Fund Set Up For Southwest University Founder Yolanda Arriola

A fund has been set up for Yolanda Arriola, former Southwest University founder, and CEO.

After Yolanda Arriola’s sudden passing on Thanksgiving Day, her family announced the creation of the Yolanda Arriola Memorial Fund for Children in her honor. The newly formed fund will support charities and improve the lives of local children.

Arriola was known as a champion for education, initially creating Southwest University for at-risk students to complete the GED program, which then expanded into a regionally accredited institution offering multiple degree programs.

Southwest University isn’t just associated with education; it's also connected with the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball park. Back in 2014, the school announced it had signed a 20-year naming rights deal with the ballpark located in downtown El Paso.

On multiple occasions, I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Arriola, and every time we met, she had the warmest of good vibes to share. She was truly a one-ok-a-kind sweet soul, and my deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

On November 27, the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso posted on Twitter announcing Arriola’s passing:

“We regret the passing of Mrs. Yolanda Arriola, who provided educational opportunities to the binational community and was a promoter of culture and border relations. We unite ourselves to the grief of his family and offer our condolences.”

Wife of Mayor Dee Margo, Adair Margo, also posted on Twitter expressing her condolences, saying:

"Yolanda Arriola enriched Dee’s and my lives with her generosity of spirit and “it would be an honor to help you” attitude.  I loved everything about her and will miss her terribly.  But another thing is true- I will live my life more fully because of her example."