Pictured (left to right) are Comfort Azagidi, LSC-Kingwood theatre performance student and student emcee; Nicole Twine, Ph.D. StarGala Chair and Houston Methodist Hospital Willowbrook Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Kerrie Guerrero, DNP, StarGala Chair and Houston Methodist Hospital The Woodlands Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; and Caitalin Campbell, LSC-Kingwood student, award-winning playwright and actress, and student emcee.
StarGala 2026 Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Students
Lone Star College Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary at StarGala, held May 2 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. As one of LSC Foundation's annual major fundraisers, StarGala attracted nearly 450 guests and raised $525,564, with proceeds supporting student success. This year's event honored a long-time LSC Foundation partnership with Houston Methodist and was chaired by Dr. Kerrie Guerrero, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist The Woodlands; Dr. Caroline Mascarenhas, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital; and Dr. Nicole Twine, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
"After 35 years, we're grateful our partners continue to support students through generous donations and volunteerism," said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement. "This year's gala reflects that generosity - every dollar, from scholarships to emergency funding, helps remove barriers and position our students for success."
StarGala highlights included:
- The Lone Star College System Alumni Association announced its first Alumni Award recipients: Mareeha Jangda and Brett Shryock received the Alumni on the Rise Award, and Meaghanne Ilene Logan Ruiz and John Fisher were honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
- 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. In a surprise announcement, May's 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.
- Comfort Azagidi, who plans to attend UHD this fall, received a full transfer scholarship.
- LSC-Kingwood Professor Eric Skiles and students Caitalin Campbell and Comfort Azagidi served as emcees.
- Dinner featured performances from "Anything Goes" by the LSC-Tomball Music Department.
Visit HERE for more details in the full press release.
Please enjoy StarGala photos HERE and check out the exciting Impact Facts below.
If you are interested in learning more about StarGala or any LSC Foundation events, contact the Foundation Office.
$524,564
Total Amount Raised
|
$223,900
Added to Endowments
|
$156,890
Added to Area of Greatest Need
|
$58,200
Added to Scholarships, Emergency Funding & Programs
|
50
Sponsors & Underwriters
|
449
Guests Attended Stargala
|
245
Hours Worked by Volunteers
|
4
Scholarships Awarded
3 Transfers: 2 UH-D + 1 SHSU & 1 LSCS Bachelors Degree |
4
LSC Inaugural Alumni Awards Presented
|