Alvin College Foundation - Making It Happen
Honoring Legacies. Supporting Students. Inspiring Innovation.
By Sydney Hildenburg
At Alvin College, student success is strengthened by the generosity of donors, community partners, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who believe in the power of education.
Through scholarships, emergency assistance, innovative grants and program support, the Alvin College Foundation helps students overcome barriers, prepare for careers and stay focused on their goals. During the 2025-2026 academic year, Foundation support reached across campus, helping students begin their educational journeys, continue through unexpected challenges and prepare for the workforce.
Honoring a Legacy: The Henry C. and Doris M. Rossi Memorial Endowment
The Henry C. and Doris M. Rossi Memorial Endowment was established by the Rossi family to celebrate a lifetime of service, leadership and dedication to Alvin College. Henry Rossi served on the Alvin College Board of Regents and was a founding member and past president of the Alvin College Foundation. All four of his daughters attended the college. The scholarship provides $5,000 in support over two years to help students persist and complete their degrees.
Advancing Science Education: The Jane Allen Biotechnology Scholarship
The Alvin College Foundation also helped establish the Jane Allen Biotechnology Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of Alvin College retiree Bill Horine. Created in memory of Jane Allen, the scholarship provides a $2,500 annual award to a Biotechnology student pursuing a future in science. Allen played an important role in developing biotechnology education at Alvin College, managing the Biotechnology Resource Center and introducing innovative laboratory experiences to students and educators throughout the region.
Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce: Process Technology Innovation
Thanks to a $100,000 grant from Dow, Alvin College's Process Technology Program is enhancing hands-on training for students entering the chemical and manufacturing industries. Additional support from the Alvin College Foundation and the College helped fully fund the purchase of advanced Yokogawa troubleshooting software, giving students access to real-world simulations that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills before they enter the workforce.
Inspiring Innovation: Foundation Grants at Work
Faculty and staff also benefit from Foundation support through the Innovative Grants Program. During the 2025-2026 academic year, grants funded projects across campus, including ergonomic training tools for sonography students, advanced CNC technology for welding instruction, high-frequency CPR simulation training for healthcare programs and a Virtual Dementia Tour to help students better understand patients living with dementia.
Recognizing Excellence: Annual Excellence Awards for Faculty & Staff
Each year the Foundation invites faculty and staff to nominate co-workers to demonstrate excellence every day, not only in their classrooms but also on campus and in their community. This year, four full-time faculty & staff, as well as two adjunct faculty & staff were honored with a plaque and a monetary award. Pictured from left to right are Brenda Schibi, Alvin College Foundation President, Lindsey Hindman, Executive Director of Human Resources, Michel Evans, Administrative Assistant to Nursing Programs, Carmen Arreola, Custodian and Laura Trigo, Culinary Arts Instructor. Also pictured is Wil Kennedy, Adjunct Business Management Instructor with Brenda Schibi. (Not pictured is Evelyn Jammer, Part-time Proctor for TDCJ Programs.
Meeting Students Where They Are: Emergency Support and Essential Resources
One of the most direct ways the Foundation supports students is through the Emergency Fund and Student Resource Center. These resources help students facing unexpected expenses such as car repairs, utility bills, temporary housing or transportation needs. The Foundation also supports the Student Resource Center through an Amazon Wish List and helps stock campus Blessing Boxes with groceries, toiletries, school supplies and other essentials. Working with Alvin College counselors and student support staff, the Foundation helps students stay enrolled when life gets complicated. Use this link to donate through the Amazon Wish List.
Every scholarship awarded, grant funded and student supported reflects the impact of a community that believes in education. Whether helping a student stay enrolled during a crisis, honoring the legacy of a longtime supporter or preparing graduates for high-demand careers, the Alvin College Foundation continues to create opportunities that change lives.
The Foundation’s work is possible because of donors and supporters who invest in Alvin College students. Together, they are helping build a stronger college, a stronger workforce and a stronger community.
On behalf of the Alvin College Foundation Board, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us Make It Happen at Alvin College.
To learn more or help the Foundation continue its mission through a donation, contact us:
- 281-756-3600
- foundation@alvincollege.edu
- Alvin College Foundation
Other Ways to Give:
- Donate to Support the Emergency Fund
- Give an Honorary or Memorial Gift
- Establish a New Scholarship
- Request Corporate Matching Gifts
- Offer Program Support monetarily or with an equipment donation