From WCJC
The Wharton County Junior College Foundation celebrated a milestone year in grand fashion on Saturday, May 30, as more than 275 guests gathered at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land for the third annual Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor fundraiser.
The event raised more than $200,000 to support student scholarships, educational programs, and institutional initiatives across the Wharton County Junior College service area.
This year’s event embraced the theme “80 Years of Luck and Laughter,” commemorating the 80th anniversary of Wharton County Junior College and honoring eight decades of educational excellence, community partnerships, and student success.
Guests enjoyed an evening of casino gaming, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, raffle drawings, and fellowship, all while supporting opportunities that help WCJC students achieve their educational goals.
Russell Hill of KULP Radio returned as emcee for the evening, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the celebration.
WCJC Foundation President Gary Gillen welcomed attendees and reflected on the College’s legacy and continued impact throughout the region.
“As we celebrate 80 years of Wharton County Junior College, we are reminded that our greatest successes are measured by the lives we change through education,” Gillen said.
“The generosity shown by our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests ensures that future generations of students will have access to the opportunities they deserve.”
WCJC Foundation and Advancement Director Jonathan Jeter expressed appreciation for the tremendous community support that contributed to the event’s success.
“We are incredibly grateful for the businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in the mission of the WCJC Foundation,” Jeter said.
“This event is about more than an evening of entertainment - it is about investing in students, strengthening our communities, and ensuring that WCJC continues to transform lives for decades to come.”
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of a proclamation recognizing WCJC’s 80th anniversary from Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong, presented by Chief of Staff Trever Nehls.
As part of the anniversary celebration, the Foundation also recognized distinguished alumni and community leaders representing each decade of the College’s history through the WCJC Former Students and Friends program.
Honorees included Janette McDonald, Gene Bahnsen, Irene Mullins, Suzanne Armour, Leigh Ann Collins, Wharton Police Chief Terry Lynch, John Dettling, Trey Porras, and Audrey Lee. Gus Mullins was named the Distinguished Honoree in recognition of his lifetime commitment to student success and unwavering support of Wharton County Junior College.
The Foundation also recognized Wharton County Junior College as the event’s Platinum Legacy Partner for its continued leadership and support. Golden Legacy Partner sponsors included Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Royal Flush sponsors included Luna Llena Longhorns and Matagorda Concrete, LLC. Lucky Hand sponsors included Houston Methodist – Sugar Land, Maxim Ventures, Gary & Janice Gillen, BugCo., Prosperity Bank, Paul & Pam Pope, Dale & Betty McCrohan, H-E-B, Janette McDonald, Pfluger Architects, STP Nuclear Operating Co., and Garland Roofing Co. Winning Hand sponsors were BLS Construction, Inc., Land Rights Law, PLLC, OakBend Medical Center, University of Houston, RockIT, Wadler, Perches & Kerlick, Johnny Veselka, Dr. Priscilla Metcalf, Tenaris, Bohreer Law Firm, PLLC, Constellation Energy, Gordon & Linda Franklin, Kyle & Frances Tomek, Hlavinka Equipment Company, Terri Mund & Associates, B1 Bank, Bubba & Becky Cook, Daniel Wong, Faith Christian Academy, and Dr. Dwight & Jamie King.
Funds raised through Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor will support the WCJC Foundation’s mission of scholarships and educational initiatives that help students pursue degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials throughout the region.
The Wharton County Junior College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities through awareness, advocacy, and financial support for Wharton County Junior College.
In addition to Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor, the Foundation hosts the annual Super Science Alliance and Speakeasy event and provides increasing levels of scholarship support for students across the College’s service area.
For more information about the WCJC Foundation or to learn how to support its mission, visit wcjcfoundation.org or contact Jonathan Jeter, Foundation Director, at 979-532-6981 or jeterj@wcjc.edu.
The Wharton County Junior College Foundation exists to support the mission of Wharton County Junior College by securing private resources that expand educational opportunities, enhance student success, and strengthen the communities served by the College. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded scholarships, supported innovative programs, and connected donors with meaningful opportunities to invest in the future of WCJC students.