A Remarkable Story
Meet Luz Bibiana Martinez Cruz C'24
Salem College Design Major Is Breaking Barriers
A 2024 graduate, Luz Bibiana Martinez Cruz majored in Design with a Concentration in Graphic Design at Salem College and is pursuing a degree in the Master of Architecture Program at North Carolina State University as an Eduardo Catalano Architecture Scholarship Recipient.
Luz’s academic journey is a powerful story of determination, creativity, and leadership. After earning her associate degree from Forsyth Technical Community College, Luz transferred to Salem College to pursue her passion for design. At Salem, she made history as the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree—and now, she becomes the first to pursue a master’s.
Encouraged by supportive faculty and inspired by Salem’s creative community, Luz thrived. She found confidence in her voice and vision, producing original documentaries and leading community-centered creative projects in photography and graphic design. Her outstanding contributions were recognized with the Meritorious Achievement in the Arts Award.
Yet, Luz considers her most meaningful accomplishment the impact she’s had on others: inspiring her friends and family to believe in their potential and pursue higher education.
This fall, Luz will join the Master of Architecture program at North Carolina State University as a Catalano Scholar, continuing her mission to blend creativity and purpose in all she builds.
“Breaking barriers is not just about making history, it is about opening doors for future generations.”
— Beverly Lorraine Greene