Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
South Texas College (STC) hosted its 3rd Annual Foundation Gala, emphasizing student success initiatives and emergency aid while recognizing partners and donors. “The achievements you just saw represent more than milestones,” said Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, STC President. “They represent the incredible students, faculty, and community members who made this institution what it is today.”
Solis reported that STC now serves about 45,000 learners across academic, dual-credit, and continuing education programs and has awarded more than 100,000 degrees and certificates. “What truly defines us is purpose—to open doors, to lift families, and to strengthen the Rio Grande Valley,” Solis stated. He cited a morning visit by automotive technology students to a Lexus dealership where, he said, “those three students that you have out there waiting—we hired them,” crediting the outcome to students’ initiative and the college’s emphasis on opportunity.
Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Affairs, outlined the Foundation’s focus on a “Campus of Care.” “Our mission is to champion the programs, scholarships, and innovative initiatives that help turn opportunity into achievement,” Rodriguez said. He highlighted the Value Promise initiative, recognized with a College Promise National Impact Award, and the JagReconnect program, which reengages adults who left college. According to Rodriguez, STC is “nearly three times the national re-enrollment rate,” and returning students persist “11 percentage points higher than the national average.”
Rodriguez stressed that life emergencies often derail education. “Most college students in America cannot afford a $500 emergency expense,” he said. “We are ensuring that when those moments arise, our students are not alone.”
Student Lexi Avionne credited emergency assistance with helping her continue after losing her car in a flash flood. “South Texas College and the Foundation were there for me,” Avionne said. “Thank you for being part of a community that truly cares.”
Newly elected Foundation Board President Laura Warren framed donor impact as legacy. “Every life is a book,” she said. “When a helping hand appears, magic occurs—and you are part of that magic tonight.” Warren thanked outgoing president Bonny Gonzalez and recognized board officers and directors for “work that ensures higher education is not a privilege for a few but a promise for everyone.”
Alumnus Dr. Joel Aldape traced a two-decade journey from STC student to Doctor of Occupational Therapy. “South Texas College is more than just a school,” Aldape said. “It’s where I rebuilt my life, where my family found footing, and where my dreams that once felt too far away began to feel within reach.”
A live-auction dinner hosted by Warren and conducted by auctioneer Tony Forina raised more than $23,000 for student support. Sponsors included South Texas Health System as the Title Sponsor.
Executive Director of the STC Foundation, Dr. Marcos Silva, closed the program by thanking staff, trustees, sponsors, and attendees. “When we bring community together, we can create purpose and move this institution forward,” Silva said. Reflecting on his own experience as an STC student, he added, “When life happens—because it always does—our students have someone in their corner.”
Performances by international mariachi opera vocalist Vanessa Alonzo and pianist Elian Maldonado accompanied the program. “It is truly an honor to perform on this very stage,” Alonzo said, emphasizing that donor support helps students “pursue their dreams and education.”
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