Annual StarGala to Support Lone Star College Student Scholarships

The fundraising event will help remove financial barriers for thousands of students in the Lone Star College System.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Lone Star College Foundation is hosting its annual StarGala on May 2 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The event features cocktails, dinner, auctions, entertainment, and dancing, with proceeds going towards scholarships and other support for Lone Star College students.

Why it matters

The Lone Star College Foundation plays a crucial role in making higher education more accessible by providing scholarships, emergency aid, textbook funds, and other assistance to thousands of students. The annual StarGala is a key fundraising event that helps the foundation continue this important work.

The details

The StarGala is supported by sponsors like Houston Methodist, which has three of its nursing executives - Dr. Kerrie Guerrero, Dr. Caroline Mascarenhas, and Dr. Nicole Twine - serving as co-chairs for this year's event. The funds raised will go towards scholarships, emergency aid, textbook assistance, and other programs that help Lone Star College students overcome financial barriers.

  • The 2026 StarGala will be held on May 2.
  • The Lone Star College Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to over 27,000 students since 1991.

The players

Lone Star College Foundation

A nonprofit organization that helps remove financial barriers for students in the Lone Star College System through scholarships, emergency aid, textbook funds, and other support.

Dr. Kerrie Guerrero

Vice president and chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, serving as a co-chair for the 2026 StarGala.

Dr. Caroline Mascarenhas

Vice president and chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, serving as a co-chair for the 2026 StarGala.

Dr. Nicole Twine

Vice president and chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, serving as a co-chair for the 2026 StarGala.

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What they’re saying

“The future of our industry—and so many others—depends on the students who are currently deciding what their next step is going to be. Whether they're coming to the end of their high school journey or planning to go back to school to advance their career, we are proud to support students in the pursuit of their goals.”

— Guerrero, Mascarenhas and Twine

“Lone Star College Foundation exists to help make a high-quality college education more attainable through scholarships, emergency aid relief, textbook funds, meal vouchers and more. This crucial work would not be possible without the support of our community.”

— Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSC Foundation executive director

What’s next

Individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring or attending the 2026 StarGala can visit LoneStar.edu/Gala2026 to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.

The takeaway

The annual StarGala is a vital fundraising event that helps the Lone Star College Foundation provide crucial financial support to thousands of students, ensuring more people in the Houston area have access to affordable, high-quality higher education.