HCC celebrates achievements of Hispanic students and community members
Oct 25, 2016
Pride and achievement were the central themes as Houston Community College (HCC) honored scholarship recipients and prominent members of the community during the sixth annual Hispanic Scholarship Council (HSC) Luncheon.
Generous donors, sponsors, and silent auction participants helped raise $50,000 during the 2016 event at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Proceeds will go to support the Hispanic Scholarship Council 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 opened many doors for hundreds of Hispanic students.
“We depend on our partners and community members for scholarships and are grateful for their kindness,” said Trustee Loredo, District VIII and council founding member. “It is our job as educators to make sure opportunities are always available to students who want to enrich their lives and carry this tradition to the next generation.”
Nearly 230 guests attended the elegant luncheon, which included elected officials, community and business leaders, HCC students, trustees, and staff.
“Our purpose is to keep students in school. We have witnessed first-hand the cases of so many students who want to go to school but can’t because they don’t have the money. That is when we come in. They need to come and apply,” said Lillie Aranda, Hispanic Scholarship Council Co-Chair.
During the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 academic years, 12 deserving students were awarded the Hispanic Scholarship Council Scholarship, including Jonathan Castrejon, who appreciates getting education without having to take out a loan.
“I am thankful for what the scholarship has been given to me,” said Castrejon. “I hope to become a dentist who can invest in the community. Everyone can become what they want to be as long as they believe in themselves and believe in God.”
Members of the council gave awards to seven leaders in politics, education, and business for their profound impact on the community. They include:
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Diversity and Leadership
Rose Ann Blanco, Community Leader
Christina Morales, Philanthropy in Education
Dr. Michael Olivas, Educational Empowerment
Dr. Augustina Reyes, Educational Empowerment
Michael Savino, HCC Alumni Success
Dr. Richard A. Tapia, Higher Education Professor of the Year
“We are coming together to raise scholarship money for our students so they can reach their goals and dreams,” said Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair. “Everyone who has contributed is playing a part in changing lives.”
To learn more about the Hispanic Scholarship Council Scholarship and the many others offered through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org.
