Jul 6, 2015

Six community leaders will serve as honorary chairs for the College of the Mainland Foundation Gala, which supports students and their success through scholarships.

Jenny Senter, vice president of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce; Bob Senter, partner with Rust-Ewing Insurance; Shawn Bailey, president and CEO of AMOCO Federal Credit Union; Susan Bailey, of UTR Texas Realtors; Vincente J. Tramonte, owner of Joe Tramonte Realty Inc.; and Gina Spagnola, president of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, will assist with the gala.

“We feel that COM plays a very important role in our community and the education it provides is vital to our demographic and our workforce,” said Bob Senter.

The COM Foundation Gala will honor President David L. Callender, MD, and University of Texas-Medical Branch-Health for their impact on mainland Galveston County.

“At UTMB, you can get world-class service in your backyard,” said Shawn Bailey.

The gala will be held Sept. 10 at South Shore Harbour Resort. It will recognize UTMB’s contributions from providing comprehensive health care options to the creation of hundreds of jobs.

“Galveston County is a much better place with UTMB. I’ve been a patient, and they did a wonderful job,” said Bob Senter.

Gina Spagnola helped create Galveston’s Celebrating Women: Mind, Body, Spirit Conference. To encourage children to be entrepreneurs, Spagnola helped launch Lemonade Day Galveston County. Spagnola was also appointed as a member of the National Business Recovery Corps, created after 9/11 to unite individuals from disaster-stricken communities.

A supporter of education and economic development, Shawn Bailey has previously served on the board of directors for Communities in Schools-Bay Area, Perry YMCA, League City Chamber of Commerce and Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce.

Susan Bailey is active in the community and supports many organizations including Interfaith Caring Ministries, Hope Village, League City Chamber of Commerce, The Rose and Communities in Schools.

Bob Senter is president of the board of Gulf Coast Big Brothers/Big Sisters, treasurer of the Texas City ISD Foundation for the Future, civilian board member of Texas City Fireman’s Relief and Retirement Fund and advisory board member for D’Feet Breast Cancer Advisory Board. 

Jenny Senter serves on the board of directors for the Texas City ISD Foundation for the Future, the 1894 Grand Opera House and D’Feet Breast Cancer Advisory Board. 

Vincent J. Tramonte served as president of the Galveston Association of Realtors and as chairman of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce. He was also president of the Rotary Club of Galveston, of which he is a Paul Harris Fellow and inductee of Rotary District 5910 Roll of Fame 2003.A former chairman of the UTMB President’s Cabinet, he is excited about being invited to be a member of the UTMB Development Board.    

Since 1972 College of the Mainland Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of students. The fundraising arm of the college, the foundation is a separate nonprofit.