opportunity news - san jacinto college...(nisod) conference held recently in austin. the national...

News from your College2

sanjac.edu Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section Sunday, September 4, 2016

OPPORTUNITY NEWSW W W . S A N J A C . E D U

Scholarship opportunities3 Donors create

legacy of learninglegacy of learning4

2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | September 4, 2016 sanjac.edu

College to pilot cost-cutting ‘Open Source’ degree program By Andrea VasquezSAN JACINTO COLLEGE

San Jacinto College is prepar-ing to pilot a general studies associate degree program that will provide significant cost savings to students because they will not have to buy traditional course materials such as high-cost textbooks. In lieu of traditional print textbooks that can cost as much as $300 per copy, students who participate in the new program will use digital Open Educational Resources (OER) course materials, which are free and accessible online. San Jacinto College full-time students currently pay approximately $700 per semester for printed textbooks, which amounts to nearly one-third of the total spent on tuition, fees and textbooks per term. San Jacinto College will pilot

OER courses during the spring 2017 semester, and the full OER general studies associate degree program is tentatively scheduled to be available for students with the start of the fall 2017 term. The launch of San Jacinto College’s OER general studies associate degree is supported in part by a $74,676 grant from Achieving the Dream through Austin Community College, the main recipient in Texas and one of four partners in the project. Other partners are El Paso Community College and Alamo Community College. Money from the grant will pay faculty to develop courses and help pay for faculty training. The result will be courses where students do not pay for course materials.

San Jacinto College reopens Lehr Library Civic leaders, community residents and San Jacinto Col-lege employees were on hand on June 8 for the grand reopening of the Lehr Library, located at the west entrance of the San

Jacinto College North Campus on Uvalde Road. The new 42,718-square-foot facility, constructed using funds from the College’s 2008 bond referendum, includes a traditional library as well as a law library, a media department and the North Campus Student Success Center. The library also includes an outdoor learning area where classes or special events can be held. The open-air arena has two tiers of seating and is surrounded by attractive landscaping. The new library building replaces the original Lehr Library, which will be demolished to make way for new construction designated by the College’s recent 2015 bond referendum.

Algebrish: A winning formula This San Jacinto College uniquecollaborative course that in-corporates algebra and English composition was a hit from the start and is now gaining national attention. The algebra-English course

is available at the North Campus and is o�ered exclusively in a traditional classroom environment, not in an online or hybrid format. Because of the success of the course (it is informally called “Algebrish”) professors Dr. Karen Hattaway and Kate Dinwiddie, who teach the composition and math

components, respectively, were invited to be presenters at the National Institute for Sta� and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference held recently in Austin. The national League for Innovation in the Community College also recently showcased the Algebrish course in its July Member Spotlight section. In the linked math-English course, students work in a “cohort” model, staying together for both subjects, which are taught in tandem by an English professor and a math professor. Students who complete the linked course satisfy the math portion as well as one of the two communication components of basic college core requirements. Data thus far suggests the linked course provides a productive choice for students. Retention and success rates for algebra are significantly higher than state and San Jacinto College District levels, and English composition retention and success rates (A-C) are as high or higher than district rates.

San Jacinto College will pilot OER courses during the spring 2017 semester, and the full OER general studies associate degree program is tentatively scheduled to be available for students with the start of the fall 2017 term.

The grand opening of the Lehr Library at the San Jacinto College North Campus welcomed College employees, civic leaders and community residents on June 8.

Photos courtesy of Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College

Algebrish professors are Dr. Karen Hattaway (left) and Kate Dinwiddie, who teach the composition and math components, respectively.

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE: NEWS FROM YOUR COLLEGE

Sunday | September 4, 2016 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3 sanjac.edu

By Cheryl P. RoseCORRESPONDENT

For those students with demonstrated talents and financial need, receiving a scholarship can open doors that might otherwise have been closed.

“A scholarship is a gift,” said Ruth Keenan, executive director of the San Jacinto College Foundation. “We are validating potential when we award scholarships.”

Each year, the San Jacinto College Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships. Last spring semester, the College provided $144,548 in scholarships to 299 students. The College is currently awarding scholarships for the fall semester, but anticipates awarding approximately $237,000 to more than 350 students.

Various donors — individuals, corporations and foundations — have provided these funds to the College to help ensure student success. Some scholarships are specific in nature, such as for students in particular industries including maritime, technical skill-related and nursing. Others recognize academic success or financial need. But just like a lucky lottery ticket, you have to “play to win.”

“All interested students have to complete the online scholarship application,” said Tammy McAdams, coordinator for the San Jacinto College Foundation, o�ering the link https://sjcd.academicworks.com to do that. “The website is a one-stop shop. The student can log in and complete the general application. Once it is filled out, the system will sort through available scholarships and notify the student if he or she meets the criteria for consideration.”

To apply for a scholarship at San Jacinto College, students must first have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship application then requests information about a student’s field of study, GPA, enrolled hours, and a few short essay questions about a student’s goals or interests.

McAdams said the College has experienced an uptick in applications this season, increasing from around 900 applicants in spring to nearly 1,400 this fall. Each qualifying application is reviewed by three members of the scholarship committee. McAdams has observed that the impact of a scholarship is not only the practical financial relief, but also the feelings of accomplishment and support that come with being selected. One student referred to her scholarship award as the answer to “deferred dreams.” “My college experience comes late in life and is progressing slowly according to the funds available,” said Donah Bohannon, a general studies student who

recently received the John & Ann Nichols Scholarship, San Jac Stars Scholarship and USA Fund Scholarship. “These scholarships will allow me to take courses that would have otherwise been delayed until I had the proper funds.” Another student, Gema Alanis, is a biology major who has completed 44 hours at San Jacinto College so far. She received the Lilie Family Scholarship for spring 2016 and the Coca-Cola Scholarship for fall 2016. “As the first person in my family to attend college, it is a blessing and an honor to be a scholarship recipient,” she said. “This opportunity allows me to continue attending college and pursue my dreams of making a di�erence in the

medical field.” With applications outnumbering available funds, McAdams said the College is always working to increase donations to support scholarships. “We help a very underserved population,” she said. “A percentage of San Jacinto College students would not be able to go to college without scholarships. These gifts give hope to students that there is help out there to support their goals for higher education.” The application period for spring 2017 opened Aug. 18 and runs through Oct. 30. Students can apply online at www.sanjac.edu/foundation/scholarships and https://sjcd.academicworks.com.

MANY SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AT SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

The San Jacinto College Foundation hosts a gala every two years as a way to raise money for scholarships. This year’s event featured live music from the Eclipse Band & Orchestra, as well as a live auction and raf�e.

Photo courtesy of Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College


DONOR SPOTLIGHT

It is always a plus if you can apply a personal experience and any accomplishments to your essay response. This is another way to be remembered by the scholarship committee.

5 TIPS FOR COMPLETING A SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYBy Andrea VasquezSAN JACINTO COLLEGE

For many students, 500 words are all that stand in the way between them and scholarships that could alleviate the cost of college. Some students are intimidated by writing application essays and don’t know where to begin, which leaves scholarship money on the table.

These fi ve simple tips can help you think through the essay-writing process in order to help your essay stand out from other applicants.

KEEP THE AUDIENCE IN MINDThink about who will be reading your essay. If you are

applying for a community service scholarship, chances are members of the scholarship committee reading your essay are also community volunteers and active in the organization that is sponsoring the scholarship. Make sure you keep those readers in mind and include what will appeal to them when writing your essay.

ADDRESS ALL PROMPT QUESTIONS Make sure your essay answers each question or sub-

question the prompt is asking. Unless you are given an option to only answer one or two questions, you need to show that you read the directions clearly and have answered everything requested.

WRITE A DETAILED ESSAYUsually a short essay response will range from 250-500

words; 500-1,000 words for a longer essay. However, an “essay” is not fi ve sentences. Remember, the scholarship committee does not know anything about you, so you want to make a good impression with a clearly written, detailed essay. This will help make your essay memorable when it comes to narrowing down the applicant pool.

USE PERSONAL EXPERIENCEIt is always a plus if you can apply a personal experience

and any accomplishments to your essay response. This is another way to be remembered by the scholarship committee. Explain how you persevered despite obstacles in your way; the impact a person or organization had on you to motivate you to succeed; or how receiving this scholarship will help you accomplish your academic goals to prepare you for your future aspirations.

HAVE SOMEONE PROOFREAD YOUR ESSAYBefore submitting your essay, have someone read over

your essay to check for spelling and grammatical errors and overall fl ow of the essay. This could be a teacher, parent or other individual who can give you constructive feedback for anything you need to adjust in your essay before submitting your scholarship application. Once you have made your

edits, read over your essay one more time to make sure everything is correct and submit your application.


Ruth Niday wanted to be a nurse, but she didn’t have the funds to get the training. Today, nursing students at San Jacinto College can get that helping hand through the Joy Ruth Niday scholarship.

“When mother passed away in 2003, I gave thought to how I could honor her,” said Joy E. Niday, a small business owner. “I decided to set up a scholar-ship in her name for nursing students. I know the students who receive the scholarship will become caregivers and they are going to do so much good out

there in the world. My mom had the desire, but couldn’t a� ord to achieve it. It is rewarding to know we are helping someone

else make that journey.”Niday’s professional back-

ground is in education, so the idea of helping people improve their prospects through school-ing resonates with her.

“A scholarship is not just giv-ing a handout to someone,” she said. “It is encouraging someone to work toward a goal that is go-ing to have meaning for the rest of his or her life.”

When her father died last year, she decided to endow a second scholarship in his honor. The Captain John B. (Jack) Ni-day scholarship is dedicated to supporting maritime students at San Jacinto College, in honor of four generations of Niday men

who have served on Houston’s Ship Channel.

Two of Niday’s children at-tended San Jacinto College, and her business is located a short distance from the South Cam-pus. She felt the community col-lege was the logical place for her to make a legacy gift to honor her parents.

“I’m very pro San Jacinto College because I think it is mak-ing a di� erence,” she said.

Niday joined the board of directors of the San Jacinto Col-lege Foundation in 2010, a role she fi nds rewarding.

“My favorite thing every year is the donor breakfast, where we get to meet and interact with

the students who are receiving scholarships,” she said. “The students are so varied, including adults retraining to try to better themselves.”

By endowing the scholar-ships, Niday has created an ongoing legacy in her family’s name.

“The foundation invests the funds and supports the stu-dents,” Niday said. “I know the money will be there forever in my parents’ names. It has given me a lot of satisfaction and been very meaningful to me to both honor my parents and provide some students with a college education without loans. It’s a good way to a give back.”

FAMILY EXPERIENCES JOY OF CREATING A LEGACY

Joy E. Niday

Sunday | September 4, 2016 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5sanjac.edu


Like an answer to a prayer, Karina Martinez received an email from the San Jacinto College Foundation during her church’s weekly service. The email mes-sage congratulated her on being selected to receive a scholarship.

“I was feeling down because I didn’t know how I would pay for my college, try-ing to juggle financial aid and loans,” Mar-tinez said. “As I sat down in church, my phone vibrated. I shared the news right then with my parents and my pastor.”

Martinez, a recent graduate of Chan-nelview High School, received a Promise for Their Future Scholarship from the San

Jacinto College Foundation, an award of $5,000 provided over four semesters. As long as Martinez stays enrolled at San Ja-cinto College and maintains her GPA, the scholarship award will give her $1,250 a semester to pay for tuition, books and fees.

Though she had financial need, Mar-tinez said she might not have applied for any scholarships without the persistent encouragement of an older friend, Miner-va Galindo.

“Minerva said she was getting so blessed by receiving a scholarship and that I should apply, too,” Martinez said. “Every time I saw Minerva, she would nudge me to apply, until one day I finally did. I only applied to three scholarships and received one of the biggest ones.”

Martinez has always been a strong per-former academically. She participated in a dual credit program with San Jacinto Col-lege while still in high school, earning 18 hours of college credit before high school graduation. She was a member of the Na-tional Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class.

Though she was academically college-ready, the financial picture wasn’t as clear. Martinez desperately wanted to progress through college as a full-time student, but it seemed more likely that she would have to work and attend school only part-time or sporadically. Her two older siblings had faced similar circumstances and had not graduated from college.

“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to be a full-time student,” Martinez said. “I’m planning on fulfilling the prerequi-sites for a nursing degree at San Jacinto College. Then I intend to transfer to Uni-versity of Texas Medical Branch to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing.”

Ultimately, Martinez hopes to work in a hospital, particularly in oncology. She became interested in a career in health care after witnessing an aunt’s experience with cancer.

“I want to be the person who can help when someone is going through the chal-lenges of chemotherapy and radiation,” she said. “I want to be there for the people who need someone.”

SCHOLARSHIP PROVES ‘ANSWER TO A PRAYER’

Karina Martinez, a recent graduate of Channelview High School, received a Promise for Their Future Scholarship from the San Jacinto College Foundation, an award of $5,000 provided over four semesters.

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College

OCTOBER 11, 2016SAN JACINTO COLLEGE FOUNDATION21ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTONHOME OF THE SHELL HOUSTON OPENFOR TEAM AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION CALL 281-998-6104

The San Jacinto College Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. The mission of San Jacinto College Foundation is to enhance the level of student achievement and excellence at San Jacinto College. The

Foundation receives contributions, gifts and bequests from private citizens, businesses and foundations.

An Equal Opportunity Institution

SAVE DATETHE


In the second year after launching, the San Jacinto College Alumni Association (SJCAA) has 2,000 members representing alumni and friends of the College. Membership is open to any former San Jacinto College student who successfully completed at least 12 credit hours, and to friends of the College — individuals who haven’t attended the school, but support its mission.

“Our students identify so strongly with our College,” said Ruth Keenan, executive director of the San Jacinto College Foundation. “There is a great sense of pride and belonging in having attended San Jacinto College. Nearly 80 percent of our students remain in the San Jacinto College district to live and work. It’s a very tight, very proud community. Our supporters are very loyal. We have an outstanding reputation as a community college leader.”

Brad Hance, a Class of ’68 graduate of San Jacinto College and a local small business owner, said one of the challenges of activating the association has been locating alumni to notify them of the opportunity. Graduates often have lost

touch with the College, but have not forgotten the influence it had on their lives, he said.

“Launching the alumni association will bring back former students, who will be impressed with how much bigger and technologically advanced the College has become,” he said. “San Jacinto College now has four campuses with the addition of the new maritime center.”

Hance, a member of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, concurs with Keenan that many alumni remain in the area to work in local industries.

“Encouraging our alumni to stay active with the College will be beneficial for all,” he said. “For alumni, the association will provide an opportunity for professional networking.”

Keenan and alumni association volunteer representatives are busy spreading the word to their alumni base about the benefits of membership through events, career connections, networking, mentoring and camaraderie.

“We hosted several events last year that sold out and generated a lot of excitement,” Keenan said.

The next social opportunity is the annual San Jacinto College Foundation

Golf Tournament on Oct. 11. The host committee of the event includes several recognizable San Jacinto College alumni. This year’s host committee includes Andy and Laura Pettitte, Dan Pastorini, Termite Watkins, Reggie “Air” Dixon, Hammie Ward, Reggie Johnson, Jimmy and Peggy Burke, John and Sheressa Moon, Louis Rigby, and Danny and Margaret Snooks.

The cost of a lifetime membership in the SJCAA is $100. Annual memberships cost $25 per year. New graduates receive a free membership for one year.

“Our alumni association members and friends of the College are our ambassadors to the community,” Keenan said. “They are an integral network of supporters who promote San Jacinto College as a leader of educational excellence.”

Interested alumni and friends can join the SJCAA or learn more at www.sanjac.edu/foundation or by calling 281-998-6104. With the start of the fall semester, a new schedule of alumni events will be posted via the San Jacinto College Alumni Association’s Facebook page.

Student continued on page 7


The San Jacinto College Alumni Association holds various social events throughout the year to promote membership recruitment. Last year, alumni and guests were invited to the Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College


Tellepsen Builders, a construction and engineering firm based in Houston, committed this spring to a donation of $150,000 for San Jacinto College. A longtime partner and supporter of the college, Tellepsen Builders’ pledged funds will primarily support student scholarships in the construction management program, but also will assist

with equipment and program needs.Though creating a pipeline to the next

generation of workers is an enticing reason to be involved, many companies and individuals also have the bigger concept of community among their goals in donating, said Ruth Keenan, executive director of the San Jacinto College Foundation.

“People give because they want to feel connected and want to make a di�erence in someone’s life,” she said. “Many donors also want to give to others because

they are grateful for the benefits that were given to them.”

Scholarship funds are critical to a community college in a district where socioeconomic factors can put higher education out of reach.

“We have a student population where 77 percent of the student body are the first to go to college in their families,” Keenan said. “Also, 75 percent of our students cannot pay for college without financial assistance.”

Keenan said one-time scholarships can be funded by $500 and endowed as an ongoing legacy at $25,000.

However, Keenan said that no gift is too small. Donations are also used for emergency funding for students. Keenan said these funds have been used when a life crisis would otherwise prevent a student from continuing school.

Catherine O’Brien, San Jacinto

BUILDING THE FUTURE BEGINS WITH $150,000 GIFT

PRIDE, NETWORKING BRING SAN JACINTO COLLEGE ALUMNI TOGETHER

DATE EVENT TIME SITE

SAN JAC HAPPENINGSSunday | September 4, 2016 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7sanjac.edu

All times and event schedules listed are subject to change.

For more information, visit:

September 5 Labor Day holiday (College closed; no classes held) All campuses

September 6 Take 2 (13-week semester) classes begin All campuses

Suicide Prevention event 9 a.m. North Campus N12 lobby

Blood drive 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. N12.200

September 7 Student Involvement Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. North Campus N12 lobby

Blood Drive 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. N12.200

September 9 13-week and six-week weekend classes begin All campuses

Volleyball vs. Coastal Bend College 6 p.m. Central Campus gym

September 10 Volleyball vs. Laredo Community College noon Central Campus gym

Men’s soccer vs. Paris Junior College 4 p.m. South Campus soccer � eld

September 14 Volleyball vs. Laredo Community College 6 p.m. Central Campus gym

September 19 Second 12-week and second four-week classes begin All campuses

First Installment Payment due 7 p.m. sanjac.edu

September 23 Fine Arts Friday free concert noon North Campus N1.103

Men’s soccer vs. Tyler Junior College 7 p.m. South Campus soccer � eld

September 24 Men’s soccer vs. Jacksonville College 3 p.m. South Campus soccer � eld

September 26 Second � ve-week classes begin All campuses

September 27 National Voter Registration Day 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. North Campus N12 lobby

STUDENT SAFETY NETFrom page 6

sanjac.edusanjac.edu/summer-camps*Registration remains open for Fall 2016, but all � nancial obligations incurred after the payment deadline above for Summer 2016 not covered by � nancial aid, installment payment plan, third party agreement, or scholarship must be paid on day of registration.

San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Andy Pettitte, and San Jacinto College Foundation Executive Director Ruth Keenan with scholarship recipients.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College

College’s associate vice chancellor for learning and assessment, is a donor as well as an employee because she has witnessed examples of distress fi rst-hand.

“I contribute to the San Jacinto College Foundation because sometimes, life happens — a car wreck takes away your only means of transportation or a book is stolen just before a major exam,” she said. “Our students need a safety net that can help them stay on course to complete their educational goals. A few extra dollars can make all the di� erence in the world.”

Finding the direction of donating that is most meaningful for the donor is Keenan’s role, she said. Donations can be directed to specifi c programs, such as maritime or petrochemical.

Donations can be for equipment needs, such as a recent $100,000 gift to purchase a

digital teaching organ for the music program made by Dr. B.J. Westbrook, DDS. Donations can be made in a lump sum or in a multi-year pledge, such as the Tellepsen Builders’ gift. Donations can be made in memory or in honor of an individual.

There are also naming and sponsoring opportunities for new construction, from buildings to individual laboratories. Individuals also can provide support by participating in events such as the annual golf tournament and gala sponsored by the San Jacinto College Foundation. Some individuals also may be able to tap into their employers’ matching gifts programs to leverage the size of their contribution.

“Our goal at San Jacinto College is student success,” Keenan said. “The work that we do at the foundation impacts the lives of students, their families and our community by making education possible.”

To support the San Jacinto College Foundation, visit www.sanjac.edu/foundation or call 281-998-6104.

Connect with us on

JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION. FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281.998.6150


Vision — San Jacinto College will be the leader in educational excellence and in the achievement of equity among diverse populations. We will empower students to achieve their goals, rede� ne their expectations and encourage their exploration of new opportunities. Our passions are people, learning, innovation and continuous improvement.

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

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of east Harris County for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in seven areas of study, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also bene� t from the college’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your goals. Your college.

“I am the � rst in my family to go to college. I hope to one day return the favor by doing the same thing for someone else in � nancial need.”

—San Jacinto College student Chris A.

Give today to help our students tomorrow. Your generosity will transform the lives of so many in our community. Every student who aspires to reach beyond what is, to grasp what can be, needs to have the � nancial means to reach for their tomorrow. You make a difference in the lives of future leaders, educators, and innovators. An education from San Jacinto College is the pathway to successful careers and lifelong ambitions. San Jacinto College alumni have � lled vital roles in hospitals, NASA, classrooms, executive of� ces, manufacturing plants and laboratories of our society. They’ve also won the World Series, NBA Championship, starred in major motion pictures and created major theatrical productions. Help our students today with a gift of education. Contact the San Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or www.sanjac.edu/foundation.

Our goal at the of� ce of student engagement and activities is to promote success inside and out of the classroom by enhancing the student experience. College isn’t just about learning on the inside of the classroom. We strive to create an environment where students feel connected to their alma mater by offering programs to open doors to student leadership, social opportunities, volunteering in the local community and enhancing academic success.

So Get Involved!Support Student SuccessVision & Mission

College is the pathway to successful careers

social opportunities, volunteering in the local community and enhancing academic success.

Community Impact

YOUR GOALS. YOUR COLLEGE.

An Equal Opportunity Institution

NORTH CAMPUS 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049CENTRAL CAMPUS 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505SOUTH CAMPUS 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089MARITIME CAMPUS 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 ONLINE 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504

opportunity news - san jacinto college...(nisod) conference held recently in austin. the national...

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