Press Release from Southwest Texas College
4/24/25
(Uvalde, Texas)
The President’s Gala, hosted by the SWTX Friends and Alumni Network (FAN) on April 12 at the Uvalde County Fairplex, was a resounding success, raising $30,000 for scholarships. The event was a celebration of community partnership and a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration.
The gala brought together partners from various sectors, including representatives from local government, school districts, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and the business community. Dr. Hector Gonzales, President of SWTX, expressed profound gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in driving success.
Dr. Gonzales opened his speech by thanking the SWTX College Friends and Alumni for their generous support in organizing the gala. He highlighted the critical role of collaboration in rural Texas, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!” He underscored the importance of partnerships with cities, counties, schools, banks, hospitals, chambers, and the business community, stating, “We all need to help and support each other; if we don’t, we perish.”
Dr. Gonzales shared several examples of successful partnerships, including the Diesel Heavy Equipment Tech program launched with Kubota and the Behavioral Health Tech program developed in collaboration with MHDD. He also highlighted the new partnership with the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation, which has committed over $5 million to provide free college to graduates from Uvalde, Zavala, Real, and Frio counties.
The evening also featured the unveiling of SWTX’s new logo and branding, which has received overwhelming enthusiasm. Dr. Gonzales proudly announced the expansion of several technical programs and the college’s goal to offer bachelor’s degrees by fall 2027.
Dr. Gonzales concluded his speech by thanking the board of trustees, faculty, staff, and his leadership team for their unwavering support and dedication to student success. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife Jaclyn and daughter Mia for their continued support.
The gala ended with a special recognition of Chairman Tracy King, who retired from the State Legislature after serving District 80 for 28 years. Dr. Gonzales praised Chairman King for his unwavering support to SWTX College and presented him with a new El Patron Silver Belly Stetson as a token of appreciation.
The President’s Gala was a night to remember, celebrating the power of partnership and the bright future of SWTX College.
About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.
To learn more about SWTX, visit swtjc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.
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