HCC Helping People Explore Career Options and Outlook

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:02:27 GMT

Employment-related activities are some of the top searches of the internet. In response to this need for many current, prospective students, and the community, Houston Community College, in partnership with Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc., has launched Career Coach. Career Coach is a new web interactive tool that allows anyone to access career outlook information, search regional job openings in the area, build a resume online, review information about educational requirements for specific fields of study, and provides direct links to any related education or training offered by HCC in these areas. This user-friendly tool can be used by high school teachers and counselors, tutors, non-profit organizations, workforce centers, workforce boards, and researchers as a career outlook source or career planning resource.

“We are excited about adding this tool to the HCC web site and providing current, prospective students, and our community at large a valuable tool to help guide the process of career selection. Education implies an investment of time and resources, and this tool provides real time data on career outlook and projections, which can help individuals in determining the return of their investment in specific fields of choice. When students have a clear career goal in mind their performance in the classroom improves. Career Coach provides that direction, almost like a personal Career GPS,” said Madeline Burillo, HCC Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Extended Learning. “We encourage any organization and schools to add this link to their web site as an additional resource for their clients and community.”

The HCC Career Coach site provides information about earning trends by occupation, employment trends by occupation, education and training requirements, regional job postings by occupation, and a resume builder tool in a user friendly format. To use this tool, simply visit: http://hccs.emsicareercoach.com/ccindex.php.

HCC and HISD Partner Offer Innovative Workforce Career Pathways

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:26:35 GMT

HCC and Houston Independent School District (HISD) have joined forces to implement an innovative Dual Credit Program aimed at providing students at six schools the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, industry certifications, and an AAS degree from HCC. The project has been named Houston Innovation Learning Zones (HILZ), and it will focus on selected high-demand, high-wage occupations. The program is scheduled to start in June 2012, with the initial group consisting of 25 to 50 students per school.

The six participating schools are Booker T. Washington High School, Furr High School, J.D. Long High School, Kashmere High School, Scarborough High School, and Sterling High School. The six AAS degree programs to be offered are Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technician Technology, Process Technology, Pharmacy Technician Technology, Networking, Administration Engineering Technology, and Global Logistics Management Technology. Students will have the opportunity to complete their high school diploma, earn industry certification, and AAS degrees with all costs covered by the school district (instructional costs, textbooks, etc.).

"For HCC this represents an innovative project and a natural next step of growth for workforce instruction. The HILZ project is very timely, in that not only will it help improve retention of high school students, but it will also increase completion of relevant workforce degrees that lead to high demand occupations in our region. We are excited to partner with HISD on this project as we see this as the model for future relevant workforce dual credit partnerships," said Madeline Burillo, HCC Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce Instruction.

HCC is also working with local universities to expand articulations of career and technical education AAS degrees to offer more opportunities to students to continue their education after earning their associate degree.

HCC’s Opportunity Ball to benefit local students

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:38:52 GMT

The whimsical theme of Dr. Seuss theme “Oh the Places We’ll Go!” greeted the record 750 guests attending Houston Community College’s Opportunity Ball on a balmy Friday, January 6. Proceeds from the event will launch local students on the path to a successful future by providing them scholarships to HCC.

AT&T served as lead underwriter of the event, which gala co-chairs Shawn Taylor and Penny Butler, Houston Community College Foundation board members said raised a record $560,000. Held at the Hilton Americas Hotel, Swift and Company decorated the ballroom with swirling colors and characters to match the evening’s Dr. Seuss theme. The lights, centerpieces and feathered creations created a memorable atmosphere for guests to applaud the efforts of HCC in the New Year.

Former Mayor Bill White and his wife Andrea, past honorees, presented HCC’s Crystal Eagle award to Sarah and Doug Foshee. Foshee, CEO, Chairman and President of El Paso Corporation, spoke about his special passion for the work of community colleges and the real opportunities they offer local students to improve their career potential and the lives of their families and the importance today of continuing education to be a part of the future workforce.

Dr. Mary Spangler, Houston Community College Chancellor, made remarks, thanking the guests and emphasizing the impact HCC has on our city. Attendees included many of the HCC trustees, HCC Board Chair Richard Schechter, District V and newly elected Board Member Carroll G. Robinson, District IV. Houston Mayor Annise Parker joined the festivities as well.

HCC is one of the largest community colleges in the United States, providing an affordable education to more than 80,000 students each semester. HCC is also ranked number one in the state for placing students in jobs when they graduate, offering associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse community to complete in an increasingly technological and international society. The college’s six locations offer core academic courses that transfer to any public university in Texas. It also allows local students to obtain job training in a wide array of fields, including nursing, culinary arts, fashion design, criminal justice, automotive technology, and cosmetology.

The John P. McGovern Foundation Announces $5 Million Gift to HCC

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:18:00 GMT

The John P. McGovern Foundation Announces $5 Million Gift to HCC

The largest single donation in Houston Community College’s 40-year history will fund Opportunity 14 Endowed Scholarships for Houstonians.

HCC extends its deepest appreciation to the John P. McGovern Foundation for this landmark gift and for bringing our students’ dreams of higher education within reach. We thank you and salute your vision for education, HCC, and Houston.

For more about HCC's Foundation, go to http://www.hccsfoundation.org/

CHRONICLE COVERAGE: The donation was the subject of an op-ed in Sunday's Houston Chronicle:

Gifts help transform HCC into a force for change

By GINGER RENFROE BLANTON

Houston Community College is being transformed in front of our very eyes. Over the course of the past four-plus years, our community has seen the college grow from an enrollment of 50,000 to almost 80,000 students per semester. We have seen the college redefine how students learn and teachers teach. Complete text of the article

HCC UT Tyler Team up to Meet Demand

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:14:00 GMT

HCC UT Tyler Team up to Meet Demand

Effective January 1, Houston Community College and the University of Texas at Tyler began addressing the growing demand for more engineers in Texas. HCC and UT Tyler will offer upper division courses for associate degree graduates at the HCC Alief Campus in mechanical and electrical engineering.

HCC will be responsible for providing facilities conducive for upper division engineering study for UT Tyler students. UT Tyler will provide upper division instruction, laboratory facilities, and appropriate student and business office services for students enrolled in the UT Tyler completion programs. This agreement is only one of the many programs HCC is developing with major universities to graduate more students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Recognizing the need, the two higher-education institutions are developing a straightforward pathway to engineering and science baccalaureate degrees. HCC and UT Tyler will bridge the demand by providing local employers with the trained and skilled workforce necessary to compete in today’s marketplace.

“Offering students a clear pathway to a four-year engineering degree is a crucial advancement in higher education,” Dr. Zachary Hodges, president of HCC Northwest, said. “HCC’s partnership with UT Tyler has the potential to lead to the creation of hundreds of engineers, and many of them will be able to find employment locally.”

The partnership establishes a Texas statewide model Associate of Science in Engineering Science degree program on the HCC Alief campus. This degree is accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and will offer significant advantages to HCC students when considering transfer to UT Tyler or other engineering schools in Texas and across the country.

“I am very excited about this new endeavor with HCC and what it means to the students in Houston. With the Associate of Science Degree in Engineering that HCC will offer and the upper division courses in engineering that UT Tyler will offer, students will have a much better opportunity to complete their four-year engineering degree. This is a market UT Tyler can serve well, and this movement builds upon the cooperative relationship HCC and UT Tyler have shared for the last four years,” explained Dr. James Nelson, Dean of the College of Engineering at UT Tyler.

State Farm Donates $10,000 to HCC’s Minority Male Initiative

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:26:50 GMT

State Farm Donates $10,000 to HCC’s Minority Male Initiative

Gift to support MMI Summer STEM Academy

State Farm presented the Houston Community College Board of Trustees with a check for $10,000 to support HCC’s Minority Male Initiative (MMI) 2012 Summer STEM Academy.

Established in 2005, HCC’s Minority Male Initiative Program addresses the growing crisis involving the drop-out rates of Houston's young African American and Latino males. The MMI at HCC marks a unique collaboration between one of the nation's largest singly accredited community college, 10 local middle schools and five local high schools serving high-risk, low income students, Communities in Schools, Project GRAD, and the NASA Johnson Space Center.

HCC’s MMI programs - most particularly its Summer STEM Academy - are designed to build and encourage cohorts of minority male students from the time they are in middle school through high school and on into college. HCC is proud of the program's early success. Sixty-five percent of the young middle school students who participated in last year's Summer STEM Academy returned this year to learn more about the sciences in a higher education environment. HCC and its MMI Program will follow and support them through their secondary education into college.

Approximately 1,000 students participate in the MMI Summer STEM Academy. The gift from State Farm will ensure 350 minority students from Houston’s at-risk neighborhoods will have the opportunity to experience the career potentials that higher education provides during next summer’s program.

“State Farm believes all children deserve access to a quality education to help them achieve their greatest potential, help them become good community citizens, and prepare them for the workforce,” said Brent Wroten, State Farm Vice President of Agency. “State Farm proudly supports programs like the HCC Minority Male Initiative Program in its efforts to reduce the nation’s dropout rate and to ensure the educational success of America's youth.”

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni Event Features U.S. Secretary of Education

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:39:08 GMT

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings addressed the alumni of Houston Community College’s first 10,000 Small Businesses graduating class at a reception Tuesday, October 25. The graduates of the prestigious program were joined by local initiative partners at HCC Southeast College.

Dr. Zachary Hodges, President of HCC Northwest, and Dr. Irene Porcarello, President of HCC Southeast, presented each graduate with a continuing education certificate for completing the program. 10,000 Small Businesses partners at the event included the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and the UH Small Business Development Center.

Houston Community College and community leaders celebrated the inaugural graduation of the 53 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses scholars during a ceremony at HCC’s Southeast College Monday, October 3.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at Houston Community College is part of a national, five-year investment to unlock the growth and job creation potential of small businesses in the U.S. through greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. The initiative is currently active in several cities across the country and over the next five years, will reach 10,000 small business owners across the country.

For media inq To learn more about the opportunities available through the 10,000 Small Businesses program at HCC, visit hccs.edu/10ksb.

HCC Faculty Wins Statewide Accounting Educator Award

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:09:21 GMT

Houston Community College Business Technology and Accounting Department Chair, Glenn “Mel” McQueary has been awarded Outstanding Accounting Educator Award from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA). McQueary was presented with his award at TSCPA’s Accounting Education Conference October 21 in Austin, Texas.

According to TSCPA’s website, “The Outstanding Accounting Educator award recognizes Texas accounting educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and have distinguished themselves through active service to the accounting profession.”

McQueary joined HCC as a part-time accounting instructor in 1994 before becoming a full-time accounting instructor in 2004. In 2008, McQueary became department chair for Business Technology and Accounting at the HCC Spring Branch and Katy Campuses.

“At HCC, we provide affordable education for academic advancement and professors strive to empower students to succeed in the global economy. I am honored that TSCPA recognized me as an individual that embodies excellence within the field of accounting education,” said McQueary.

McQueary teaches lower-level accounting classes including Introduction to Accounting, Principles of Accounting and Managerial Accounting. He also teaches the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy required ethics, research and technical writing courses for individuals planning to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Prior to working for HCC, McQueary consulted for Fortune 500 companies and has travelled the world for consulting positions. He has worked in Canada, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.

McQueary holds several credentials in the accounting field including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and he holds a Master of Arts in accounting and Bachelor of Science in marketing from Ball State University.

For more information about the business technology or accounting courses available at HCC or to learn about the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy approved courses to sit for the CPA exam, call 713.718.5700 or email glenn.mcqueary@hccs.edu.

Evening to honor Fashion Legend Kay King

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:24:53 GMT

Help us honor a Houston fashion legend! Kay King, former Regional Director of The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc., fashion designer, educator, and mentor extraordinaire, has retired her post as the Division Chair, Lifestyle Arts & Design Careers for Houston Community College - Central (HCC) after three decades with the institution.

Kay’s incredible accomplishments span more than fifty years in the fashion industry and include numerous awards and recognitions for her craft, as well as invitations for speaking engagements around the globe. It is Kay’s wonderful spirit that has inspired and challenged hundreds of students to reach their full potential. The original curriculum for HCC’s award-winning fashion program was written by Kay and has produced countless ‘star status’ students with success stories of their own, including Project Runway winner Chloe Dao. Kay’s students can also be found working in Houston’s major cultural arts venues, including the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and the Alley Theatre to name a few. Kay is a visionary, an international fashion icon, and a true Houston treasure.

We hope you will join us in celebration of one of our City’s most well-known fashion trailblazers at Fashionably Fabulous ... The Incredible Career of Kay King. The exclusive cocktail reception will be held Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Decorative Center Houston, 5120 Woodway Drive, the venue underwriter of this event. This spectacular evening will feature a unique fashion retrospective, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. Plus, many fabulous fashionable surprises! This event will raise funds for Career Day scholarships, on behalf of The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc. and the Kay King Scholarship, for Houston Community College students who wish to pursue careers in the fashion, interior design, and beauty industries.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $2,000, $1,000 and $500. Individual tickets are $100 (students, $50). To reserve your ticket online, visit kayking.fgihouston.org

For more information or to pay by phone, contact Josephine Firat at 832.305.6344 or by email at josephine@fgihouston.org.

Dozens of Golfers Take Part in HCC Golf Tournament

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:27:10 GMT

The Houston Community College Minority Male Initiative Fall Golf Classic began as scheduled Friday, September 30, 2011.

In all, 240 golfers hit the links at the Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda Road.

The 2011 tournament proceeds will go to HCC’s Minority Male Initiative (MMI) Summer STEM Academy.

$5.9M Grant Funds HCC & UST Hispanic and Low Income STEM Students

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:16:28 GMT

The Department of Education has awarded Houston Community College and the University of St. Thomas a five-year, $5.9 million grant for Hispanic and other low-income transfer students who are interested in pursuing degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The DOE award is welcome news during Hispanic Heritage Month.

All of the grant program activities are designed to increase the participation, retention, transfer rates and completion of Hispanic and other low-income STEM students. Both institutions will implement a seamless transfer program driven by a new model articulation agreement. UST will add online tutoring services that align with the HCC online tutoring system. Both will add a STEM transfer coordinator and will include mentoring and outreach conducted by faculty, mentors and peers to increase student engagement in STEM fields.

A $747,000 STEM scholarship endowment will be created at both institutions. Revenues will be increased through new transfer enrollments, strong retention and external funding.

HCC, Community Leaders Celebrate First Graduating Class of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:15:00 GMT

Houston Community College, and community leaders celebrated the inaugural graduation of 53 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses scholars during a ceremony at HCC's Southeast College Monday, October 3.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an initiative to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services.

Business and community leaders in attendance included City of Houston Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Goldman Sachs Foundation Managing Director and President Dina Habib Powell, HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary S. Spangler and former Continental Airlines CEO Larry Kellner.

For more information on Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, go to http://www.hccs.edu/10ksb

Texas Workforce Commission Awards HCC $310,233 for Skills Development Fund Grant

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:13:51 GMT

The Texas Workforce Commission awarded Houston Community College $310,233 for a Skills Development Fund Grant. HCC partnered with Goodman Manufacturing to receive the grant, which will provide customized job training to workforce students.

And the Winner is...

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

It’s official! After receiving more than 2,000 votes for the top five HCC Eagle Mascot Names, HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary Spangler announced the winning name at the HCC Pep Rally held yesterday at West Loop Campus. And the winner is ... Swoop! Swoop, symbolic of the HCC logo, is representative of a student’s upward and forward journey through HCC, and the limitless opportunity that an HCC education provides to our students and our community. Eight individuals submitted the winning SWOOP name – from those entries, HCC Design Faculty Member Ken Simmons’ name was selected at the event to receive a new iPad. Congratulations Professor Simmons! Go Eagles!

Scholarships Open Doors for 5 HCC Students to Attend St. Thomas' School of Nursing

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:28:27 GMT

Harriet and Joe Foster are providing educational support through the Houston Community College/University of St. Thomas Foster Scholars Program. The gift, in excess of $260,000, will provide full-tuition scholarships for five HCC students who transfer to the University of St. Thomas to complete their undergraduate degree in the nursing program within two years.

Because of the cost of higher education, obtaining additional support for low-income students is critical. Funding constraints, time limitations and lack of resources are all potential barriers to a transfer student’s participation and completion. Low-income students who must work during their academic careers are less likely to complete their studies. Many face not only financial challenges, but also those posed by families who do not understand the impact of education on an individual’s life-time earnings. The HCC/UST Foster Scholars Program will provide for five HCC students who are majoring in nursing to transfer to the University of St. Thomas while giving them the support they need to devote their energies and time to their education.

UST and HCC have enjoyed several successful collaborations, including the 2008 – 2010 College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This grant provided funding for the renovation of HCC Central Campus STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) labs as well as funding for students from both institutions to work on collaborative undergraduate research programs. Both institutions receive funding from the National Science Foundation for STEM scholarships, and a partnership has been created to recruit those scholarship recipients from HCC for the UST program in order to provide a seamless transition to baccalaureate-level studies. The HCC/UST Scholars Program will enhance future collaborations between the two institutions.

The University of St. Thomas is in the final stages of reopening its School of Nursing to address the growing shortage of nurses across the nation. The university will offer a bachelor’s of science in nursing and enroll the first class of students by 2012. The scholarships provided by the Fosters will enable HCC students to pursue their educational goals and help Texas meet the critical demand for nurses.

Harriet and Joe Foster have a long history of making thoughtful contributions to education in Houston. The Fosters actively support the community college model and have provided scholarship opportunities for students who attend Houston Community College. Harriet Foster has been a member of the HCC Foundation Board since 2001. The scholarships funded by Harriet and Joe Foster will provide a lasting impact on the recipients’ lives and their future careers.

HCC mourns the loss of J. B. Whiteley

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:27:48 GMT

J.B. Whiteley, HCC’s longest-serving president, from 1975 to 1990, passed away Sunday, June 19.

Whiteley was appointed Acting President of HCCS on June 16, 1975. On November 18, 1975, Mr. Whiteley was assigned as President of HCCS and given a three-year contract. From that day until his retirement in 1990, he led HCCS and played a major role in moving the college from its association with Houston Independent School District to its independent status as Houston Community College District.

J.B. Whiteley

Because of Whiteley’s understanding of the Houston area’s need for vocational training, the community college’s first offerings were occupational and technical classes, offered at the Houston Technical Institute (housed in HISD’s San Jacinto High School on Holman).

After retiring in 1990, Whiteley continued to support HCC in whatever capacity possible. In 2007 Whiteley and his wife Paula Whiteley established an Endowed Scholarship Fund to benefit students enrolled in the Houston Community College System.

Whiteley received Bachelor of Science degrees from Le Tourneau Technical Institute and East Texas State Teachers College and a Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University.

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that gifts should be given on behalf of his scholarship fund with the HCC Foundation.

Passing of Cliff Spangler, Husband of Dr. Mary Spangler, Chancellor Houston Community College

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:23:37 GMT

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Cliff Spangler, husband of Dr. Mary Spangler, Chancellor Houston Community College, this morning, January 26, 2011. Cliff Spangler, an accomplished real estate professional and devoted husband and father, battled a long-term illness with great courage and dignity.

During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to Dr. Spangler, her son and their family. The Spangler’s have touched so many people at the college and in our community. Their reach knows no bounds with relationships that extend around the globe.

While there are many individuals who have already expressed interest in reaching out and offering support to Dr. Spangler, please respect the privacy she and her family will need over the next days.

Dr. Spangler is grateful for the outpouring of thoughtfulness that has already been extended to her family. Gestures of condolence and sympathy can best be expressed through your thoughts and prayers. Any other expressions can be made in memory of Cliff Spangler through the HCC Foundation, 3100 Main, MC1148, Houston, Texas 77002 or the Foundation for Cancer Research and Education, P. O. Box 746, Earlysville, VA 22936.

There will be a private service for the family that has not yet been arranged.

Richard M. Schechter
Board Chair
Houston Community College Board of Trustees

Veterans Job Fair and Celebration

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:24:00 GMT

HCC District Office of Veterans Affairs will be partnering with the City of Houston Veteran Affairs Department Thursday, November 11 (Veterans Day) for a Veterans Job Fair and Veterans Celebration. The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. on the steps of City Hall. The American Heroes Parade will follow at 11:30 a.m. and travel down Smith Street between Texas and Lamar. The AT&T Veterans Job Fair will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall where top companies will be recruiting. If you should have any questions, please contact our Veterans Call Center at 713.718.8522 or go to http://www.houstontx.gov/nov11/jobfair.html

HCC Northwest Spring Branch Campus Fall Job Fair

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:38:22 GMT

The Spring Branch Career Planning and Resource office will host its annual Fall Job Fair Wednesday November 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Transition Hallway.

If you are looking for full-time or part-time employment to assist you with your educational goals please come prepared to speak with some diverse companies. Dress business to business casual and bring lots of resumes.

Resume assistance is available by appointments. Interested? Contact Tambela Franklin at jp.nw@hccs.edu or 713.718.5802.

For additional information contact the Career Planning and Resource office at 713.718.5423.

Golden Eagle Society Dinner Thanks Donors

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:58:00 GMT

More than 120 friends and supporters of Houston Community College gathered on Monday evening, October 25 for the Chancellor’s dinner honoring the 2010 members of the Golden Eagle Society, a giving society established by HCC in 2009 to recognizes its foremost benefactors. The event was held at Hugo’s restaurant where guests enjoyed authentic regional cuisine prepared by Executive Chef and HCC Culinary Arts alumnus Hugo Ortega.

“Your generosity makes possible so much of what we accomplish for our students,” said HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary S. Spangler in acknowledging the Golden Eagle Society members and their generous support of HCC. HCC Foundation Student Ambassadors and scholarship recipients were also in attendance to thank guests for helping them achieve their educational goals.

The Golden Eagle Society was established in 2009 to recognize excellence in giving at Houston Community College, and recognizes supporters of HCC and its campuses, departments and special programs who have generously contributed $2,000 or more in a fiscal year. To learn more or view a complete listing of the 2010 Golden Eagle Society members, visit www.hccsfoundation.org and click on ‘Giving to HCC’.

State of the College address highlights HCC’s economic contribution to Greater Houston Area

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:08:46 GMT

The Houston Community College held its third annual State of the College Address at the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane at 8:00 a.m., Friday, October 8.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker opened the program with a few remarks about the importance of HCC to the city’s future. She said, “Our region’s future success depends on an educational system that meets the needs of our growing and diverse community. HCC’s bold vision to provide the educational needs of our region will enable us to meet the challenges of the changing global marketplace.”

Dr. Mary S. Spangler, HCC Chancellor, then addressed the audience composed of elected officials, community leaders, business and industry partners, local media and HCC faculty and staff. She spoke about the impact HCC is having on the citizens of the Greater Houston area, the city and its economy. Dr. Spangler outlined the goals and successes HCC accomplished in the past year. She talked about HCC’s record enrollment that saw a thirty percent increase in the last two years.

Dr. Spangler explained the innovative and creative new programs, teaching methodologies and funding strategies the college is implementing to meet the challenges of a growing student body. The highly skilled students educated and trained by HCC are impacting job creation in the region. That, in turn, creates a significant boon to the economy of the Greater Houston Area. HCC students benefit from improved lifestyles and increased earnings. Taxpayers benefit from a larger economy and lower social costs. The community as a whole benefits from increased investment opportunities, higher business revenues and the economic contribution of HCC’s students and alumni.

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While recognizing the progress and accomplishments of the college, Dr. Spangler assured the audience that HCC is looking to the future: “We are operating at the leading edge of change to move beyond relevance. To be a twenty-first century community college, we must now be innovative, enterprising and collaborative if we are to maintain our reputation as one of our nation’s leading community colleges. It’s time to set the bar higher again!”

Pandora's Box Events for This Week

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:21:34 GMT

Tuesday, October 5, Pandora's Box will take a look into the film, Out in the Silence, the announcement of filmmaker Joe Wilson’s wedding to another man which ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown.

Wednesday, October 6, Poet and UH faculty member Martha Serpas reads from and discusses her work, which is influenced by a deep religious sensibility and the author's Cajun heritage.

Serpas has published two books of poetry and her work has been featured in The New Yorker Magazine. Her op-ed essay for The New York Times can be found at http://tinyurl.com/27sfpz2. Martha is also narrating a feature documentary currently in production called Veins In The Gulf. It is about the effect on Louisiana Cajun culture of the loss of wetlands in the Delta.
All Pandora's Box events take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Cyber Lounge at HCC Northwest Katy Campus and are free and open to the public.

HCC Workforce Summit highlights training needs, solutions for Alief area businesses

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Houston Community College is bringing together industry leaders, elected officials and emerging business executives from Alief to discuss the workforce needs in the area. On Wednesday, Sept. 15., HCC Trustee Neeta Sane, District VII, hosted the Workforce Summit at the Kim Son Restaurant, 10603 Bellaire Blvd.

In today’s economy, access to post-secondary education and training is essential for individual career success. Estimates indicate that 80 percent of today’s new jobs require education or training beyond high school and that those jobs represent the fastest growing and highest paying segments, such as the emerging technological fields, of the new economy. HCC is committed to serving businesses through innovative education and training solutions.

“We are committed to meeting your business needs through education and training,” said HCC Trustee Neeta Sane.

Houston Community College is committed to serving businesses through innovative education and training solutions. The Workforce Summit is an opportunity to work with stakeholders in the community to collaborate on ways to build a stronger regional economy.

Northeast Hispanic Heritage Art Show

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:33:21 GMT

HCC Northeast is proud to present the 2010 Hispanic Heritage Art Show in
conjunction with The Northline Foundation for Art and Education (NFAE) and
Mexican American Youth Organization (M.A.Y.O.). Please join us in
celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by viewing Latin American Artworks.
Hispanic Heritage Month is the time to recognize the contributions of
Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage
and culture.

Opening Art Show Reception is Wednesday, September 15 at Northeast's
Northline Art Gallery, 8001 Fulton, Room 105 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The exhibit will be ongoing from September 15 through October 15. For more
information, please call Bryan Bauhs at 713.718.2402 or Dora at
713.718.5291.

Chancellor's Fall Welcome Message

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:32:47 GMT

Dear HCC Family,

Each year, the new academic year symbolizes new beginnings, and this year is no different. I am delighted to “Welcome” each of you--students, faculty, staff and administrators--back from what I hope was a wonderful summer and a successful year. Now let’s embark together upon a busy and exciting 2010-2011 academic year.

We can expect more great things to be accomplished this year, and I want to share some of them with you. More importantly, please join me in moving HCC into the brightest year in our history. As we continue to embrace our mission of being the most relevant community college in the country, essential to our community’s success, we must not forget our core mission of “serving students.” Our mission, “students first,” will continue to be our primary focus as we soar to the next level.

First, “thank you” to new and returning students for choosing HCC as the gateway to your future. During the 2009-2010 year, we reached a record-break enrollment of more than 72,000 students. This Fall 2010 we will exceed that number. Knowing about activities and initiatives at HCC designed to open doors, offer opportunities and smooth the pathways while you are at HCC will ensure that your time with us is used most effectively. Take some time to learn about these resources.

Second, I want to empower each of you in your respective role to provide input to ensure HCC continues to produce graduates who become contributing citizens, advance to the next level in local colleges and universities, or venture into a more global arena as we expand our partnerships with other countries. Faculty, staff and administrators, your contributions to HCC are important as you dedicate your time, creativity, and talents to our students and communities.

Third, there are many outstanding initiatives that will be forthcoming in 2010-2011 to share. I invite you to visit our website at: www.hccs.edu and learn more about where we are going and how these initiatives will affect your success at HCC. Now let’s review a few highlights for the coming year.

In the area of Student Services and under the leadership of Dr. Diana Pino the following highlights are significant:
• Textbook Rentals: Starting this fall, students will be able to rent many of their required textbooks from the HCC Bookstore. Barnes and Noble, the operators of the Bookstore, predict that a new textbook costing $100 will rent for approximately $47. Later this fall, a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for bookstore services will require an HCC bookstore operator to provide multiple options for students to constrain textbook prices, including downloading or leasing of digital textbooks.

• Statway: We are one of 19 community colleges across the nation that is participating in a major grant project entitled Statway. Funded by major donors and coordinated by the Carnegie Foundation, Statway will involve the creation, testing, and implementation of a new math pathway for students leading to college level Statistics rather than College Algebra. The pathway is aimed at students who intend to major in the liberal arts, social sciences, business, and various career programs. The goal is to double the proportion of developmental math students prepared in one year to succeed in further academic study or occupational pursuits.

• Campus Living: In partnership with the University of Houston, all HCC students can enjoy campus living at the UH Moody Towers residential facility starting fall 2010. This is a great opportunity for our students to have the best of both worlds: the experience of dormitory living while studying at a community college. Applications are now being accepted for up to 80 HCC students.

• Student Records Automation: Degree Audit - By September, all academic plans (AA, AS, AAT), all AAS plans, and all Certificate plans for programs that have no AAS plans will be automated. This will allow counselors and students to view an electronic degree audit rather than relying on a paper copy. This year, there will be a focus on catching up on our transcript evaluation of transfer work to ensure accuracy of the degree audits.

In the area of Instruction and under the leadership of Dr. Charles Cook:
• CurricUNET: After a year of development, we will introduce CurricUNET to all faculty this fall. CurricUNET is a web-based repository of all HCC curricula, containing syllabi and student learning outcomes for all HCC courses and programs. Once fully operational, users will also have access to other member colleges’ curriculum (including Miami-Dade, the City Colleges of Chicago, San Diego City College, and others). The development of CurricUNET has coincided with instructional preparation for reaffirmation of HCC accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and new state legislation requiring all college instructors to post their syllabi and resumes on-line.

• Real Time Faculty Withdrawal of Students: This process gives faculty the ability to withdraw their students online from their faculty centers, offices and homes. In the current process, faculty must complete an online application that is emailed to their respective campuses where campus personnel then drop the students by hand. The new process will eliminate the “middleman” by processing the withdrawal in real time and provide efficient customer support services to our faculty, staff and students.

Diversity Initiatives:
• We serve a uniquely diverse student body representing cultures, ethnicities and belief systems from across the globe. To continue to address the variety of differences brought to our campuses by students, faculty and staff, HCC must continue to take an active role in preparing students for a global workplace by encouraging the development of global competency skills in its students and employees. On April, 9 2010, I charged the members of the new HCC Council for Diversity and Inclusion with the responsibility of making recommendations that will foster a systematic “positive culture” of understanding, respect and acceptance of others unique differences. The standing council will advise my office regarding issues of diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion and facilitate programs and services that meet the changing needs of individuals in a diverse community. I encourage each of you to participate in this important initiative in whatever way possible and beneficial to the institution.

International Initiatives:
• HCC continues to value the importance of our international students and partnerships with other countries. As we enter the 2010 academic year, I am pleased to share with you the addition of another significant partnership where our expertise in international education has been recognized and sought. We will begin classes in Qatar this fall and will have over 40 employees from HCC participate in the opening of this institution. As we progress through this partnership, HCC students and faculty will have opportunities to broaden their international relationships through various media including teaching or studying abroad. Join me in congratulating those employees who are among the first to work on this initiative.

Professional Development Opportunities:
• In August we launched the HCC Chair Excellence Institute made possible by a Chancellor’s Innovation Grant to offer a vehicle for professional development to instructional chairs. An Executive-Level Speaker Series will be introduced this year for administrators as the Leadership Excellence Institute goes on a one-year hiatus. And a 6-module supervisor refresher training series kicks off this fall.

Going Green:
• As a signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), HCC will expand our existing recycling efforts this fall by formally implementing Phase 1 of a system- wide recycling program. This effort presents an opportunity for HCC to meet its commitment of promoting a sustainable future and positions us to be good stewards of the environment as members of the PCC and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Please join me in being more environmentally conscious at HCC by recycling.

In the area of Information Technology and under the leadership of Mr. William Carter, we continue to make strides in improving processes and applications. Two significant initiatives for the coming include:
• mobileHCC: mobileHCC is an application that is available on the Apple AppStore for mobile devices. The App provides all faculty, staff and students access to HCC course schedules, employee directories, maps, new, events, images and videos. Phase II of mobileHCC will provide real time data to facilitate registration, attendance taking, and grading via the iPhone, Blackberry, iPad, iTouch or other mobile device.

• SmarterMeasure: This is a third party software that will serve as a pre requisite to Distance Ed Developmental Ed Students. DE students enrolling in DE developmental classes will be redirected to SmarterMeasure where they will take the assessment instrument. Scores will be loaded into PeopleSoft and used for advisement purposes. ADSA will develop the redirect, use single sign on technology to create students’ profiles in SmarterMeasure and create an import process to load the scores. Once scores are in PS, students will be able to complete enrollment in the appropriate development classes.

Human Resources new mandate:
• Implementation of Texas Senate Bill 9 requirements to fingerprint HCC employees.
The new law requires that HCC perform an expanded criminal history check that will now include fingerprinting of all new and current employees. The legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of all children, teachers and staff in Texas public schools. Since employees are present on public school campuses and public school students attend class on HCC campuses, this legislation applies to us. During the coming months, we will be implementing a fingerprinting examination process in accordance with Senate Bill 9.

HCC Foundation:
• The HCC Foundation continues to make strides, via the HCC Alumni Association, in its outreach to the College’s 77,000-plus alumni and to build the Association into an organization that can support the College and the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

• The HCC Foundation is moving forward in its campaign to fund the Opportunity 14 Scholarship Endowment—raising in excess of $2.7 million to date—so that the scholarship will be available to young Houstonians for generations to come. The Opportunity 14 scholarship has enjoyed a promising first two years, allowing hundreds of low-income students from across the city to enroll at HCC and begin their college education.

HCC Police Department:
• Parking Passes will now be required of everyone parking on HCC facilities. Parking passes can be down loaded on- line for faculty, students and staff this year. Visit our website or call for more information.

• Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to program HCC-Police dispatch into your cell phone for escorts, emergencies or suspicious activity. The number is: 713-718-8888.

• Encourage faculty, students and staff to update their information in people-soft and authorize emergency notifications from the college so you can keep up to date in the event of emergencies, dangerous weather, or school closings.

These are only a few of the many highlights, significant projects and initiatives that will play an important role setting the tone for the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year. Please visit our website at: www.hccs.edu for additional highlights and information that may be of interest to you as a student, faculty, staff or administrator. Beginning in September and throughout the year, I will be visiting each of the colleges as I do each quarter and look forward to an opportunity to visit with you.

Finally, I am full of optimism about HCC’s future and the direction we are going. There is a place for each of you to make significant contributions and achieve success. As I enter my 4th year as chancellor of this great institution, I join the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and administrators in making a commitment to “students first” in all we do. Your success is key in determining the success of our city, state and nation. Thank you for your commitment to the college. Welcome back and have a very successful 2010-2011 year.

Sincerely,
Mary S. Spangler, Ed. D.
Chancellor
Houston Community College

Additional Significant Highlights 2010-2011:
• Learning Communities Tracking: ADSA is providing a means of identifying both classes and students to facilitate the tracking by OIR of students enrolled in Learning Community classes.

• Self Service Student Planner: The self service planner provides students with a tool to plan their courses for an individual term, multiple terms, or for the entire stay at HCC. After students add courses to their planner, they can proceed directly from planning to enrollment. The process allows students to plan, save and modify their course schedules ahead of registering and provides another online tool to make HCC’s services more effective.

• On-line Withdrawal System - As of July 26th, students will be able to withdraw from one or more classes online. While it is still encouraged for students receive advisement from instructional and counseling faculty prior to withdrawing, students will no longer be required to “see” someone before they will be allowed to drop.

Students will be invited to click on several links to learn more of the implications of dropping on the 6 drop rule (http://imc02.hccs.edu/gcac/drop.htm), on veterans, on financial aid, and on international students.

Students will be required to acknowledge the implications of withdrawing from a class. This will provide better self-service for students! Phase two of this development involves a process by which faculty, who wish to enforce an absenteeism policy through withdrawing a student for excessive absences, will experience a much easier withdrawal process.

• Financial Aid: Financial Aid has made great strides already in serving our 2010-2011 FA applicants. The financial aid processing turn-around time has improved from approximately 6 weeks to 3 weeks. These improvements have resulted from increased automation and improved document assignment and tracking. As of July 30th, 13,797 students have been awarded as compared to 6,852 this time last year. Staff is ensuring greater consistency in the customer service experience at the campus level by working in a proactive team-based structure. Financial aid is recognized as both a recruitment and retention tool. As such, financial resources have been set aside to continue to enhance processes and services. It is projected that with these resources, the turnaround processing time for the aid year 2011 will reduce to 7-10 days.

• As a follow up to the on-line withdrawal system students will be provided information related to the implications and possible consequences of dropping their courses. The following will occur when a student selects the “drop” option during an enrollment request:

Students will be required to select a drop reason in order to complete the withdrawal request (the drop reason will cue whether the dropped course will count toward the 6 drop rule or not).

• Chair Excellence Institute: On August 6, 2010, Dr. Walter Gmelch, Dean and Professor from the School of Education, University of San Francisco, delivered the keynote address to launch the opening event for the HCC Chair Excellence Institute (CEI), a program designed to offer HCC instructional chairs a vehicle for professional development. The CEI, led by Dr. David Diehl, Director of the HCC Center for Teaching and Learning
Excellence, and an Executive Council of outstanding HCC faculty and chairs, was made possible by a Chancellor’s Innovation Grant.

• Develop and Implement Executive-level Speaker Series. The purpose of this program is to provide leadership development opportunities for HCC administrators.

• Mandatory Supervisor Refresher Training Series. Six Learning modules (fall, spring and Summer 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years) are being developed and will be conducted for all supervisors. The goal of the training is to equip managers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to consistently and confidently act in accordance with HCC policies, procedures and practices, such that the rights of individuals and HCC are protected. Three modules will be conducted in 2010-2011 and three modules will be conducted in 2011-2012.

• HCC Foundation continuation: In particular, the HCC Alumni Association is planning to launch a magazine this fall, in coordination with the HCC Communications Department, to celebrate HCC achievements and highlight donor recognition. The semiannual magazine will feature a print and online component with distribution to HCC alumni as well as community leaders, corporate decision makers and supporters and friends of the College.

• Finally, beginning the month of September and throughout the first semester, I will be visiting each of the colleges and would love to have an opportunity to visit with you. Notices around your college will be place notifying you of the date, time and location of my visit will be coming soon.

Spring 2011 Credit Schedule Class Revisions for Peoplesoft

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:59:33 GMT

The roll-over for the 2011 Spring Credit schedule is ready for edits. While we understand that current energies and focus are on the Fall registration cycle, many students will need to look ahead as soon as possible. Further, HCC will soon have apps available for students to access the schedule via their smart phones. Please ensure that all edits for the Spring semester credit schedule are completed by Friday, September 10. The Spring 2011 credit schedule will go live online September 13. Please note we will publish for print from this PS download.

HCC Faculty Heads Up Houston Theatre Tradition

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:16:50 GMT

Debra Schultz, Drama Faculty at HCC Northeast, serves as Artistic Director for the 20th Annual Scriptwriters/Houston Ten by Ten Playwriting Showcase to be held this weekend. The Ten by Ten's feature ten new, ten-minute plays written by ten different Houston playwrights and directed by ten directors featuring ten different casts. This Houston tradition put on by Scriptwriters/Houston begins in the spring with play submissions sent to a panel of judges who select the ten plays for production. Since taking on the position of Artistic Director, Debra has coordinated all production aspects of the event; selecting the judges, securing submissions, selecting area directors, coordinating auditions and heading up the technical aspects necessary for the overall production. Debra is very pleased to serve as only one of a handful of people who have held the position of Ten by Ten Artistic Director. The 20th Annual Scriptwriters/Houston Ten by Ten Playwriting Showcase will be held Thursday, August 26 through Saturday, August 28 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 29 at 2:00 p.m. at The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury Lane, Houston, Texas 77024.

Student Housing Available to All HCC Students

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:18:44 GMT

HCC is happy to announce that beginning fall 2010 all HCC students can enjoy campus living at Moody Towers at the University of Houston. This is a great opportunity for HCC students to have the best of both worlds: the experience of dormitory living while studying at a community college. The benefits to living in Moody Towers:
• Panoramic views
• 24-hour building controlled access
• All bills paid
• Learning programs and workshops
• High-speed internet
• Renovated rooms
• Largest student lounges
• Renovated 30,000 sq. ft. dining hall
• Located next to METRO stop
• Work-out facilities

To apply, please visit: http://www.housing.uh.edu/

For more information and the requirements, please visit:
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/future-students/international-students/new-campus-living-for-hcc-students

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, apply now! Space is limited.

For more information, please contact Bridget Canty at bridget.canty@hccs.edu
or 713.718.8521.

University of Pan American Project Enhance at Northwest

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:41:05 GMT

Northwest college sponsors "Beyond Accessibility: Universal Design for Learning" presented by Pan American University. "Enhancing Quality Instructions for Students with Disabilities" at North West college will be Friday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Eagle Room at the Spring Branch Campus.

This interactive and informative conference is open to faculty and staff interested in developing and utilizing a model for inclusive instructions and services. TLE credit is being offered as a special workshop. LPC credit will be offered by the ADA Counsel. Pan American university offers certificate of direct contact hours for faculty.

To RSVP for the seminar, please contact Northwest ADA counselor Mahnaz Kolaini at 713.718.5667.

Congratulations From HCC Southeast

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:35:23 GMT

Southeast is proud to announce the following staff changes to our administration team and staff:
Dr. Pauline Warren was selected as the Dean of Academic Development. Her new position is effective August 16 Dr. William Tapp will take over as College Operations Officer. His position was effective as of August 1. Keitha Robinson will serve as a full-time librarian, a position she previously held part-time at HCC. Congratulations to all.

Great Music, Italian Cuisine - Central Drama on Tour

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:54:54 GMT

If you missed Central Drama's new musical revue, The Best of Everything: An Evening with Jerry Herman, do not despair. The student cast has been invited to give an encore performance Sunday, August 15 at Cavatore, fine Italian restaurant on Ella Boulevard. Come enjoy a three course meal and the music of a Broadway legend, the creative genius behind more than a dozen blockbuster hits, including La Cage aux Folles, Hello, Dolly! and Mame. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. and seating is very limited. If you plan to attend, please call for reservations at 713.869.6622. Cavatore is located at 2120 Ella Blvd.

Museo Guadalupe Aztlan at HCC Northline

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:47:58 GMT

“Al Puro Tiro” Bootmakers and Bootmaking in Houston will be presented at the Art Gallery of HCC Northline and curated by Jesus Cantu Medel, M.Ed. The opening reception will be Saturday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display from August 7 through August 27. Presented by Fundacion de Educacion de Arte Francisco Cantu Medel as a project of Museo Guadalupe Aztlan (Houston).

Parking Permits Required for All HCC Students and Employees

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:28:49 GMT

Houston Community College is growing, consequently we are experiencing a few growing pains and parking is one such issue. With more than 72,000 students attending classes each fall and spring semesters and the construction of new facilities across the district, parking on HCC campuses is reaching capacity. In order for HCC Police to recognize your vehicle as one belonging to a registered student, faculty or staff member, all HCC students and employees will be required, starting September 1, to have the new parking permit displayed on the rear-view mirror of their cars.
At this time there is no charge for parking at most HCC locations. To get their parking permits, students need to go to Self Service after logging into the Student System on the HCC Web site, hccs.edu. Once in the Student Center, click the link “Parking Access” in the Personal Information section located at the bottom of the page. Fill out the registration form for your parking permit and print the permit.
Faculty and staff can get their parking permit by using the following path: www.hccs.edu > Faculty & Staff > @ Your Service > @ Your Service Login (input your login information) > Employee Self Service > Personal Information Home > Parking Permit. Fill out the registration form for your parking permit and print the permit. You will need to drop by an HCC Police Department office and pick up a plastic hanger. Insert the permit in the hanger and hang it on the rearview mirror in your car. The permit is good for a year.
Parking permits for the 2010/2011 academic year will be available on the website after August 1, 2010. Please be sure to print and display your parking permit.

Read the HCC Foundation 2009-2009 Annual Report

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:08:43 GMT

The HCC Foundation enjoyed another record-breaking year of fundraising success. Learn about the generous people who donated to the Foundation and the students who benefited from their gifts by reading the 2008 – 2009 HCC Foundation Annual Report. Click here to read.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Awards Grant to HCC

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:08:09 GMT

Program to provide resource for Houston's medically underserved women

The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded a $123,230.13 grant to the Houston Community College Foundation to establish a Breast Health Patient Navigator Program at HCC’s Coleman College for Health Sciences, located in the Texas Medical Center. This program, the first of its kind in Texas, will prepare students and put them to work in their communities as healthcare leaders and advocates on behalf of medically underserved women in need of breast health education, screening, and follow-up care.

Front Row (L to R) HCC Trustees Yolanda Navarro Flores and Mary Ann Perez, you, HCC Trustees Eva Loredo and Neeta Sane (Vice Chair), HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Michael Edwards
Back Row (L to R) HCC Trustees Richard M. Schechter and Dr. Michael P. Williams (Chair), HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary S. Spangler, HCC Trustee Bruce A. Austin, and HCC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga

"We are grateful for the support of the Komen Houston Affiliate to help build this innovative program, which serves as a model for other philanthropic and educational partnerships. This program will directly improve access to breast health services for medically underserved women in the region,” said Dr. Mary S. Spangler, HCC Chancellor. “We are convinced of the need for this program as it provides an educational and professional pipeline for key, on-the-ground healthcare leaders and advocates.”

Adult Ed Program Awarded $850k in Performance Funds

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:45:00 GMT

The Texas Education Agency recently confirmed that the HCC Adult Education Program will receive more than $850,000 in performance-based-funding for its achievements during the 2008-2009 reporting year. HCC is fiscal agent for the largest Adult Education Program in Texas.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:38:00 GMT

The HCC Southwest College Fine Arts Department will present the musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood July 6 through 11. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 4:00 p.m. in the Annex Theatre, 13645 Murphy Road, Suite 250, Stafford.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a solve-it-yourself musical mystery, based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. The book, music and lyrics were written by Rupert Holmes. This five-time Tony Award Winning musical is set in Cloisterham, England and revolves around the disappearance of Edwin Drood. Charles Dickens died before he finished this novel so the intended ending is not really known. In this production the audience is asked to vote on the ending that they would prefer (there are over 30 different combinations). Each performance is uniquely created by the audience.

Ticket prices are $12.00 for general admission and $8.00 for students, faculty and staff. Reservations can be made by calling 713.718.6369.
For more information, please call Clara Thibeaux at 713.718.6370.

Wine & Food Week 2010 to benefit HCC Culinary Arts

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:02:00 GMT

Annual Wine & Food Week, one of the top 10 wine and epicurean events in the U.S., brings together renowned chefs to showcase their culinary expertise partnered with more than 500 wines at 40 sensational events. HCC’s Culinary Arts Program has been named one of the beneficiaries of this year’s festivities.

Show your support by purchasing tickets for Sips, Suds & Sliders, an exploration of specialty beers, Texas wines and a gourmet slider competition, on June 18, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the CITYCENTRE Life Time Athletic, 815 Town & Country Lane ($20) or The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Texas Monthly Chef Showcase on Saturday, June 19, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive ($98). Chefs representing more than 50 restaurants from throughout Texas and beyond will fly into showcase their culinary talents and compete for Wine & Food Week’s Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000+ prize package at the Saturday event. The evening will culminate with the “Just Desserts” competition at which HCC’s award-winning Pastry Chef Eddy VanDamme will be a guest judge. HCC Culinary Arts students, directed by HCC’s Chef Christy Sykes, will be showcasing their talents as well. All proceeds from the live auction held during Saturday’s Grand Tasting will benefit HCC’s Culinary Arts Program.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wineandfoodweek.com. Be sure to enter coupon code “2010HCC” – HCC will receive 25% of proceeds from all tickets sold with this code.

Juneteenth Celebration at HCC Central

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMT

HCC Central will hold its Annual Juneteenth Celebration Thursday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the San Jacinto Building, 1300 Holman Street. As part of this year’s program, there will be a special tribute to Michael Jackson as we near the one-year anniversary of his death.
Following the program, soul food will be served. Come and join us.

Wine & Food Week 2010 to benefit HCC Culinary Arts

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:37:37 GMT

The 6th Annual Wine & Food Week, one of the top 10 wine and epicurean events in the U.S., brings together renowned chefs to showcase their culinary expertise partnered with more than 500 wines at 40 sensational events. HCC’s Culinary Arts Program has been named one of the beneficiaries of this year’s festivities.

Show your support by purchasing tickets for Sips, Suds & Sliders, an exploration of specialty beers, Texas wines and a gourmet slider competition, on June 18, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the CITYCENTRE Life Time Athletic, 815 Town & Country Lane ($20) or The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Texas Monthly Chef Showcase on Saturday, June 19, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive ($98). Chefs representing more than 50 restaurants from throughout Texas and beyond will fly into showcase their culinary talents and compete for Wine & Food Week’s Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000+ prize package at the Saturday event. The evening will culminate with the “Just Desserts” competition at which HCC’s award-winning Pastry Chef Eddy VanDamme will be a guest judge. HCC Culinary Arts students, directed by HCC’s Chef Christy Sykes, will be showcasing their talents as well. All proceeds from the live auction held during Saturday’s Grand Tasting will benefit HCC’s Culinary Arts Program.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wineandfoodweek.com . Be sure to enter coupon code “2010HCC” – HCC will receive 25% of proceeds from all tickets sold with this code.

Entertainment Coupon Books On Sale by HCC VAST Eagles Club

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:08:00 GMT

HCC VAST Eagles Club still has about 15 entertainment coupon books for sale to complete our annual fundraiser. These money saving coupon books are only $20.00 and come with a $20.00 gift card good at several local restaurants, in addition to the coupons in the book itself. The coupons and card are good through November. Our new 2010-2011 books will be in sometime in August. We need to finalize our 2010 Fundraiser in the next two weeks. Please help our VAST/Eagles Club students by purchasing one of these books today! For more information, please contact Sue Moraska at sue.moraska@hccs.edu or 713.718.6833. Thanks to those of you who have contributed to our fundraiser. We appreciate your support.

Chancellor's Innovation Grant Sponsors Chair Excellence Institute

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:11:00 GMT

HCC Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence was awarded one of the Chancellor’s 2009-10 Innovation Grants to create a chair-focused professional development program. The result of this initiative is the HCC Chair Excellence Institute (CEI). The CEI’s curriculum will serve to enhance knowledge and skills of instructional leaders. The inaugural “all college chair retreat” will be held by the CEI August 6 at the Sheraton Galleria. Dr. Walter Gmelch, Dean of the School of Education at the University of San Francisco and author of Chairing an Academic Department, will facilitate the morning workshop. College Presidents and Deans will facilitate the afternoon session with their respective chairs.
Dr. Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor for Instruction, requests that the following personnel plan to participate in this important event:

· Academic Department, Division and Discipline Chairs · CTE Department, Division and Regional Program Chairs · All instructional Associate Chairs · CE Program Managers

Please register now before you get away for the summer break. Please be certain to select your lunch preferences when you register. If you are unable to attend, please call the Center for TLE at 713.718.8748 to cancel. To register please visit: http://imctraining.hccs.edu/ChairsRetreat/
For more information, please contact Lyndsay Wood at: lyndsay.wood@hccs.edu

HCC Faculty and Staff Welcomed to Attend 2010 Commencement Ceremonies

Thu, 13 May 2010 14:34:00 GMT

Witness our students’ finest hour as they celebrate graduation. Faculty and staff are welcomed to attend the 2010 HCC Commencement Ceremony this Saturday, May 15 at Reliant Stadium.

Members of the faculty who wish to walk in the processional and sit in the designated seating area during the ceremony will need to wear academic regalia.

The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. Parking at Reliant Stadium is $8 per vehicle and you can enter through Gate 9 at Kirby and Westridge.

Central and Northwest Dance: Eye of the Beholder

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:26:00 GMT

The HCC Central and Northwest Repertory Dance Ensembles are presenting two collaborative concert performances, Eye of the Beholder, this week, April 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Central’s Heinen Theatre. The evening features artistic director Cynthia Cupach's new piece, Kofuku Odori, a meditation on her experiences in Japan as a student of butoh. Central alum Sweft Washington will premier his new tribute to Michael Jackson. Central’s dance ensemble will also be performing new works by faculty choreographers Julie Wood, April Hoyt and Phyllis Gooden. Northwest will offer new works by Timothy Johnson and by Harrison Guy, artistic director of Urban Souls Dance Company.

Distinguished Chinese Delegation to Visit HCC

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:07:00 GMT

During the next two weeks, the Chancellor and the Office of International Initiatives will be hosting six distinguished visitors from China. The members of this delegation are presidents or vice-presidents of vocational and technical colleges throughout China and their translator. The VELT (Vocational Education Leadership Training) delegation will be visiting the administration building, college presidents at all colleges from April 26 until May 7. We would like to encourage all faculty, staff and students to welcome them to the campuses and show them our Texas hospitality.
The VELT visitor program is funded by the government of People's Republic of China and under the direction of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Financial Fitness Festival For Free

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:45:00 GMT

Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., The McGraw-Hill Companies Financial Fitness Festival in conjunction with the Houston READ Commission and Houston Public Library, will offer free information and activities on how to buy a home, save for college and plan for retirement. The event will take place at the Houston Public Library’s downtown Central Library located at 500 McKinney. Activities for children will include group reading sessions hosted by local celebrities and librarians. Vendors will line the outdoor courtyard and provide attendees with practical information to aid in financial decision making. For more information, please visit the Houston READ Commission online at http://www.houread.org/ and at or call 713.228.1801.

HCC Coleman College Awarded $1,000,000 Grant

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:32:21 GMT

HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences has been awarded slightly more
than $1 million of a $10.9 million federal grant. The grant is to allow HCC to
collaborate with Pitt Community College in Greenville, North Carolina
delivering continuing education to health care professionals on the
advancement of electronic medical records. Over a two year period, 300
individuals will be trained at HCC Coleman College on state-of-the-art
health information management systems, funded by President Barack Obama’s
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Further details on the program will be outlined during the summer, but
classes will begin in the fall of this year.

HCC Northwest Hosts Pianist Robert Moeling

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:14:00 GMT

Sunday, April 18 at 4:00 p.m., HCC Northwest will host the distinguished
Dutch pianist Robert Moeling in concert. Robert Moeling is a graduate of
Rotterdam Conservatory and a Fulbright-Hays Grant Recipient. He has
performed to critical acclaim in Holland, Luxembourg, France and the
U.S. He is a frequently requested soloist with orchestras throughout the
U.S. and records for Music and Arts, Koss Classics, Erasmus and Projects
labels. Moeling is currently a full-time collaborative pianist at Rice University
and teaches preparatory piano at the University of Houston's Moores School
of Music.

He will be joined in performance by his wife, Patrice Moeling, flute; and
musicians Kathleen Winkler, violin; Emily Jackson, violin; Ivo-Jan van der
Werff, viola; and Desmond Hoebig, cello.

The program consists of the rarely heard "Five Pieces, Op.56" by Cesar Cui,
"Piano Trio" by Maurice Ravel and the "Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34 by
Johannes Brahms.

2010 Faculty and Staff Campaign Results are In!

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:47 GMT

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 HCC Faculty and Staff
Campaign. Your outstanding generosity helped to raise a record-breaking
$58,000! Your contributions will provide the gift of education to HCC
students and fellow faculty and staff members.

The HCC Foundation would like to extend a special thank you to Patti
Wooldridge of Southwest College and George Kollie, Donna Westmoreland and
Cameron Cox of Coleman College for all of their hard work, which was vital
to the success of this campaign. Their volunteerism and dedication was
essential in bringing the opportunity of education to every student we
serve. Winners of the prize drawings will be announced soon.

Welcome Dr. Patricia Ugwu To HCC Coleman College

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:34:58 GMT

Dr. Patricia Ugwu has accepted the position of Dean of Student Development
for HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences. She will be a phenomenal
leader for student services and will additionally be an outstanding
ambassador to the Texas Medical Center community. Dr. Ugwu comes to HCC
Coleman from HCC Central where she served as the Counseling Chair for the
past nine years.

Dr. Ugwu is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Board Approved
Supervisor and holds a certificate in Dispute Resolution as well as a
master’s degree in counseling from the University of Houston – Clear Lake
and a doctorate in educational administration from the Community College
Leadership Program of The University of Texas at Austin. Please
congratulate Dr. Ugwu as she transitions to HCC Coleman College!

Main Event Job Fair 2010 - Employer Registration

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:12:00 GMT

As a valued employer in the Houston community, we would like to invite you or a representative from your company to attend Houston Community College’s Main Event Job Fair 2010 on Thursday, June 10, 2010. We expect an attendance of over 300 HCC students and alumni – a great opportunity to meet your next employee!

Booths at this event are free and space is limited. If your company is able to attend, please reserve your booth by completing the the Main Event Job Fair form as soon as possible. The deadline for submitting the form is Thursday, June 3, 2010.

Main Event Job Fair 2010

June 10, 2010

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Houston Community College – District Office
3100 Main Street, 2^nd Floor Auditorium

Houston, TX 77002

Parking: Free parking is available in the parking garage across Elgin from the District building. Guests can access the building on Elgin, between Travis and Main Street. Additional parking information will be sent to all attendees with confirmation materials.

If you have any questions regarding the event or would like to participate, please contact Sarah Castillo at sarah.castillo2@hccs.edu or 713.718.2535.

Warmest regards,

Tambela Franklin Leslie Landrey Lauren Stroman

Director of Career Director of Career Coordinator, Alumni

Planning & Resources Planning & Resources Relations

The Main Event Job Fair is jointly presented by the Career Planning and Resource Departments from Central and Northwest Colleges and by the HCC Alumni Association.

HCCTV Hosts Pitch Month

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:33:10 GMT

Got an idea for a TV show? Contact HCCTV during Pitch Month. HCCTV is
holding its first-ever Pitch Month this April. People with great ideas for
an in-studio talk or variety show need to reserve a slot to make a
15-minute presentation to HCCTV staff about their show idea.

The dates for pitching shows are Monday, April 19 and Monday, April 26.

Each pitch must meet the criteria as follows:
· It must be largely created and recorded in HCCTV’s studios at 3100 Main Street.
· It must be lively, timely, creative and well-conceived.
· It should preferably be 30 minutes to an hour in length.
· It cannot promote any for-profit entity, nor contain commercials that
include a “call for action” to buy or purchase any item(s).
· Funding for sets and overall design should be budgeted for by the show’s
creator and/or producer.
· Preference will be given to shows with hosts and producers with
television, radio or communications experience.
· Shows that include HCC faculty, staff or students will also receive
preferential consideration.

In return, HCCTV will professionally record this show and air it during its
24-hour broadcasting day. It will also appear live via Internet streaming
off of HCCTV’s signal.

Pitch slots are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Please RSVP to
Willie Bryant at willie.bryant@hccs.edu or 713.718.6273. All shows will be
selected in May. Produceres/creators of selected shows will be notified
by phone and email. All shows will become the property of HCCTV.

For more information about HCCTV, please visit: www.hccs.edu/hcctv

HCC Professor To Present Co-Authored Book

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:11:45 GMT

A new book, co-authored by Roger Wood of the Central College English
Department, will be celebrated with two public events this weekend. House
of Hits: The Story of Houston's Gold Star/SugarHill Recording Studios,
co-written with Andy Bradley, is Wood's third book on local music history
to be published by the University of Texas Press.

Saturday, April 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be an authors'
talk and book-signing at Sig's Lagoon, 3710 Main Street. Sunday, April 11,
from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., local musicians will stage a concert tribute
to the book at the Continental Club, 3700 Main Street. Both events are free
and open to the public.

Journalist Lisa Ling to Give Keynote Address at Graduation

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:44:00 GMT

Pomp and circumstance will fill Reliant Stadium Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. when Houston Community College celebrates graduation. The keynote speaker for HCC’s 2010 commencement ceremony is Lisa Ling. Ling is an international television journalist who has covered a spectrum of issues and interviewed people ranging from global heads of state to Hollywood’s A-list for the last two decades.

Ling is currently a correspondent for the Oprah Winfrey Show and contributor to National Geographic’s award-winning series Explorer, CNN‘s Planet in Peril and ABC‘s Nightline. She is also a contributing editor for USA Today’s Weekend magazine.

'Entrepreneurship in Houston' conference set for December 2

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:53:35 GMT

A Conference entitled “Entrepreneurship in Houston” will be presented at the Central College Learning Hub December 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Student Chamber of Commerce at Central College and BIZCONNECT-HCC’s Center for Entrepreneurship will co-host this event, which is open to HCC students, faculty, alumni and interested entrepreneurs. For more information, please contact Sandra Louvier at c4e@hccs.edu or Warner Henson at 281.450.8176.

HCC, HISD dedicate Felix Fraga Academic Campus and Lionel Castillo Academic Center

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:50:18 GMT

Houston Community College and the Houston Independent School District will dedicate HCC’s Felix Fraga Academic Campus and HISD’s Lionel Castillo Academic Center Tuesday, December 1, at 10:00 a.m. The campus is located at 301 Drennan St., next to HCC Southeast College.

The HCC and HISD have teamed up for an innovative approach to early college, high school and dual credit pursuits for high school students in the Second Ward.

The Felix Fraga Campus will be an integrated and comprehensive campus home to a 45,000-square-foot HCC Academic Center and HISD's 20,000-square-foot Leonel Castillo Academic Center that will house the East Early College High School.

HISD students who are enrolled in the East Early College High School will have the opportunity to graduate with both their high school diplomas and associate's degrees' from HCC. The collegecourses are free to the students. The environment motivates students, promoting a college-bound culture and student success.

The new campus was named for Felix Fraga by the HCC Board of Trustees in honor of his dedication to the educational, social and economic success of the young people of Houston’s southeast community and who has devoted his life to improving their neighborhood.

Fraga served as an HISD trustee and as a member of the Houston City Council. Today he is the Vice President of External Affairs for the Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

HISD chose to name their new facility for Leonel Castillo, a man who has served the Houston community for many years. Castillo became the first Mexican-American to be elected to a citywide office in Houston when he was voted the city’s controller in 1970. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Castillo as commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the Department of Justice, making him the first Hispanic to direct that office. HCC Board of Trustees Chairman Abel Davila and HISD Trustee Diana Davila have worked tirelessly as liaisons between HISD and HCC to coordinate the educational partnership between the twoinstitutions.

The Felix Fraga Campus and HISD’s Leonel Castillo Academic Center represent opportunity for the community and its children.

HCC Northeast Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:37:01 GMT

On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, Houston Community College Northeast celebrated the official opening of the Northeast Campus Learning Hub and Science & Technology Hall - HCC Energy Institute with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House event. HCC Northeast faculty, staff, and students along with HCC Administration, Board Trustees, community leaders, and elected officials celebrated the opening with a program themed Relevant, Opportunity and Essential.

Congratulatory remarks were expressed by Dr. Mary S. Spangler, Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, Trustee Abel Davila, Trustee Bruce Austin, Trustee Yolanda Navarro Flores, Commissioner El Franco Lee, Yuroba Harris, representing Congressman Gene Green and Deidra Rasheed, representing Councilmember Jarvis Johnson. HCC students from the HCC Public Safety Institute and Energy Institute also offered congratulatory remarks and stories of success.

The new Learning Hub provides 90,000 square feet of new student services, classroom, lab, library and study space. Additional features include a general assembly room and recreation area. The Science & Technology Hall houses the HCC Energy Institute and Academic Science Center and provides 47,000 square feet of new state-of-the-art specialized science labs and high-tech classrooms for teaching and learning, contract training, and continuing education.

HCC State of the College

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:29:00 GMT

Houston Community College presented its 2009 State of the College address at the Junior League of Houston on Tuesday. Oct. 13.

Chancellor Mary S. Spangler highlighted the progress HCC has made towards its vision of the future and outlined HCC’s present and future contribution to local and national educational and training demands. Other topics discussed in the address were enrollment increases, facilities completions, funding, partnerships and student opportunities.

HCC’s vision for the future is to become the most relevant community college in the country, an opportunity institution that is essential to our community's future success.

There has never been a more important time for community colleges in our country's history than now. At Houston Community College, we are redefining what a community college can be for our students, local business and for our community.

Dr. Spangler says, “There has never been a more important time for community colleges in our country’s history than now. At Houston Community College, we are redefining what a community college can be for our students, local business and for our community. HCC represents the vanguard of what is working in community colleges and higher education.” She added, “We continually strive to be a college of relevance, opportunity and essential to the nation.”

Community colleges showcase what is working and what needs to evolve in higher education. In July, the President of the United States delivered a powerful address on the importance of community colleges and their role in revitalizing the American economy through broadened access to higher education. HCC is proud of how the college has matured both for and with our community. HCC represents the vanguard of what is working in community colleges and higher education.

Highlights of Dr. Spangler address included:

HCC’s recent award of a multi-million dollar grant from the Department of Energy. HCC is one of nine winners across the country to receive its share of a $27 million dollar grant, and HCC’s $3.5 million award is the largest. The grant is to establish a network of educational, industry and state partners to ensure the availability and effectiveness of solar installation training throughout the region.
The HCC Board of Trustees commissioned an energy audit of 38 separate facilities and 2.3 million square feet of floor space to reduce utility costs and identified 28 projects that will save HCC approximately $1 million annually for each of the next 15 years and help transform HCC into a greener learning and working environment.
The HCC Foundation Board of Directors launched the Foundation’s “Opportunity 14” capital campaign, which raised $1.4 million in its first year alone. In addition, the Foundation, last month, received the largest single gift in the history of the college, $1 million, from the John P. McGovern Foundation.
The White House invited HCC to be one of a select group of higher education institutions to host an event for its national initiative on better understanding, reaching and educating the Hispanic community. The input gleaned from this cross-country effort will provide the foundation for the new Presidential Executive Order that will shape the White House Initiative on Hispanic education.
Also, HCC was the ONLY community college invited by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to participate in an education policy discussion at the State Department.
HCC’s Partners for Jobs is a collaboration between HCC, business leaders and Houston area employers developed to heighten awareness of workforce training programs available through a grassroots campaign. The campaign has had a significant impact, with more than half a million page views on the campaign’s micro site and a 14% increase in enrollment in HCC’s workforce program.
HCC is first in associate degree transfers to the University of Houston and second in transfers to the University of Texas and Texas A & M University.
HCC’s enrollment increased from 55,000 to 63,000 this spring, an increase of 14.5% in two years and the highest in HCC’s history. This fall, HCC is poised to reach 70,000 students.
And through an innovative cost-saving initiative, HCC reduced operating costs over the last two years by $4 million and added revenue, including that from competitive grants, in excess of $14 million, all derived without additional taxes, tuitions or fees. The HCC Board of Trustees returned these savings to taxpayers in the form of:
- Reduced taxes and an increased household exemption for seniors of 11%
- Dual credit waivers to 7,400 high school students (an increase of 54% over the same time last year)
- 2.5% raises to faculty and staff

2009 Chancellor's Symposium on Energy

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:09:00 GMT

Now in its second year, the Houston Community College Chancellor’s Symposium Series brings together high school and HCC students for a full day of information about educational and career paths in a variety of fields. Building upon last year’s very successful symposium on life sciences, this year’s event centers around the dynamic energy industry.

WHO: Alief, North Forest & Spring Branch ISD students and HCC students.

WHAT: HCC Chancellor’s Symposium on Energy

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16

WHERE: Norris Conference Center-CityCentre Houston
803 Town & Country Blvd.
Houston, TX 7702

ON THE WEB: http://hccs.edu/symposium2009

Community College Week Magazine Features Northwest College Service Learning Project

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:47:19 GMT

Community College Week Magazine highlighted the Service Learning Project conducted by Dr. Elaine Adams' Introduction to Psychology class at Spring Branch Campus. Four students - Daniel Barrientos, Dominic Kiarie, Manuel
Moreno and Manuel Parada - volunteered under the guidance of Dr. Adams at the Bread of Life Ministries at St. John's Downtown Church.

The service learning activities and lessons learned by the students are described in the article that can be viewed on page 32 of the magazine: http://www.ccweek.com/news/articlefiles/1297-CCW082409-AllPages.pdf

In addition, the same issue of Community College Week Magazine featured Dr. Maya Durnova as the winner of the 2009 Carl M. Nelson Administrative Leadership Award on page 33.

Congratulations to Dr. Adams and her students for their good work as well as Dean Durnova!

Need training? Or, help with your job search? Watch HCCTV's show

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:58:00 GMT

Houston Community College and community leaders are bringing together leading Houston-area employers and organizations in a grass-roots effort to help Houstonians get the training and education they need that will lead to jobs.

Information about the program can be found online at: http://www.hccpartnersforjobs.org/

Many people in the Houston area are out of work or are thinking about a new career or are looking to advance in their current career. Anyone in these life-changing situations can’t miss HCCTV’s landmark series -- HCC Partners for Jobs: Retrain, Reinvent, Re-enter. This five-episode program is designed just for them and airs September 8 through September 12, twice a day at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on HCCTV, Comcast Cable channel 19.

This groundbreaking program represents a grass-roots collaboration between HCC administration, HCC Communications and Houston-area business and community groups. The goal of the series is to expose viewers to HCC’s vast array of workforce training programs available as they seek new or better employment options. The series looks at retraining as the key, reinventing oneself as the strategy and re-entering the job market as the viewers’ goal.

For five days and nights, HCC TV will show Houston-area residents new career options and new training programs – what you need to know to retrain for new job opportunities, how to reinvent yourself professionally and how to re-enter the job market. At the end of each show viewers will learn about the financial options available to help you pay for your education.

A great job is only an education away.

The series will air for five straight days beginning Tuesday, September 8 through Saturday, September 12 at both 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on HCCTV (Comcast channel 19 in Houston’s city limits). It is also available on HCCTV's Stream 2 daily from 9 a.m-noon and from 9 p.m.-midnight.

The purpose of this pioneering collaboration is to increase awareness of the training opportunities that HCC provides.

Information about the program can be found online at: http://www.hccpartnersforjobs.org/

HCC Job Placement Site Maintenence

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:45:00 GMT

The following Houston Community College Job Placement sites will be unavailable Tuesday, September 1st to Monday, October 12th.
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/job-placement
http://jobs.hccs.edu/
To serve you better, please stay tuned for the launch of our new Virtual Career Center on October 12th!
In the interim, please contact your local Job Placement Counselor for employment services.

HCC Central Fine Arts 30th Anniversary!

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:08:00 GMT

Thirty years ago, in 1979, Houston Community College gathered a small, dedicated staff of fine arts teachers, organized them into a department and then sent them out to teach, across the city, in HISD’s unused classrooms, hallways, gyms and cafeterias. When they moved into HCC Central’s Fine Arts Center in 1986 they celebrated, but reaffirmed their mission to be a part of, not apart from, the life of the city.

We have two goals: to prepare young artists, and to engage the creative community. We found one simple solution: we bring them together. Our faculty is made of up of working professionals. Students become part of the creative process with productions of new music, new plays, new dances, and exhibits showcasing emerging and established artists. Our Saturdays at Central series welcomed youngsters to a world where imagination becomes reality.

We’re proud of our three decades of teaching, inspiring, and encouraging. We’re prouder still of the young artists in our classrooms and studios who hold the future in their hands. To celebrate, we’re presenting a program of performances designed to showcase the artists who have built our legacy and inspire our vision of the decades to come.

It is with profound sorrow that HCC Central Fine Arts announces the passing of Fine Arts Department Chair Deborah Potts Quanaim on Sunday, August 23. Over 30 years with HCC, Deborah brought to her roles - teacher, artist and administrator, a passionate integrity that encouraged, challenged and inspired. If you would like more information about Deborah, about our plans for a memorial service on Friday, August 28, or to sign her guest book, please click here. At the time of her death Deborah, a founding member of the department, was eagerly planning a gala week of events celebrating the department's 30th anniversary. We're now dedicating that week to her memory and we hope you'll join us.

If you would like to honor Deborah's memory, her family suggests, in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the fund that Deborah recently established to expand educational opportunities for fine arts students, The $30 for 30 Years Campaign.

The Creative Spirits of Houston
Central Fine Arts at 30

Monday, October 5th	11:45 - 12:45	Shakespeare: The Glory of Language Kate Pogue, an original member of the HCCS Central Drama faculty, offers this lecture inspired by research for her new book, Shakespeare's Figures of Speech. Mrs. Pogue will demonstrate how Shakespeare's use of language made him, even to the audiences of his day, "not for an age, but for all time." In Room 100, The Learning Hub

Tuesday, October 6th	11:30 - 1:30 & 6:30 to 7:30	Opening Reception for Art Faculty Retrospective Over the past 3 decades many of Houston's most respected artists have served the community as teaching professionals at HCC Fine Arts. This retrospective exhibit showcases their remarkable talent. In the FAC Gallery.

	7:30	Texas JazzCentral, led by Mark "The Bopmeister" Holter, offers an evening of their signature big band sound. Their adventurous repertoire features improvisation and new arrangements by student musicians. The Heinen Theatre.

Wednesday, October 7th	6:00	The Heinen Theatre, once Temple Beth Israel, has been at the center of Houston's civic life since 1924. Join us for the dedication of an historical marker.

	7:30	Music Faculty Concert The professional musicians of Central's Music faculty play in distinguished ensembles around the city. Enjoy an evening with some of the best Houston has to offer.

Thursday, October 8th	5:45 - 7:15	Dinner Before the Theatre We're having dinner at a Midtown restaurant before the opening of Central Drama's 3X3 For 30. Details to be announced.

	7:30	3x3 For 30 Central Drama presents an evening of one act plays by Houston playwrights: The Wimp Factor by Ed Vela, Black Dog by Joe Barnes, Nixon’s Women by Pat Morgan. In Theatre One. Reservations recommended. 713-718-6570.

All our venues - the Heinen Theatre, Theatre One and the Gallery in the Fine Arts Center - have one address: 3517 Austin at Holman, Houston TX, 77004. The Learning Hub is right across the street.

Board of Nurses Recognizes HCC Coleman Nursing Department

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:24:00 GMT

The Texas State Board of Nurses recently presented HCC Coleman's Associate Degree Nursing (RN) Program a commendation in honor of its students passing the state licensure exam at a 94.4 % rate in 2008.The Texas State Board of Nurses recently presented HCC Coleman's Associate Degree Nursing (RN) Program a commendation in honor of its students passing the state licensure exam at a 94.4 % rate in 2008.

Students in the Associate Degree Nursing Program are taught the knowledge and skills needed to work with patients and their families in a variety of health-care settings. Graduates are prepared to work collectively and collaboratively with other members of the health-care team to provide nursing care for patients and their loved ones. The graduate may find employment in areas such as hospitals, clinics, home health-care agencies and physician's offices.

White House initiative collaborates with Houston Community College

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Houston Community College was honored to partner with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans in hosting “Community Conversations” on Friday, July 17.

See photo slideshow of the event

Juan Sepulveda, Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, began a series of community conversations in Texas, and asked Houston Community College to host the event in Houston.

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans was created by Executive Order in 1990 to improve Federal efforts to promote quality education for Hispanic Americans. Mr. Sepulveda is visiting Hispanic communities across the nation to gain input prior to updating the Executive Order later this year. The input gleaned from the sessions in Houston, along with the other sessions across the country, will serve as the foundation for the new Presidential Executive Order that will govern the White House Initiative and will be signed by President Barack Obama.

“Education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity and success, it is a prerequisite for success. We need to hear from and meet the needs of all students of all ages and eliminate the gaps in achievement between children of different backgrounds,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The “Community Conversations” was held at 9:00 a.m. at HCC, 3100 Main in the Auditorium, and included visits with community leaders, elected officials and educators. Mr. Sepulveda will hosted the town hall-style “Community Conversations” to gain input on the status of Hispanic education. HCC has worked with the Department of Education staff to invite a broad group of individuals from the community to the event, including early education through high school leaders, university, civic, business and other key community leaders who participated.

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, HCC is honored to partner with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. We hope to explore ways we can work together to achieve the objective of improving the educational attainment of our Hispanic students,” stated Abel Davila, HCC Board Chair. “As a college, we have been at the forefront of providing access to higher education for Hispanic students. We look at this collaboration as a way to continue to expand opportunities for this important and growing part of our community.”

HCC looks forward to continuing to work with our other community partners to identify new, innovative ways to improve educational attainment for Hispanic Americans, one of our most significant and growing population of learners.

Asian Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, HCC award scholarships

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:15:52 GMT

The Asian Chamber of Commerce and the HCC Foundation awarded scholarships to five students during a luncheon on June 10.

The recipients from HCC are: Quynh Duong, Tuong Nguyen, Nga Tran, Yonghui Wang and Lei Yang.

The following five students from high schools and colleges received the Asian Chamber/Shell Scholarship: Cooper E. Dawson, Geoffrey E. Dawson, Si Ying Li, Thuy Nguyen and Jenny Sung.

HCC Trustee Chairman Abel Davila, Dr. Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director of the HCC Foundation, attended the event along with administrators from Houston Community College.

Congratulations to HCC's Class of 2009

Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

More than 1,200 Houston Community College students hit a home run May 2 at Minute Maid Park, graduating with either an associate's degree, certification or a GED. With photo slideshow and video of HCC's new Alma Mater.

Slideshow:See photo gallery of the graduates

Chancellor Mary Spangler, Ed.D., commended the graduates in her speech to the 5,000-plus crowd on hand for the spring commencement.

Spangler said that graduation for each student would not have been possible but for their determination, hard work and ambition. Spangler said it is with pride that HCC acknowledges each and every one of the graduates.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates. Jr., one of the nation’s most influential cultural critics, delivered the commencement speech. Dr. Gates is currently the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and the Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African American Research at Harvard University.

Graduation Program

New Alma Mater

HCC’s new alma mater was also performed at commencement. The new alma mater was arranged and composed by HCC’s Dr. Aubrey Tucker and sung by the Honor Choir:

Here is the text of the new HCC alma mater:

“ALWAYS GRATEFUL”

(Houston Community College School Song)
Words and Music by Dr. Aubrey S. Tucker (2009)

All hail our alma mater

Hail to HCC

Where we soar with the eagles

Strong in unity

To Houston Community College

Friends and teachers true;

And we will always be grateful

When we think of you)

Order your HCC Graduation DVD copy today from HCCTV!

DVDs will be available for pick up or mailing in 10 days or less! HCC Graduation DVDs are just $20 if picking up at HCCTV (3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002, Basement Level); $25 if we mail the DVD to you. For more information, please contact HCCTV at 713.718.6300 Congratulations, HCC graduates, on your special day!

Precautions taken

HCC took extra precautions to protect the health of our HCC family at graduation this year. Hand sanitizer was available for all graduation participants. The traditional shaking of hands was not observed as this is a primary method of spreading a virus.

During this period of heightened diligence, we recommend that you exercise preventive hygiene measures, such as keeping your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose, covering any cough or sneeze and immediately disposing of any tissues, and washing your hands frequently. It is advisable for you to stay at home if you have a fever, body aches and pains, fatigue or cough.

Houston Community College recognizes the seriousness of the situation and we are monitoring the latest developments. Please check the site for any updates.