The Lone Star College Foundation’s annual StarGala 2014 was a record-breaking success – raising more than $630,000 for Lone Star College System student scholarships.
This year’s success represents a 9 percent increase over last year’s event which was, until this year, the most revenues ever raised by the Foundation to support LSCS and its students.
“This event truly makes a difference in the lives of so many of our Lone Star College students,” said Darcy Mingoia, LSC Foundation executive director. “We are very appreciative of the community’s support over the years and thank them for yet another record-breaking event.”
StarGala 2014, which was held April 26 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, was highlighted with retiring LSCS Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter being honored for his many years of service to LSCS. As part of this recognition, the Foundation announced the establishment of the Dr. Richard G. Carpenter Endowment for more than $500,000 to fund student scholarships beginning in fall 2014.
“We are so pleased to honor Dr. Carpenter,” said Mingoia. “His leadership has had such a dramatic positive impact not only on Lone Star College, but on the Lone Star College Foundation as well.”
Dr. Carpenter was also recognized with two legislative resolutions before the crowd of 800 attendees: one from U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee and another from 15 Texas legislators who represent the LSCS service area.
The LSC Foundation, along with previous StarGala event chairs, also honored Judy Lux, Foundation staff member, and her milestone of helping to produce 10 StarGala events. Ray Laughter, LSCS vice chancellor, presented Lux with a custom piece of art depicting the past 10 events and thanked her for her service.
StarGala 2014 was co-chaired by David and Cynthia Rowe and featured a Gatsby Glamour theme with a champagne reception, silent auction and dinner followed by dancing to the music of Toast & Jam.
This year’s top sponsors include Durotech/PBK Inc., The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Caldwell Cos., Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center, The Feldman Family, Bob and Darcy Mingoia, Strike LLC, Canteen, Joiner Partnership Inc., Joslin Construction, McGriff, Seibels & Williams Inc., and Valence Operating Co.
The LSC Foundation awarded more than 750 scholarships at a value of $757,041 for the 2013 academic year with almost $180,000 distributed in support of academic programs.
Texas Rep. Armando Walle, left, presents Dr. Richard Carpenter, Lone Star College System chancellor,
with a resolution recognizing his many contributions to education. Dr. Carpenter was recognized as part of StarGala 2014,
held April 26 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.
Established as a 501(c)(3) Type I nonprofit corporation, the LSC Foundation’s mission is to raise money to support students, faculty and programs of the LSCS. Through StarGala, the annual golf tournament, and the generous support of individuals, corporations, businesses and other organizations, the foundation is able to grant more than $700,000 in scholarships annually to students attending Lone Star Colleges. For more information, visit the LSC Foundation online at LoneStarCollegeFoundation.org.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
####