StarGala 2025

StarGala 2025 raises more than $530,000 for student success

Lone Star College Foundation raised over $530,000 at the annual StarGala event. Pictured from left to right are Sophie McQuiller, LSC alumna; Carol Hernandez and Eliecer Viamontes of Entergy and StarGala 2025 chairs and Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor.
Lone Star College Foundation raised over $530,000 at the annual StarGala event. Pictured from left to right are Sophie McQuiller, LSC alumna; Carol Hernandez and Eliecer Viamontes of Entergy and StarGala 2025 chairs and Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor.

Small steps, big steps, and everything in between.
Thank you for supporting Lone Star College students...every step of the way!


Lone Star College Foundation's StarGala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center was an elegant evening of dinner, dancing and funding students' educational goals. Themed "Every Step of the Way," the event raised more than $530,000 to help students continue their journey at Lone Star College and beyond.

"Lone Star College Foundation, thanks to generous individuals who support StarGala and other fundraising opportunities, works to support students through every step of their educational journey, helping them to achieve their goals, begin rewarding careers and become productive members of the community," said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSC Foundation executive director.

At this year's StarGala, LSC Foundation featured its first-ever LSC student Master of Ceremonies, Caitalin Campbell alongside long-time Master of Ceremonies Eric Skiles, LSC-Kingwood professor and artistic director of theatre. Other student-focused highlights included:

  • LSC-Tomball student vocalists performed, "Great Expectations" from The Outsiders and "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" from the spring production of Hello Dolly,
  • Sophie McQuiller, LSC-Montgomery graduate (then student), LSC Foundation scholarship recipient and StarGala speaker received a surprise transfer scholarship to Sam Houston State University and
  • Esther Rosa, former LSC Foundation scholarship recipient and recent LSC-North Harris graduate received a transfer scholarship to University of Houston-Downtown.

"We're honored to support Lone Star College Foundation and its mission to transform lives through education," said Carol Hernandez and Eliecer Viamontes of Entergy and StarGala 2025 chairs. "Access to quality education is key to building stronger communities, brighter futures and a skilled workforce that benefits us all. It was a pleasure to celebrate with the community as we worked together to open doors for students and provide opportunities that will last a lifetime."

StarGala is one of LSC Foundation's major fundraisers, where most of the proceeds go toward student success. This year's supporters included Chesmar Foundation, Entergy Texas, Inc., Nooter/Eriksen, Dianne & Seth Sharr, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Conference Center, Comcast, John M. Fisher, 55 other generous sponsors and underwriters, and volunteers donating 479 hours of time.

"We are so grateful to all of our supporters, as StarGala plays a major role in removing the financial barrier to college and reducing student debt," said James B. Harrison III, LSC Foundation board chair and principal at HarrisonKornberg Architects. "Meeting students where they are to remove those obstacles in the way of student success is a priority, whether it is an emergency car repair or purchasing that meal plan voucher for a hot lunch on campus. Those smaller gifts - in addition to scholarships - are sometimes the difference between completion and dropout."

Please enjoy StarGala photos HERE, along with the exciting Impact Facts below.

If you are interested in learning more about StarGala or any other LSC Foundation events, feel free to contact the Foundation Office.

StarGala "Every Step of the Way" by the numbers, impact facts

Money
$534,994
Total Amount Raised
Suit and dress
448
Guests Attended StarGala
Shaking hands
55
Sponsors & Underwriters
auction hammer
96
Online Auction Bidders
Gift box
114
Auction Packages
Donated by 120 Donors
Clock
479
Hours Worked by Volunteers
Hand holding a plant with a dollar sign
$103,406
Added to Endowments
Plate with spoon and fork
$105,534
Added to Meal Vouchers
Shield with a cross on it
$28,675
Added to Emergency Funding
Certificate
$17,120
Added to Scholarships
Emergency light
$151,576
Added to Area of Greatest Need
Certificate
2
Transfer Scholarships Awards (1UHD & 1SHSU)