Silent Auction at Art House to Benefit Former STC Instructor

Silent Auction at Art House to Benefit Former STC Instructor

He was a colleague and friend who gave of himself to help South Texas College become what it is today and now his friends at STC and the community at large want to give back to help him find a cure for cancer. Friends and colleagues of Raymond T. Hernandez will hold a silent auction at Art House located at 1009 Laurel in downtown McAllen on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. wrapping up the auction. All funds raised at the event will go to benefit Hernandez’s continued battle against cancer.

A variety of art pieces from the college’s faculty and students, as well as local artists will be up for bid. Local philanthropist and painter Kirk Cla rk has generously donated two of his own paintings to the auction.

“Many of the us at STC knew Ray and worked side by side with him on a variety of initiatives,” said Shirley Ingram. “He is a dear friend whom we all know as a sweet, gentle man who really cares about others. His devotion to student opportunities and success was instrumental in our growth and now its time to do what we can to give him continued hope, just as he gave hope to thousands of students.”

A talented sculptor, Hernandez served STC from 1996 to 2000, serving as an instructor, department chair, division director of communications, fine arts and humanities and ultimately as Associate Dean for Student Support Services. During his tenure he founded the college’s Art Department and brought the opportunity for creative students to learn a variety of art methodologies first hand. Now he is battling the final stages of neck and tongue cancer.

Having exhausted all conventional treatments, he will seek alternative therapies at Oasis of Hope, which is a hospital located in Tijuana, Mexico. Most recently doctors were unable to treat microscopic cancer cells discovered in the sheath of his carotid artery and it is this complication that had lead to his current tenuous health.

“Ray is a man of great hope and faith; he isn’t a quitter and he will continue to fight this illness,” added Ingram. “We really hope that everyone that was impacted by Ray, whether it be through his work at the college or through his art, will come out and do what they can to support his courageous battle.”

For more information about the event contact Richard Smith at 872-3478 or Jose Cruz at 467-7779.