Celebrating a legacy of success: TSTC honors alumnus at inaugural Distinguished Alumni Gala

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Texas State Technical College will present its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Gala, an event that will recognize inspiring TSTC alumni who embody a legacy of success, at the college's Cultural Arts Center in Harlingen on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Joel Stone, an alumnus of the college's Building Construction Technology program and now the chairman and CEO of construction company SpawGlass, will be the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Stone received his certificate of completion in 1984 when TSTC was known as Texas State Technical Institute.

"TSTC has been a foundation in the success of many alumni," Stone said. "I believe as more are recognized, it will reinforce the important role TSTC plays in so many people's lives."

Stone's commitment to the college and its mission of "placing more Texans in great-paying jobs" is evident through SpawGlass' continued philanthropic support, partnership and advocacy.

Cledia Hernandez, TSTC's vice chancellor of external relations in Harlingen, said Stone's journey from TSTC to success is inspirational.

"Joel's achievements highlight the value of technical education, demonstrating how skills honed at TSTC can lead to significant contributions and a lasting impact," she said.

Jennifer Colten, The TSTC Foundation's executive director for advancement operations, said the event serves as a catalyst to fundraise for scholarships.

"The TSTC Foundation's purpose is to bridge the gap for students in need to ensure successful program completion," she said. "The community's support for this endeavor is a critical component to our mission."

Eladio Jaimez, provost of TSTC's Harlingen campus, said the gala is a celebration of not only what graduates have accomplished in their professional and personal lives, but also how they are making their communities better.

"By celebrating these individuals, it will continue to motivate our current students," he said. "We open our doors to many students in the Rio Grande Valley that will graduate one day from TSTC and make a lasting impact on the region."

Stone said SpawGlass has been honored to support the growth of the college's programs, especially those related to the construction industry.

"TSTC is a key contributor to the Texas workforce, specifically in construction," he said. "We reap tenfold what we give back to TSTC as a company and an industry."

Individual tickets and sponsorships are available for the gala. For reservations, visit: https://www.tstc.edu/distinguished-alumni-gala.

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