HCC and Houston Texans salute veteran students

HCC Scholarship for Service recipients with Houston Texans Center Tony Bergstrom at the HCC/Houston Texans Salute to Veteran Success at NRG Stadium.

HOUSTON– “Veterans, you have completed the educational race and you have been rewarded with knowledge that no one can take away from you,” said a proud Colonel Kenneth Burton during his keynote address to fellow veterans at the HCC/Houston Texans Salute to Veteran Success event.

The Houston Community College Office of Veteran Affairs recently teamed up with the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium to celebrate the accomplishments of veteran students.

“HCC veteran students have transitioned from the military culture into civilian culture,” said Dr. Cephas Archie, interim director, HCC Office of Veteran Affairs. “That’s the true measure of academic success for Houston Community College.”

Patriotic Cords of Academic Excellence were presented to more than 70 graduates to wear at the 2016 HCC Commencement Ceremony; and through a partnership between the HCC Foundation and the Houston Texans, 17 veteran students received a Houston Texans Scholarship for Service.

Texans Center Tony Bergstrom, whose father and grandfathers served in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, explained the “infatuation” football players have with the military.

“We look up to you because of your selfless service,” said Bergstrom. “You do it for the guy next to you every time. You are a great source of pride to this organization and this country.”

The Houston Texans have given the HCC Foundation more than $200,000 in scholarships for veterans and their dependents. HCC is the only community college in the nation that is an official educational partner with an NFL team.

“We are so grateful to the Houston Texans for your support of the veterans program,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, chair, HCC Board of Trustees. “This is truly a celebration of the diligence and commitment demonstrated by HCC in our mission to support veterans and our students in pursuit of higher education.”

Scholarship recipient Angela Smith-Duncan recently retired from the U.S. Army after 19 years and is taking business courses.

Smith-Duncan said, “I think it’s amazing that veterans or active duty service members are being recognized like this because it’s an honor.”

“It feels great,” said Rogelio Zapata, a U.S. Navy veteran, who graduated with his degree in Process Technology. “When I completed my last final and got the grades, it was an overwhelming feeling of success. I had a smile from ear to ear for two days. For me it was a long accomplishment.”

HCC Foundation Vice President David Regenbaum delivered the closing remarks and said to the veterans, “This is the foundation that you can use to mold your future and I salute you.”

To learn more about the veterans programs at HCC, visit hccs.edu/veterans and visit hccsfoundation.org for information about the many scholarships offered through the HCC Foundation.

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.

HCC VAST Academy hosts graduation for most students ever

The mission of VAST (Vocational Advancement and Social Skills Training) Academy at HCC is to provide post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services leading to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for differently-abled individuals.

HOUSTON, TX – Smiles and applause were the hallmarks of the evening as 40 VAST Academy students made their way across the stage at their 2016 Graduation from Houston Community College (HCC). Each departed the stage with an occupational skills certificate in hand, while parents and family witnessed this major milestone in their lives.

“We are so encouraged by the growth of this program,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “Last year 29 students received their diplomas and this year, 40 graduated to the cheers and encouragement of their parents and family.”

The mission of VAST (Vocational Advancement and Social Skills Training) Academy at HCC is to provide post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services leading to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for differently-abled individuals.

“I am proud of our college for being a pioneer, one of the first in the nation, to provide post-secondary opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Sue Moraska, program director for VAST. “For 25 years HCC VAST Academy has served well over 3,000 students by providing valuable career readiness training, support services and pathways that lead to employment and greater independence for our students.”

The program began in 1990 and since then has opened the door to opportunities that include vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success bridge courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable environment.

Dr. Maldonado welcomed the students to the ceremony and Kirk White, MSN, RN, director of the HCC School of Continuing Education, delivered the commencement address. Many members of the HCC administration and the Board of Trustees were in attendance. Also present were parents, family and members of the dozens of Houston businesses that support the program by providing internships to the students who are differently-abled.

In his remarks, White said, “The VAST Academy stands as an example of what community colleges are all about … opportunity for all … a place to build upon your abilities and prepare for what’s next in your journey.”

Robert Glaser, vice president of the HCC Board of Trustees, and long-time advocate of the VAST program said, “The most important part of the entire evening was that 40 new graduates walked across the stage – signifying a new beginning for them. HCC is to be congratulated for making this all possible!”

Students such as the two who spoke at graduation, exemplify the can do attitude of VAST. Jonah Ayebae of VAST Central and Jasmine Calderson, of VAST Northwest, are shining examples of the difference VAST has made in the lives of over 3,000 students and their families.

For more information about the HCC VAST Academy, visit hccs.edu/vast.

How HCC-trained welders boost Houston’s workforce

HCC trains the next generation of welders in high demand by diverse industries in the Greater Houston Area.

Skilled welders play a critical role in the manufacturing and maintenance of structures that require metallic components. In Houston, the recent increase in residential and commercial construction and the doubling in size of the Port of Houston have resulted in a high demand for qualified welders. Through its diverse educational programs for welding, Houston Community College is responding to the industry needs for qualified welders and fulfilling a critical need in the workforce.

Rhoderick Villanueva enrolled in the HCC welding program in 2009. Although he was employed as a welder at the time, he earned only $30,000 a year because of his limited skills.

“I went to HCC to learn multiple processes,” Villanueva said. “HCC makes the tools available. They give you hands-on training and everything you need.”

Villanueva now earns $70,000 a year.

Villanueva’s story reflects the experience of thousands of workers in the energy sector who saw their income potential affected as a result of low oil prices and the subsequent decrease of offshore drilling. The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers reports that Texas has lost approximately 84,000 oil and gas jobs in the past 16 months. Yet the need for welders remains high as a result of the booming raise of residential and commercial construction. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America found that seventy-four percent of Texas construction companies say they are having a hard time finding hourly craft workers, including trained welders.

According to HCC welding instructor Frank Alderete, an entry level welder can earn $18-20 an hour—more than double the federal minimum wage, but many HCC students graduate beyond entry level and earn even more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% job growth for welders to continue through 2020.

Tom Tynan, Director of Construction & Trades, HCC Continuing Education says that the welding field is changing with more women interested in taking classes. Currently only three percent of U.S. professional welders are women, but Tynan expects that to change given the high pay and the growing need for skilled workers.

Some HCC welding certification programs don’t require applicants to have a high school diploma.

“If you can read and write at a ninth grade level, we can train you,” Tynan said.

To learn about the welding programs offered at HCC, visit hccs.edu/continuingeducation and click Welding or call the Continuing Education Department at 713-718-8932

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.

HCC students earn scholarships with food and design

HCC Designing Dining 2016 First Place winners Tania Albin, Interior Design student and Nick Robinson, Culinary Arts student.

A healthy serving of innovation and collaboration were on display for all to see and taste during Designing Dining 2016 at Houston Community College (HCC). Students from the world-renowned HCC Culinary Arts and Interior Design programs worked in teams of two to plan and design a 20,000 square-foot restaurant concept, from menus and presentation, to interior design and branding.

Designing Dining 2016 is the culmination of a semester of planning into execution with culinary arts students preparing hors d’oeuvres from their restaurant menus and interior design students showcasing their work through renderings, color palates, and floor plans. The event also gives the students real-world experience into the hospitality industry.

“The restaurant business today is not only driven by food, but also by high design,” said interior designer, author, and event judge Bill Stubbs, owner of William W. Stubbs and Associates. “The level of professionalism here is amazing.”

Led by Interior Design professors Kevin Hamby, RID, IIDA; Shasta Swift, IDEC, ASID; and Culinary Arts instructor Chef Christy Sykes, the 11 teams worked for nearly two months to create their concepts based on a pre-selected global region, which they picked in a random draw.

The teams’ ability to represent those regions impressed Chef Michael Bargas of Aramark and Houston ISD, who judged the food on complexity, originality, technique, and overall flavor and execution.

Bargas said, “They hit the target; the students represented themselves very well in terms of the flavor profile of their region.”

HCC Board of Trustees Zeph Capo, District I; Robert Glaser, vice chair, District V; and Dr. Adriana Tamez, chair, District III were among the more than 150 people who attended the event.

“I am very impressed with the interior designers and chefs and I am honored that they chose to get their education at Houston Community College,” said Tamez.

Designing Dining is more than a great event with fabulous food and design; it is a scholarship fundraising event for culinary arts and interior design students.

The following Designing Dining 2016 Awards recipients include:

People’s Choice: Patricia Alvarez, Culinary Arts and Mario Morales, Interior Design for their American South-Cajun/Creole theme and Amazing Crab cake;
Second Place Team Award: Paula Guerra, Culinary Arts and Samantha Bourgeois, Interior Design for their Asian Cuisine – SE Asia;
First Place Team Award: Nick Robinson, Culinary Arts and Tania Albin, Interior Design for their Latin Cuisine-Central/South America theme and Shrimp Ceviche;
Best in Show for Interior Design: Tania Albin for La Vela concept;
Best in Show for Culinary Arts: Robert Bertot and his Texas BBQ

Albin, who took home two awards, explained that a blue corn tortilla chip inspired her team’s seafood concept.

“This was a great collaboration between the two departments,” said Albin.

As a comprehensive community college system, HCC offers many programs designed to meet the needs of students according to their backgrounds and interests. Find out how…

A shocked Bertot, whose Texas Barbecue sample stood out among his fellow Culinary Arts classmates, dedicated the win to his late nephew.

He said, “My nephew gave me the energy to take on this project. Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

Deep Eddy Vodka, The Greater Houston Restaurant Association, The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, the HCC Foundation sponsored the event.

The Interior Design and Culinary Arts programs are offered at the Consumer Arts & Sciences Center of Excellence. For more information, please visit hccs.edu/consumerarts.

Houston Community College announces new administrators

“ I am ready to hit the ground running. I am ready to work with students and work with the community,” said Dr. Athos Brewer, the newest Houston Community College (HCC) Vice Chancellor of Student Services.

For Dr. Brewer this is a responsibility that, more than a title, represents the culmination of a journey working with educational and civic organizations. I have always been innovative in terms of student success. I intend to move the needle in terms of retention and completion. I will be looking at technology solutions to help our students and create high impact strategies to increase their success,” he added.

Dr. Brewer, who starts his new position on June 6, brings a wealth of experience as past Vice President for Student Affairs at Bronx Community College (BCC) of the City University of New York (CUNY). He also served as member of the Advisory Board for Maryland’s juvenile justice system, and received fellowships from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Training.

“Dr. Brewer’s experience in Student Services is in line with our strategic priority of focusing on Student Success,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. As new Vice Chancellor of Student Services, Dr. Brewer will oversee academic planning and curriculum development, the coordination of student initiatives amongst HCC campuses, the allocation of funds and an overall leadership in implementing student standards and policies.

My goal is to eliminate the barriers to student success. We have to look at the whole package when students apply to college. We have to make sure that the student actually makes it from registration to graduation, eliminating barriers and evaluating our customer service approach. ”

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Madeline Burillo, who served as interim president of Southwest College since September, begins her new role today. She brings an impressive background of instructional and workforce accomplishments for academic success. Dr. Burillo has been instrumental in developing relationships with industry partners to serve the ever-evolving educational programs and fit the employment needs of the Greater Houston area public and private sectors. Dr. Burillo attributed her success to her family and collaborators.

HCC Health Sciences Center of Excellence grand opening: A pillar of the Texas Medical Center

Committed to educational excellence in Houston’s medical industry, HCC officials and industry partners proudly support the formation of future doctors, nurses and other vital personnel in health care.

“Excellence is not a title. Excellence is an attitude, a decision to thrive and succeed.“ With those words Teddy Tovar, director of the Respiratory Therapy Program, described the atmosphere that students, faculty, and administrators breathe at the HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, the only institution of its kind located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. For many, the grand opening of the Houston Community College Health Sciences Center of Excellence signifies the beginning of a new era.

“The common Latin phrase ‘de novo’ means ‘anew,” said Dean of the Center of Excellence, Dr. Gary Kesling. “Today, the Coleman College for Health Sciences is the ‘de novo’ transformation into the Center of Excellence. This grand opening means that we are here to facilitate our students’ understanding of the purpose of a health science education that promotes intellectual and personal success.”

Coleman College, which opened its doors in 1999, offers twenty different disciplines in health sciences including nursing, diagnostics, therapeutic, and dental services, among others.

“This is an opportunity to remind us not only of the economic impact of our programs, but also of the personal one,” reflected HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., as he shared a recent experience in which his mother underwent treatment in a hospital located in the Texas Medical Center.

“The nurses helped me communicate with my mother and with the doctors,” said Dr. Maldonado. “They took wonderful care of her. I was humbled when some of them told me they were HCC graduates.”

On an average, the 43-member institutions of the Texas Medical Center receive eight million of patients a year. In Houston, the healthcare industry accounts for one in every ten jobs.

HCC breaks ground for future of North Forest Community

According to Adriana Tamez, Ed.D, chair, HCC Board of Trustees, District III, these jobs are not positions suited for everyone.

“I have always considered the healthcare field as a vocation first and then a profession,” said Dr. Tamez. “Your passion and dedication continue to inspire us administrators to work harder and never loose sight that what we do, is about people.”

Nursing student Rachel Ibanez, whose father’s diabetes was treated through the help of nurses, describes the nursing program at HCC Coleman College as a stepping ladder.

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

She said, “I’m proud to be a student here. I hope that one day I can provide hope and bring people the help that healed my dad so many times.”

The event was attended by representatives from various health care organizations in the Houston area including Edward Hugetz, Provost at the University of Houston-Downtown.

“We are proud to have a long partnership with HCC,” said Hugetz. “Two thirds of our students are transfer and of those, 40% come from Houston Community College. We are at a moment of renewal in establishing what we need to do together for the future of the students and the community. We congratulate HCC on their vision. I am so proud to see HCC succeed like that.”

Currently, construction is under way for a 10-story building across the street, which will more than double the size of Coleman College. The facility, which will offer 248,000 additional square feet of classrooms, is projected to open Summer 2017.

To learn more about the programs offered at the HCC Health Sciences Center of Excellence, visit: hccs.edu/centers.

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