Mary and Joe McComb are honored at the Hand & Dove Scholarship Banquet
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.