NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: South Texas College Foundation

It’s been nearly one year since South Texas College renewed and reestablished its Foundation, led and directed by Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Economic Development Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., and with a new board in place, the 501(c)(3) is already finding success, raising close to $1 million this year.

“The mission of the STC Foundation is to raise funds to support students’ educational endeavors and success, and through our organization, we are now given the opportunity to request funding from regional, state and national philanthropic partners, with many already showing tireless support,” said Rodriguez. “And as we continue to expand and grow, we’ll be exploring different types of opportunities that will further provide resources for students to achieve a college education.”

Recently, Rodriguez and the Foundation Board, led by Board of Directors Chair Yvonne “Bonnie” Gonzalez, hosted an inaugural gala, a sold-out event, which raised more than $200,000 and was attended by more than 400 guests.

The formal evening event is set to become the largest annual fundraising event for the STC Foundation.

“Because of our partners and their belief in the power of a postsecondary education, we are able to make significant strides in providing the help and resources our deserving students need,” she said. “Working together with business partners, alumni and the philanthropic sector will leverage these educational opportunities for the entire Rio Grande Valley.”

More than 80% of STC’s traditional students receive some type of financial aid and between 2020 and 2021, the college awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.

Moving forward, with the establishment of the Foundation, the amount of dollars awarded to STC students is expected to increase.

To date, the STC Foundation has received notable donations from partners such as South Texas Health System, this year’s gala’s Title Sponsor with a donation of $55,000, Mary Killoran, a retired nurse practitioner who recently donated $50,000 for student nursing scholarships, the first of an annual installment, and $600,000 pledged by philanthropic partners Economic Mobility Systems, RGV Focus, Ascendium, Greater Texas Foundation and Education Texas, for the college’s Promise Program, a last-dollar scholarship that will cover 100% of their tuition and fees beginning as soon as next fall for STC dualcredit students who choose to continue their education at the college.

“We have a great team on board that is leading our Foundation and our college into a new age of opportunities and innovation… our organization will change lives for generations to come,” said Rodriguez. “Together, the STC Board of Trustees, STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis and the STC Foundation, have made a promise to our students and our region and we will continue to work diligently toward providing the resources and help our students need to create a legacy for themselves and their families.”

CONTACT INFORMATION:

lrodri85@southtexascollege.edu