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SANJAC.EDU HOUSTON CHRONICLE CUSTOM ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

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San Jacinto Collegenamed Businessof the Year

The San Jacinto College North Campuswas recently named the 2019 BusinessOrganization of the Year by the NorthChannel Area Chamber of Commerce.Honored at the organization’s annualgala, the award was accepted on behalfof the College by San Jacinto NorthCampus Provost Dr. William Raffetto andDr. Allatia Harris, Vice Chancellor ofStrategic Initiatives.

“This award symbolizes thecontribution San Jacinto College hasmade to the community over manyyears,” Raffetto said. “Our faculty andstaff have helped to shape and transformthousands of lives of people in ourservice area, and being recognized as theBusiness Organization of the Year is atestament to this effort.”

San Jacinto College’s North Campus ishome to more than 25,000 area studentseach year, providing access to more thana dozen different programs and areas ofstudy to the surrounding communitiesand citizens of Galena Park,Channelview, Sheldon, and HumbleIndependent School Districts. TheNorth Campus will also soon be hometo a new, state-of-the-art Cosmetologyand Culinary Center, currently underconstruction and set to open inSpring 2020.

Maritime programwins nationalBellwether Award

San Jacinto College’s Maritimeprogram was recently named the 2019Bellwether Award recipient in WorkforceDevelopment, awarded by the CommunityCollege Futures Assembly to the mostinnovative community college workforceprogram in the nation.

“We are thrilled to win the prestigious

Bellwether Award,” said Dr. Allatia Harris,San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor ofStrategic Initiatives. “San Jacinto Collegeis proud to be the educational provider formariners beginning their careers as wellas those coming ashore in Houston, andhaving our program recognized nationallyis a testament to our commitment toour mission.”

The Bellwether Awards are an integralpart of the Community College FuturesAssembly, focusing on cutting-edge,trendsetting programs that other collegesmight find worthy of replicating. Theawards are widely regarded as thenation’s most competitive and prestigiousrecognition for community colleges, andare presented annually to colleges withoutstanding and innovative programs orpractices in three categories: workforcedevelopment; instructional programs andservices; and planning, governance,and finance.

Selected from a competitive, nationallyreviewed field of hundreds of Bellwetherapplications, San Jacinto College’sMaritime program took the top honor in

workforce development, categorized aspublic and/or private strategic alliancesand partnerships that promote communityand economic development by producingworkforce.

“All of San Jacinto College has playedan instrumental part in the successof the Maritime program,” said JohnStauffer, Associate Vice Chancellor ofthe Maritime Technology and TrainingCenter. “Our goal at San Jacinto CollegeMaritime is to provide a solution for ashortage of mariners in the Gulf Coastregion. We are accomplishing this throughstrong partnerships with our industrypartners and our community to provide

the skilled workforce needed to build astronger regional economy. Winning thisprestigious award was a total team effort.”

San Jacinto College’s 45,000-square-foot Maritime Technology and TrainingCenter is home to more than 70 USCG-approved courses and Texas’ first andonly associate degree in maritimetransportation program. Led by a uniquelyqualified staff of USCG-approved shipcaptains, chief engineers, and former U.S.military and Merchant Marine officers,these dedicated mariners have morethan 225 years of industry experiencecombined and are committed to shapingthe maritime leaders of tomorrow.

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News continued on page 3

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College

By Andrea VasquezSAN JACINTO COLLEGE

Texas legislators welcomed studentsfrom San Jacinto College on Jan. 30 inAustin to discuss their concerns on theeighth annual Texas Community CollegeStudent Day.

Texas Community College StudentDay is held every two years whenthe Texas legislature is in session.Students from all 50 Texas communitycolleges are invited to visit withtheir representatives, get a hands-onapproach to the legislative process, andtour the capitol complex.

One of the largest issues discussedamong many of the visiting studentsand legislators was academic transfer.Texas higher education institutions haveundertaken a number of initiatives toensure that students transferring fromcommunity colleges and universitiesshould have as many credit hourstransfer as possible.

“It’s hard as a student when you’veworked hard and completed coursesonly to have the transferring institutiontell you that they won’t count towardyour degree,” said San Jacinto Collegestudent Mehak Khatani. “That meansyou’ll have to take those same courses

again, which means more money forcourses that you didn’t plan on takingand more time it will take to finishyour degree.”

Texas legislators are looking athaving more general education coursesseamlessly transfer at all public stateinstitutions, saving students money andtime toward completion. This wouldassist in reaching the state’s 60x30TXhigher education plan whose goal is tohave 60 percent of Texans ages 25 – 34have a degree or certificate by 2030.

“The largest increment of growthtoward completing the 60x30TX planwill come from community colleges,”said Sen. Kel Seliger (TX-District 31) atthe Community College Daywelcome rally.

While in Austin, San Jacinto Collegestudents met with Rep. Mary Ann Perez(TX-District 144) who also recognizedthe group on the Texas House ofRepresentatives floor. They also metwith Rep. Ana Hernandez (TX-District143); Rep. Armando Walle (TX-District140); Sen. John Whitmire (TX-District15); Patrick Philpot, policy analyst forSen. Larry Taylor (TX-District 11); andAlejandra Cajero, higher educationpolicy staffer for Sen. Carol Alvarado(TX-District 145).

Sunday | March 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3sanjac.edu

Baseball Legendshonored at event

San Jacinto College honored six former student-athletes recently, at the College’s annual BaseballLegends Ceremony. Receiving honorary plaquesand rounds of applause were former baseballstandouts Anthony Banda, Randy Brown, DonnieElliot, David Evans, Greg Runser, and D.J. Wilson.

“It’s wonderful to be able to bring theseguys back,” said San Jac Baseball Coach TomArrington, addressing the room full of currentplayers and their families. “They’ve meant so

much to our program over the years and they’regreat examples of how this team can prepareour young athletes for everything they’ll face infuture phases of their careers.”

Following the ceremony, the legends headedover to Andy Pettitte Park, where they threw outthe ceremonial first pitch before the Gators’ gameagainst Odessa College.

“Continuing to be involved with the baseballprogram at San Jac is so important,” said formerplayer and San Jac legend Brown. “There’ssomething special about seeing the developmentof these players firsthand, it’s great to be a part ofit and be able to give back.”

Student voiceS heard at communitycollege Student day in auStin

News from page 2

Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College

Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College

By Cheryl P. RoseCORRESPONDENT

Elisandra Garcia is currently serving asthe president of the San Jacinto CollegeNorth Campus Student GovernmentAssociation. Garcia, who is studyingaccounting, hopes to transfer to theUniversity of Houston to pursue abachelor’s degree after she graduatesin May.

Q. What led you to participate instudent government?

A. I never joined any clubs in highschool, but when I came to San JacintoCollege, I began looking for a clubor activity. I was drawn to studentgovernment because it focuses on helpingand benefiting the students. Studentgovernment representatives work asliaisons between school administration

and the students. I served as vicepresident for a year, and nowI’m president.

Q. What have you gotten out ofbeing involved in student government?

A. I was afraid of speaking in front ofothers, but now I have to run meetings,so I’ve improved my communicationskills and learned how to network. Therole has helped me meet a lot people andencouraged me to get out of my comfortzone. In January, I went with several otherSan Jacinto College student governmentrepresentatives to Austin as part of theCommunity College Day at the capitol. Wegot to meet with our representatives andhave lunch with our Chancellor.

Q. Is it difficult to be a student witha job and still be involved in a club?

A. It’s not easy, but if you learn to

manage your time and have a planner orcalendar, you can balance everything.It’s important to communicate withyour professors and others. The facultyand staff here at San Jacinto College aresupportive of what you’re trying to do.

Q. What advice do you have forfellow students?

A. I know from personal experiencethat sometimes you don’t choose todo activities because you’re worriedit will take a lot time or you feel lazyand just don’t want to do anythingextra. But I’ve learned that the extra isworth it. By putting more time into thisorganization, I get to meet new people,and I’m also getting more opportunitiesfor scholarships. I believe being in anyorganization helps you move up the ladder.If you put in the extra effort, people knowwho you are and what you care about.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

North Campus stuDENt prEsiDENtsEEs rEturN oN Extra Effort

Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College

Elisandra Garcia is president of the San JacintoCollege North Campus Student GovernmentAssociation.

SaN Jac HaPPENINGSDate event time SiteMarch 3-31 Foundation scholarship applications open for fall 2019 sjcd.academicworks.com

March 3-31 Registration for classes beginning May 13, 2019 or June 3, 2019 All campuses and sanjac.edu

March 8 San Jac Baseball vs. Laredo College 6:30 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus

March 9 San Jac Baseball vs. Laredo College noon John Ray Harrison Field; Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus

March 11-17 Spring Break All campuses and sanjac.edu

March 12 San Jac Baseball vs. South Suburban College 3 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus

March 14 San Jac Baseball vs. Galveston College 6:30 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus

March 15 San Jac Softball vs. Coastal Blend College 2 p.m. South Campus softball field

March 16 San Jac Softball vs. Laredo College 2 p.m. South Campus softball field

March 21 San Jac Baseball vs. Blinn College 6 p.m. John Ray Harrison Field, Andy Pettitte Park; North Campus

March 28 San Jac Baseball vs. Alvin Community College 4 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.

Sunday | March 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5sanjac.edu

By Andrea VasquezSAN JACINTO COLLEGE

San Jacinto College students enjoyed afirst-hand look into critical thinking andcreative processes at the annual LyceumCommittee event on Feb. 11 at the SanJacinto College South Campus.

Game Changers and Box Breakers:Critical Thinking in Our World gavestudents a chance to hear fromKam Franklin, lead singer for theinternationally acclaimed Gulf Coastsoul band, The Suffers, and KrisPierce, director of promotional videoat Dallas-based anime distributioncompany, Funimation Entertainment.Both Franklin and Pierce describedtheir creative processes along withdemonstrations on how their artultimately comes to fruition.

“I like to start with whatever is inmy heart that day,” said Franklin.“Whatever is making my heart smile,whatever is making me frustrated,whatever is causing me to lose sleep-- that’s where I begin. For example,today it’s Houston traffic.” As the crowdlaughed, Franklin along with longtimefriend and local Houston musician SugarJoiko (Joi Keeling) on the keyboard,started out with a simple rhythm.Franklin began asking the audiencequestions to the beat which quicklyturned into harmonized answers, whichwere then lyrics.

Pierce discussed the animationprocess behind one of Funimation’sdigital ads. He walked the audiencethrough phases of the process fromsketch concepts, storyboarding, andeven creating some of the featuredpieces by hand in the office’s studio.Pierce’s presentation showed that somefields have more than one avenue tobecome successful.

“I think it’s important for studentsto really explore as many facets of theirchosen career field as possible,” he said.“In graphic design alone there are so

many more aspects to this field thatmany people don’t realize. Be curious,ask questions, and dig deeper. Chancesare that you’ll find something youlove to do that you never knew was

out there.”To round out the event, Franklin also

gave a special performance, and Piercescreened one of Funimation’s newestfilms, Your Name.

For more information aboutKam Franklin and The Suffers, visitthesuffers.com. For more informationabout Kris Pierce, visitkrispiercedesign.com.

College HoStS tHe SufferS’KAM frAnKlin for SpeCiAl event

Game Changers and Box Breakers: Critical Thinking in Our World gave students a chance to hear from Kam Franklin, lead singer for theinternationally acclaimed Gulf Coast soul band, The Suffers, and Kris Pierce, director of promotional video at Dallas-based anime distributioncompany, Funimation Entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College

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THIS MONTH IN SOCIAL MEDIA

South Campus nursing school studentstaking a break between classes.

North Campus hosteda lunar eclipse viewing.

Students celebrated springWelcome Week with a new hashtag.

A South Campus study groupprepares for an upcoming exam.

The San Jacinto College Police Departmentcelebrates National Law Enforcement Day.

Dr. Hellyer appeared on KPRC’sHouston Newsmakers segment.

Student representatives from eachcampus participated in CollegeCommunity Day in Austin.

The Suffers’ frontwomanKam Franklin takes the stage at theSouth Campus Lyceum Committee event.

Children in the Central Campus Lab Schoolline up before the Baby Day parade.

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Student representatives from eachcampus participated in CommunityCollege Day in Austin.

By Cheryl P. RoseCORRESPONDENT

Ken Jackson planned to be a teacher,earning a bachelor’s degree in education.However, he got the opportunity to startin process technology, so he walked awayfrom an education career. Eventually,Jackson became a trainer for his companyand later worked as a training consultant.He was able to combine his initial loveof teaching with the skills he learned onthe job, a blend he has shared with SanJacinto College for 20 years as a professorof process technology.

Q. How has process technologyeducation evolved at SanJacinto College?

A. I’ve seen our program evolve froma certificate program of 96 contacthours into Level 1 and 2 certificates andthen into an associate degree program.Our program enrollment has steadilyincreased, especially in the last fiveyears. When I started in the field in the1970s, you learned on the job through agovernment apprenticeship program. Asa result, training wasn’t consistent from

person to person, company to company.With the degree program we have now,instruction is consistent, and studentslearn material much faster than I did asan apprentice.

Q. How will the new Centerfor Petrochemical, Energy andTechnology impact the program?

A. The CPET will allow studentsto learn on the latest technology andtraining aides. I think students retain thematerial better when they get hands-onopportunities. It will have a simulationof a glycol unit, allowing us to simulatesome of the issues and problems thatcan happen. It will also have cutawaysso students can see inside the machineryand several different labs. All of theinstructors are very excited about it.

Q. Will your student team bringhome another NAPTA trophythis year?

A. I hope so! The North AmericanProcess Technology Alliance (NAPTA)organizes an annual competition forteams throughout the U.S. to test theirprocess technology knowledge. San

Jacinto College teams have won thecompetition two years in a row. Thisyear’s competition is in Louisiana inApril. We are taking several teams to thequalifying rounds this month and hopeto have two teams advance. San JacintoCollege will host this competition in2020.

Q. What keeps you motivatedas a teacher?

A. For me, the big reward is seeing theprogress students make from when theystart graduating and getting a job. I followsome of my students, and it’s satisfying tosee them two or three years out of schoolin good jobs and living comfortably.

Sunday | March 3, 2019 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7sanjac.edu

Process tech Professor’s PersPectiveon evolving education standards

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Spring is a time of warm weather,sprouting flowers and a much-needed break from studies for collegestudents everywhere. San JacintoCollege’s over 30,000 students are nostranger to this time of year and haveplans of their own.

“I am going off the grid duringSpring Break. I don’t want anyoneto know where I am. I just want torelax and enjoy my time.”

— Priscilla Palos, psychology major“I am going to be bumpin’ oldies all

week. Nowhere to go, and no one tobother me.” — Amanda Pennington,film and theatre major

“I am going out of town toColombia for my aunt’s wedding.I have never been to Colombia before,and I am looking forward to thescenery and the food.” — Cris Vera,criminal justice major

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College

StudentS reveAlSpring BreAk plAnS

Ken Jackson

AmandaPennington

CrisVera

PriscillaPalos

Photo courtesy of Melissa Trevizo, San Jacinto College

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Surrounded by monuments of history,industries and maritime enterprises of today,and the space age of tomorrow, San JacintoCollege has served the citizens of East HarrisCounty, Texas, since 1961. The College isfiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AAand Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.San Jacinto College is a 2019 Aspen Prizefor Community College Excellence Top10 institution, a 2017 Aspen Prize RisingStar Award recipient and an Achieving theDream Leader College. The College servesapproximately 45,000 credit and non-creditstudents annually, and offers eight areasof study that puts students on a path totransfer to four-year institutions or enter theworkforce. San Jacinto College’s impact onthe region totals $1.3 billion in added income,which supports 13,044 jobs.

COMMUNITYIMPACT

Vision — San Jacinto College will be the leaderin educational excellence and in the achieve-ment of equity among diverse populations. Wewill empower students to achieve their goals,redefine their expectations and encourage theirexploration of new opportunities. Our passionsare people, learning, innovation, and continuousimprovement.

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

VISION & MISSION

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SUPPORT STUDENTSUCCESS

A gift to the San Jacinto College Foundationtransforms lives, enriches our community andprovides tomorrow’s community leaders. Formore than 20 years, the Foundation has helpedthousands of students reach their goals. Ourformer students and graduates have filled vitalroles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices,manufacturing plants, and laboratories acrossour region and beyond. They have also wonthe World Series, NBA championships, starredin major motion pictures and created majortheatrical productions. Help our students todaywith the gift of education. Contact the SanJacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 orsanjac.edu/foundation.

YOUR GOALS. YOUR COLLEGE.

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CENTRAL CAMPUS8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505

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