22 Pasadena seniors graduate with both diplomas and degrees
This year, 22 students made history as the first graduating class of the Pasadena Early College High School (PECHS), earning both their high school diplomas and San Jacinto College associate degrees. “It’s an amazing feeling and accomplishment,” said class valedictorian Alondra Moran, who will attend the University of Houston in the Fall on a $20,000 scholarship to study mechanical engineering. “We’re reaping the rewards for all of the hard work and sacrifices we’ve made to be here.” The Pasadena Early College High School opened in the Fall of 2011 with 54 freshmen. That number grew to 190 students this past year, with many far surpassing the state average on the STAAR exam. PECHS students may earn up to 62 college credit hours and an associate degree while still in high school. They select from a variety of degree plans that lead to a myriad of baccalaureate and post-graduate degree opportunities and careers.
San Jacinto College receives grant for industrial maintenance and millwright training
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts recently awarded a $230,000 Jobs and Education for Texans Program grant to San Jacinto College for industrial maintenance and millwright training. Development of the new Industrial Maintenance/Millwright program is in response to requests from industry partners in the petrochemical industry and the contractors who build or maintain their facilities. The program will be offered through the College’s partnership with the Construction Maintenance and Education Foundation (CMEF). “The initial course offerings will be for those who are new to the industry, but the College will soon be able to offer upgrade or refresher training to those already working in industry,” said Dr. J.D. Taliaferro, director of applied technologies and trades at San Jacinto College. “This grant allows us to move forward with obtaining the equipment to begin training people who are very much needed for work in industrial maintenance and as millwrights.” Applied Technologies and trades courses are offered through the Continuing and Professional Development division at San Jacinto College. To register for courses, or for more information, visit sanjac.edu/cpd.
Williamson named recipient of Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction
San Jacinto College Deputy Chancellor and President, Dr. Laurel Williamson, is one of 23 community college presidents and campus CEOs to receive the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at the annual PTK convention held in April in San Antonio. College presidents and campus CEOs are selected for this award on the basis of outstanding efforts given toward promoting the goals of Phi Theta Kappa. The award is named in honor of the late Shirley B. Gordon, the longest serving PTK Board of Directors Chair, and President Emeritus of Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington. Dr. Williamson was nominated by Ms. Elizabeth McKinley, advisor for the Alpha Gamma Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at the San Jacinto College South Campus. In the nomination, Ms. McKinley notes, “Dr. Williamson promotes our PTK students to the Board of Trustees and to the community at large. She loves bragging on our students to anyone who will listen. To Dr. Williamson, it’s all about the students. If we have a need, she will find a way to fill that need, both personally and financially. Her door is always open to our students.” Congratulations, Dr. Williamson!
New multi-disciplinary humanities course to explore the human need to be creative
San Jacinto College is launching a multi-disciplinary humanities course designed to provide students a well-rounded educational experience that fosters and improves critical thinking. This new course will explore some of the most interesting aspects of humanity. Mark Johnson, language arts department chair at the San Jacinto College North Campus, says it will answer the questions, “Why do humans create?” “How do you evaluate creativity?” and “What does a culture’s creativity say about its values?” The humanities course launches this Fall semester, and will be available at all three San Jacinto College campuses. Instead of focusing on one particular area of humanities, the course will encompass various branches of humanities. Students can take the course as a traditional on-campus course, or online.
20th annual golf tournament set for October 13
The San Jacinto College Foundation will host its annual golf tournament with guest host Andy Pettitte on Tuesday, October 13, at Golf Club of Houston. This tradition, now 20 years in the making, raises money for student scholarships. There will also be a golf academy for those who want to learn the game or improve their swing under the guidance of a PGA professional, as well as an evening reception, beginning at 6 p.m., featuring a live and silent auction. For more information about sponsorships or playing opportunities, call the San Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104.