Lone Star College-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Alton Smith, and vice president of Instruction at LCS-University Park Kathy Cecil-Sanchez accepted a $5,000 donation from Shining Stars Guild (SSG) leaders to help students receive an impactful education at LSC-University Park.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the SSG and their unwavering support of our students,” Ardalan said. “It’s through these gifts that LSC-University Park can continue to provide exemplary education opportunities for students of any means. The partnership with SSG is one we cherish, and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”

The donation will fund scholarships for current and future students interested in fine arts at LSC-University Park. The SSG has partnered with LSC-University Park for several years to help enrich the local community through different projects and has donated over $17,000 during that time.

“This donation means more to us than a dollar amount,” Ardalan said. “Students at LSC-University Park are provided chances to grow when groups like SSG support their community’s college.”

The SSG is a volunteer nonprofit organization, which promotes theatre arts education. The volunteers from SSG work to support educational programs and productions while nurturing the appreciation of theatre arts to all ages. Diane Lipton, SSG’s gala chair, said the members of SSG love being able to support the Fine Arts department.

“The SSG is excited to support the incredible Fine Arts department at LSC-University Park with a donation to provide scholarships for deserving students,” Lipton said. “Co-Presidents Sandra Loyd and Pam Keffer along with the entire organization, have had the opportunity to attend fabulous theatrical productions at the campus over the past three years, and we are proud to support the talent and creativity that the department provides. We look forward to attending upcoming shows this year!”

LSC-University Park works with non-profits, businesses and community organizations to help provide students with an enriching learning experience that they’ll carry for years after leaving the college. Smith, a LSC Board of Trustees Chair, said community relationships like the one between SSG and LSC-University Park are the reason students continue to thrive.

“The connections Dr. Ardalan has made with outside organizations to help enrich the lives of students is what makes Lone Star College special,” Smith said. “Having had a tough upbringing myself, I can understand the plight of students with lesser means. The donations and overall support of organizations like SSG make sure those students are given an equal opportunity to succeed.”

For more information: 
UPCollegeRelations@LoneStar.edu