Lone Star College Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary at StarGala, held May 2 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The annual event raised $524,564 to help Lone Star College System students achieve their dreams.

“After 35 years, we’re grateful our partners continue to support students through generous donations and volunteerism,” said Laura Brown, LSCS director, Special Events. “This year’s gala reflects that generosity, as every dollar raised helps remove barriers and position students for success through scholarships and emergency funding.”

At StarGala, nearly 450 guests participated in fundraising activities, including a custom sneaker experience by Houston artist Charles Cannon and the David Yurman Experience, a shopping spree at Market Street in The Woodlands. These activities helped raise $223,900 for endowments, $156,890 for areas of greatest need, and $58,200 for emergency support and scholarships.

“After facing uncertainty and setbacks, pursuing higher education at Lone Star College System became a turning point in my life,” said Alma May, LSC Foundation scholarship recipient and LSC-Montgomery graduate. “Support from the college and foundation is creating a ripple effect far beyond the classroom.”

StarGala, chaired by Dr. Kerrie Guerrero, Dr. Caroline Mascarenhas and Dr. Nicole Twine, vice presidents and chief nursing officers at Houston Methodist The Woodlands, Houston Methodist Cypress and Houston Methodist Willowbrook hospitals, respectively, is one of LSC Foundation’s signature fundraisers, with proceeds supporting student success initiatives.

Additional supporters this year included Chesmar Foundation, Dianne & Seth Sharr, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, JLL, Comcast-Xfinity, Entergy Texas Inc., First Community Cares Foundation, John M. Fisher, Nooter/Eriksen and Ogletree Deakins, among many others.

Other StarGala highlights included:

• LSC-Kingwood Professor Eric Skiles and students Caitalin Campbell and Comfort Azagidi served as emcees. Azagidi received a full transfer scholarship to attend UHD.
• Shauna Smith, LSC Foundation scholar and graduating student, received a full transfer scholarship to Sam Houston State University.
• Alma May received a full transfer scholarship to the University of Houston-Downtown, and her husband Andrew, a U.S. veteran and LSCS student, also received a full scholarship to complete a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at LSC-Westway Park Technology Center.

“For many students, the greatest barrier to success is financial, and removing that barrier is at the heart of our work,” said Miranda Hadamik, LSC Foundation board chair and executive vice president, Investment at Caldwell Companies. “Thanks to our donors, Lone Star College Foundation can provide students with the support they need to stay on track and succeed.”