Piña
- Kynzely Peña
- Mia De Los Santos
Hispanic Association of Women (HAW)
The Hispanic Association of Women is a non-profit organization with a mission of empowering women and promoting higher education. The organization began after three women got together for a “cafecito” and began discussing a need for an organization that partners with local businesses to provide leadership skills, networking, mentorship, and training to all hispanic women within the community.
“We are excited to be able to offer this sustainability opportunity. We are excited to partner with Ted. We want to keep partnering with more people to keep offering these opportunities to women and the higher education process.
– Andrea Moreno Juarez, 2023 – 2024 HAW President
Apply for the Cordelia Dennis Liggett Scholarship
For more information about the Hispanic Association of Women and how to apply for scholarships, please visit the organization’s website: https://www.lubbockhaw.net/.