HCC holds fifth annual Hispanic Scholarship Council Luncheon

Oct 13, 2015


 

 

 

Don’t let anything get in the way of your educational goals and dreams. That is the shared message from recipients of the Hispanic Scholarship Council (HSC) Scholarship at Houston Community College (HCC).

Generous donors, sponsors and silent auction participants helped raise more than $72,000 during the fifth Annual HSC Luncheon at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Proceeds will go to support the scholarship program that is run through the HCC Foundation. With the help of HCC Board of Trustees members Eva Loredo, Dr. Adriana Tamez, Zeph Capo, and Robert Glaser, the HSC Scholarship has given new opportunities to hundreds of Hispanic students.

“We want students to go to school, focus on Academics and learning and not be concerned about leaving college with a mound of debt,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “We are not only bringing success to the dreams of students, we are creating a vibrant economy for us to live in and enjoy.”

Nearly 400 guests attended the elegant event, which included elected officials, community and business leaders, HCC students, trustees, and staff.

“This could not have happened without our sponsors,” said Eva Loredo, HCC Board of Trustees, District VIII. “We are here to honor students and raise funds for more students. No matter where you come from, the ultimate goal is education.”

During the 2014-2015 academic year, eight deserving students received scholarships. During the 2015-2016 academic year, seven additional students were awarded. One recipient, Jeff Novaez knows first hand what it is like to struggle to pay for college. His father was out of work for several years and the family went into deep debt.

“If you’ve ever had financial troubles then you know the stress that comes with that,” said Novaez, a film production student. “My advice is to keep going and do whatever you can. Do what it takes even if you just do one class at a time. At least you are closer to your goals in life. And, don’t give up.”

The event also paid tribute to Goya Foods of Texas and its Vice President Evelio Fernandez. Goya is an iconic symbol of the Hispanic culture and has been a huge supporter of education for decades.

“We owe it to ourselves and our community to educate these young people, because if not our future is going to be sad,” said Fernandez. “HCC is doing a great job and I encourage everyone to help support our Hispanic students.”

Goya is doing its part to help HCC students by awarding two HCC Culinary Arts students $2,500 each through a scholarship under Goya’s name. One recipient, Patricia Alvarez dé Lugo dé Fernandez recently moved to Houston from Venezuela and is proud to call HCC her new home.

“This scholarship will make my dream of getting an associate degree come true,” she said.

For more information about the many scholarships and financial aid available through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org.

Please visit our Flickr page to see the best photos from the event.


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