Lone Star College Foundation’s StarGala supports students ‘Every Step of the Way’

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- 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 received a transfer scholarship to University of Houston-Downtown, where she currently studies.

“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.”

Learn more about LSC Foundation StarGala 2025 at LoneStar.edu/Giving/StarGala2025.