At San Jacinto College, we believe in the Resilience of our students, the Innovation of our industry partners, the Support of our services and community, and the Excellence of our employees and College.
Resilience at San Jacinto College is not just a trait. It’s a testament to the spirit of our students and the support systems we have in place. We understand the unique struggles our students face — family obligations, financial barriers, demanding work schedules, child care conflicts, and more. Yet they persist. They move forward with unwavering determination because they believe in the promise of a better future. Their resilience is the bedrock of our institution.
nnovation is the driving force that propels San Jacinto College forward. By partnering with industry leaders, we ensure our programs lead in technological and professional advancements. Our programs, including some of our newest, such as biotechnology and cybersecurity, are designed to meet the changing demands of the modern workforce, providing our students with the skills
and knowledge they need to excel right here in East Harris County or anywhere else in the world.
upport is a cornerstone of our mission. We are dedicated to supporting our students from the moment they enroll until they transition into their careers or transfer to a university to further their education. Support resources such as the SJC Marketplace, which supplies groceries and household essentials to those in need, and our extensive scholarship programs demonstrate our commitment to removing barriers to success. Our community of supporters — alumni, partners, and donors — plays a crucial role in this effort, ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.
xcellence weaves through the fabric of San Jacinto College. Our faculty and staff are relentless in their pursuit of providing top-tier education and fostering an environment where students can excel. This commitment to excellence has been recognized nationally, with San Jacinto College consistently ranked among the top 10 community colleges by the prestigious Aspen Institute. This accolade is a testament to our high standards and exceptional outcomes and successes our students achieve.
In this Report to the Community, we celebrate the spirit of RISE — Resilience, Innovation, Support, and Excellence. These principles are not just ideals but the lived experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for being part of the San Jacinto College journey. With your enduring support, we continue to rise.
2024YEAR IN REVIEW
Scan the QR code to learn more about the Year in Review.
10
5,946
General Studies Associate 3,610
Accounting and General Business*
2,103
Process Technology*
1,950
Natural Science Associate
1,747
Welding Technology*
1,675
Social and Behavioral Science Associate
1,644
Computer Science and Information Technology*
1,380
Education Associate
1,265 Cosmetology*
1,106
Nursing Associate
and CERTIFICATES* *Associate and Certificate
14,804 transfers to four-year institutions in the last five academic years
37,737 credentials awarded in the last five academic years
57.7% of students enrolled were first-generation in fall 2024 (preliminary figure).
34.2% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Increased the number of degrees and certificates awarded since 2014 by
47.5%
Courses using open educational resources, or digital classroom materials, have saved students more than
$49.7
million in textbook costs from spring 2017 to summer 2024.
esilience
[ re-zil-ee-uhns ] noun the capacity of a person to maintain a core purpose and integrity in the face of dramatically changed circumstances
Finds Peace HELPING Others in Alumnus
Juan Esteban Peña arrived at San Jacinto College ready to start a new chapter of his life.
he Colombian native came to Houston as an international student to finish high school. He earned a basketball scholarship from Grace Christian Academy. Following graduation, he gave up basketball to study business. His host parent encouraged him to attend San Jacinto College.
Peña soon found himself jobless and overwhelmed with both college coursework and debt. A relative offered him money and an easy way out. He considered it but decided it was best to put his trust in God alone. He believes this decision was divine intervention.
“I want to be a person others can trust and look up to,” he said. “You have to do the right thing, even when life is hard. I wrote down a plan and said, ‘God, I’m going to prove to people that trusting You is worth it.’”
Peña was hired as a parttime administrative assistant at the College’s district office, an opportunity he claims as his defining
moment. His front desk duties improved his people skills and helped him feel comfortable being himself.
The job covered living expenses but not school debt. At the end of his last term, Peña needed to pay off the balance or return to Colombia. With two weeks
in business. Like clockwork, another opportunity presented itself.
“My friend Jake owns a gym in Clear Lake, and he hired me on the spot,” he said. “It’s become more than just a job.”
left, he checked his bank account and discovered a hefty balance. His saving grace? A San Jacinto College Foundation scholarship.
“I paid off the debt and even had money left,” he said. “That really changed my life, I think. I’ve been in situations where I felt helpless, then God shows up.”
Peña graduated in fall 2023 with an associate degree
Peña works as a fitness coach for aging adults. Whether patrons come in to work out or find companionship, he finds the role uplifting because he believes what they do changes lives. He is devoted to his passion for helping others and spreading the word of God to youth here and in Colombia. He enjoys speaking to youth groups, offering encouragement and emotional support in person and online.
“We all have a story to tell,” he said. “God created us, so we should believe in the dreams he put in our hearts. That’s what I live by.”
Peña plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree someday. For now, he is taking his time to figure things out.
“I want to be a person others can trust and look up to. You have to do the right thing, even when life is hard...”
Career Success Remaining PERSISTENT by Gil Achieves
y providing students with handson experience alongside their academic studies, the San Jacinto College EDGE Center and Intuitive Machines are empowering the next generation of leaders in the aerospace and space exploration sectors.
Working at Intuitive Machines at the Houston Spaceport is a job Oscar Gil never thought would happen after spending nearly a decade pursuing his education.
“Everyone plans for four years, maybe five at most, but when things don’t go as expected, you have to adjust,” Gil said. “You really don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
In 2017, Gil was an engineering student at the University of Houston. Unfortunately, a low GPA led to his suspension from the program, causing a chain of academic setbacks.
provided a gateway into automotive technology and an invaluable internship as a master technician apprentice. Determined to earn his bachelor’s degree, he returned to UH, switching to math with a physics minor. Securing an engineering job after graduation in 2021 amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, prompting him to explore aviation mechanics.
Once again, this led Gil back to San Jacinto College, where the aerospace technician program at the EDGE Center offered a flexible, affordable online option. A few months into his training, a chance encounter with Intuitive Machines representatives, facilitated by the College’s former aerospace education director Dr. Janis Fowler, led to an unexpected job offer, eventually evolving into a full-time position.
“At times, it was hard to rely on myself to keep going,” he said. “I persisted by drawing strength from a lot of prayer and faith.”
Desperate to stay connected to engineering, Gil discovered San Jacinto College’s Toyota T-TEN program, which
“Reflecting on my journey, I realize every setback, from academic struggles to career transitions, laid the groundwork for my current role at Intuitive Machines,” Gil said. “As I mark two years with the company, the initial thrill has transformed into a sense of purpose, reinforced by the pride of my family and the meaningful impact of our work.”
QuickFOUNDATION FACTS
$4,173,379
Total dollars raised in fiscal year 2023-2024 by the Foundation: 480 donors who gave 2,106 gifts
$3,942,958 scholarship dollars awarded to 4,089 students
$57,450 distributed through Student Success Initiative grants
$72,292 distributed from the student emergency fund to 258 students
$6,993 raised for SJC Marketplace
1,720 served at the SJC Marketplace*
*The SJC Marketplace offers free groceries, meals, and other necessities to currently enrolled students.
nnovation
[ in·no·va·tion ] noun
the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value; transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency, and effectiveness, or address unmet needs
Cybersecurity Spells
an Jacinto College is preparing students for the exploding cybersecurity field with its new Bachelor of Applied Technology in information technology with an emphasis in cybersecurity.
Launched in fall 2024, the bachelor’s degree program includes …
• Face-to-face and online learning
• Daytime and evening courses (program-specific at the South Campus)
• A focus on network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking
• Extensive practical application
• Preparation for Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, Network+, and PenTest+ certification exams
Students can pursue the entire four-year pathway at the College or complete the program in two years if they already have an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity.
The program combines the three top requirements for cybersecurity professionals — education, experience, and certification preparation — into one package.
While the College has offered a cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science for years, many tech companies still hire and promote based on a bachelor’s degree.
“It remained a barrier for some of our students to promote or even get entrylevel positions with less than a bachelor’s degree, so it made sense,” said Kevin Morris, South Campus business and technology dean.
Students can complete the program in two years if they already have an Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity. A related associate degree — like networking, cloud computing, or help desk — may require foundational cybersecurity courses.
The program’s biggest perk is its security operations center, funded partly by a $332,000 National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education
Program grant. In this lab setting, students can analyze live data alongside the College’s cybersecurity staff. While traditional cybersecurity training focuses on theory, students will practice monitoring, detecting, and responding to real cyberthreats.
“Students will gain a working understanding of how cybersecurity enables a business to achieve success,” said Joshua Dray, San Jacinto College chief information security officer.
Not only will the security operations center ensure experienced graduates, but it will also create a training roadmap for other institutions. In fall 2024, San Jacinto College received program validation for its cybersecurity associate degree from the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. It can seek the same designation for its bachelor’s degree program after three years. The validation shows graduates are ready for this high-demand field.
Shown here: The new security operations center inside the South Campus Engineering and Technology Center.
Music and Dance Programs
Collaborate with International Artists for
ith vibrant costumes, color-changing backdrops, syncopated rhythms, and infectious melodies, San Jacinto College’s music and dance departments collaborated for a unique concert — “Dancing on Steel” — last spring. The performances were held at the Central Campus Slocomb Auditorium and the historic Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
“The steel band and I were thrilled to collaborate with our guest artists and the dance program to stage the Houston premiere of ‘Dancing on Steel,’” said Michael Mizma, music instructor. “I have wanted to collaborate like this for many years, and I’m so excited we finally made it happen.”
“Dancing on Steel” featured a suite of six steel band pieces inspired by dance movements and the rich cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting the influence of its multiethnic and multicultural heritage and featuring choreographed dance. Students from Mizma’s steel band performed for the second year at Miller as a part of their performance program. This was the program’s first time to partner with dance instructors Jamie Williams and Jennifer Salter from San Jacinto College’s South Campus and their students.
“Our dance program was thrilled about this collaboration. It opened so many opportunities for our dancers that they otherwise might not have,” Williams said.
“For this project, not only did they learn traditional Trinbagonian dance from an international artist, but they also got the chance to perform live music on a huge outdoor stage. Every Houston dancer should have the chance to perform at Miller at least once. We were so fortunate to have given them this experience.”
The concert was made possible in part by a Student Success Initiative grant from the San Jacinto College Foundation. This grant allowed pan soloist and composer Jeannine Remy and choreographer Joanna Charles, both based in Trinidad and Tobago, to spend three days in Houston rehearsing and preparing students for the premiere.
“It was a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to these truly unique artists and their performing and directing expertise,” Mizma said. “It truly takes a village to be successful. Without grant and concert support, we could not host shows, participate in collaborations, or invite such high-quality guest artists to our institution. I consider our entire music department, supportive administration, and the San Jacinto College Foundation part of this great village.”
About Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music. Numerous bird species inhabit sanctuaries such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The smaller island of Tobago is known for its beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters hummingbirds.
Capital: Port of Spain Continent: South America
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
Official language: English
Population: 1.531 million (2022)
Source: Google
Sky’s the Limit:
Students Land Research on International Space Station
Three … two … one …
liftoff!
n November 2024, the ground shuddered as the SpaceX rocket roared off the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center. What made the sight even more spectacular to Marcus Pitre, Maheen Bukhari, and Amna Qureshi — sitting on bleachers at the nearest viewing site — was knowing their science experiment was aboard.
In fall 2023, 52 San Jacinto College students competed in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program*, hoping to send their research projects on a supply mission to the International Space Station. Pitre, Bukhari, and Qureshi met through the South Campus STEM Club and formed a team with chemistry professor Dr. Carrie Owens as their advisor. They proposed using the mustard plant species Arabidopsis thaliana to measure cell wall growth in microgravity versus on Earth.
All deadlines and safety checks met, their experiment finally launched in early November. When their experiment returned to Earth approximately six weeks later, they compared the results of the microgravity and ground control experiments.
What’s next for the teammates?
Bukhari and Qureshi are both completing associate degrees at the College through Clear Horizons Early College High School, with Bukhari eyeing a science career and Qureshi biomedical engineering or cyber-security. Pitre, a computer engineer, is taking pre-requisites to reskill for a critical care medicine career.
“All the right elements have to come together for plants to grow,” Pitre said. “If we can grow plants [for food] in space, we can have longer space flights.”
Their proposal won. But the hard part was still ahead: optimizing the experiment to fit inside a 7-inch mini lab operated by clamps an astronaut would open or close in space. Challenges ranged from sourcing NASAapproved supplies to finding lab space on campus to work together every week.
“This team is testing out something that’s never been done before,” Owens said. “Our department made sure we had all the supplies needed.”
“It’s definitely been a unique experience — learning to work together as a team and use the college lab equipment,” Qureshi said.
Although Pitre has managed teams before, he gained an appreciation for the planning, checks, and balances behind every launch.
“One thing I always leave with [my teams] is we don’t manage time — we manage our use of time,” he said. “That’s what we need to succeed with these ventures. This team did a good job of that.”
Bukhari remembers her parents’ surprise as she broke the news about their team winning the space competition.
“It was very unexpected,” Bukhari said. “I didn’t think we’d be the team.”
Lesson learned: Prepare for the unexpected.
San Jacinto College conducted two mission patch art competitions encouraging areaschool students to highlight this mission or any part of their STEM interaction with the College. Winners included Penny Carlisle (grades K-5) and Aiden Effenhauser (grades 9+).
*The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program [or just “SSEP”] is a program of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in the U.S. and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education Internationally. It is enabled through a strategic partnership with Nanoracks LLC, which is working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory.
Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical has proved to be an invaluable partner of the San Jacinto College Plumbing Technology Program.
To help launch the program in fall 2023, Abacus and one of its longtime suppliers, National Wholesale Supply, donated tools, equipment, piping, hardware, and other materials to outfit the hands-on training lab.
“To build an exceptional plumbing program along the Gulf Coast requires a great amount of support from industry, and Abacus has stepped up to support this project and ensure we have the right facility to fill the workforce gaps,” said Durrell Dickens, consumer services and legal professions department chair.
“If you were to define the ideal workforce partner and advisory member, it would look just like Abacus. They never hesitate to help with any need, even supporting our electrical and HVAC programs.”
ABACUS Proves an INFLUENTIAL PARTNER
Established in 2003, the greater Houston area company has garnered a reputation for topnotch service and high-quality workmanship.
“Abacus is committed to helping develop the workforce of the future by forming partnerships like the one we have with San Jac,” said Tony Patiño, Abacus president. “It is important for us to help provide a pathway to the industry for future plumbers and educate students about the opportunities in the trades.”
According to Dickens, Abacus has also supported the program by mentoring students and hosting field trips to their facilities.
“Originally, our focus was solely on plumbing, but it soon became apparent that there was also a significant demand in the HVAC and electrical sectors,” said Patiño. “Hosting these students at our facility and offering them a real-world glimpse into the trades has been a tremendously positive experience for everyone involved.”
Joey Scheffler, Abacus business development representative and plumbing advisory committee
chair, has spoken at local high schools to advocate for craft trades and recruit dual credit students for the plumbing program. Scheffler also helped recruit and hire the program’s only full-time instructor, a retired Abacus plumber.
“There is a major shortage of plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians. The average age of most plumbers is 50 and above,” said Scheffler. “With an aging workforce, it is important that we educate students in high school about careers in those fields. The opportunity to partner with San Jac and help shape the curriculum sets those students up for success and prepares them to work for us or any other company as soon as they graduate.”
The collaboration between Abacus and San Jacinto College has already begun to show its positive impact. By investing in education and training, Abacus not only helps bridge the skills gap but also contributes to the growth and development of the local community. This partnership shows the power of industry and education working hand in hand to create a brighter future for all.
upport
[ sup·port ] verb give assistance to, especially financially; enable to function or act
Nuerodiversity Support
Dana Jenkins-Post started her role at San Jacinto College with one resolve: “I can do more.”
hroughout her career, she has helped everyone from K-12 special education students to adults seeking disability support. She watched them transition to college, search for jobs, or navigate community services. Often, support dropped off after high school.
“My former high school students kept coming back to me asking for help,” she said. “They weren’t getting the help they needed in college.”
In late 2023, Jenkins-Post joined San Jacinto College as its neurodiversity support services coordinator. Today, she blends her professional experience to support neurodivergent college students — those with brain differences like autism, dyslexia, ADHD, brain injury, and more.
Ward, student access resources director.
“We’re here to support them in the dreams they already have or help them find those dreams and not be defined by a label others give them.”
The support needed is as unique as the students themselves. Jenkins-Post helped one student identify multi-step processes, like requesting a professor’s assistance. Instead of asking for help during a lecture, the student learned how to research the instructor’s contact information, schedule a meeting, and prepare discussion topics.
“Rather than seeing these differences as deficits or disorders, neurodiversity highlights the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with diverse neurological makeups offer,” she said.
Another student worked with her to break down big assignments into manageable chunks. Regular checkins increased accountability.
The College also offers neurodiversity training to interested faculty and staff, who embrace differences as “not just OK but good.”
“Our faculty see these students as humans navigating highs and lows,” Ward said. “They see them as people, not just a label — someone they’re excited to teach and support.”
To qualify for neurodiversity support, students must self-identify as neurodivergent and fill out an intake form.
The program offers one-on-one coaching and virtual/in-person support groups to develop skills and build community. And unlike many other community colleges’ programs, it isn’t a separate curriculum.
“Our neurodivergent students are doing the same curriculum as their peers,” said Samra
The neurodiversity program adapts its approach to every student, making sure they feel heard while building their independence. After all, isn’t that the College’s goal — helping each student thrive?
“This goes beyond a neurodiversity or neurotypical discussion,” Jenkins-Post said. “It’s about meeting people’s needs, meeting them where they are. If you meet their needs, you can help them succeed.”
NEURODIVERSITY Vocabulary
Neurodivergent:
Describes people whose brains differ significantly from the “typical” population. Whether innate or acquired, these differences include medical conditions, mental health responses, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., autism, brain injury, trauma, dyslexia, ADHD, etc.).
Neurodiverse:
Refers to a group of people — rather than a single person — whose brains are different from each other.
Neurodiversity:
Akin to biodiversity; a biological fact that human minds are diverse.
Pictured: Dana Jenkins-Post (left) and Samra Ward (right)
The Chesmar Foundation has partnered with the San Jacinto College Foundation to tackle the Texas teacher shortage.
Chesmar Foundation Tackle the Teacher
The Chesmar Foundation donated $900,000 to support Texas residents pursuing a four-year teaching degree at San Jacinto College. Half of the donation has created the Chesmar Teacher Scholarship Fund, while the other half funds alternative certification program testing. The Chesmar Foundation’s support covers tuition, fees, and essential course materials, enabling students to complete their programs and earn their teacher certification without financial burden.
assistance each semester until they complete their degrees. This initiative also addresses the urgent need for qualified teachers.
The Chesmar Teacher Scholarship Fund targets 100 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science in education with an emphasis in early childhood education, offering financial
“We are excited about the Chesmar Teacher Scholarship Fund and the impact it will have on aspiring educators,” said Robert Cage, San Jacinto College Foundation executive director. “Because of the generous
Foundation is Helping Teacher Shortage
support of partners like the Chesmar Foundation, San Jacinto College students receive highquality education for minimal or no cost.”
The curriculum for this new bachelor’s program includes built-in student teaching opportunities, preparing each student to enter the classroom immediately after program completion. Additionally, the College has established partnerships with Channelview, Cleveland, Crosby, Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena, and Sheldon independent school districts and Gulf Coast Community Services Association and Harris County Head Start programs to promote scholarship opportunities and provide immediate employment for graduates.
The Chesmar Teacher Scholarship Fund covers 100% of tuition, fees, and other associated course materials for eligible students enrolled in the San Jacinto College bachelor’s degree program. Additionally, it covers alternative certification program testing, ensuring that graduating students can become licensed to teach in Texas with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
San Jacinto College’s new education bachelor’s degree will elevate careers and meet the growing demand for qualified educators. For those passionate about educating young minds and seeking a rewarding career, this program offers a clear path to success with little financial strain thanks to the generous support of the Chesmar Foundation.
In August 2024, San Jacinto College held a Future Educators Celebration to honor the first cohort of the Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood education. More than 170 guests attended the event. Faculty and administration chatted with enrolled and prospective students to discuss their role in the future of education. Scan the QR code to see more photos.
San Jacinto College, Kaneka Shine Light on Partnership
In today’s competitive job market, community colleges need partners willing to invest in students and programs to produce the best outcomes. These investments not only enhance classroom instruction but also ensure graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
One example is the San Jacinto College Foundation’s recent partnership with Kaneka Corporation. In May 2024, the two celebrated the naming of the Kaneka Nondestructive Technology Quality Lab at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology, or CPET.
“The Foundation and San Jacinto College are fortunate to have partners like Kaneka,” said Robert Cage, Foundation executive director. “Our partners work with us to provide our students with up-to-date
curricula, internship and externship opportunities, job placement training, mock interviews, resume review workshops, and so much more.”
The two groups held a ribboncutting ceremony and unveiled the newly named lab. Among the honored attendees were Kaneka’s board chair Kimikazu Sugawara and president Kazuhiko Fujii, who traveled from Japan. The lab contains advanced computers and inspection equipment.
“Kaneka believes in continuous education and the power of learning,” said Alvin Proctor, Kaneka Foundation president.
“This is why San Jacinto College is important to us. Kaneka has a 40-year history of supporting our local communities and learning institutions. We are proud to be a supporter of San Jacinto College, and like other companies, we are honored to partner with an
innovative college like San Jac, which understands the needs of the students and community.”
Kaneka’s generous $100,000 donation to the San Jacinto College Foundation will support the CPET building’s sustainability and upkeep. This contribution ensures CPET continues to offer state-of-the-art training equipment, technology, and curricula, especially benefiting nondestructive testing students.
Nondestructive testing evaluates the properties of materials, components, structures, or systems without causing damage. This testing is vital in many industries, including petrochemical, aerospace, defense, and construction. According to the Personnel for Quality and Nondestructive Testing Salary Survey from 2019, the average annual salary for a full-time nondestructive testing Level 1 employee is $74,997.
[ek-s(e-)len(t)s ] noun the quality of being outstanding or extremely good
“I see myself in the students and understand their potential and challenges. This drives me to create opportunities to reduce barriers for them.”
Dr. Alexander Okwonna: A Journey From Educational LEADERSHIP to
s a community college graduate, San Jacinto College North Campus provost Dr. Alexander Okwonna knows firsthand the barriers students face. After struggling to work several part-time jobs to pay for his education, Okwonna turned to the military for financial relief.
“I was young, not much older than 18,” he said. “The call of money was strong. I saw that I could get a signing bonus of $10,000, and I was in. I didn’t even really look to see what my occupation would be.”
Okwonna served as a sergeant and 62E Army heavy construction equipment operator. Like other noncommissioned officers, he and his team had the most impact on training and supervising junior enlisted personnel. The Army taught him about pushing himself.
“One student asked if I had thought about teaching, and although I hadn’t, I decided to check out a faculty position in the pharmacy tech program,” Okwonna said. “I got the job, and the rest is history.”
Okwonna has been with San Jacinto College since 2005, working his way up into various leadership roles, including dean of health and natural sciences at the South Campus. As provost, he enjoys collaborating with different teams across the district and community to benefit students.
“I see myself in the students and understand their potential and challenges,” he said. “This drives me to create opportunities to reduce barriers for them.”
“Before I joined, I didn’t know my limits. The Army showed me I can always go faster, keep running, and push through the barrier. This knowledge gives you confidence and can be the difference between success and failure,” he said.
Okwonna’s path to becoming an educator began unexpectedly. While working as a hospital pharmacist, he impressed interns with his thorough explanations during an orientation.
This drive led Okwonna to establish an endowment in his name through the San Jacinto College Foundation, pledging $25,000 over five years.
“I wanted to establish a scholarship that will give even long after I’m gone,” Okwonna said. “At San Jac, we change lives and legacies through education. There is no doubt it’s transformational. You don’t only change that one person’s life, but you change the lives of their kids and their families for years to come. I’ve experienced that in my life, which inspires me to pay it forward.”
Weller Teaches, Makes COLLEGE and TEXAS History
Dr. Eddie Weller fell in love with teaching after taking his former professor Ben Proctor’s advice to give it a try.
hirty-five years later, Weller is still going strong as the San Jacinto College Honors Program director and National Collegiate Honors Council president.
“Nothing gets me more excited than seeing the kind of change taking a history class can inspire in someone,” Weller said. “History teaches you to think critically. The honors program wants you to question why something happened, not just memorize everything. That’s what both history and honors have in common.”
Weller made his mark when he started the College’s honors program in 1996.
“Our students participate in several events like the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, the premier research conference in America,” he said. “Last year, out of about 89 community college presentations, 22 were from San Jac. That sets us apart.”
Weller’s career is a testament to a teacher’s kindness.
“Ben Proctor invested his life in my life and changed my whole trajectory. He cared deeply,” Weller said. “I do it to pay back even just a small portion of what he gave to me because I know what a significant impact that effort can have on a student’s future.”
Weller credits San Jacinto College’s “amazing faculty members” for the honors program’s success. They continuously find ways to boost student success, such as mentoring
them throughout the research paper process. Many of these papers have won awards and publication on both state and national levels.
As a co-sponsor of the Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society since 1989, Weller has taken students on trips all over Texas. An honors summer course offers international travel, most recently to Madrid and Barcelona.
“You give up a lot of time on weekends for it, but it’s worth it,” he said. “The trips and conferences allow students to see history come to life, which often changes their perspectives.”
Career-wise, Weller feels fulfilled and fortunate for many valuable opportunities.
“I’m president this year of the National Collegiate Honors Council, which makes me the sixth one in 60 years from a community college,” he said. “I’ve often been the first community college person to do something — first to be president of the Southwestern Historical Association and the Southwestern Social Science Association and first to be an officer of the Texas State Historical Association when I was secretary.”
What keeps Weller at San Jacinto College? He enjoys working with students most of all.
“San Jac has always supported me,” he said. “To accomplish all those things, you have to have the support of such an amazing institution.”
M.D. Takes ALUMNUS from LONELY ROCK-SOLID SUPPORT to
obin Torres felt lost, alone. Not only was El Paso 800 miles from family, but hospitals nearby had begun setting up portable morgues. Life in fall 2020 was fragile.
But Torres couldn't give up. And reflecting on his family’s sacrifices, he wasn’t about to.
“I'm a bit stubborn,” he said.
Growing up in Detroit, the son of immigrants, Torres trusted that life would put him where he belonged. In 2011, life put the recent high school graduate in Houston, blocks from San Jacinto College’s North Campus. He enrolled as a general studies major, following his father’s advice to find a career using “brains instead of body.” Uninterested in science at first, he caught a biology professor's enthusiasm and joined a biodiversity project classifying campus flora and fauna.
“As much as I enjoyed it, I discovered I didn't want to work with animals and bugs,” he said.
What did interest Torres were people. Another biology professor, Dr. Yuli Pernia, encouraged him to consider biomedical courses. Her stories of working as a medical doctor in South America broke the glass ceiling he had created for himself as a first-generation, minority student.
In 2014, Torres completed a biology associate degree and started a pre-med pathway at the University of Houston. But classes with 200-plus students
overwhelmed him, and he struggled asking for help. After his bachelor's degree, he took several gap years to work and apply to multiple medical schools. In early 2020, he got accepted to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.
“What I've learned is don't give up,” he said.
While Torres fought loneliness during pandemic lockdowns, he connected with other students through online study sessions. When lockdowns lifted, he volunteered for the El Paso Health Education Awareness Team, which hosted public lectures and workshops on COVID-19. This sparked his interest in public health and emergency medicine.
In May 2024, Torres graduated with his M.D. degree. Now completing his medical residency in Austin, he credits his success to his parents and people like Pernia who saw his potential and encouraged him. That’s why he mentors younger students.
“I didn't want people, especially firstgeneration students like myself, to feel lost like that,” he said. “It's very easy to give up when you have all these barriers.”
Today, Torres has achieved more than he ever imagined. He encourages younger students to ask for help — and trust their gut.
“It can be scary to figure out what you want to do, but you know you,” he said.
Did YOU Know
With San Jacinto College’s natural science Associate of Science degree (formerly separated into life and physical sciences), students can customize their academic path, taking the specific science and math courses that fit their career path or transfer university's requirements.
Pictured: Robin Torres with his mentor Yuli Pernia.
FOUNDATION DONORS
Air Products
Ajitnath Investment, Inc.
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
Ally Financial Inc.
Amanda's Legacy Foundation
AMOCO Federal Credit Union
Anchor Watch Foundation
Arkema Inc.
b1BANK Bank of America
The Bill & Helen Crowder Foundation
Boyd & Evelyn Mullen Foundation
Capital Bank - Pasadena
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
Chesmar Foundation
Chevron Pasadena Refinery
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
City View Catering
Clear Lake Kids Psychiatry
Community Health Network
Contech Control Services, Inc.
Creatorspace
East Harris County Manufacturers Association
Elementale Enterprises Inc.
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
Facility Programming and Consulting
Flournoy Family Fund
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Friends of Larry Taylor Frost Bank
Gagne Automotive, LLC
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Greater Texas Foundation
HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Volunteers
HEB Grocery Company
Hold'em & Hit'em Club
Houston Chemical Association
Houston Diamonds & Dollars, Inc.
Houston Endowment Inc.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Houston Pilots
Huitt-Zollars
INEOS Oligomers USA LLC
John P McGovern Foundation
John S. Dunn Foundation
Jones DBR
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Kaneka Americas Holding, Inc.
Kemper Corporate Services
Kuraray America Inc.
La Porte Rotary Club
Lubrizol Corporation- Deer Park
LyondellBasell
McCord Development, Inc.
McGriff Insurance Services
McKee Insurance Group
Meador Staffing Services
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute for Texas
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
Michael K. Sinor Trust
Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc.
Mobil Steel International, Inc.
Monolith Inc.
Monument Chevrolet
Muse Search + Inspire
The National Board for Respiratory Care
North Shore Rotary Club Charitable Foundation
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Oh What Fun
Page Southerland Page, Inc
Pasadena Economic Development Corp.
Pasadena Rotary Foundation
Pemex Deer Park
Pfluger Architects
Pinnacle Reliablity
PS Medical Spa, PLLC
The PVF Roundtable
Ranch Road Jewelry
Republic Boot Co.
Rotary Club of Deer Park
Service Wire Co.
Shell Oil Company
Solugen Inc.
South Texas Area Facilitators Association
State Farm Insurance
Stellar Bank
TDECU-Your Credit Union
Tellepsen Corporation
Texas North Channel Area City Council/ Beta Sigma Phi
Texas TransEastern, Inc.
Thompson & Horton LLP
Triola's Kitchen
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Welding Outlets, Inc.
Susanne and David Aken
Christeyne and Jared Althaus
Estate of Marilyn June Back
Janis Bailey
Charisse and Jeffrey Barry
Leonard Bedell
Marsha Bowden
Hilary and James Bracher
Angela and Robert Bradshaw
Lisa Brown and Scott Durfree
Regina and Christopher Cain
Amy Caldwell
Jack Carr
Mark Chassay
Kelly Cleaver and Travis Luzader
Steven Cowart
Teri and Kevin Crawford
Lisa and Bob Davee
Sara and Ephraim del Pozo
Margaret and David Fifield
Jannette and Gene Fisseler
Janet Fitzke
Marie and David Flickinger
Fred Floyd
Brian Friday
Tina and Gregory Fuller
Kim and Jim Gerry
Betty and Cecil Ghormley
Jill and Jeff Gilbert
Amanda Gosch
Andrew Gowdy
Gail and Charles Grant
Maria and Rick Guerrero
Heidi and TJ Haight
Stephanie Hamm and Jeffrey Sutton
Jennifer Hernandez
Penny and James Hillier
Amanda Hughes
Sandra Hughes
Tanya and Walter Jackson
Atul Jain
Marilyn Kinsey
Kristi and Kenny Koncaba
Bridget and Andre Kostelnik
Marjorie Laningham
Patricia and Sam Laredo
Dean Lawther
Jackie and William Lindemann
Alisha and Thomas Loftin
Mary and Dan Mims
Beverly and John Moon Jr.
Nancy Nikolovski
Amanda and Adam O'Kelley
Becky and Steve Park
Kayce and Chris Rosser
Erika Peterman
Alicia and Kenneth Phelps
Jana and Stephen Phelps
Nancy and William Pickavance Jr.
Helen Pope
Marco Quiroz
Arnulfo Ramirez
Juana Rodriguez
Elyn Rodriguez-Tatsis
Emily Savino and Scott
Pensyl
Elliott Schwartz
Marilyn and Charles Sims
LouAnne and Dale Sinor
Rae and Keith Sinor
Jennifer and Ryan Sitton
Anita and Andy Smallwood
Molly and Carroll Smith
Margaret and Daniel Snooks
Cali and Robert Sokol
Maurus Spence
Don Spies
Brenda Thompson
Rick Tinker
Melinda and Rick Torrison
Stephen Trncak
Connie Valerius
Michael VanDerSnick
Chris Wallace
Holly and Danny Williamson
Carol and Larry Wilson
Jennifer and Jeffrey Wolf
Anthony Wood
Monica and Gilbert Ybarra
Diane and Earl Zachry
Paul Zachry
Luis Zapien
Kacie Allen
Ron Andell
Amy Arrowood
Jesus Bernal
Meghan and Christian Bionat
LaTia and Robert Cage
Michelle Callaway
Cristina Cardenas and Daniel Ramirez
Robert Carlson
Megan and Robert Carpenter
Chad Clark
April Cleveland
Joanie DeForest
Kimberly DeLauro
Anne and Durrell Dickens
Kate Dinwiddie
Janet and Destry Dokes
Ferdinand Durano
Dianne Duron
Susan and Robert Eason
Jeffrey Eitel
Chris Evans
Elizabeth Farrell Benjamin Ficklin
Dana Gassaway
Amanda and Scott Gernander Jr.
Tabitha Godinez
Julie Groesch
Allatia Harris and Wayne Dickerson
Rachel and Clinton Harris
Karen Hattaway
Brenda and Rusty Hellyer
Jerelyn Hughes-Glenn
Shazia and Aleem Husain
Carin Hutchins
Minelia Izaguirre
Sarah and Kip Janes
James Jones
Sandy and Bryan Jones
Michael Klamert
Charles Layton
Dorietta Lee
Chelsea Legate
LaMona Lemarr
Kayla Logan
Eva and Brian Lux
Leighann and Ryan Martinets
Laura Martinez
Kam Marvel
Tammy and Vernon McAdams
Kevin McKisson
Kimberly Miller-Davis
Bobby Mixon
Kelly Mizell
Vanessa Morales-Knight and Aaron Knight
Tina and Kevin Morris
Courtney Morris
Holly Morrison Ernie Murray
Chelsea Nakayama
Sabrina Naulings
Andrea Nguyen and Khanh Do
Lisa and Alexander Okwonna
Tyler Olivier Jasmin O'Neill
Joy Pasini Elida and Libero Petkovich
JoEllen Price
James Quinn
Sandra and Reuben Ramirez Carliss Ramos
Miriam Ramos-De Jesus
Joanette Rondot
Suzanne Sambell
Samantha Sanchez
Brittany and Michael Sgarlat
Sharon Sledge
Charles Smith
Kara and Robert Stanicic Tanya Stanley
April and Kenneth Tidwell Cayman Tirado
Suleyman Tufa
Giti and Rizwan Virani
Katherine and Wayne Wauters
Patricia Weisz
Cecil Weller, Jr.
Katlyn Westerlage
Van Wigginton
Laurel and Michael Williamson
Robinlyn Wright
Teri and Hector Zamora
Joanna and James Zimmermann
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
BOARD of TRUSTEES
Mr. Dan Mims Chair
Mr. John Moon, Jr. Vice Chair
Mr. Keith Sinor Secretary
Mrs. Erica Davis Rouse Assistant Secretary
Dr. Michelle Cantú-Wilson Member
Mr. Salvador Serrano Jr. Member
Mr. Larry Wilson Member
FINANCIAL Highlights
The College’s financial position in FY 2024 continues to remain strong with total net position of $79.8 million, which is a modest decrease of $3.5 million or 4% less than FY 2023. In addition, Standard & Poor's increased the College's bond rating on general obligation bonds to AA+/Stable from AA/Positive in March 2024. Below is a comparative graph of revenues and expenses for the last two fiscal years. Grants, contracts, and federal revenue were lower in FY 2024 due to the closeout of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds grant. State appropriations were considerably higher due to the State's new funding model for community colleges, as adopted through House Bill 8 during the 88th session of the Texas Legislature. Scholarship expense was higher due to increased Pell grant awards for students.
Marie Flickinger's passing in November closes a chapter of remarkable dedication and vision for San Jacinto College and the surrounding community. For nearly 30 years on the College’s Board of Trustees, she shaped the institution’s mission and ensured student success was always at the forefront. Flickinger joined the Board in 1995 as its first female member and quickly became a passionate advocate for students, employees, and the College’s future.
From day one, Flickinger put students at the heart of her work. She guided the College through significant growth, helping expand campuses and programs and bringing San Jacinto College into the top ranks of community colleges nationwide. Her leadership led to more accessible admissions processes and the adoption of the “Achieving the Dream” initiative, a national program to help more students reach their educational goals.
Life Service Leadership
Flickinger’s impact extended beyond policy. She was instrumental in securing bond funding in 2008 and 2015, which improved infrastructure, safety, and facilities campus-wide. The Flickinger Scholarship, established in 2010, became a key part of her legacy, making higher education possible for many students. Her genuine commitment to opportunity for all leaves an enduring impact on students and the College alike.
Flickinger’s influence was deeply felt in her community, too. She co-founded the South BeltEllington Leader newspaper, using her platform to uncover issues like the toxic Brio Superfund site and advocate for safer neighborhoods. Her community spirit showed in her organization of events like the Fourth of July parade and holiday drives for families in need, which provided joy and support to countless residents and strengthened community bonds.
Life Service Leadership
1942-2024
The Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Building on San Jacinto College’s South Campus (shown above) stands as a tribute to her legacy, symbolizing her three decades of commitment and her tireless advocacy. Her presence on the Board shaped the College’s growth, but her influence reached far beyond it, touching lives and communities in meaningful ways.
Marie Flickinger’s memory will be cherished as a symbol of selfless service and relentless dedication to the greater good. Her impact on San Jacinto College and the South Belt community will be felt for generations to come.
MISSION
VISION
San Jacinto College is focused on student success, academic progress, university transfer, and employment. We are committed to opportunities that enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve.
VALUES
Integrity:
We Act Honorably and Ethically
“We conduct ourselves in ways that are professional, instill confidence, and promote trust.”
Inclusivity:
We Grow Through Understanding
“We respect and learn from the diversity of our cultures, experiences, and perspectives.”
San Jacinto College will advance the social and economic mobility of all members of our community. We will be known for our excellence in teaching and learning, our intentional student-centered support, and our commitment to every student. We will be the preferred workforce and economic development partner in the region and a champion for lifelong learning. San Jacinto College will inspire students to explore opportunities, define their educational and career paths, and achieve their goals and dreams.
Collaboration: We Are Stronger Together
“We believe in the power of working together.”
Innovation: We Embrace New Possibilities
“We anticipate change, explore opportunities, and create continuously evolving solutions.”
Accountability: We Are Responsible Individually and Collectively
“We take ownership for our commitments and outcomes.”
Sense of Community: We Care for Those We Serve
“We demonstrate concern for the well-being and success of our students, our communities, and our people.”
Excellence:
We Strive for Outstanding Results
“We take risks, we assess our work, and we aspire to improve the quality of everything we do.”
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and bachelor’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of San Jacinto College.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The San Jacinto College District is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees, and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The following College official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies: Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77504; 281-991-2659; Sandra.Ramirez@sjcd.edu.
