According to Wade Carpenter, FAN secretary/treasurer, “$29,000 was raised for our scholarship fund this year".

   "On behalf of the entire FAN organization and gala committee I want to thank everyone who made this year's event such a great success,” added Carpenter.

   SWTJC President Dr. Hector Gonzales expressed his gratitude to those who sponsored this year’s event and talked about the importance of partnerships between the college and area businesses and organizations.

   Gonzales went on to speak on the impact that SWTJC has on the 11-counties in its service area.

   “We did a statewide study back in 2014, and economic analyst found that the SWTJC engine generates $160 million annually in our 11 counties,” said Gonzales. “It’s important—what we do in training and educating our students is a valuable piece of our economy.”

   This year’s gala was a “Mardi Gras” theme with casino entertainment and music provided by Full House Entertainment of Eagle Pass.

   Founded in 2007, the SWTJC FAN has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to hundreds of students.