
Mega Doctor News
By Amanda Sotelo
The South Texas College Foundation recently announced longtime partner in education, South Texas Health System (STHS), as the Title Sponsor for the Foundation’s upcoming gala, with all proceeds going to student scholarships.
This is the third consecutive year that South Texas Health System has supported the STC Foundation Gala as the Title Sponsor with a $40,000 donation for a current scholarship investment of $138,000.
“We are humbled by the generosity of South Texas Health System and their support for our students,” said STC Foundation Executive Director Marcos Silva, Ed.D. “These funds will make a lasting impact, ensuring our students can continue their education and reach their full potential.”
STHS, the largest health care system in the Rio Grande Valley that provides a wide range of medical services through multiple hospitals, clinics and free-standing emergency departments, also supports students as a clinical site and employs many of STC’s health care graduates.
“The South Texas College students that we have worked with, especially over the last 12 years, since I’ve been here, have been outstanding. They come to our system with a passion for patient care and high-level skills they have developed as part of STC’s programs,” said Lance Ames, STHS chief executive officer of STHS Edinburg and Children’s. “Therefore, it is an honor to help students learn, in and out of our facility, continue their education and be mentored under the great leadership at STC. Then, it’s even a bigger honor welcoming them as employees.”
In fall 2026 and fall 2027, STC will be adding two new programs to its already robust list of health care offerings – Dental Hygiene and Surgical Technology, respectively, to which Ames said STC’s vision with these programs continues to add value to an ever-evolving region.
“We are seeing an increase in surgeries and the demand for surgical technicians is increasing now, more than ever,” he said. “The fact that STC is looking ahead and planning proactively for the needs of our region, alleviates stress on me when it comes to planning how we continue to grow STHS. It is this vision that we will continue to support financially and with jobs.”
STC’s third annual Foundation Gala will be held Oct. 16 at the Mission Event Center and in addition to STHS, is working closely with other high-profile diamond, platinum, gold and media sponsors.
Since the Foundation’s inception of the gala three ago, more than $650,000 has been awarded in support of students, the foundation has helped at least 2,038 students and 300 laptops have been distributed to STC students in need of reliable technology.
“The STC Foundation has seen overwhelming growth over the last few years thanks to donors and Gala sponsors that believe in our mission and vision,” said Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., STC vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. “It is our partners that allow us to continue supporting our students to enhance educational opportunities, help them thrive and ultimately, find success at STC and beyond.”
For more information on STC’s Foundation and to learn how to become a sponsor/donor, visit southtexascollege.edu/foundation/gala/.
Information source: STC