SAN JACINTO COLLEGE www.sanjac.edu

News from 2 Your College

San Jac Celebrates 3 Hispanic Heritage Month

Veteran Spotlight: 5 Dr. Alexander Okwonna

sanjac.edu cHronicle custom advertising section sunday, november 3, 2019 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 3, 2019 sanjac.edu NEWS FROM YOUR COLLEGE

Annual golf The delegation toured the 45,000-square-foot facility, including tournament helps fund three full mission ship bridge simulators, scholarships 15 classrooms, a dining area, and engineering simulators. To learn more about the The San Jacinto College Foundation San Jacinto College Maritime Campus, held its 24th annual golf tournament visit www.sanjac.edu/maritime. at Golf Club of Houston on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. A total of 29 teams took to the green San Jac hosts after the shotgun start. The Merrill Manufacturing Day for Private Wealth Management team (Roger Berry, Patty Hood, Jose Moran, and Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College middle school students Johnny Ellis) took this year’s title as tournament winners, with the HTS Inc. facilitated by Diamonds in the Rough through its San Jacinto College student San Jacinto College held its first- Consultants team (Darrell Morrison, Sports Memorabilia Charity Auctions, scholarship endowments, the Joy Ruth ever Manufacturing Day Oct. 15 at the Bobby Gilbert, Lonnie Scott, and John also helped fund scholarships, academic Niday Scholarship for nursing students, LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Reddell) winning second place and the and technical programs, and student and the Capt. John B. “Jack” Niday Jr. Energy, & Technology (CPET) to introduce the next generation to J. Harding & Co. team (Troy Carlson, success initiatives. scholarship for maritime students. industrial workforce opportunities. Steven Prewitt, Kevin Plummer, and Troy This year the Foundation honored For more information about the Whitney) taking third place. the Niday family as its Lifetime Legacy San Jacinto College Foundation, Partnering with Air Products, BSAF, INEOS, and Dream It. Do It., the College In addition to registration fees Award recipient. Longtime donors to the visit sanjac.edu/foundation. benefitting student scholarships, Foundation, to date the family has funded hosted approximately 45 students from Deer Park ISD’s Deepwater Junior High proceeds from the event’s silent auction, 48 scholarships totaling nearly $25,000 San Jacinto College and Pasadena ISD’s Bondy Intermediate. CPET, which opened this fall to 2,800 hosts Omani students, is the Gulf Coast region’s largest Delegation petrochemical training facility. The eighth-graders toured CPET San Jacinto College recently hosted a classrooms, viewing equipment and group from the Sultanate of Oman to tour learning about petrochemical training, then enjoyed lunch provided by Dream It. its Maritime Technology and Training Do It. Southeast Chapter. Center on the Maritime Campus to learn Afterward, students toured Air more about how workers in the maritime industry are educated by the College. San Jacinto College’s Dr. Allatia Harris, vice chancellor, strategic initiatives, addressed the 10-person delegation San Jacinto Your Success regarding the College’s background and workforce training. “We were honored to host the REGISTRATION NOW OPEN delegation from Oman at our Maritime Campus,” Dr. Harris said. “It is Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College FOR WINTER MINI 2019 AND SPRING 2020 important to San Jacinto College to serve as an ambassador for Products, an industrial gas company, to CENTRAL CAMPUS NORTH CAMPUS SOUTH CAMPUS MARITIME CAMPUS workforce education.” learn about industry workforce needs and 8060 SPENCER HWY. 5800 UVALDE ROAD 13735 BEAMER ROAD 3700 OLD HWY. 146 the job market. PASADENA, TEXAS 77505 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77049 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77089 LA PORTE, TEXAS 77571 The San Jacinto College Strategic Initiatives, Workforce Development, Community Relations, and Diversity Office organized Manufacturing Day. 281-998-6150 | sanjac.edu The local event aligned with the National The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees, and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender Association of Manufacturers’ annual 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-discrimination policies: Vice efforts to teach youth about the modern Chancellor of Human Resources, 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; [email protected]. Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College manufacturing industry. sanjac.edu Sunday | November 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3 Celebrating HispaniC Heritage MontH

By Andrea Vasquez SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

San Jacinto College celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) at each of its campuses with a variety of events and activities for students, faculty, staff, and community members. A screening of the movie “Spare Parts” helped kick off the month, which also included colorful arts and crafts activities. Students and staff also enjoyed a “Salsa y Salsa” event with salsa tastings and free salsa dance lessons. Adding to the spirit of dance, the lively, vibrant traditional dance styles of Mexico were brought to the campuses by Mixteco Ballet Folklorico School of Dance and the Burbank Middle School Folklorico Dance Team. The campuses culminated the month of activities with luncheons featuring classic cultural dishes and panel discussions featuring local Hispanic and Latino professionals from a variety of industries, who discussed how and why they chose their degree pathways and the success their higher education has provided.

Photos courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 3, 2019 sanjac.edu ENJOY PumPkiN muffiNs with CrEam ChEEsE iCiNg

Pumpkin season is in full swing. 1/2 cup vegetable oil wooden pick inserted in centers mixer 30 seconds. Add butter and beat San Jacinto College’s Andrea Huerta, 1/2 cup apple juice comes out clean. 30 seconds more. North Campus culinary arts program 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 5. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. director, shares her own take on a minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool Continue to beat until creamy. seasonal classic. Delicious for a holiday Instructions: completely. Store muffins in covered 3. Frost muffins. brunch, dessert, or even a snack! 1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Use cupcake container or resealable plastic bags. liners or grease 30 muffin cups. Ingredients: 2. Stir flour, spices, baking soda, and Cream Cheese Icing 3 cups all-purpose flour salt together in a large bowl. In another 1 tablespoon cinnamon large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, Ingredients: 1 teaspoon ground ginger eggs, oil, and juice. Beat until 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg just blended. 1 stick of butter, softened 2 teaspoons baking soda 3. Add flour mixture to pumpkin 4 cups powdered sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt mixture. Stir just until moistened; then 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 cups granulated sugar add walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree muffin cups, filling three-quarters full. Instructions: 4 large eggs 4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until 1. Beat cream cheese with an electric Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT JoSHuA RodRiguez: FRom tHe StReetS to tHe StARS

By Cheryl P. Rose “I knew I was naturally good at art, inspire them that they can succeed too. CORRESPONDENT but I also knew I was naturally bad at math,” Rodriguez said. Engineering, NASA projects Recent San Jacinto College graduate He now believes he reinforced that Discovering he could do math and like Joshua Rodriguez likes to share his idea in his head, leading to confidence it led to engineering. personal story with students he tutors issues and lack of motivation to learn “I was always interested in space stuff at the College and an area high school math. Rodriguez enrolled in San when I was younger, but I didn’t think because he gets it. He felt lost when he Jacinto College’s AIM (Acceleration in I was smart enough,” Rodriguez said. came to college, too, and he wasn’t sure Mathematics) program, a compressed “I didn’t know what engineering was. he was smart enough to be there. Now mathematics course that teaches Nobody in my family went to school he’s studying mechanical engineering developmental math skills and for that.” at the -Clear college-level algebra in one semester. Rodriguez met his engineering mentor, Lake with aspirations of moving on to “On the first exam, I got a 38,” San Jacinto College professor Nathaniel aerospace engineering at Massachusetts Rodriguez said. “My professor took me Wiggins, who recruited Rodriguez to join Institute of Technology (MIT). aside and told me I got the lowest grade his teams for NASA engineering project On reflection, Rodriguez thinks that in the class. He wanted me to meet him competitions. Rodriguez competed in if his brother hadn’t gone to prison as a teenager, they both might be dead now. at the tutoring center and get assistance. three projects and presented at a “My brother was my biggest role I started getting help, and soon, I was national conference. model, even when he led us into some moving on to calculus. I’ve experienced “Engineering is another form of Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez failure so many times that passing these art to me; using imagination to solve negative actions,” he said. “We lived in San Jacinto College alumnus Joshua Rodriguez. a negative environment for kids to grow classes made me feel more worthy.” problems and invent things,” he said. up. I was 12, and he was 16 when he was Rodriguez was lukewarm on school, When he tutors other students, “The strength I bring to the teams is sentenced to 15 years in prison. but he did enjoy art. In 10th grade, he Rodriguez loves watching their facial my creativity, which comes from my He wrote me weekly letters about his discovered he had a talent for sculpture. expressions when they make connections art skills. We have to model things and experience in prison to lead me in a He got a scholarship for his art to attend and realize they can do the work. He solve problems in different ways. Art and different direction.” San Jacinto College. will often share his story of struggling to engineering blur and blend together.” sanjac.edu Sunday | November 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5

Staff SPOtLIGHt Veteran Staff Spotlight: alexander okwonna

By Andrea Vasquez we carried the most impact when it world over. I enjoyed bonding SAN JACINTO COLLEGE came to training and supervising junior with others, the friendships, and enlisted personnel in military life and the camaraderie. As Veterans Day approaches, personal care. San Jacinto College honors all of the Q: What was the biggest thing you men and women who have served and Q: Where were you stationed? learned about yourself during your currently serve our country. A: I was primarily stationed at Fort time in the Army? We thank each of you for your service. Leonard Wood Army Base located in the A: I think it would be fair to say that This month’s staff spotlight highlights beautiful Missouri Ozarks. before I joined the Army, I didn’t really Dr. Alexander Okwonna, San Jacinto know my limits. These days, very few of College South Campus dean of health Q: What did you enjoy most about us have ever been really uncomfortable, and natural sciences. Okwonna served serving in the military? really tired, or in real pain. The mind in the U.S. Army prior to beginning A: I really enjoyed getting to meet starts to play tricks on you when you his career at the College as a pharmacy people from all around the U.S. and the get to extremes — it tells you that you technology faculty member. can’t go faster, can’t keep running, can’t push through the barrier, but you almost Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College Q: Do you have a family history of always can. Knowing that you have that those serving in the military? capacity somewhere inside you not only to civilian life presents many challenges. A: I am the first and only one in my gives you confidence in whatever it is Two of the things that helped me with family who has served so far. you’re doing, it’s also the difference that transition were going from active between success and failure and, for duty to the Army reserve made my Q: What was your military soldiers, often life and death. transition into civilian life a springboard occupational specialty (MOS), or instead of a stumbling block. It provided generally speaking, what was your Q: What was transitioning back to job security, money for education, job in the Army? civilian life like for you? How did you travel (with the exception of certain A: I was a sergeant (E-5) working navigate your way through getting deployments), professional growth, and as a 62E (Echo) MOS, Army Heavy back into the workforce, college, a sense a purpose. I also had the support Construction Equipment Operator. Like everyday life, etc.? of my family, which was critical as well. all non-commissioned officers (NCOs), Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College A: Transitioning from military service Veteran continued on page 7

SaN Jac HaPPeNINGS

Date event time Site Nov. 3 Baseball vs. University of Texas 3 p.m. North Campus, John Ray Harrison Field at Park Nov. 5 Fall Application Night 5-7 p.m. South Campus, Welcome Center, Building S6, Room S6.150 Nov. 5 Celebrate the Americas: Food for the Soul 10 a.m.-1 p.m. North Campus, Fine Arts Center, Building N1 Nov. 5 Celebrate the Americas: Printmaking Workshop 2-5 p.m. Central Campus, Building C13, Room C13.135 Nov. 6 Celebrate the Americas: Gallery reception 4-7 p.m. Central Campus, Art Gallery, Building C4, Room C4.119 Nov. 6 Celebrate the Americas: Pan Virtuoso Liam Teague concert 7 p.m. Central Campus, Slocomb Auditorium, Building C12 Nov. 7 Celebrate the Americas: Interdisciplinary Arts Festival 10:45 a.m.-3 p.m. South Campus, Fine Arts Center, Building S15 Nov. 11 Veterans Day Flag Raisings and Celebrations 8:30 a.m. Central, North, South, and Maritime Campuses — Locations vary Nov. 11 Fall 2019 Installment Payment Plan due date 7 p.m. All campuses and sanjac.edu Nov. 12 Spring 2020 Installment Payment Plan Available All campuses and sanjac.edu Nov. 19 STEM from Dance Lyceum Event 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. South Campus, Fine Arts Center, Building S15 Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 Thanksgiving Holiday - College closed All campuses and sanjac.edu All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu. 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 3, 2019 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

San Jac employees organized a school supply drive that provided 13 local students  with the materials they need to succeed.

1 2 The Houston Chemical Association  awarded three students scholarships.

North Campus kicked off Hispanic Heritage  Month with a festive, interactive poster.

Central Campus celebrated Banned 3 4  Books Week with a colorful display. 5

South Campus honored Sept. 11  with multiple American flags. 6

Culinary students took a bite of freshly made breakfast tacos  as part of a video series.

7 Central Campus hosted the sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150 Emerging Leaders conference with students from across the district. An Equal Opportunity Institution  sanjac.edu Sunday | November 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 HANdS-oN leArNiNg leAdS to HANdS-oN CAreer

By Courtney Morris in case I can’t get into physical therapy,” Hayter said. “A massage is not a SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Donnelly said. “Some classes can be cure-all, but it’s a big relief. I’m more difficult, but it’s a rewarding program. The relaxed when I leave, and it lasts Edana Roque has a passion for massage best part is seeing people relaxed as for a while.” therapy. After all, it turned they leave.” her life around. Advantages of the program? Students Goodbye, stress More than a decade ago, the former earn 23 hours of college credit, and even According to Roque, massage therapy stay-at-home mom of two boys learned though tuition is low, applicants may still takes someone who is willing to give of she had an autoimmune disease. It took be eligible for financial aid. him or herself to work out the kinks and three massages every week to fight the knots of any client lying on the table. overwhelming fatigue and achiness. Hands-on experience Because massage made a difference in “I remember how I felt and how I In their final semester, after practicing her own life, she shuffled work and family overcame it, largely through massage,” extensively on each other, students responsibilities to make time for classes to Roque said. participate in an internship that includes become a therapist herself. She can’t even That experience and her older son’s at least 40 public client massages. remember how she juggled everything college graduation last year led her to do The internship classroom is divided initially. something for herself: enroll in into curtained cubicles with individual “When you want something bad enough, the San Jacinto College Massage massage tables. After checking in as if you’re going to figure it out,” she said. Therapy Program. visiting a traditional massage spa, clients “Figuring it out” included relying on her Now in her late 40s and nearly are escorted to their private cubicle for a own stress management go-to. done with the program, Roque looks 50-minute massage, with lights dimmed “I still get massages all the time!” forward to giving back to others as a Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College and soft music playing. she said. Student Alexia Donnelly massages a client massage therapist. during her internship. According to McCaul, students always “Sometimes it takes something big respect modesty by carefully draping Massage sessions therapy professor. happening in your life for you to know sheets. They are eager not only to try Need to unwind? The massage McCaul adds that the job opportunities what you want to do,” she said. new techniques but also to provide a therapy program offers 50-minute are endless, with entry-level therapists comfortable experience. sessions for $20 (Central Campus, Flexible, helping career making up to $25 an hour with tips. “Know that your limits will be Building 17, 8060 Spencer Hwy., The Central Campus program offers “You can own your own business. You respected. If you only want your Pasadena). an affordable path to this high-demand, can work in a hospital, day spa, airport, feet massaged, you’ll just get your Although 100 percent booked with helping career. Most students can complete chiropractor’s office, hotel, and on a cruise feet massaged,” McCaul said. “The clients, the program has a waiting the program, pass the licensing exam, and ship,” she said. appointment is solely in your hands.” list. To be added, call 281-476-1837. start job searching in just 12 months. For students like Alexia Donnelly, Seeking aches and pains management, In addition, massage therapists make a flexibility is a huge program perk. Cris Santiago has frequented the real difference. Take it from the American Although geared toward full-time internship since the program started Massage Therapy Association: not only students, the program, which will move about a decade ago. She says students do massages relieve stress, but they also to the South Campus in fall 2020, accepts are courteous and attentive, giving a firm improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and those holding a full-time job or pursuing elbow if she wants pressure. reduce pain from medical conditions another degree program. “It improves your health and relieves or surgery. Donnelly, who earned her associate stress. They’re just as good as any other “There are a lot of people in the helping degree from the College, attends the massage place out there that charges $60,” community — nursing, physical therapy, University of Houston- while Santiago said. counseling. This is a way to help others pursuing massage therapy. She hopes to Retiree Dennis Hayter has visited dozens that requires less classroom time than combine massage and physical therapy to of times, mainly to relieve stress and Photo courtesy of Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College other types of programs,” said Shelley help military and geriatric patients. back tension. Client Cris Santiago unwinds in San Jacinto McCaul, San Jacinto College massage “I wanted massage therapy as a back-up “I haven’t had a bad massage yet,” College’s massage therapy program internship.

Veteran from page 5 have been able to get through it Q: How did your military Performance as Class Leader. my leadership. You can learn Q: Did the military play without the discipline the military experience help you in your I learned everything about leadership and management any part in your professional instilled in me. Running on little role as a faculty member and being a leader from military skills anywhere, but the Army career? If so, what? How? sleep, having a no-quit attitude, now as an administrator? service, including discipline, gives you the opportunity to A: Completing a doctoral and persevering until the end are A: While in the military, consistency, ethics, and learn it when you’re younger degree is the most all-consuming all attributes I can trace back to I received a Certificate of respect. I also learned how to and carry the lifelong lesson of thing you can do, and I wouldn’t my time in the military. Achievement for Outstanding care for others who are under caring about others. 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | November 3, 2019 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 more than 20 years, the foundation has helped NORTH CAMPUS thousands of students reach their goals. Our 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 former students and graduates have filled vital roles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices, CENTRAL CAMPUS manufacturing plants, and laboratories across 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 our region and beyond. They have also won the World Series and NBA championships, starred SOUTH CAMPUS in major motion pictures, and created major theatrical productions. Help our students today 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 with the gift of education. Contact the San Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or MARITIME CAMPUS sanjac.edu/foundation. 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 cOMMUNITY Surrounded by monuments of history, ONLINE industries and maritime enterprises of today, sanjac.edu IMPacT and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. San Jacinto College is a 2019 Aspen Prize HIGHER EDUCATION. for Community College Excellence Top FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT 10 institution, a 2017 Aspen Prize Rising Star Award recipient, and an Achieving the WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150 Dream Leader College. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit Connect with us on students annually and offers eight areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which An Equal Opportunity Institution supports 13,044 jobs.