SPC Carries Forward a Tradition of Giving

St. Philip’s College (SPC) has kicked off its 2025 United Way Employee Giving Campaign, calling on faculty and staff to help raise funds for scholarships, programs, and community services that support students and families across San Antonio.

The college has set a goal of reaching 45% employee participation and raising $80,000 during the campaign, which runs Oct. 1–31 as part of the districtwide Alamo GIVES BACK initiative.

Last year, St. Philip’s employees contributed $106,344, more than any other college in the Alamo Colleges District.

St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston has led the Alamo Colleges District as the top donor for nine consecutive years, underscoring what organizers described as a “lead by example” approach. The college’s tradition of giving dates back to its founding president, Saint Artemisia Bowden, who kept the doors of St. Philip’s College open through tireless fundraising in the early 20th century.

“I grew up in a caring family, a giving family. I am richly blessed in so many ways, including financially. Because of that, I don't dare not give back. I don't dare not share what I've been blessed with,” said Dr Loston.

SPC Employee contributions can go toward United Way partner agencies or toward college-based scholarships, including the Artemisia Bowden Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Adena Williams Loston Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Clarence W. Norris Sr. Endowed Scholarship, the SPC Alumni Association Scholarship, and the SPC General Scholarship.

Donors also have the option of creating named scholarships. In the past two years, employees established 10 new funds through the campaign. The Dr. Adena Williams Loston Endowed Scholarship awarded $28,600 to 26 students last year.

“I am truly honored to be selected. My career goals and personal aspirations are to become a social worker or a school counselor. This scholarship means so much to me because it is my very first scholarship, and my family is so proud,” said Yulanda Johnson, a 2025 Dr. Adena Williams Loston Endowed Scholarship recipient.