February 2019

News from Judge becomes Student sees 2 Your College 3 a role model 4 recruitment offer

SANJAC.EDU HOUSTON CHRONICLE CUSTOM ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | February 3, 2019 sanjac.edu NEWS FROM YOUR COLLEGE

Local students see and digitalization. Since the start of Faculty Excellence Award recipient. Also discussions surrounding the San Jacinto receiving the College’s Faculty Excellence clear path to success College petrochemical training center, Award are Dr. Radia Redjimi, San Jacinto Siemens has been among the industry College South physics professor, and partners providing input and donations Cornellia Angelle, San Jacinto College toward the project. North Campus program director The Center will house programs in of cosmetology. process technology, instrumentation, The College’s Staff Excellence Award electrical, nondestructive testing, and recipients are Michelle Ybarra, San craft trades. The 8,000-square-foot Jacinto College District Office compliance exterior glycol process unit will be used and judicial affairs senior administrative with every program that trains in the assistant; Deborah Anderson, San Jacinto building. Students will be immersed College Central Campus automotive in an environmental health and safety technology FAST senior administrative Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College culture that is built into the curriculum assistant; and Ida Petrie, San Jacinto in the College community; ability to serve developed with Occupational Safety and College Central Campus CPET as a role model and work collaboratively Health Administration (OSHA) regulated executive assistant. with others; contributions to addressing coursework with an emphasis on Process Receiving the College’s Administrator or meeting the needs of our students Safety Management. Excellence Award is Amy Arrowood, San and/or our employees; and exemplary Jacinto College Maritime Campus maritime Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College San Jacinto College broke ground for attributes or qualifications for the selection credit program director. the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and committee to consider. More than 1,700 Pasadena ISD students Criteria for the College’s Faculty and Technology in September 2017. A $60 Join us in congratulating these deserving visited the San Jacinto College Central Staff Excellence Awards nominations million investment, the Center is funded faculty and staff members as you see them Campus for the annual See to Succeed include addressing the nominee’s last two by a $425 million bond passed in 2015. on campus, working hard to help San event this winter. years of work and service in the following Jacinto College students succeed in their The project is guided by a Petrochemical Now in its eighth year, the annual areas: dedication, service and involvement fields and staff to excel in their mission. event recruits an average of 150 doctors to volunteer alongside opticians, health department staff, and San Jacinto College eye care technology and nursing students to deliver eye exams, fit students for A TOP eyeglasses, and make emergency medical referrals. See to Succeed is a collaborative Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College COMMUNITY effort among San Jacinto College, Houston Advisory Council, formed by San Jacinto Department of Health and Human COLLEGE College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. Services, University of Houston College In addition to the certificates, associate IN THE of Optometry (UHCO), Essilor Vision degree, and incumbent worker training Foundation, Walmart, Berkeley Eye the College offers in the aforementioned Center, Optometry Giving Sight, and the NATION programs, San Jacinto College is pursuing Luxottica One Sight Foundation. the approval and development of a To date, See to Succeed has reached bachelor’s of applied technology degree. 5,938 Pasadena ISD students from 218 Do More. Be More. Get San Jac Certified. schools with the help of 412 volunteers. Exemplary faculty, San Jacinto College is nationally recognized for empowering students Siemens donation to staff receive to achieve their goals. From health care to STEM, from arts to industry, help petrochemical Excellence Awards and everything in between, San Jacinto College offers programs options that help students transfer to universities San Jacinto College has announced its or enter a rewarding career. Thanks to a $250,000 donation from 2018-2019 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Siemens, an analyzer lab will be added Award nominee and the Faculty and Staff to the new San Jacinto College Center for Excellence Awards recipients. Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology, set Jeff McGee, San Jacinto College South to open this year. Campus department chair of fine arts, is 281-998-6150 | sanjac.edu Siemens is a global powerhouse focusing the College’s 2018-2019 Minnie Stevens An Equal Opportunity Institution on the areas of electrification, automation, Piper Professor Award nominee and sanjac.edu Sunday | February 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3

STaFF SPOTLigHT Newly elected judge a role model for paralegal program studeNts

By Cheryl P. Rose With Hughes’ elevation to the bench, Texas Army National Guard. Hughes CORRESPONDENT she provides a relatable role model for will take a term offro f m her duties at persevering, Liberty said. San Jacinto College to adjust to her new Erica Hughes always wanted to be a “Erica is such an outstanding role model, schedule but anticipates returning for the judge. She remembers stating that in her and our students look to her as someone following term. Meanwhile, she is hosting childhood and again through high school aspirational, someone who has had similar a San Jacinto College student intern, a new and college, before she knew what that struggles,” she said. “By becoming so opportunity for the College. career path would require. As of Jan. 1, successful, Erica puts in students’ minds “Erica has hosted several students in she has achieved that dream, elected and that they are capable, too.” her law practice and used some of our invested as a judge for Harris County Hughes said neither of her parents went paralegal graduates for research and writing,” Liberty said. “Now one of our Criminal Court at Law #3. to college, and that there were times she students will get to intern with a judge.” Though she has had a varied and robust struggled to maintain good grades and work to finance her education.ro F m her legal career, Hughes says her favorite Erica Hughes Judge perspective, career success is achievable, thing is teaching. but requires hard work. Paralegal program “I’ve always liked to teach and have to managing a busy criminal and “I want to convey to students that The paralegal program at San Jacinto a passion for it,” she said. “It’s very family law practice. they can be what they want to be,” College is a two-year associate degree rewarding to witness students achieve Jeanette Liberty, the paralegal program she said. “There may be roadblocks or program approved by the American goals and to hear about their successes. director at the College, said Hughes is a obstacles, but don’t be defeated by those Bar Association. Students learn legal That’s why I keep coming back to San beloved and respected member of circumstances. Those goals may be research, legal writing, interviewing Jacinto College every semester.” the program. delayed, but not denied. Don’t let anyone and investigating, law firm billing, Hughes has served as an adjunct “Erica has an outstanding reputation dim your light. I have taught in this accounting, and more to prepare them (part-time) professor to San Jacinto as a member of the faculty,” she said. position since 2010, and now I have this to work under the supervision of an College’s paralegal program on the North “The people who teach as adjuncts in our new role. Don’t be afraid of change and attorney. Paralegals work in law firms, Campus since 2010. She teaches civil program aren’t doing for it for the money, trying new things.” but also in government agencies, banks, litigation, interviewing, investigating, and but because they love students and In addition to her other responsibilities, international businesses, and real estate. family law. She’s filled this role in addition love teaching.” Hughes serves as a judge advocate in the

SaN Jac HaPPeNiNgS

Date event time Site Feb. 7 College Community Day- No classes held All campuses and online courses Feb. 8 San Jac Baseball vs. Grayson College 6 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus Feb. 8-9 San Jac Softball Tournament TBD South Campus softball field; sanjacsports.com for schedule Feb. 9-10 San Jac Baseball Legends Tournament TBD John Ray Harrison Field; North Campus; sanjacsports.com for schedule Feb. 15 Foundation scholarship application opens for fall 2019 sjcd.academicworks.com Feb. 15 San Jac baseball vs. Monroe College 4 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus Feb. 16 San Jac softball vs. Angelina College 2 p.m. South Campus softball field Feb. 17 San Jac baseball vs. Monroe College Noon John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus Feb. 18 Spring 2019 Installment Payment Plan payment due 7 p.m. All campuses and sanjac.edu Feb. 20 San Jac softball vs. McLennan College 1 p.m. South Campus softball field Feb. 23 San Jac baseball vs. Alvin Community College 3 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus Feb. 25 Summer registration open All campuses and sanjac.edu Feb. 18 San Jac baseball vs. Wharton County Junior College 6:30 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu. 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | February 3, 2019 sanjac.edu

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT RetuRning to school pays off in RecRuitment of student

By Cheryl P. Rose CORRESPONDENT

Two years ago, Joseph and Melissa Ramirez made the decision to change their lifestyles to allow the then 38-year- old Joseph to return to school for a degree. After graduating from San Jacinto College in December, Ramirez began a new job as an automation specialist with Occidental Petroleum (OXY) in January, a position he secured through on-campus recruitment efforts.OXY plays a key role on the San Jacinto College Petrochemical Advisory Council, which ensures students receive training in the skill sets requested by industry employers.

Q. Why did you decide to get an associate degree? A. I went straight to work after high school. I worked my way up as a lead Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College maintenance technician for an operator Occidental Petroleum has hired six San Jacinto College students for its facilities in the Permian Basin and celebrated with a signing event. Present in Pasadena. But then I hit a ceiling. I at the signing were (left to right top row): Jeff Pearce, career coordinator; Joseph Zwiercan, department chair for petrochemical and energy; James wanted to advance, but I didn’t have the Ragaisis, dean of business and technology; Jim Griffin, associate vice chancellor and senior vice president of the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, right credentials. My wife and I decided and Technology; Van Wigginton, provost of San Jacinto College Central Campus; Darryl Reeves, Michael King and Greg Smith, process technology for me to enroll at San Jacinto College, instructors; Kevin Adams, p-tech program director and instructor; and Steven Torres, president of the student p-tech club. Graduates (left to right bottom row): Ruben Perez, Adrian Boutte, Tracy Guerra, Jesse Killen and Joseph Ramirez. which meantsacr ificing and living a different way for a couple of years, but campus. Then I was among the people to with the opportunity I have ahead of me, receive an offer in November. I feel like I it makes it all worthwhile. got a boost because OXY was specifically looking for San Jacinto College students Q. What did you come back to study? and made the effort to recruit and A. I originally enrolled for process interview on campus. I feel blesse d that technology, but decided to change to at my very first interview, OXY decided to instrumentation and received an associate go with me. degree in instrumentation technology. As an automation specialist, I’ll be Q. What advice do you have for working in the field maintaining and young students? calibrating equipment. A. For kids coming from high school, I tell them they are going the right way by Q. How did you find a job so quickly? getting a college degree. They don’t want A. San Jacinto College and OXY to be like me and realize they should have arranged a seminar on campus. I was done it a long time ago. It will pay off, but Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College excited after listening to them explain the you only get out of it what you put into it. Ramirez counts his family as his largest support Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College system during his time in college. Pictured top Ramirez says his family and children helped opportunities available, so I put my name I also tell my kids that if I can do this at row: Melissa Ramirez, wife; Anita Ramirez, him stay focused the past two years. Pictured in the hat. I received a phone interview, this age, they can do even more if they mom; and Joseph D. Ramirez, dad. Bottom left is his son, Joseph B. Ramirez. followed by a face-to-face interview on put in the effort. row: Joseph B. Ramirez, son and Ramirez. sanjac.edu Sunday | February 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5 San Jacinto college honorS Dow chemical for quarter million-Dollar Donation

By Melissa Trevizo and analyzer technology, electrical, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE nondestructive testing and craft trades. The center will feature an 8,000-square- San Jacinto College held a luncheon foot exterior glycol process unit to develop recently to honor Dow Chemical for the troubleshooting skills for entry, advanced company’s $250,000 donation toward credit students and incumbent workers. the upcoming Center for Petrochemical, Additional features will include the newest Energy, and Technology. software programming, equipment and Dow’s investment will ensure that technology; and conference, training and training and education curriculum in assembly spaces. the center will align with the needs of Dow will continue to serve in an advisory petrochemical manufacturing employers. capacity to ensure San Jacinto College The center will open in fall 2019 and offers students and instructors the latest become the largest petrochemical training technologies as well as best-in-class safety facility along the Texas Gulf Coast. Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College and operating practices. Dow will also San Jacinto College is a primary source San Jacinto College held a luncheon recently to honor Dow Chemical for their $250,000 donation. utilize the new facility for special occasions for new hire operators at Dow’s Deer Park At the luncheon were (left to right): Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor of San Jacinto College; Monty for the broader workforce as well. site. As an industry partner and member Heins, site leader for Dow’s Houston Hub; Ruth Keenan, executive director of the San Jacinto “As a longtime supporter of our students, of the College’s Petrochemical Advisory College Foundation; Jeff Garry, operations director for Dow’s Houston Hub; and Jim Griffin, senior Dow continues to play an instrumental Council, Dow Deer Park has hired 25 San vice president of petrochemicals and energy at San Jacinto College. role in our workforce training pipeline,” Jacinto College graduates as operators said Jim Griffin, senior vice president of within the last four years, a number that “We expect to see a higher than normal more competitive for talent, we understand petrochemicals and energy at San Jacinto represents 23 percent of the site’s new level of retirements over the next five plus the importance to attract and retain highly College. “Their latest contribution toward hire operators. Three years ago, Dow also years; rebuilding our workforce is critical skilled and educated workers.” the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, established an apprenticeship program at at this time,” said Jeff Garry, operations The 145,000-square-foot Center for and Technology is one of the many ways San Jacinto College, which has resulted director for Dow’s Houston Hub. “The Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology Dow has donated time and resources to in the hiring of process operators and need to train anwd adequately staff our will be a facility for industry, by industry supporting the success of our students, instrument technicians as they complete assets will continue to be a pressing and house programs and training labs and in result, the region’s future the program. concern. As the labor market becomes in process technology, instrumentation petrochemical workforce.” Egypt’S MiniStry oF pEtrolEuM lookS to SAn JACinto CollEgE For ModErnizAtion roAdMAp

By Melissa Trevizo The delegation, consisting of Egypt Refineries Modernization SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CEOs, engineers, scientists, and Reverse Trade Mission, was business developers, was tasked sparked by a fall in production of San Jacinto College recently by the Egyptian government to gas steadily causing the country hosted a group from Egypt’s visit the United States to observe to become a net importer of Ministry of Petroleum (MoP) oil and gas production and natural gas while, at the same to tour their future Center practices in order to position U.S. time, facing exponential growth for Petrochemical, Energy, firms to take advantage of the in domestic demand. The MoP and Technology and to learn opportunities that will come as spent nearly two weeks in the Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College The delegation, consisting of CEOs, engineers, scientists, and business more about how workers in a result of the plan to modernize United States, between Houston developers, was tasked by the Egyptian government to visit the United the petrochemical industry are production in Egyptian refineries. and Washington, D.C. States to observe oil and gas production and practices. educated by the College. This initiative, known as the Egypt continued on page 7 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | February 3, 2019 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

A livestream capturing students  during December graduation.

The next class of nurses pose  before their pinning ceremony. 1 2 Nothing but smiles from our  graduates on Instagram.

Central student @knicole_26 captures creative sidewalk  chalk during ﬁnals week.

3 4 5 North Campus pastry putting the ﬁnal  touches on their gingerbread village.

Holiday-themed coloring pages 6 were all the rage during Stress  Less Week at South Campus.

Student participating in the Pet A Puppy event on Central  Campus during ﬁnals week.

7 8 Dr. Hellyer sends a ﬁnals week message to all the students. sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150  An Equal Opportunity Institution sanjac.edu Sunday | February 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 CertifiCate programs offer first steps, seCond ChanCes

By Torrie Hardcastle who may not have the personal resources the courses, and walk away feeling SAN JACINTO COLLEGE to seek out such opportunities. empowered, feeling important, and “It’s always a privilege to work with feeling ready. Outsiders looking in may Keep your life moving forward. That’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Bay not believe that a course or a certificate the headline for San Jacinto College’s Area Turning Point because it makes could change a life, but for some, it’s the Continuing and Professional Development such a difference in those lives,” says difference between poverty and success.” Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College (CPD) division, but for some of the Laura Martinez, CPD’s skills training Residents of local shelters are just one of Many shelter residents and their programs’ disadvantaged participants, coordinator, who spearheads the nonprofit many groups finding their footing through disadvantaged classmates find their way to it’s more of a daunting task than a networking. “We’ve taught classes at CPD programs. In addition to helping CPD programs through San Jacinto College’s motivational mantra. BakerRipley right across the street from local women transition from shelters back partnerships with local nonprofits and social With non-credit courses and an housing projects where the residents can into the workforce, CPD utilizes grant service organizations in the community. array of certification programs, CPD easily walk over and take part in trainings funding to aid older workers who have offers everything from cake decorating that help them on the path to stability. been displaced, laid off, or who have gone CPD’s associate vice chancellor. and tai chi to accounting and project They can come away with a sense of pride through traumatic events. Suarez has seen “Something even as small as a $50 management, with dozens of categories and a tangible job skill that helps make a steady stream of unemployed oil and background check in a hiring process in between. The programs will often see them more marketable to employers.” gas workers who have had long careers is extremely daunting for some of these inquisitive kids at summer camps, eager For Annette Williams, one of CPD’s but suddenly find themselves laid off and families, and it’s really humbling to see teens looking to get a jump on college, or business and professions professors and unable to find the next step, and who need that,” she said. senior citizens keeping active with life- a former adoption supervisor for Child help shifting gears or learning Janes champions the division’s ability to long learning courses like scrapbooking. Protective Services, teaching courses additional skills. help struggling adults transition back into But while the non-credit courses can be a filled with struggling students is a “You end up with a lot of disillusioned, the workforce and back onto solid ground, fun way for folks to dip their toe in new meaningful reflection of her own journey discouraged, angry folks who are but said the CPD programs are also waters, some course participants — like as a single mother now working toward struggling with what to do next,” Suarez designed to truly help students transition those from local women’s shelters — see her PhD. Years ago, as a newly divorced said. “We are able to help them reorient, through all phases of their lives. the certification programs as their last mother of three having to rely on the get their confidence back, get a new “From cradle to career,” she said, “we hope to get back on their feet. government for help, Williams saw skillset, and get some hope back, which is are here with courses to help parents “It can be a lifeline,” says John Suarez, what it was like to be thrown into perhaps one of the best things.” develop their child-rearing skills, summer Director of CPD’s business and professions unexpected circumstances. The career refocusing is paying off with camps for kids, camps for older students, division. “Helping these ladies learn basic “I ended up being a part of the system both economic success and emotional open enrollment courses for the public skills like accounting, payroll, or bank that I’m now helping people get out of,” empowerment for the once-downtrodden to explore new fields, apprenticeships for teller positions can open opportunities for she said. workers, Suarez said. students who’ve narrowed their focus, and them to find something stable and make Williams is one of San Jacinto College’s “When you see a grown man crying continued certifications for professionals it easier for them to transition out of the faculty members who has taught courses because we were able to help him land a of all ages to enhance their skills or shelters.” off campus, traveling to areas and job, that’s very fulfilling for the people successfully change careers.” Many shelter residents and their organizations that need it the most, setting here, and at the end of the day, it’s all Williams agreed that she has seen the disadvantaged classmates find their up classrooms in places like the United about people helping each other,” he said. power of what the CPD programs can way to CPD programs through San Way to be more accessible to course Financial assistance is also available to provide to participants from all walks Jacinto College’s partnerships with local participants in need. qualifying participants through grant- of life, saying, “For many, it’s switching nonprofits and social service organizations “I can’t think of one student who came funded scholarships so that those in careers, others are just getting their feet in the community, such as the United Way, in whole,” she said. “Most are broken need are able to complete courses, earn wet, and for some — it’s a saving grace.” as CPD aims to find meaningful ways to in some form or fashion. With us, they a certificate, and be job-ready with zero For more information, visit www.sanjac. better the quality of life for local residents are able to learn new skills, complete out-of-pocket expenses, said Sarah Janes, edu/continuing-professional-development.

Egypt from page 5 depth and type of education students receive at complete with program-specific training labs. The 15-person delegation was addressed by San Jacinto College. San Jacinto College currently trains more than San Jacinto College’s Teri Crawford, vice chancellor The visit ended with a tour at the site of the 3,600 students annually within the mentioned areas. of marketing, public relations and government upcoming Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and “I, as well as my colleagues, thoroughly enjoyed affairs, regarding the College’s background and Technology, slated to open in 2019. The facility is a the visit to San Jacinto College,” said Mohammad M. demographical statistics. Jim Griffin, the College’s $60 million investment that will house the College’s Helmy Abu Zahra, senior engineer, Cairo Oil Refining associate vice chancellor and associate vice president associate degree and certificate programs for process Company. “We deeply appreciate the hospitality and for the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and technology, instrumentation and analyzer technology, kindness the College has shown us and we are very Technology, also spoke to the delegation about the non-destructive testing, and electrical technology, impressed by your facility.” 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | February 3, 2019 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 our region and beyond. They have also won NORTH CAMPUS the World Series, NBA championships, starred 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 in major motion pictures and created major theatrical productions. Help our students today with the gift of education. Contact the San CENTRAL CAMPUS Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 sanjac.edu/foundation. SOUTH CAMPUS 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 cOMMUNiTY Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, iMPacT and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto MARITIME CAMPUS College has served the citizens of East Harris 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 County, Texas, since 1961. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA ONLINE and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. sanjac.edu San Jacinto College is a 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Top 10 institution, a 2017 Aspen Prize Rising JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Star Award recipient and an Achieving the IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN Dream Leader College. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit HIGHER EDUCATION. students annually, and offers eight areas FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT of study that puts students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150 workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, Connect with us on which supports 13,044 jobs.

An Equal Opportunity Institution