(HARLINGEN) – Last night, The TSTC Foundation of Texas State Technical College hosted its 13th Annual Noche de Gala, the college’s largest fundraiser of the year, with at least 200 in attendance.
It was a night of celebration honoring one of Harlingen’s leaders in higher education, Bob Shepard. He joins a long line of prestigious higher education supporters who have had this honor in past years.
“As I go around town telling people that Mr. Shepard is this year’s honoree, I always get the same reaction, ‘It’s about time,’” TSTC Interim Provost Cledia Hernandez told the audience. “Bob Shepard has single-handedly done more for higher education in South Texas than any other Valley resident. TSTC students past and present owe much to the dedicated work of this very special man.”
Shepard was born and raised in Harlingen and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Business Administration.
Shepard currently serves as president of Shepard Walton King Insurance Group and has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, but he also has dedicated most of his life to ensuring that Valley students have the same opportunities as students in other parts of the United States.
Shepard’s message is this: “An educational institution like TSTC gives students and members of our community an opportunity for an education that is vitally important in our world today.”
The Harlingen native is active in the area of higher education both locally and statewide. He has served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), appointed by Gov. George Bush in 1996 and again by Gov. Rick Perry in 2004.
He served as chairman of the THECB from 2005 to 2008 and was instrumental in helping to establish higher education opportunities such as new degree programs for the RGV. In that capacity, he was able to work closely with policymakers and education stakeholders to develop and implement a higher education framework, including strategic planning for community programs and technical colleges.
“Bob’s role in Austin was one of a guardian angel,” said Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, who presented Shepard with a proclamation at the gala. “He has always known that the Valley needed to have more opportunity of higher education. Bob played an important role throughout the development of Texas State Technical College and has done a tremendous job in advancing higher education not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but throughout the state of Texas.”
Others who spoke on Shepard’s work and commitment to higher education included Texas Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes, former Harlingen Chamber of Commerce President David Allex, TSTC President Emeritus Gilbert Leal, former TSTC Regent and former Harlingen Mayor Connie de la Garza, and former Harlingen Mayor Randy Whittington.
“Bob, congratulations on being recognized by TSTC for your leadership in higher education,” said Paredes. “Bob always wants to ensure that all children in Texas have the opportunity to receive a full education in whatever field they want to pursue. He’s a man who practices what he preaches and is always committed to working for higher education.”
Shepard’s work has touched countless TSTC students, including three who were in attendance to tell the audience that if not for the work of people such as Shepard and his wife, Ann, and other donors at the event, a higher education would not have been a possibility.
All proceeds from Noche de Gala go to fund the Lozano Long Promise Scholarship which was established in 1999, and the TSTC Texan Success Scholarship.
Both scholarships have helped thousands of students like vocational nursing student Julie Villarreal and building construction students Abel Garza and Susana Sierra realize their dream of a college education.
“My scholarships have motivated me toward finishing my education and paying back with good grades,” said Garza, a first-generation college student. “I am really thankful to have been granted these scholarships. Thank you to all of the donors, because every scholarship impacts students in a positive manner.”
Villarreal, who already holds an associate degree in Health Information Technology, said the scholarship has been a blessing.
“Thank you to every donor who has lifted a weight of financial burden off of our shoulders,” said Villarreal. “It’s people like you who make a difference in many lives, and I’m forever grateful. I hope one day I’ll be able to sit in your chair and make a difference in lives.”
“What makes this gala a success is hearing from the students who we have helped,” said TSTC’s Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch. “To see the impact the donations from today’s event have made and the opportunities they have provided is invaluable. And the reason so many succeed is because of the people who attend our event.”
Noche de Gala has raised more than $1.5 million and has helped more than 400 students achieve their educational dreams.
To learn more about Noche de Gala or for more information on becoming a donor, call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500 or visit tstcfoundation.com.