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College named Foundation raises Grads celebrate, 2 Top 10 in nation 2 $360K for students 4 tailgate style

SANJAC.EDU HOUSTON CHRONICLE CUSTOM ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | July 5, 2020 sanjac.edu News frOm YOur COllege

San Jac 3-peats as critically important to our success,” said transportation support, child care Dr. Brenda Hellyer, access, and tuition assistance, in Top 10 community Chancellor. “These generous donations addition to the food markets and coat college in the nation enhance our ability to help students in closet resources. According to the the ways they need it most. Some face National Alliance to End Homelessness San Jacinto College was named June 9 an unexpected emergency and need (NAEH), there were an estimated 25,310 as one of 10 finalists for the $1 million immediate help, and others are working homeless individuals in in 2019, 2021 Aspen Prize for Community day in and day out to overcome ongoing with nearly 1,400 unaccompanied College Excellence, the nation’s signature obstacles like food insecurity and young adults ages 18-24. San Jacinto recognition of high achievement and homelessness. It’s our mission to help all College’s student population of performance among community colleges. students achieve their educational goals, nearly 45,000 each year reflects the Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College Awarded every two years since 2011, and we are so grateful to the community, statewide demographics of these at-risk the Aspen Prize recognizes institutions our partners, and our employees for populations, and the College continues emergency aid grants through the that achieve strong student outcomes helping us do that.” its mission to meet the needs of its Federal CARES Act. across four key areas: teaching and One hundred percent of the funds diverse student body. Over the past decade, the San Jacinto learning, degree completion and raised will benefit San Jac students In addition to the $360,500 raised College Foundation has raised more than successful transfer to four-year with immediate needs. The funds will by the College’s Gala with a Twist $15 million, awarded more than 12,000 institutions, success in the workforce, offset costs such as tuition, books, food, fundraiser, the San Jacinto College student scholarships, and contributed to and equitable outcomes for diverse clothing, transportation, and child care Foundation approved $200,000 in campus and faculty programs that help student groups. In 2017, San Jacinto for student recipients, and will also help emergency funding in March to assist San Jac students reach their educational College earned the Aspen Rising Star the College continue to provide students students with $250 scholarships during goals. Award; and in 2019, the Aspen Institute with access to vital campus resources. the COVID-19 crisis, and nearly 1,200 To donate to and support the named San Jacinto College as one of “Fortunately, this year’s fundraising students have received the emergency San Jacinto College Foundation, the top 10 community colleges in gala — launched in January — was aid to date. Students affected by the visit sanjac.edu/foundation or the country. originally planned as an online pandemic also have access to San Jac call 281-998-6104. “It is again an honor to be recognized campaign, so we were able to continue by the Aspen Institute for the incredible our efforts during COVID-19, which work being done at San Jacinto College to has directly impacted so many of our help our students reach their educational students in complex ways,” said Ruth YOU CAN STILL goals,” said San Jacinto College Keenan, the foundation’s executive Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “This director. “Our fundraising efforts REGISTER FOR recognition is due to the dedication of became even more critical in light of our board of trustees, administration, the pandemic.” faculty, and staff to ensure that all of our The campus food markets will be FALL students have the resources they need one of the benefactors from the funds and well-planned educational pathways raised, serving San Jac students by to complete their certificates or degrees. distributing food and meal vouchers to CLASSES On behalf of everyone at San Jacinto those in need, even during the College’s College, I thank the Aspen Institute for period of altered operation and online CLASSES BEGIN this amazing honor.” classes. According to the United Health Aspen continued on Page 3 Foundation and the United States AUG. 24 Department of Agriculture (USDA), 14 percent of Texas households are San Jacinto College experiencing food insecurities, meaning Foundation raises they cannot easily afford or have limited $360,500 for access to food. Other campus resources like the students in need College’s coat closet will be bolstered by the donations, as many San Jac The San Jacinto College Foundation students use the resource for winter raised more than $360,500 with its clothing, everyday clothing, and even job 2020 Gala with a Twist fundraising interview outfits. campaign, announcing the campaign’s Students experiencing temporary success at the College’s board of trustees obstacles with their living situations meeting Monday, June 15, 2020. due to the pandemic or homelessness “Fundraising campaigns like this are will also be aided by the funds through sanjac.edu Sunday | July 5, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3

equipment and program changes to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of the region’s industries. Industry experts work alongside College faculty in programs such as maritime, petrochemical, automotive technology, and health care to ensure the College provides students the skills they need to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Many programs have a job placement rate above 90 percent. “San Jacinto College is always improving,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “The College has comprehensively restructured its Aspen continued from page 2 support services in place where they and Sam Houston State University. systems to align everything to students’ are needed. From iConnect Centers on Pathways incorporate Texas high school success, from before they enroll until Focus on completion each campus, to First Generation Clubs, endorsements, San Jacinto College they complete a degree. The College The College’s laser focus on student mentors, employer “Meet-Ups,” College meta-majors, and career and is also especially effective in building completion has resulted in a 168.7 Knowledge Fairs, and workshops, transfer tracks. relationships with employers to deliver percent increase in certificates and these increased connections prepare “San Jacinto College has developed what the community needs to thrive and degrees from 2009 to 2019. This is students to transfer or enter the more than 100 program maps to help ensuring that graduates succeed in the result of the comprehensive work workforce. our students complete and transfer,” the workforce.” of employees throughout San Jacinto Since joining the Guided Pathways said Williamson. “I commend the The 10 Aspen Prize finalists were College to advise and track students initiative four years ago, San Jacinto faculty and staff for their work on selected from the nation’s 1,000 from admissions to completion. College has worked to ensure students these pathways because we have been community colleges in a process that The institution has developed an able to decrease the average number included qualitative and quantitative intentional, integrated advising program of semester credit hours to degree 2021 Aspen Prize finalists data analysis and engaged more than to help students succeed. This program completion from 103 in 2012, to was designed to make the student Amarillo College, Amarillo, Texas 30 experts in the field. The finalists all 84 in 2018, saving our students time experience more relational and less Borough of Manhattan effectively identify, develop, and scale and money.” transactional, with career information Community College, New York, N.Y. strategies to propel all students not just and exploration strategically placed Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to complete college but also to succeed Partnering with community throughout the process. College , Odessa, Texas In selecting the top 10 community after graduation. outreach advisors monitor students’ Pasadena City College, Pasadena, Calif. colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize, For the rest of 2020, the Aspen progress and provide help, guidance, Pierce College, Pierce County, Wash. the Aspen Institute also considered Institute will work with a team of and encouragement. , San Antonio, Texas each institution’s labor market national experts to complete a rigorous “We know that our students are more San Jacinto College, Pasadena, Texas Tallahassee Community College, outcomes. The College works closely review process to determine the winner successful when they have a connection Tallahassee, Fla. of the prize. This encompasses a to the College from the moment they with a number of local and statewide West Kentucky Community and comprehensive examination of come to campus to the moment they economic development organizations Technical College, Paducah, Ky. outcomes data as well as multi-day walk across the stage at graduation,” to understand the needs of the region’s virtual site visits to each of the said San Jacinto College Deputy workforce. Students receive several 10 finalist institutions. Chancellor and College President have a clear pathway to transfer. tools to evaluate career interests and In early 2021, a distinguished Dr. Laurel Williamson. “That’s why we Student pathways are put into place readiness, and admissions advisors jury will convene to select the prize have been intentional about removing during entry advising, and College initiate a career conversation with winner, finalists with distinction, and barriers and putting support systems in faculty map a pathway for each program students to determine that the selected place so that our students can get the every year so students have a detailed pathway meets students’ goals, a rising star and allocate a $1 million help they need wherever they are in plan of the courses and sequence interests, and salary aspirations. award among them. The winner will their certificate or degree programs.” they need to take to complete on San Jacinto College partners with be announced at a May 2021 event in In addition to the increased attention time. The College has transfer maps local industries. Through advisory Washington, D.C. to helping students where they are, through bachelor’s degrees in place committees of industry subject-matter The Aspen Prize is generously funded the College has also changed many for University of Houston’s three experts, the College provides discipline- by Ascendium Education Group, Joyce processes to remove barriers and put campuses, Texas A&M University, specific curriculum and guidance on Foundation, and Siemens Foundation. 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | July 5, 2020 sanjac.edu RADIOGRAPHY GRADUATES CELEBRATE TAILGATE STYLE

By Courtney Morris Without real patients, students still SAN JACINTO COLLEGE had to complete their remaining X-ray competencies to earn their degrees. Although COVID-19 changed the But faculty found a way for them to format, San Jacinto College medical finish on time and meet national registry radiography graduates still had their and accreditation standards. completion ceremony. During finals week, radiography The tailgate event at Central Campus students participated in a small-group May 14 wrapped up an unusual semester lab pilot at Central Campus. Wearing for the 31 spring graduates, who had masks and social distancing, they been unsure of completing on time, staggered shifts to complete coursework much less celebrating together. and demonstrate final competencies Stay-at-home orders limited campus using real X-ray equipment on patient access, while health care providers simulators in the skills lab. nixed clinicals to protect students. As students finished, one question dominated: Would they still have a completion ceremony? Yes, faculty decided. The solution: A drive-in ceremony in the health science building parking lot. The College provided face shields for all ceremony participants, while traffic cones with name cards marked where students and family could park on either Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College side of the awards area. Face shields couldn’t hide grins “But attending it … I realized what it each graduate submitted a personal and tears as graduates accepted their meant to me.” reflection on the pandemic. certificates and awards. For Brittany The ceremony also served as a Medical imaging department chair Dirnbauer, the event concluded five transition from student to active health Diane Zerbe choked up remembering semesters of “blood, sweat, and tears” care worker. Once students pass their their responses: “Almost every student and countless memories. certification exam, they will join health answered they were looking forward to “I thought (at first) it would be OK if care professionals fighting COVID-19. being on the front lines helping with the Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College it had gotten canceled,” Dirnbauer said. During the program’s final weeks, crisis. I could not be prouder of them.”

SAN JAC HAPPENINGS

DATE EVENT TIME SITE July 6-17 Pathway to the Stars STEM Camp 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. sanjac.edu/pathway-to-the-stars-camp July 7, 8, 9 Ask a Student Ambassador Webinar Series 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. tinyurl.com/y8g8tlzs July 8 Generation Park Campus Virtual Information Session 2-3 p.m. sanjac.zoom.us/J/97547593250 July 13-Aug. 21 Credible Customer Service & Communication Strategies Course TBD Online; check sanjac.edu July 14, 15, 16 Ask a Student Ambassador Webinar Series 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. tinyurl.com/y8g8tlzs July 20-31 Pathway to the Stars STEM Camp 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. sanjac.edu/pathway-to-the-stars-camp July 21, 22, 23 Ask a Student Ambassador Webinar Series 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. tinyurl.com/y8g8tlzs July 22 Generation Park Campus Virtual Information Session 2-3 p.m. sanjac.zoom.us/J/97547593250 July 28, 29, 30 Ask a Student Ambassador Webinar Series 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. tinyurl.com/y8g8tlzs July 29 Generation Park Campus Virtual Information Session 2-3 p.m. sanjac.zoom.us/J/97547593250 All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu. sanjac.edu Sunday | July 5, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5 Smart bagS made Simple

By Andrea Vasquez Prior to COVID-19, students regularly Wiggins. “The other teams are from SAN JACINTO COLLEGE met with Slind via Zoom to review major universities, so being specifications and required technology a community college team speaks Living the parent life comes with capabilities since she currently resides volumes about what our students bring to endless adventures and some sticky in Malaysia. Once the pandemic caused the table.” circumstances like forgetting wipes or the showcase to move to a virtual setting, While the showcase is all about not being able to warm a bottle. These Wiggins’ students had no problem with innovation and technology, Wiggins situational snags are exactly why San the transition. Some of the bag features added that some skills needed to create Jacinto College engineering students Slind wanted to incorporate included a the diaper bag require some of the teamed up with Patricia Slind, designer cell phone charger, bottle warmer, simplest things like a needle and thread. and wipe warmer. and CEO of VINSS Bags, as part of the “Apparently, my students can’t sew, Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College annual Technology Collaboration Center “Patricia’s project was featured in the and one of them had his grandmother Wearable Technologies Showcase. TCC Wearable Tech Showcase as a project teach his team,” Wiggins said. “These place. Using rubrics in Blackboard and A project that has been two years that a senior design team at a university students need lessons from the older tools available through groups, students in the making, San Jacinto College can apply for, and we jumped in,” said generations just as much as they need the presented to and evaluated each other. engineering professor Nate Wiggins’ academic instruction.” Because there are a lot of moving parts students continue to work on bringing Despite the presentations and to this project, this allowed students to intelligent diaper bags into the evaluations moving online, Wiggins work together, keep in communication, mainstream technology mix. noted that this did not mean a change in and learn from the science of other Hosted by NASA Johnson Space rigor for the project and quality in the students. These skills will help them Center, Wiggins’ students collaborated deliverables. It also meant expanding on work in teams and was highly effective. with Slind to create their intelligent their teamwork and collaboration skills. This is also a tribute to the College’s diaper bag. Student teams worked on “Unlike the schools that offered EdTech team, who taught me many different parts of the bag from designing pass/fail options, the College resumed of these Blackboard capabilities last and testing resistors with heating with regular grading and continued to summer, so I was able to incorporate elements to determine maximum change challenge them," he said. "Group spaces those for this project as we moved in temperature, to 3D printing light cases. Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College were formed and online meetings took instruction online.” AS temperAtureS riSe, CAreerS in HVAC HeAt up ALOnG GuLf COASt

By Melissa Trevizo At San Jacinto College, HVAC-R is air conditioning contractors in the SAN JACINTO COLLEGE taught in three stages: occupational, United States have grown by 3.1 percent technical, and commercial. Each stage to reach $94 billion. During the same In Houston, the average daily results in a certification and ultimately timeframe, the number of HVAC-R temperature for July reaches 94 degrees, in an Associate of Science degree in businesses has grown by 2.6 percent, making a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning technology. Students and the number of employees has grown Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College air conditioning, and refrigeration can earn a certification only and start by 4.5 percent. (HVAC-R) a high-demand and working in the field, or complete the “If you’re interested in helping people contractor in Texas, you must have lucrative field. track for a degree. keep their homes at a comfortable four years’ experience in the field, “In a 100-mile radius there can “I have a lot of students who earn temperature and save money with be officially endorsed by a licensed be as many as 1,100 air conditioning their first certificate, and we won’t see energy efficiency, now’s the time to get contractor, and pass a certification exam operations in business,” said Ben them for a while,” said James Fairleigh, into the HVAC-R industry,” said Ficklin. with the Texas Department of Licensing Ficklin, air conditioning technology air conditioning technology instructor Within the HVAC-R field there are and Regulation (TDLR). instructor at San Jacinto College’s at San Jacinto College’s South Campus. many career tracks, starting with a “A career in air conditioning can be North Campus. “Air conditioning in “But most will come back and finish helper or Tier 1 to a certified technician very rewarding and lucrative, though it any capacity as well as refrigeration are their degree, so that they can advance in and supervisor in the commercial or can be very hard work,” said Fairleigh. fields that aren't going anywhere and the field to become supervisors.” residential field, as well as becoming “There is an abundance of opportunity especially in the Gulf Coast are needed According to hvaccareermap.org, a small business owner. available to anyone who wants it, as long year-round.” over the last five years, heating and To become an independent HVAC-R as you have a passion for the work.” 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | July 5, 2020 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Contractors from Tellepsen shot aerial 1 footage of the progress at the new Generation Park Campus.

The iConnect Centers hosted Loteria competitions with students via 2 Zoom, and the winners received 1 2 pizza deliveries to their house.

Medical imaging students returned 3 to campus with protective gear to complete their exit exams.

Professor Ingrid Hunter shared this 4 photo of the final string ensemble class of the semester. 3 4

5 Aerospace Academy cyber summer camper 5 Sophia completed her paper rocket.

HVAC grad Andre shared his 6 end-of-program celebration via Twitter. 6

8 Carrie shared her #SanJacAtHome view 7 of her toddler in between work breaks.

The instructional innovations team posted tips on how to create media 8 with a mobile device. Check them out @sjcinnovations on Instagram. 7

sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150 An Equal Opportunity Institution sanjac.edu Sunday | July 5, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 Multitasking Marvel: Benson snags aas degree and valedictorian, gates scholar honors

By Courtney Morris She was no authority figure, but she triumphed as Channelview High School’s him about applying for the Gates SAN JACINTO COLLEGE shared marching tips and encouraged 2020 valedictorian, an Associate of Scholarship, he jumped on that, too. him to see his potential. When Benson Applied Science math graduate, and Awarded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Dewayne Benson recalls the person switched from band to San Jacinto a Gates Scholar. Benson radiates Foundation, this last-dollar scholarship who shattered his idea of leadership. College dual credit classes, he embraced confidence that comes from barreling goes to 300 minority high school seniors When the clarinetist with a self- Kimberly’s self-worth schooling. through challenges. nationwide each year. It covers full cost described colorful personality “From her, I grasped the true “It’s a message a lot of people need to of attendance beyond other financial aid experienced undermining from his definition of leadership and exactly hear: you can define your own abilities, and expected family contribution and high school band instructors and peers, how the biggest tree can come from the break the glass ceiling if you really extends to graduate school. Kimberly, the future drum major, smallest seed,” he said. want,” he said. After submitting an application stood up for him. The former underdog has and writing heartfelt essays, Benson San Jac spark made the pool of 600 finalists out of This fall, Benson heads to the 40,000 applicants. University of Texas at Austin as a Because of COVID-19, he did his computer science major. He credits one-hour finalist interview with a judge San Jacinto College not only with on Zoom. Although he was confident boosting his academic prowess but also about his interview, winning was with preparing him for Longhorn land. another story. At the end of his sophomore year, “I really wasn’t expecting it,” he after juggling three-hour band practices said. “I feel like most people throw and criticism, Benson knew it was time a celebration because it’s a big to find a replacement. accomplishment, but I can’t allow myself “If I can handle all that, I thought, to blow the party poppers yet.” ‘Let me see how this dual credit program He takes the win in stride, letting goes down,’” he said. the reality of the responsibilities ahead He joined the North Campus’ Modified sink in. Early College Academy, taking basics as well as rigorous STEM (science, Firefox and felines technology, engineering, and math) In the last four years, Benson has courses with older College students. leaped over many hurdles. When “Professor (William) Ollis, COVID-19 hit, he continued to Dr. (Paul) Goains, and Professor (Scott) persevere. Although online classes Wheatley—I want to give a shout-out to revealed his procrastination bent, all of them,” he said. “They prepared me for the rigor of college work. UT Austin they also strengthened his time is not going to be easy.” management skills. Ollis, a math professor, says Benson Benson feels ready for UT—after all, stood out for his inquisitiveness and he carts an impressive resume to Austin. comprehension, grasping complex topics “I’m a Gates Scholar, valedictorian, like genius mathematician Srinivasa and degree holder—three things at Ramanujan in essay assignments. once,” he said. “Most people can’t “Dewayne’s best trait is his desire to say that.” succeed,” Ollis said. “He approaches his He plans to pursue bachelor’s and studies with maturity and responsibility, master’s degrees, then work full time and he applies the requisite time to in software development. Although master any topic.” he would welcome a gig with Firefox or Google, he admits he will be happy Gateway to success working behind a computer anywhere While a dual credit student, as long as cats prowl nearby. (It’s OK if Benson still fit math club, yearbook, you’re picturing crazy cat lady, he says.) National Honor Society, and Rotary “I love all animals, but I have a Interact into his high school activities. preference for cats,” he said, laughing. Photo courtesy of Dewayne Benson When a guidance counselor approached “I need to have tons of cats.” 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | July 5, 2020 sanjac.edu YOUR GOALS. YOUR COLLEGE.

VISION & Vision — San Jacinto College will advance the social and economic mobility of all members MISSION of our community. We will be known for our excellence in teaching and learning, our intentional student-centered support, and our commitment to every student. We will be the preferred workforce and economic development partner in the region and a champion for lifelong learning. San Jacinto College will inspire students to explore opportunities, define their educational and career paths, and achieve their goals and dreams.

Mission — San Jacinto College is focused on student success, academic progress, university transfer, and employment. We are committed to opportunities that 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 NORTH CAMPUS more than 20 years, the foundation has helped 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 thousands of students reach their goals. Our former students and graduates have filled vital CENTRAL CAMPUS roles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices, 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 manufacturing plants, and laboratories across our region and beyond. They have also won the World Series and NBA championships, starred SOUTH CAMPUS in major motion pictures, and created major 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 theatrical productions. Help our students today with the gift of education. Contact the San MARITIME CAMPUS Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 visit sanjac.edu/foundation.

GENERATION PARK CAMPUS COMMUNITY Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving 13455 Lockwood Rd., Houston, TX 77044 industries, maritime enterprises of today, IMPACT and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the citizens of East Harris ONLINE County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College sanjac.edu is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE for Community College Excellence, and was IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves HIGHER EDUCATION. approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150 areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the Connect with us on workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and An Equal Opportunity Institution Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.