Amanda Sotelo

The South Texas College 3rd Annual Foundation Gala saw record numbers this year, from attendance to money raised.

The gala gathered nearly 500 people at the Mission Event Center and raised more than $300,000 for student scholarships.

STC Executive Director of Foundation and External Affairs Marcos Silva, Ed.D., addressed attendees with a heartfelt message of gratitude and appreciation for their support in making this year’s gala a huge success.

“STC serves about 45,000 students and within that there are individuals who need extra help to get the education they deserve,” he said. “That is why the Foundation was created -to make sure we support the institution in giving everyone in the Rio Grandey Valley access to a college education. Tonight, our partners, sponsors and donors have empowered our community and opened the doors of a higher education for countless individuals to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures. Together we are transforming lives.”

The night, catered by Santa Fe Steakhouse, also included the talents of STC’s Culinary Arts students who showcased savory and sweet foods, award-winning Mariachi Los Coyotes from La Joya High School, Mariachi opera vocalist Vanessa Alonzo and pianist Elian Maldonado, numerous auction items that brought in about $45,000. There were remarks from STC Psychology student Lexi Avionne and STC alumnus Joel Aldape, OTD, an occupational therapist with South Texas Health System, who have been helped by the generous donations of STC donors.

Aldape’s journey began at STC in 2005, when it was still South Texas Community College. Positive he was going to pursue music, he created a band called Latin Vibes Showband and withdrew from school, but in the chaos of early mornings and late nights and various jobs, he realized he needed to do more for his family.

“I needed to build a future, so I came back home to STC. Walking the hall of the college again was surreal and with a family at home now, three kids, the financial help made it possible,” he said. “Through STC, I also began envisioning my future and I gained the confidence to succeed…I just needed affordable, flexible and quick. So, in 2020, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, also from STC. STC was my steppingstone to where I am today.”

The newly appointed STC Foundation President and President of Warren Group Architects Laura Warren, said it’s inspirational stories like Aldape’s that continue to motivate her philanthropy work.

“The STC Foundation is an opportunity to grow a legacy of making it possible for many students in our region to fulfill their dreams and have a college education,” she said. “There are two types of legacies, the achievements you can hang on the wall and the work that sometimes goes unnoticed, but you know you can change the lives of many – that is power and the legacy I strive for. Most of my staff are a product of STC, I’m inspired by them and the many students that make up the college.”

STC Vice President of Foundation and External Affair Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., said it is always a proud moment to see many come together for one vision – accessible, affordable college for all.

“I’m elated with the turnout and the success of the event,” he said. “More than anything, the STC Foundation is here to help our students. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to create different initiatives such as the Valley Promise Program and JagReconnect, to encourage more students to pursue a higher education at STC. Being able to help them and eliminate barriers, especially financial barriers, is rewarding. It’s all about helping students earn that degree.”

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., called the 3rd annual STC Foundation Gala a wonderful moment for the college and the community.

He led with a story about a recent visit, together with Automotive and Diesel Technology students, to the Lexus Rio Grande Valley showroom and service shop, and how visits like these can be lifechanging experiences.

“It was a productive visit for all students, but for three of them, it led to a job. They were hired, on the spot, before they even graduate from their programs,” he said. “These are the kind of students we are helping through the Foundation. The support we continue to receive from donors is a testament to how they believe in the mission of the college. The foundation is providing students with the help needed for a brighter future.”

Photo Caption: STC Foundation Board President Larua Warren, thanks sponsors and donors for making the gala a success, raising more than $300,000 for student scholarships.