Eight Whitecaps softball players named 2021 NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes
Eight Galveston College Whitecaps softball players have been named National Fastpitch Coaches Association 2021 All-America Scholar Athletes. Athletes who achieve a 3.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale are recognized as NFCA Scholar Athletes.
Those recognized include the following:
Alyssa Castellano
Cailtin Denison
Bailey Groom
Aspyn Grossman
Chasity Kambitsch
Odette Lopez
Jordan Rasmussen
Makinzie Tomascik
Food for Thought distribution is open to the general public
Galveston College’s free Food for Thought drive-through food distribution is now open to the general public in addition to Galveston College students.
The next drive-through distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (while supplies last) on Wednesday, April 21, at the college’s Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center, 7626 Broadway St., Galveston.
The final distribution date for the spring 2021 semester will be Wednesday, May 5.
Food for Thought is a partnership between Galveston College, the Galveston County Food Bank and the Houston Food Bank through its Food for Change food scholarship initiative.
The Food for Thought distribution gives Galveston College students and the general public access to fresh produce, meats and other groceries on the Galveston College campus, enabling them to save money for other necessities.
Here are the steps to receive food:
–Bring ID card, client card or current student ID for the spring 2021 semester.
–Open trunk of automobile so that volunteers may place box/bag of food inside.
–Drive off safely after receiving food.
Galveston College adheres to the wearing of facial coverings/masks and COVID-19 protocols.
For more information, please contact Jose Martinez at [email protected] or (409) 944-1234.
Galveston College lecture series to feature Mount Vernon’s executive director and senior curator
Executive Director of Historic Preservation and Collections and Robert H. Smith Senior Curator Dr. Susan P. Schoelwer of George Washington’s Mount Vernon will be the guest speaker for the third installment of the 2021 lecture series on Diversity, Inclusion and Empowerment at Galveston College.
The lecture titled “What Can We Learn from the Exhibit ‘Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon’?” will be presented virtually at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, via Zoom videoconference. It is free and open to the public.
Installation of the current, award-winning special exhibition “Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon” in 2016 marked a significant step in an ongoing process of recognizing and recovering the historical experiences of hundreds of enslaved people owned by George and Martha Washington in the 18th century.
In her presentation, Dr. Schoelwer will present an overview of the galleries and offer behind-the-scenes reflections on the development of the exhibition and related projects, lessons learned, and continuing efforts to offer a more inclusive interpretation of life on one of America’s best-known plantations and most-visited historic sites.
“The lecture by Dr. Schoelwer will provide a unique glimpse at less-known historical facts surrounding the first president of the United States George Washington with respect to slavery,” said Dr. Laimutis Bytautas, chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee at Galveston College. “The information presented in this lecture will be very valuable in providing a proper understanding of the early days of the history of the United States.”
Dr. Schoelwer directs the architectural preservation, furnishing, and interpretation of George and Martha Washington’s house and surrounding plantation buildings and landscape, as well as the creation of museum exhibitions, including “Lives Bound Together.”
Prior to coming to Mount Vernon as curator in 2010, Dr. Schoelwer served for more than a decade as head of museum collections at the Connecticut Historical Society, where she authored “Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art and Family, 1740-1840,” winner of the 2011 Connecticut Book Award for Non-Fiction. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in American studies from Yale University, a master’s degree from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Notre Dame, where she participated in the historic transition to coeducation.
“On a daily basis, Dr. Schoelwer has the opportunity to draw upon documents and artifacts that bring to life the relationships between George Washington and the slaves who served him and Martha,” said Michael Berberich with the Faculty Professional Development Committee. “The insights Dr. Schoelwer brings to the topic from putting together the award-winning exhibit will be a unique contribution to the depth of our students’ education and will add new knowledge to the Galveston community as a whole.”
In addition to Mount Vernon and the Washingtons, Dr. Schoelwer has written and lectured on a variety of topics, including American art and decorative arts, needlework and women’s history. She is currently researching a book examining the creation and continuing re-creation of George Washington portraits.
To access the Feb. 16 lecture, visit the following Zoom link on the internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87079157421?pwd=QzhXR1E5UmR1Qlp3ZkR5MTZXYlF6dz09. The meeting ID is 870 7915 7421. The passcode is Galveston.
For more information, please contact Dr. Laimutis Bytautas, Faculty Professional Development Committee chair, at [email protected] or (409) 944-1273.
Galveston College Theatre presents family holiday whodunit ‘Just in the Nick of Time’
In its second virtual production of the current season, the Galveston College Theatre department will present a family holiday whodunit “Just in the Nick of Time: A Detective Red Mistletoe Mystery” by Linda Daugherty as its 2020 gift to the community.
Show dates and times are Friday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2:30 p.m. Please contact director Liz Lacy, program coordinator for the Performing Arts, via email at [email protected] with preferred performance date(s). Performances are free and open to the public.
A link to listen to the requested performance of this radio audio drama will be emailed before the first performance.
Company members include Dorion Alcantar, Eva Arita, Elijah Barrie, Daniel Bourque, Alyssa Gudz, Benji Shelton and Cricket Smith.
“Just in the Nick of Time: A Detective Red Mistletoe Mystery” premiered at the Dallas Children’s Theater. It is produced in special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Show Synopsis:
Ace detective Red Mistletoe is retained by the citizens of the North Pole to find Santa Claus, who disappeared at the height of the season. If losing Santa wasn’t enough, the heretofore colorful citizens are losing their Christmas spirit and their holiday hues. As Christmas draws near, the elves, rather than carefree in color, are glum in gray; Doctor Green, no longer sporting green, is bitten by a reindeer; and Purple Gumdrop’s not purple anymore. And the costumed children, rehearsing for Mrs. Claus’ annual “Santa Send-off Celebration,” begin to look like they’re in an old black and white movie.
It’s up to Detective Red Mistletoe, now in shades of gray, to get some answers in black and white. Could the three suspicious new arrivals, Bob Humbug, Fruitcake (Humbug’s sidekick) and Holly Wreath (Santa’s new red-headed secretary) know anything about Santa’s whereabouts? Do they really hail from the South Pole as they claim, or will their caper be uncovered by Red—helped by a now-repentant and soft-hearted Holly Wreath?
Can Red save Santa in time to bring a colorful Christmas to the children of the world and even find a little romance along the way? Of course he can—Just in the Nick of Time! A mystery to solve, a comedy with witty dialogue, plenty of holiday warmth—and Santa Claus to boot—this show is the perfect holiday fare for kids and families.
For additional information, please contact Program Coordinator for the Performing Arts Liz Lacy at (409) 944-1398 or [email protected].
Above: Alyssa Gudz, Elijah Barrie and Eva Arita rehearse for Galveston College Theatre’s production of “Just in the Nick of Time.”
Lecture on hip-hop and culture available on-demand
The Galveston College Faculty Professional Development Committee hosted Dr. Kourtney Moore for a virtual lecture titled “I Still Love H.E.R.: Hip-Hop and African-American Culture Concerning Systemic Racism and Oppression” Nov. 2 as part of its 2020-2021 series on Diversity, Inclusion and Empowerment.
Dr. Moore is currently a basic skills instructor for Cape Fear Community College (New Hanover Correctional Center) in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is also a technical writer for Solugen, a bio-based specialty chemicals company in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Moore received her Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University, a Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Communication from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Her research interests include social justice, hip-hop rhetoric and pedagogy, technical communication, and visual rhetoric and communication. Aside from work and research, Dr. Moore enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new cuisines, and cheering for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
To view the free Zoom lecture on-demand, click here.
Galveston College to go remote Tuesday, Aug. 25
Therefore, today (Monday, Aug. 24) campus operations will continue as normal. And, out of an abundance of caution for our students, faculty and staff, all academic and campus operations will take place remotely beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25. On-campus operations will resume once it is determined safe to do so.
Students, faculty and staff should be prepared to evacuate should conditions warrant. As forecasted conditions are updated, information regarding the storm and campus operations will continue to be communicated via Galveston College email and Whitecaps email, the college’s website, Galveston College social media and the local news media.
Galveston College weather update
Tropical Depression 14, which will become Tropical Storm Marcos if it develops as forecasters expect, will likely arrive first. It is predicted to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, but the National Hurricane Center says it could weaken a bit before hitting the Texas coastline, possibly by Tuesday morning.
Please remain alert and check your Whitecaps email, the Galveston College website, social media and regional media for updates from the college and the community.
Galveston College fall 2020 registration is Aug. 24-29
Late registration is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 31.
Students have five course-delivery options that fit their preferred learning style and comfort level:
• face-to-face instruction,
• hybrid synchronous (a combination of face-to-face and Zoom meetings),
• hybrid asynchronous (a combination of face-to-face and traditional online instruction),
• online synchronous via Zoom,
• traditional online asynchronous instruction, or
• a combination of the options.
Not all classes are offered in all five course-delivery methods.
Students can review lists of classes for each learning option at the “Your College, Your Way” site on the Galveston College website at https://gc.edu/yourcollegeyourway.
The fall course schedule includes classes in accounting, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, communication, computed tomography, cosmetology, computer and network administration, computer science, criminal justice, culinary arts, developmental studies, diagnostic medical sonography, drama, economics, education, electrical and electronics technology, emergency medical services, engineering, English, environmental science, government, health information and healthcare management.
Also, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), history, humanities, instrumentation technology, kinesiology/physical education, law enforcement, learning framework, magnetic resonance imaging, mathematics, medical administration, music, nuclear medicine, nursing, philosophy, physics, psychology, radiation therapy, radiography, sociology, Spanish, speech, surgical technology, vocational nursing and welding technology.
New students can apply for admission at applytexas.org.
In order to plan coursework for the fall semester, new and current students should contact the Counseling and Advising Center at [email protected].
All campus areas/offices have reopened to provide in-person services.
All individuals entering campus buildings are expected to use a facial mask or face covering. In addition, those entering campus buildings will be screened for signs of COVID-19 and temperature.
Once inside campus facilities, faculty, staff, students and visitors are expected to maintain an appropriate social distance, as well as to continue to use facial masks or face coverings in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, city of Galveston and state of Texas guidelines.
New and current students can also register on their Whitecaps portal at whitecaps.gc.edu with their student ID number. A student ID number is assigned at the time of admission.
For more information on admission to the college, contact the Galveston College Office of Admissions at (409) 944-1230 or [email protected]. Contact the Counseling and Advising Center at [email protected] with any questions concerning registration.
For a copy of Galveston College’s Making It Real for Fall 2020: A Framework for Fall Classes and Campus Operations,” visit gc.edu/coronavirus.
Galveston College announces plans for fall 2020 semester
Students will be able to choose from five options that fit their preferred learning style and comfort level:
• face-to-face instruction,
• hybrid synchronous (a combination of face-to-face and Zoom meetings with a live
feed),
• hybrid asynchronous (a combination of face-to-face and traditional online instruction),
• online synchronous via Zoom,
• traditional online asynchronous instruction, or
• a combination of the options.
The course options will be outlined in the revised schedule of classes, which will be available on Monday, July 20.
Students who choose in-person instruction will experience smaller classes with limited occupancy. The class schedule will be altered to extend the period between classes. All face-to-face classes will be prepared to move online completely in the event that health and safety concerns make it necessary.
“Over the last several months, our lives and the world we live in have changed in many ways, and probably in ways that we do not yet understand,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, college president. “In these times, we want to make an extra effort to ensure that while we are working to provide high-quality learning experiences for each and every student that we also, as our top priority, are working to protect the health and wellbeing of each member of our college family and our college community during this pandemic.”
Per local, state and federal health and safety guidelines, new safety protocols have been implemented for all Galveston College locations, including the use of face masks or facial coverings, screening for temperature and COVID-19 symptoms, social distancing and additional sanitizer stations on campus.
Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, all Galveston College students will be expected to have a computer for their classes. Financial aid recipients may be eligible for funding to cover this purchase. Other students may have access to emergency aid or the college’s student computer loan program.
Advising and counseling, tutoring and academic assistance, testing services, admission and registration services, financial aid services, library and learning resources, and cashiering/business office services will be offered online and in-person with rotating staffing.
Virtual and/or in-person recreational activities and student life will be available. All events will require pre-registration and the recording of participant attendance.
Plans are being developed to offer student housing during the 2020-2021 academic year. As soon as guidelines are finalized, they will be posted on the Galveston College website at gc.edu/student-housing.
Foodservice/dining hall seating capacity has been rearranged and expanded to encourage social distancing. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to bring their own water bottle or container to campus, as water fountains are temporarily closed.
Plans are underway to offer Galveston College Whitecaps athletics conducted in accordance with the health and safety protocols and guidelines of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Additional information will be available on the Galveston College website at gc.edu/athletics as soon as it becomes available.
The Hermes Fitness Center will reopen to registered physical education students and student-athletes on Aug. 31. The college will follow state and local guidelines regarding the use of a gym, fitness center, and other workout and training facilities.
All college travel is suspended for fall 2020 unless it is mission-critical or health-related.
For a copy of Galveston College – Making It Real for Fall 2020: A Framework for Fall Classes and Campus Operations, visit gc.edu/coronavirus.
Board of Regents waives distance education fee for summer classes
Dr. Myles Shelton, college president, said all students would be exempt from paying the fee because all summer classes, with the exception of some technical courses, will be taught online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The board also set room and board fees for 2020-2021 at $1,500 per semester or $3,000 annually for the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Residences, the Whitecaps Apartments and Avenue Q ½ housing and at $1,350 per semester or $2,700 annually for housing on Avenue R.
Board is set at $1,812 per semester or $3,624 annually plus tax for a 14-meal a week plan, which includes “Dining Bucks” that can be used to purchase bottled drinks, bagged chips and candies.
Regents approved Lagniappe Dining Service as the campus dining service provider, authorizing a contract that will run from June 1 through May 31, 2022.
In other business, the board ratified a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding agreement for emergency financial aid to students. Federal funding in the amount of $606,113 will be used to provide direct aid to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
Meghann Nash, director of financial aid, told board members that approximately 320 Galveston College students had applied for CARES Act funding as of May 11. She said the students are able to use the funds for eligible expenses, including food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and childcare.
The board also ratified a CARES Act funding agreement for $606,113 in emergency funding for institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus, as well as $76,677 in emergency relief funds awarded to the college as a minority-serving institution with both Title III and Title V grants.
The board approved instructional agreements for dual-credit and early-admissions enrollment classes for the 2020-21 academic year with the Galveston Independent School District, O’Connell College Preparatory School, Odyssey Academy and Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District.
Carla Biggers, executive assistant to the college president, administered the oath of office to Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., Regent Michael B. Hughes, Regent Carroll G. Sunseri and Regent Mary R. Longoria, who were re-elected to fill their positions on the board.
The board also re-elected Regent Karen F. Flowers, chair; Regent Fred D. Rasche, vice chair, and Regent Hughes, secretary, to serve for the 2020-2022 term.
In other business, board members:
• appointed Regent Rebecca Trout Unbehagen as voting delegate and Regent Longoria
as alternate voting delegate to the Community College Association of Texas Trustees
2020 Annual Conference.
• approved the reappointment of full-time faculty for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
• extended the college’s bank depository contract with Moody National Bank through
August 31, 2022.
• approved an agreement with The University of Texas Medical Branch to provide UTMB
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery program residents the opportunity to provide collegiate
team sports coverage under the supervision of faculty.
• approved the purchase of mobile workstations and desktop computers for faculty and
staff at a cost of $161,875.26.
• approved a proposal to repair equipment in the college’s Information Technology
server room at a cost of $80,885.59.
• approved the purchase of audio/visual equipment for the main campus at a cost of
$57,135.58.
• approved the purchase of tablets for staff at a cost of $3,480.
• approved an agreement between UTMB and Galveston College to provide student health
and counseling services for the 2020-2021 academic year.
• extended the college’s vending machine services contract with Brown Food Service,
Inc. through May 17, 2022.
• awarded a contract for disaster restoration and recovery services to Cotton Commercial
USA, Inc.
• authorized the college president to enter into a contract with an electricity provider
through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Interlocal Agreement.
Above: Carla Biggers, executive assistant to the Galveston College president, administers the oath of office to Galveston College Regents Michael B. Hughes, Mary R. Longoria and Carroll G. Sunseri, who were re-elected to fill their positions on the board. Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., also re-elected to the board, participated in the meeting by conference call and took the oath of office, as well.