2023 Hand & Dove Scholarship Banquet
Troy Riggs give the keynote address at the Hand & Dove Scholarship Banquet.
Mary and Joe McComb are honored with the Hand & Dove award for their lifetime of Christian service.
Jeanette Gordon receives the “Jeanette Gordon Pillar of Light Award.”
2023 Hand & Dove Recap
On November 2, over 400 attendees came together at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center for Stark College & Seminary's Hand & Dove Scholarship Banquet. This annual scholarship fundraiser celebrates Stark students as well as special honorees for their selfless Christian service.
The evening began with the testimonies of remarkable students. Geraldine Ford recounted her journey to becoming the first woman licensed to preach the gospel at her church in San Antonio. Alongside her, Ricardo Tamez and Leo Longoria shared their experiences serving first responders in the Rio Grande Valley. Johnny De La Paz added to the evening's highlights with his testimony about mentoring young athletes in the Coastal Bend.
Then came a moving tribute to former mayor Joe and Mary McComb as they received the Hand & Dove Award for their lifetime of unwavering commitment to Corpus Christi. Keynote speaker Pastor Troy Riggs of First Baptist Church in Alice charged the audience to stay focused on the cross while serving God and others. His words resonated with attendees, encouraging them to continue their support of theological education and ministry training.
An unexpected yet thoroughly deserved honor was bestowed upon former Board Chairman Jeanette Gordon, as she was presented with the newly named “Jeanette Gordon Pillar of Light Award.” This recognition celebrated her steadfast support and invaluable contributions to the seminary over 30+ years.
The primary aim of the banquet—to raise scholarship funds for those pursuing studies at Stark College & Seminary—was met with incredible generosity. The gathered community seized the opportunity to invest in the academic and spiritual pursuits of Stark students, paving a way for ministry leaders to be equipped to make a meaningful impact in their churches and communities.
Stark students serving at the Hand & Dove Scholarship Banquet.
Hear Their Stories
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Geraldine Ford
Master of Arts in Ministry Student
Read how Geraldine’s faith and the generosity of Stark’s donors propelled her from aspiring ministry student to licensed preacher, transforming her life and calling.
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Leo Longoria & Ricardo Tamez
Certificate in Ministry Students
Discover how Ric and Leo's friendship transformed into a ministry partnership, with Stark playing a pivotal role in equipping them for their mission to support first responders.
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Johnny De La Paz
Certificate in Ministry Student
Hear how Johnny De La Paz transformed his life through faith and guidance at Stark, finding a renewed sense of purpose as he mentors young athletes.