Morales Memorial Foundation establishes scholarship at the Houston Community College

During the August 18, 2016 meeting of the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, representatives with the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation presented the HCC Foundation a check for $20,000 to support single parents in workforce programs and those taking classes primarily at HCC Southeast.

Single parents enrolled in workforce programs at Houston Community College (HCC) and taking classes primarily at the Southeast Campus, are getting financial support from the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation.

“We know how difficult it can be for single parents to juggle the demands of childcare and their studies while working to help ends meet,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair. “This scholarship will help ease the financial burden.”

During the August 18 meeting of the HCC Board of Trustees, representatives from the Morales Foundation, including family members, presented the HCC Foundation a $20,000 check. A portion of the generous funds will go to establishing the Morales Foundation Family Empowerment Scholarship.

Christina Morales, president of the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation and member of the HCC Foundation Board of Directors, is a single parent of two children. She talked about the importance of having a support system in order to be successful.

“With this new workforce scholarship, this will help empower single parents. We hope to provide more for their families and set a trend for education and stability in their homes,” said Morales.

The Morales family has historical ties to HCC and the Southeast Campus, with two buildings named after Felix H. Morales and Angela V. Morales, who recognized a need for higher education and career training in the East End community.

“The Morales Family’s generosity on behalf the students of HCC is exceptional and we are deeply honored to have the longstanding support of the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation,” said David Regenbaum, HCC Foundation Vice President.

To learn more about scholarships offered through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org.

Houston: Quality Texas Foundation recognizes HCC strategic plan

Steve Arms, Chair of the Board of Directors of Quality Texas Foundation, presented the Performance Excellence Award to Houston Community College for their collaborations to improve student success rates. Accepting from HCC is Dr. Michael Edwards.

– In a continuous effort to achieve excellence and enhance the student experience, Houston Community College received the first phase of the Texas Award of Performance Excellence (TAPE) awarded by Quality Texas Foundation at a ceremony in San Antonio.

“I accepted this award on behalf of HCC, the Chancellor and all my colleagues who put in a great deal of effort. We collaborated not just to win this award. The effort was ultimately centered in improving our student’s success rate. Just pursuing the TAPE recognition, we’ll get better,” said Michael Edwards, HCC Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

The TAPE award originated with the Quality Texas Foundation. It was established in 1994 for the purpose of highlighting the work of diverse organizations and provide a recognition of excellence to organizations including universities, hospitals and businesses. TAPE is the forerunner (initial level) to the national quality award – The Malcolm Baldrige Award.

Submitting the documentation to obtain this distinction took months of preparation for Edwards and his team. They put together a comprehensive report evaluating leadership, operations and results at HCC.

“We have to embrace data and become an even more analytical institution. In this quality journey, we will learn about our students, our institution and the communities we serve,” indicated Edwards.

The distinction of this level, he added, is a powerful validation that HCC and our efforts are progressive.

“It’s a big deal because now, our competition knows, based on this acclaim that we are serious about being recognized as one of the best in Texas and in the country.”

Edwards and his team continue to plan for the submission of additional documentation to Quality Texas Foundation in order to secure the next level of six applications in pursuit of TAPE.

To learn more about Transformation at HCC visit: www.hccs.edu/transformation

Houston Community College and DREME Foundation host STEM camp

HOUSTON [July 25, 2016] – Houston Community College (HCC) recently hosted the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Education Foundation (DREME) Summer Camp and STEM-OVATION Awards Ceremony and Science Fair at the Northeast campus. For the past three years, HCC has been an educational partner and host facility that has enabled more than 300 middle and high school students to experience collegiate level labs and information.

This year’s program consisted of five days of educational workshops and classroom activities for approximately 40 high school students. Camp participants took part in various STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities utilizing state-of-the-art labs and explore careers training offered in the HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence. They also learned about drone technology and career readiness education. The partnership with the DREME Foundation has helped increase enrollment at HCC.

“HCC is definitely an option for the students and we want them to know that it’s available and what resources HCC can provide,” said Kelcey White, DREME Foundation co-camp coordinator.

The closing awards ceremony gave parents, sponsors, and participants an opportunity to learn more about HCC programs and the legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and NASA astronaut who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Students presented their drone projects and were recognized for their work. After the ceremony, the Northeast campus served as the backdrop for the DREME science fair, which not only focused on STEM learning, but also challenged the students’ mental and physical abilities. Attendees engaged in interactive activities that ranged from conductive energy to aerospace technologies.

The HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence trains and educates technically-skilled and safety conscious workers for energy and related industries in Houston and surrounding regions. For more information on programs and course offerings, call 713.718.8300 or visit hccs.edu/energy.

HCC music business legend leaves lasting legacy

Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, "Always Grateful", to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. — Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, “Always Grateful”, to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence.

Most gifts come wrapped in pretty packaging, but this one is special; because it symbolizes the past, present, and future of Houston Community College (HCC). No one can place a value on the institution’s song.

Dr. Aubrey Tucker, coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, and professor in the Division of Audio, Film, and Music Business, composed Always Grateful, which is played at the end of HCC graduation ceremonies. The recent grand opening of the Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence served as the perfect occasion for Dr. Tucker to gift HCC Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, full rights to the HCC Alma Mater.

“I felt that I needed to formally gift it to the college,” said Dr. Tucker. “I wanted to make sure this song was outright owned by HCC and its students – where it belongs.”

The legal transfer of ownership rights to HCC was a parting token from Tucker, who after 31 years of being a teacher, mentor, and friend to students, colleagues, and business partners, is retiring from his day to day activities at the Spring Branch campus.

The accomplished musician came to HCC in 1985 after answering a newspaper ad to start a commercial music program. It opened to 200 students and today the program boasts nearly 2,000 students studying audio, video, film, music business, and academic music.

“He is an excellent professor. He connects with his students,” said Mathew Knowles, former student, current advisory board member, multi-platinum record producer, and father of superstar Beyoncé. “Dr. Tucker taught me that when you live your passion, you never work a day in your life.”

It is that passion, compassion, and dedication to his craft that resonates with everyone who knows Tucker, who plans to travel and continue teaching online for HCC.

“I am so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had at HCC. I really believe in the idea of community college. This place really reaches humanity and gives everyone a chance,” he said.

The music and audio programs are part of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. To learn more, visit hccs.edu/media.

After 15 years as ex-students, couple reflect on HCC’s academic experience and success

LeMarcus and Amber Newman on graduation day.

Leo LeMarcus Newman graduated from Houston Community College (HCC) 15 years ago, but still credits HCC for helping him be the person he is today. “My advice for students is to get to know your advisor on a personal level. That way your advisor knows everything that’s going on in your life and then he or she will be able to guide you in obtaining your degree,” Newman said.

Both Newman and his wife Amber recently graduated with master’s degrees in public administration from Texas Southern University. To this day, he still feels a connection to the faculty and staff at HCC. He recognizes that took they took the time to get to know him first as a person and then as a student.

Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 13 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

“Houston Community College has instilled in me hardworking values,” said Newman. “I had an opportunity to learn about different cultures and that has helped get me to where I am today.”

Newman’s past life experience paved the way for academic success. At one point, he played for the San Francisco 49ers and served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a government contractor. Nevertheless, his years at Houston Community College were the foundation to tackle the hardest thing he and his wife have faced.

“The biggest challenge was time management. During the time we were getting our degrees, we really didn’t have any time for us. We were in school and raising the kids, who are 7, 9 and 21. We were stretched thin.”

To keep each other motivated the coupled achieved their academic goals through loving competition.

“My husband is really competitive so we would turn in our papers and then he would wait to see how he made out. If I got a higher grade than him, then he would set as a goal to do better next time,” said Amber Newman.

While she cooked for the family, he helped the kids with homework. While he studied, she got the kids ready for bed.

The Newman family schedule is filled with school, work, and extracurricular activities.

“Our 9 year old is actually really good at organizing. She essentially has mapped her whole life out. She has a vision board of what type of house she wants, what school she wants to go to. She’ll come and look at the calendar to see what things they need to do,” said the proud mom.

The couple is now set to pursue their doctorates in public administration next spring.

Houston -HCC welcomes new Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence Director

The new Director of the Houston Community College (HCC) Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence (COE) is determined to make HCC the number one choice for students to learn about the manufacturing industry.

“One of the first things I want to try and overcome is the misconception of a machinist, over the years the job description has drastically changed,” said Frederick Heard

Heard is no stranger to the manufacturing industry and has seen the infusion of high-tech equipment change the playing field for this industry. He brings over 14 years of experience in the profession, including the last 12 years spent working as a Plant Manager with Halliburton.

“There’s a demand in education to convey these manufacturing jobs are now computer and programming driven as well as some high-tech NASA technology. A CNC programmer can make $75,000 a year working in a machine environment. Kids are on computers at an early age, they understand everything is logic driven, so getting that part of the manufacturing story out there is important to get potential students interested in the programs HCC offers.”

HCC tapped Heard because of his experience and his vision to implement real-world training into the COE programs.

According the 2015 Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Skills Gap Study, over the next decade (2015-2025) nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled. Contributing factors include the retirement of an expected 2.7 million “baby boomers” and the creation of 700,000 new manufacturing jobs due to industry growth. The industry is truly massive, filling numerous gaps. The services provided can’t be replaced and we most certainly would struggle to live without what they provide. For a start, equipment that is used in materials handling is essential to the fields involved with computer and HVAC repairs. We need this area of the sector full of willing employees! With this skill gap widening, Heard is laser-focused on HCC producing trained workers to fill close those gaps.

Frederick Heard. He is no stranger to the manufacturing industry and has seen the infusion of high-tech equipment change the playing field for this industry. He brings over 14 years of experience in the profession, including the last 12 years spent working as a Plant Manager with Halliburton.

“I understand the manufacturing industry need, focus and priority; and it is extremely important to meet them halfway,” Heard said. “I plan to strengthen and build relationships with area local high school districts to recruit students. The college is the bridge between industry, education, and the functional skills of the program. I see the Advanced Manufacturing COE doing a lot of outreach between secondary education and industry to assist in student success.”

In addition, Heard wants to work with the HCC industry advisory board to build program curriculum and develop potential student tours of the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence so they can touch, feel and learn about what is being created in HCC manufacturing labs, with the ultimate goal of choosing HCC as their college of first choice when it comes time to enroll for classes.

Heard earned his Bachelor’s degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston – Downtown (UHD). In 2015, he received his Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Heard is originally from Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the United States Army. He has a total of 25 years in the Army, with the last 15 of those years with the Texas Army National Guard as a Command Sargent Major.

Heard is excited to jump in and make programs at the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence more robust, not just focusing on machining; but also focusing on the non-machining side of the business to recruit a broader audience. His message to current and future students is one of change.

“The manufacturing industry is not like your father’s or grandfather’s manufacturing,” Heard said. “With HCC securing brand new cutting-edge technology and housing the industry standard state-of-the-art equipment, graduates from the HCC Advanced Manufacturing COE will train on the equipment companies use, giving them the upper hand when applying for jobs.”

In the future, Heard plans to add more programs to the Advanced Manufacturing COE including Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machine Operation, Maintenance, Mechatronics and Robotics opportunities. To learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, visit hccs.edu/manufacturing.

HCC spotlights creativity with Center of Excellence grand opening

Spotlight on success. Houston Community College celebrates the grand opening of the HCC Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence at the Alief-Hayes Campus.

Nathan Hale spent 20 years balking at the thought of going to college. The former retail manager always wanted to make films for a living, but eventually realized that he needed an education.

“I started looking at Houston Community College and got really excited about what I saw,” said Hale, who recently graduated with a degree in Digital Simulation/3-D Animation. “HCC is there to facilitate dreams and opportunities and I am thankful for that.”

Hale is now a full-time videographer/producer/editor at HCC Television. He shared his compelling story with an audience of fellow students, community and industry partners, along with HCC administrators, faculty, and staff at the grand opening of the HCC Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence. Housed at the HCC Alief-Hayes Campus, the Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence offers courses in Digital Communication, Filmmaking, Audio Recording, and Music Business.

“Our students have unprecedented access to industry-standard facilities and equipment that will help prepare them for successful careers, whether in film and video production, audio recording and live sound, entertainment and music business, or any of the specializations of digital communication,” said HCC Northwest President Dr. Zachary Hodges.

That access includes a 3,200 square foot sound stage with a 20’x 20’x12’ green screen, Foley studio, film editing booths, a screening theater, and other state-of-the-art tools and software to train students to work with well-known business and community leaders.

“The mission of this Center of Excellence is to provide students exposure to innovative workforce programs that create career pathways to meet the wide-ranging needs of businesses and the community,” said Dr. Jimmy Adams, director.

HCC graduates have gone on to work at Sugarhill Recording Studios, Lakewood Church, and House of Blues, as well as organizations such as Houston Cinema Arts Society — led by Executive Director Trish Rigdon, a former student who is proud to give back to HCC.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Houston Community College as you take your film program to the next level,” said Rigdon. “I am looking forward to seeing the names of HCC students among the credits on films made in Houston and screened at our annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival. With partners like Houston Community College, the future of media arts and technology in Houston is limitless.”

Another HCC partner, The Red Cat Jazz Preservation Society, recently gave the HCC Foundation $5,000 to support students in the Music Business program.

“Texas has been working on creating a foothold in the filmmaking industry, legislature has offered initiatives and incentives for companies to come here and do filmmaking,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “It is still a young industry for Texas but it is growing and we are going to be right in the center of it here in Houston and at Houston Community College.”

Fashion Fusion: A magical night for HCC fashion design students

A packed house at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for “Fashion Fusion” “Fashion Fusion” was held at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and showcased the creations of the students.

Fashion Fusion was a night full of energy, creativity and achievement for students in the fashion design program at Houston Community College. “Fashion Fusion” is a competition held at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston which showcased the creations of the students who were asked to draw inspiration from the 11 cars and three motorcycles displayed at the museum’s exhibition “Sculpted in Steel: Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles, 1929-1940.” This year marked the second competition.

“Our students’ interpretation were amazing,” said Suzette Brimmer, Director of the Fashion Merchandising Department at HCC. “We met with the museum curators, and we learned about the Art Deco period. The designs the students came up with were amazing.”

The students submitted designs in the categories of: Most Sculptural, Jewelry and Accessories, Most Couture, and Best Use of Unconventional Materials.

Alan Gonzalez, who used 36 yards of white linen-based fabric in his gown, won first place in the Most Sculptural category.

“I have been working so hard to get this dress to work, and to just see it on the runway was incredible. We all want to make our mothers proud. To see my mom teary-eyed in the crowd was the best part.”

Silvia Otaola, winner of the first place in “Jewelry and Accessories” category, found choosing the most appropriate materials challenging.

“I specifically got the inspiration from the grills of the cars. I overlapped the lines that I saw in the cars, and I tried to incorporate chrome. To me, it represented the Art Deco era.”

For the first place in the category of “Best Use of Unconventional Materials,” sterling silver, car parts and plexiglas were the main elements used by Luisa Nadarajah’s in her creation “La Ballerine”.

“I feel like my self expression and my passion are really showing in my designs. I was inspired by the cars and by my inner passion with the gown of the ballerina.”

Designer and fashion design student, Teresa Rangel, won the category of “Most Couture.”

The four 1^st place winners will receive one Studio and one Art History course valued at $1,200 at the Glassell School, a Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) membership for a year, and VIP access to special museum events. Additionally, the winning garments will be on display for two weeks at the MFAH.

“This is a fantastic partnership with HCC that integrates art objects on view with university curriculum,” said Caroline Goeser, Chair of the Department of Learning and Interpretation at the MFAH.

“Fashion Fusion” shows how art in the Museum’s galleries is relevant for all students and spurs creativity,“ Goeser added.

HCC salutes the Class of 2016

Excitement and pride. HCC graduates ready to start a new chapter.

HOUSTON– “I made a promise to my mom before she passed away that I would finish my degree and that is why I am here,” said Kelly James, who kept his promise and became one of the 2,650 graduates who participated in the 2016 Houston Community College (HCC) Commencement Ceremony.

Just like James, the journey to this proud moment was filled with obstacles for Joanna Rivas-Nino, who had to be separated from her husband and family while she attended HCC.

“It has been difficult because I am very attached to them,” she said. “It has been difficult to be here by myself but everything has a cost.”

Help was the dominant message of the address Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor delivered to the crowd of about 19,000 family members and guests at NRG Stadium.

“Whether you are a first time graduate or coming back for another degree, if you focus on helping people you are going to have a great career and a great life,” he said.

Chancellor Maldonado’s message was inspired by his own graduation and the experience of seeing his own daughter graduate. For him, each commencement ceremony is unique and uplifting.

“It doesn’t matter how many of these I attend, my message is one of success and hope, dreams and helping others. It is all about people,” said Dr. Maldonado.

Additional words of encouragement came from Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes, who served as keynote speaker.

“Welcome to my house,” Rootes told the excited crowd. “All of you have demonstrated the will to prepare to win in the most important game of all, the game of life. You learn so much in school and now it is time to go out and play it.”

Graduates also heard from the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, representing the 18th District of Texas. A champion for education and for HCC, she pointed out that no matter where we come from, we all succeed together.

She stated, “I don’t know the trials and tribulations that you have overcome, but I know that you have gone across the bridge and no one can turn you around.”

In her comments, HCC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Adriana Tamez thanked the graduates’ families for their support and praised the graduates for achieving a milestone.

“Without your family and friends this day would not be possible. What you are accomplishing is to be admired—it shows you are up for any challenge so don’t let your dreams go by the wayside,” she said. “You have the world at your fingertips, so take hold of it. I want you to be part of the future of this city and country and do all you can to make it a better place.” said Dr. Tamez.

Robert Glaser, HCC Board of Trustees vice chair, presented Honorary Degrees to four individuals for their contributions to the Greater Houston Area. They are Ponnu Pillai, Jesse A. Rodriguez, Gracie Saenz, and Linda Toyota.

Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 13 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities. To learn more, visit www.hccs.edu.

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