Just two years after graduating from Lone Star College-Tomball with an associate degree in nursing, Petronila Arrey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and is now pursuing a dual Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (MSN-MBA) degree from Lamar University while working as a care transition coordinator and a neurocritical care nurse.
“Every time I walk into a patient’s room or get recognition at the hospital for catching something critical, it’s thanks to the amazing teachers that believed in me, taught me well and made sure that I was an amazing nurse,” Arrey said. “Honestly, I don’t know if I would have been able to accomplish all of this in such a short time without the help I had. Instead of having to worry about whether my monetary needs would be met, I was able to focus on school.”
Arrey is one of 180 Lone Star College System students who have received a scholarship from Lone Star College Foundation funded by the Tomball Regional Health Foundation, an organization that supports community-based health and wellness initiatives.
“When you hear heartwarming stories like Petronila’s, it makes us want to do more for more people,” said Jeffrey Klein, TRH Foundation CEO. “Tomball Regional Health Foundation is proud to have supported Lone Star College Foundation since the inception of our organization.”
Since 2011, TRH Foundation has donated nearly $2.4 million to LSC Foundation. In addition to scholarships, this funding has covered testing, certification and board exam fees for 674 students; more than $1.1 million in state-of-the-art health occupation equipment; and vaccinations for over 110 Veterinary Technology students.
“Tomball Regional Health Foundation’s generous support has been transformative,” said Lee Ann Nutt, Ed.D., LSC-Tomball president. “Their investment has removed financial barriers, brought state-of-the-art equipment to our classrooms, and facilitated even higher levels of student success. By investing in our students, TRH Foundation fulfills its mission for the health and well-being of the Tomball community, and we are honored to be a conduit of their generosity.”
Many LSCS graduates who received financial assistance from TRH Foundation now serve patients in local hospitals and clinics. Their continued support is helping LSCS train the next generation of Houston’s health care workforce.
“Support from partners like Tomball Regional Health Foundation keeps students motivated, engaged and focused as they work toward their goals,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement and Donor Engagement. “Our nursing students at Lone Star College-Tomball currently have a 100% passing rate on their exit board exams, and scholarship recipients have a 3.48 average GPA.”
Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving for more information about how support from LSC Foundation donors impacts LSCS students.
About Lone Star College Foundation
Lone Star College Foundation impacts students’ lives every day by reducing financial barriers to a quality college education. More than 30,250 students have felt that impact with nearly $33 million awarded in scholarships and $16 million in program support since the Foundation’s inception in 1991. Through tuition scholarships, emergency aid relief or textbook funds, partner with the Foundation today to make your impact on the next generation. Lone Star College System enrolls 100,000 students each semester, providing high-quality academic transfer and career training education and training tomorrow’s workforce today. Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving to learn how you can impact a student’s life.
About Lone Star College System
With 100,000 students and counting, Lone Star College System provides transformational educational opportunities that help individuals get from where they are to where they want to be.
Under Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D., the System’s priorities are guided by its strategic plan, which focuses on financial resilience, academic excellence, talent development and bridges to prosperity. Lone Star College System, recognized as a 2026 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by The Chronicle of Higher Education, has eight main campuses and more than 20 locations in the Houston area. Learn more at LoneStar.edu.
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