Texas State Technical College gave Steve Hefner an education and helped him find a career he still loves today and now he is giving back to the school that gave him so much.

 The 1985 TSTC graduate recently donated $10,000 to the TSTC Texan Success Scholarship that will assist students who are pursuing a career in construction-related industries such as Industrial Maintenance Technology, Welding Technology, HVAC Technology and Precision Machining Technology. The money will help students pay for tuition, books and other expenses.

 “TSTC was a great experience for me and I want someone else to have that same opportunity,” said Hefner.

 The 54-year-old earned his associate degree in building construction from TSTC in Waco and is now the senior vice president of construction, facilities and purchasing for Camden Property Trust in Houston where he has worked for 23 years.

 “A home is a special thing in someone’s life,” said Hefner. “And my career gives me great pride in being a part of that and it’s all because of TSTC.”

 Hefner said TSTC gave him the foundation he needed to be successful in his field and is glad to see that TSTC is still providing the same service.

 “At TSTC and in my career I have had great mentors and I want to be that for somebody,” he said. “TSTC is the best opportunity out there to get an education, skills and a trade.”

 Throughout Hefner’s 32-year career in the construction industry he has also worked at Worthing Southeast Builders and SpawGlass and Gross Builders earning promotions and working his way to the top.

 “And education is what you make of it,” he added. “Students at TSTC have the same opportunity as a four-year university graduate. Everyone starts at the bottom and earns their place at the top and I hope my donation can help students get there.”

 TSTC’s Field Development Officer John Kennedy said donations from alumni are a testament to the college.

 “It says a lot for a former students to return to help our college because it builds tremendous credibility for what we are doing in the state of the Texas,” said Kennedy. “In essence it is a testament to an alumni’s trust in our programs and effectiveness in our ability to change people’s lives for the better.”

Kennedy also added that donations are critical to the college’s mission of placing more Texans in great paying jobs.

 “These dollars are used by our students to learn a skill that they might not have otherwise been able to without donations from the private sector,” he said. “We are grateful for people like Mr. Hefner who see the value in skilled workers and are willing to invest in the future of others.”

 Hefner said he hopes to continue working with Kennedy and TSTC to begin an endowment toward TSTC’s construction-related technologies.

 “My goal is to help students avoid debt and give them the opportunity to find their passion,” he said. “I want to help them pursue a career that will provide for their future and their family’s needs in life.”

 For more information on how to donate to TSTC’s Texan Success Scholarship please call 346-239-3402.

 Registration for Fall 2017 is in progress. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.