Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
In its pursuit of innovation and growth, South Texas College has established a new Foundation and Foundation Board to continue striving at providing an affordable education for all.
The mission of the newly formed foundation is to raise funds to support student educational endeavors by means of grants and scholarships.
Between 2020 and 2021, STC awarded more than $1 million dollars in scholarships. More than 80% of STC’s traditional students receive some type of financial aid.
STC Vice President of Advancement and Economic Development Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D. said the establishment of the STC Foundation is a critical resource for the college and its students.
“This allows us the opportunity to request funding from regional, state and national philanthropic partners to support educational initiatives,” said Rodriguez, who joined the STC family nearly one year ago to establish the foundation. “The foundation exists to benefit and provide assistance to the college through the cultivation of outside resources, and we’ll be exploring different types of opportunities that will provide resources for students to achieve a post-secondary degree.”
The STC Foundation Board is made up of local business and community leaders. Board members include Foundation Board Chair Bonnie Gonzalez, former STC Trustee and Foundation Board Vice Chair Gary Gurwitz, McAllen Independent School District Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations and Foundation Board Treasurer Adele Felix, Chase Vice President and Community Manager Robert Rosell, Social Life Magazine President and Publisher and Broker/Coldwell Banker Sally Guerra, self-made businessman Alonzo Cantu, and President of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company Sam Vale.
The goal for the STC Foundation Board of Directors is to prepare and execute a strategic plan to support the initiatives of the college and Rodriguez said he is ecstatic to introduce the official Foundation Board.
“Each board member brings a critical and dynamic area of expertise that will propel us to be in communication with our community and the many partners STC has across the state and nation,” he said. “I have the greatest respect for each individual and know we are going to move the STC Foundation forward.”
Gonzalez, as Foundation board chair, said she lives by a quote by Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the BEST interest.”
“I truly believe in life-long learning,” she said. “Our foundation will provide STC students and their families the means to realize that dream. Working together with business partners, alumni and the philanthropic sector will leverage these educational opportunities for the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
She added that it’s an honor to serve as board chair and she is excited to work together with the newly appointed STC Foundation Board members.
“I’m excited about the future opportunities we will bring to the STC community,” said Gonzalez. “And we hope to encourage our community to come together to celebrate the opportunity we can provide for the future of our region.”
Rodriguez said Gonzalez and the entire Foundation Board of Directors bring a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable to STC.
“Together we are leading a new era of opportunities for students and their families, and we have a great team on board,” he said. “We officially have an STC Foundation Board of Directors, and it has been a privilege joining STC and establishing this foundation that will change lives for generations to come. For this, I’d like to acknowledge our college President and Board of Trustees for their contributions and careful guidance on this transition.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis said the goal was to provide a seamless transition to enter this new chapter.
“Continuous innovation is our ultimate advantage,” said Solis. “STC needs the support of donors and business partners, so that together, we change lives and continue to transform the Rio Grande Valley and ensure community success.”
To learn more about the STC Foundation or to become a donor, call 956-872-2048.
