SAN JACINTO COLLEGE WWW.SANJAC.EDU

Registration open 2 for spring

Topflight 3 tournament

What are you 4 thankful for?

SANJAC.EDU CHRONICLE CUSTOM ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 4, 2018 sanjac.edu NEWS FROM YOUR cOLLEGE

Registration open First Lady Cecilia Abbott is Honorary to mark the construction of its new Chair of the 35th annual Governor’s Engineering and Technology Center and for spring Volunteer Awards. Through her cosmetology center. Expected to open spring Texanthropy initiative, Abbott has made 2020, the 74,000-square-foot Engineering 2019 semester promoting volunteerism and service to and Technology Center will house the Registration is open for all students others her primary focus as First Lady engineering, engineering technology, enrolling in the spring 2019 semester of . Awardees will be honored this engineering design graphics, biomedical beginning Monday, Oct. 22, through fall at an evening reception at the Texas equipment repair technician and computer Governor’s Mansion. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. For more information technology programs. The information, visit a San Jacinto College Partnership says that campus admissions office or sanjac.edu. Construction to among metro areas with at least 15,000 Process tech degrees begin on 4 new engineers, Houston has the fifth highest Flickinger named 2018 concentration of engineers in the United pay off with careers learning facilities States. Overall, the area at LyondellBasell Governor’s Volunteer has the third largest number of engineers Following voter approval of a $425 Eleven San Jacinto College process Award recipient million bond referendum in November in the country. The new 39,300-square- 2015, progress on infrastructure updates foot cosmetology center is scheduled to be technology graduates were recently hired as San Jacinto College Board of Trustees and new facilities on each of the San Jacinto completed by spring 2020. It will feature the LyondellBasell plant operators, proving they Chair Marie Flickinger has been named College campuses has begun, with four more latest in updated classrooms and modern have the training it takes to fill the skills gap a recipient of the 2018 Governor’s buildings set for groundbreaking this fall. labs to enhance the workforce training for in today’s petrochemical industry. Volunteer Award. On the Central Campus, the new those interested in a cosmetology career. A signing ceremony was held to celebrate For her work following Hurricane Harvey 145,000-square-foot Center for For photos of the recent San Jacinto the graduates’ achievements of earning their last year, Flickinger is the recipient of The Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology College groundbreakings, visit associate degrees, completing their 15-week Governor’s Commission for Women Disaster is taking shape. When it opens in 2019 it flickr.com/photos/sanjacintocollege/albums internships and being offered full-time Relief Assistance Award. Flickinger worked will be the premier petrochemical training with the Pasadena Independent School to view the 2018 Groundbreakings album. Process tech degrees continued on page 3 facility for industry, designed by industry. District and other community supporters The Center will house programs in process to set up a temporary shelter at J. Frank technology, instrumentation, electrical Dobie High School, which fed and housed technology, non-destructive testing and craft more than 1,650 displaced Texans. She also trades. An 8,000-square-foot exterior glycol WINTER MINI coordinated more than 150 volunteers at process unit will also be available to every the temporary shelter, including volunteers program that trains in the building. CLASSES from the American Red Cross. The Central Campus also recently She is the co-founder and publisher of the hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for BEGIN South Belt-Ellington Leader newspaper and the upcoming welcome center building. is well known for her instrumental role in The 43,000-square-foot building will uncovering the negative impacts of the Brio serve as a central hub for student services DEC.14 Superfund site. She is the Environmental including educational planning, financial Protection Agency community aid, enrollment services, business office, representative for the site and has served on testing, orientation and campus tours, APPLY, REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE AT two Mayoral Transition Committees for the veteran services and career services. The City of Houston. building will also have a new computer lab WWW.SANJAC.EDU and multi-purpose room to serve as a space for workshops, trainings, campus events, DO MORE. BE MORE. GET SAN JAC CERTIFIED. orientations and presentations. The Central Campus welcome center is expected to open CENTRAL CAMPUS SOUTH CAMPUS spring 2020. 8060 SPENCER HWY. 13735 BEAMER ROAD In September, the San Jacinto College PASADENA, TEXAS 77505 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77089 NORTH CAMPUS MARITIME CAMPUS North Campus broke ground on its new 5800 UVALDE ROAD 3700 OLD HWY. 146 cosmetology/culinary arts center. The HOUSTON, TEXAS 77049 LA PORTE, TEXAS 77571 57,000-square-foot facility will provide the latest in updated classrooms and state-of- the-art labs to enhance workforce training for students entering the cosmetology and 281-998-6150 | sanjac.edu culinary fields. The cosmetology/culinary The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, arts center is scheduled to open spring 2020. citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, marital status or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The following College official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non- Marie Flickinger The San Jacinto College South Campus discrimination policies: Vice President of Human Resources, 4620 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; [email protected]. also had a groundbreaking ceremony sanjac.edu Sunday | November 4, 2018 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Career plan helps veteran push forward

By Cheryl P. Rose feels confident that he has found his focus. College’s veterans center, particularly Veteran and funds. Figure out where you’re going – CORRESPONDENT Q: What are you studying? Services Manager, Eugene Bernard, has that’s the biggest thing. Then stick with it. A: I’m taking pre-requisites with the been tremendous. Mr. Bernard’s knowledge intention of transferring to the University of benefits has saved me. The veteran of Houston. Ultimately, I want to get my community here is so inviting, and I’m glad I ‘Blood Brothers’ master’s degree in project management. chose to come here. San Jacinto College student Tom Chaney iii was a member of the u.S. Q: How has your military service Q: What advice do you have for other Army Charlie Company’s 26th infantry affected or influenced you? veterans returning to school? regiment that deployed to Baghdad, A: I joined the army at 22 years old to serve A: Among veterans, the biggest thing is iraq. former soldier turned journalist honorably, get out and set up a good path misinformation or lack of knowledge about Kelly Kennedy wrote a book about their for my future. I served six years, three on veteran benefits, what you qualify for and experience, They Fought for Each Other: active duty and three in the reserves as a drill how to use them. I know that for myself, instructor. I was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for coming into the education system after the The Triumph and Tragedy of the Hardest Hit Unit in Iraq. The book tells about the Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College 18 months during active duty; it was tough. military, I just didn’t know where to start. It’s also been tough getting past everything The best thing to do is to go to a veterans 15 months the 1/26th infantry spent in San Jacinto College student and U.S. Army the Baghdad neighborhood of Adhamiya, veteran, Tom Chaney. that resides from the war. It’s a daily thing to center at your college. They help you out, fight past and continue on with life. give you information you didn’t know you where they took more casualties than any As a teenager, Tom Chaney III dropped out needed and get you aligned to your path. For u.S. battalion since Vietnam. Kennedy’s of school to help support his family in Texas Q: How is San Jacinto College helping all students, not just veterans, it’s important book grew out of a series she wrote for City. He took several low-wage jobs until you succeed? to focus on where you’re headed. I’ve taken The Army Times, called Blood Brothers, deciding to enlist in the U.S. Army. After his A: San Jacinto College has great instructors. classes I didn’t need, and I’ve met other which also chronicled the issues soldiers military service, his path eventually brought My math instructor is the best teacher students who have too because we didn’t face after arriving home. him to San Jacinto College. Now 35, Chaney I’ve ever had. Also, the support from the know where we were going. Don’t waste time TopfligHT TourNAmeNT TurNS golf ouTiNg iNTo STudeNT SCHolArSHipS By Cheryl P. Rose when they receive a scholarship, of the San Jacinto College and Texas Citizens Bank. Other CORRESPONDENT and their desire is great to pay Foundation and a longtime board sponsors included Lubrizol, Page, forward the gift of kindness. member. The popular event sells Kirby Marine, Huitt-Zollars, San Jacinto College Donors confirm the educational out every year, Keenan said. FMG/Haworth, Meador Staffing, Foundation’s 23rd Annual Golf dreams of students. Students Of the raised funds, Valve World Americas and Tournament netted $106,000 never forget the kindness. Ask about $60,000 will support attorney Daniel J. Snooks. from sponsorships and donors anyone who has received a scholarships for students in Thus far this fall, San Jacinto in October. The foundation scholarship; they never forget technical fields, and the rest will College Foundation has awarded earmarks all these funds for the experience.” go into the general scholarship 1,400 scholarships worth student scholarships and The Foundation hosted the fund, emergency funding and $923,000 to students. faculty grants. 2018 event at the exclusive Golf student success initiative grants “Scholarships enrich our “We want to thank all those Club of Houston, with 32 teams for faculty with innovative community with future leaders Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College who make assistance possible for participating. At the following education projects. and a skilled workforce,” Keenan Frank Nadolney (right) was honored our students,” said Ruth Keenan, luncheon, the Foundation The three top sponsors of said. “Tournament participants at the annual San Jacinto College Foundation Golf Tournament as its 2018 executive director of the San honored well-known community the event were Albemarle impact the lives of students, their Legacy Award recipient. Also pictured: Jacinto College Foundation. “The volunteer Frank Nadolney, who Corporation and Albemarle Cares families and our community by Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College students’ gratitude is evident was one of the original founders Foundation, PVF Roundtable making education possible.” Chancellor (left) and Carmen Nadolney.

Process tech degrees from page 2 positions with LyondellBasell. LyondellBasell only offers internships for the region and a generation workforce gap, jobs. Such demand positions community LyondellBasell plays a key role on the positions available, and 95 percent of those who 1.4 million jobs will require credentials that colleges, like San Jacinto College, as training San Jacinto College Petrochemical Advisory successfully complete their internships are offered are more than a high school diploma but less hubs for these types of careers. Council, which ensures students receive full-time jobs. Another round of internships is than a bachelor’s degree, according to UpSkill For more information on San Jacinto training in the exact skillsets requested by currently under way for 25 positions. Houston, a Greater Houston Partnership College’s process technology program, visit industry employers. With increasing plant expansions across initiative. These are known as “middle” skills sanjac.edu/career/process-technology. 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Adver Advertisingtising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 4, 2018 sanjac.edu

a season of ThanksgivingT ving

Callie Foster Dr. Chris Wild, department chair art student of chemistry, engineering, I’m thankful that I’m able to spend geology and physics time with my family and friends … I am most thankful for my wife and four boys, and for the fact that the weather has so family. They are wonderful, and no matter been good this year. what happens, I can always go home and get an abundance of love from them. I’m thankful for our great faculty. We have a super team, and they’re really involved with our students and go above and beyond. You can see this in the accolades our students receive. sanjac.edu Sunday | November 4, 2018 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Adver Advertisingtising Section >>> 5

what are You thankful for?for?

Linda Navejar Madelin Szydlek senior administrative assistant radiography student I am thankful for my life and to be alive. I am I am thankful for all the faculty at San Jacinto thankful that God changed my life because last year College and for the ability that I have the opportunity I could have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey. to go back to college after a 10-year gap and serving Even though I lost everything, I live in a brand new in the U.S. Army. house now.

Photos courtesy of San Jacinto College 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 4, 2018 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

1 4 San Jacinto College celebrated its 57th birthday on September 18. Its first graduating 1 class back in 1961 featured 700 students.

Jesse Mendoza was chosen as San Jacinto 2 College’s Police Officer of the Year.

Each campus kicked off Hispanic Heritage 3 3 Month with iconic, cultural food and activities.

Our campuses were in full color celebrating National Coming Out Day as 4 part of LGTBQ History Month. 7 2 A #SanJacLife student spotlight on McKenna Phillips, a recent Coca-Cola 5 Leaders of Promise Scholar.

South Campus offered low-cost pet vaccinations to the community in 6 conjunction with World Rabies Day.

5 6 San Jacinto College’s Open Books initiative, which saves students money on textbook 7 costs, was featured on KHOU 11 News.

A look back at San Jac history with the groundbreaking of the South Campus in the 1970s. 8 9 8

NASA celebrated 60 years of space sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150 exploration this month. A few of our students An Equal Opportunity Institution visited Johnson Space Center and saw the 9 Saturn V rocket up close. sanjac.edu Sunday | November 4, 2018 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 Inaugural polICe offICer of the Year honor awarded

By Cheryl P. Rose good people here, so it’s an honor to be CORRESPONDENT recognized,” Mendoza said. As a campus police officer, Mendoza Like many San Jacinto College students, said his job focuses on community Officer Jesse Mendoza of the San Jacinto policing, which can include services College Police Department went back to like helping people with ordinary school to change careers. After working problems like a jump-start for a dead in restaurant and retail management for car battery to investigating thefts, 16 years, Mendoza changed directions harassment or car accidents. Based at and entered the police academy in his South Campus, Mendoza has developed hometown of El Paso. Now in his fourth two specialties within the department: Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College year with the campus police, his fellow one as an instructor and another as a San Jacinto College police officer Jesse Mendoza (left) recently was named the College’s Police officers nominated Mendoza for the volunteer leader. Officer of the Year. Also pictured: Bruce Caldwell, San Jacinto College police chief. inaugural “Police Officer of the Year” As an instructor, Mendoza leads volunteer effort. how his parents raised him. It’s one of the award given by the department. certification for all officers in annual First “One of my favorite things is working foundational reasons becoming a police The department launched the new award Aid/CPR/AED training. He also is a field with Special Olympics,” Mendoza said. “A officer attracted him. to recognize an officer for outstanding training officer for new hires within the Mendoza’s immediate family are now work performance and commitment to department. couple of times a year we organize officers the San Jacinto College values. Mendoza “In both of these roles, I get a ground- to participate in fundraisers, and we work part of the San Jacinto College family, as learned of the honor in March, but the level advantage by working closely with alongside the kids. We’ve raised more both his wife and eldest child are enrolled award ceremony took place in October at all the officers on the force,” he said. than $9,000 since we started, I believe.” students. He has another child in high San Jacinto College’s South Campus. Perhaps his favorite part of his job Helping others, especially children, is a school filling out his San Jacinto College “I was surprised; we have a lot of isn’t an on-the-job description, but a tradition in Mendoza’s family and part of application now, he added.

SaN Jac HaPPENINGS

Date event time Site Nov. 5 Pharmacy Technician Program Information Sessions Noon – 1 p.m., 6 – 7 p.m. South Campus, Building 1, Room S1.251S Nov. 7 Steel Band concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 12 Nov. 8 Veterans Day ceremonies 8:30 a.m. Central, Maritime, North and South Campuses STEM Expo for Communities in Schools 5:30 p.m. North Campus, Building 17 Nov. 12 Fall 2018 installment payment plan due date 7 p.m. All campuses and sanjac.edu Nov. 13 Jazz Ensemble concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 Spring 2019 installment payment plans available 7 p.m. All campuses and sanjac.edu Nov. 14 -Clear Lake transfer day 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. North Campus, Building 6 lobby Brass Choir concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 Nov. 15 Orpheus concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 Nov. 16 & 19 Douglas Romanow Masterclass on Record Production TBA Central Campus, Building 5 Nov. 21-23 Thanksgiving holiday - No classes held All campuses and sanjac.edu Nov. 27 Guitar Ensemble concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 Nov. 28 Wind Ensemble concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 Nov. 29 Honors Showcase 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Campus, Building 1, Room C1.102 STEM speaker series: X-Men III & Genetics Discussion 1:30 p.m. South Campus, Building 7, Room S7.152 Nov. 30 Vocal area recital 6 p.m. Central Campus, Building 5 All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 4, 2018 sanjac.edu YOUR GOaLS. YOUR cOLLEGE.

VISION & MISSION Vision — San Jacinto College will be the leader in educational excellence and in the achieve- ment of equity among diverse populations. We will empower students to achieve their goals, redefine their expectations and encourage their exploration of new opportunities. Our passions are people, learning, innovation and continuous improvement.

Mission — Our mission is to ensure student success, create seamless transitions and enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve.

SUPPORT STUDENT A gift to the San Jacinto College Foundation transforms lives, enriches our community and SUccESS provides tomorrow’s community leaders. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has helped thousands of students reach their goals. Our former students and graduates have filled vital roles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices, manufacturing plants, and laboratories across NORTH CAMPUS our region and beyond. They have also won the World Series, NBA championships, starred in 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 major motion pictures and created major theatri- cal productions. Help our students today with CENTRAL CAMPUS the gift of education. Contact the San Jacinto 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or sanjac. edu/foundation. SOUTH CAMPUS 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 cOMMUNITY Surrounded by monuments of history, indus- tries and maritime enterprises of today, and MARITIME CAMPUS IMPacT the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. As a fiscally sound ONLINE institution, the College currently holds bond sanjac.edu ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively. San Jacinto College is a 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Top 10 institution, a 2017 Aspen JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Prize for Community College Excellence Ris- IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN ing Star Award recipient and an Achieving the Dream Leader College. Approximately 45,000 HIGHER EDUCATION. credit and noncredit students each year ben- FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT efit from a support system that maps outa pathway for success. The College offers eight WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150 areas of study that prepare a diverse body of students to transfer to four-year colleges or Connect with us on universities or enter the workforce with the skills needed to support the growing industries along the Texas Gulf Coast. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $690 million each year to the Texas workforce. An Equal Opportunity Institution