Galveston College sets 2021 Programs and Careers Conference
How will you choose a career that’s right for you?
Galveston College wants to help you answer that question at the 2021 Programs and Careers Conference on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom webinar.
High school and college students, as well as the general public, are invited to join Galveston College faculty, staff and administration for an informative free webinar on academic programs that can lead to rewarding careers.
Participants will gain insight on industry employment trends, choosing the right career and developing a career pathway. Galveston College staff also will present information on the STEM Honors Program, study-abroad opportunities, college admissions, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, as well as options for student housing.
Galveston College offers certificates, Associate of Applied Science degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and transfer degree options in high-demand fields.
For more information about the conference, please contact Priselda Perez at [email protected].
Click here to register for the free webinar: https://gc.edu/conference/
Galveston College Library celebrates Black History Month with library guide, display and more
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Over the years timeless effort has gone into preserving Black history. There is an infinite number of resources and contributions that preserve and capture notable events and artifacts in Black history.
The Galveston College David Glenn Hunt Memorial Library Black History Month Library Guide captures some of the notable times in history through shared experiences, artifacts, primary sources and relentless work from Black revolutionaries who thrive to continue to educate society by continuing to keep the movement alive.
Join the library in celebrating Black History Month:
–Start Black History Month Research at GC Library–View the Black History Month Library Guide
–Stop by for a photo op with a life-size display featuring Frederick Douglass, Harriet
Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., the 44th–President Barack Obama and Vice President
Kamala Harris
–Find print and eBooks
–Find streaming media and more…
–Take the Black History Month LibGuide Quiz to be entered into a drawing for a library swag item!
Stay tuned for additional announcements this month about Black History Month at the Galveston College Library.
Galveston College Board of Regents accepting letters of interest and résumés for Position 8
The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents nominating committee is accepting letters of interest and résumés to fill the unexpired term of Regent Carl Kelly, who died unexpectedly July 31.
Nominating committee members include Board of Regents Vice Chair Fred D. Raschke, chair, past Board of Regents Chair Raymond Lewis, Jr. and Regent Mary R. Longoria.
The college will accept letters of interest for Position 8 for two weeks, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, and ending on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 5 p.m. Letters of interest should be submitted to the Office of the President in person or at [email protected].
Following a review of the letters of interest, the nominating committee will select a small group of candidates for interviews and further consideration by the full board.
Please submit letters of interest and nominations to
Dr. W. Myles Shelton
Office of the President
Galveston College
4015 Avenue Q
Galveston, TX 77550
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 announces fall 2020 honors lists
Students named to the President’s List, Vice President’s List and Dean’s List for fall 2020 at Galveston College have been announced. Combined, the group has 406 students.
The three lists recognize students who achieved the highest grade-point averages while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of study.
The President’s List includes students who have a 3.9 semester grade-point average or better. The Vice President’s List includes students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 but less than 3.9. The Dean’s List includes students who have a grade point average of 3.2 but less than 3.6.
Students are listed by designation, state and hometown.
President’s List
Texas
Ryan Blackwell, Alvin
Tamara Foster, Angleton
Sarah Davis, Baytown
Hallie Gloor, Blanco
Hortance Stevenson, Cedar Hill
Evan Cameron, Conroe
Jeremy Davis, Crosby
Jordan Rasmussen, Dayton
Zachary Young, Deer Park
Joseph Cazares, Dickinson
Nicholas Cortinas, Dickinson
Clay Hunker, Dickinson
Manuel Martinez, Dickinson
Sarah Niccum, Dickinson
Fabian Rodriguez, Dickinson
Theresa Stanford, Dickinson
Makinzie Tomascik, Franklin
Michael Faber, Friendswood
Dora Martinez-Ruiz, Friendswood
Jasmine Mata, Friendswood
Holly Agee, Galveston
Katherine Albares, Galveston
Samantha Alcocer, Galveston
Hemal Amin, Galveston
Gabriela Bailon, Galveston
Kelsey Barillas, Galveston
Eliana Barlow, Galveston
Olivia Baze, Galveston
Lauren Beall, Galveston
Ameerah Ben-Aissa, Galveston
Lea Benavides, Galveston
Caitlin Brewer, Galveston
Eva Bui, Galveston
Alejandro Casillas, Galveston
Leslie Castillo, Galveston
William Clore, Galveston
Aaron Correa, Galveston
Richard Crawford, Galveston
Brooke Cromie, Galveston
Bailey Daniel, Galveston
Ronaldo De la Garza, Galveston
Brittany Diaz, Galveston
Svitlana Domingo, Galveston
Caffery Eli, Galveston
Maggie Farmer, Galveston
Creed Fisher, Galveston
Oscar Fuentes, Galveston
Sara Gabriel, Galveston
Carrie Garcia, Galveston
Claira Garcia, Galveston
Maria Garcia, Galveston
Constance Gonzales, Galveston
Trevor Grace, Galveston
David Griffin, Galveston
Eusebio Guerra, Galveston
Amie Guidry, Galveston
Curtis Gundrum, Galveston
Luke Havard, Galveston
Chet Henry, Galveston
Jillian Hester, Galveston
Sofia Ixcotoyac, Galveston
Ginger Jackson, Galveston
Paula Jackson, Galveston
Noah Jansen, Galveston
Dominique Jordan, Galveston
Anupama Kandel, Galveston
William Kanost, Galveston
Roza Kastis, Galveston
Alexis Labao, Galveston
Katy Lackey, Galveston
Jessica Lawson, Galveston
William Livanec, Galveston
Kaleyah Malveaux, Galveston
Natalia Martinez, Galveston
Diana Martinez Rodriguez, Galveston
Cecille Maxey, Galveston
Mandy McDaniel, Galveston
Maybelline Medrano, Galveston
Mary Moore, Galveston
Ma Noviz Nevarez, Galveston
Kelly Nicholas, Galveston
Zoe Overton, Galveston
Patricia Phol, Galveston
Kate Ramos, Galveston
Kyra Ramos, Galveston
Yasmine Rawas, Galveston
Miguel Rodriguez, Galveston
Christine Salinas, Galveston
Gerardo Santos, Galveston
Marsha Scoggin, Galveston
Noa Seigel, Galveston
Tiffany Sherman, Galveston
Renard Simmons, Galveston
Jully Singh, Galveston
Jacob Strueby, Galveston
Joseph Terrell, Galveston
Anakin Thacker, Galveston
Catalina Tovar, Galveston
Katherine Walker, Galveston
Sparkle White, Galveston
Christopher Wilson, Galveston
Jayme Yeager, Galveston
Nathan Zecco, Galveston
Graciela Neff, Galvestoon
Amy Meyer, Helotes
Audrey Moody, Hitchcock
Darian Prefontaine, Hitchcock
Travon Brown, Houston
Phuonganh Nguyen, Houston
Ikechukwu Okafor, Houston
Santos Rivas, Houston
Thomas Phelan, Jamaica Beach
Enrique Franco, Katy
Zubair Mir, Katy
Brenda Trejo, Kemah
Breanne Butcher, Kountze
Amita Karsen, Kyle
Jessica Curtis, La Marque
Michele Garza, La Marque
Sylvia Perales-Lee, La Marque
Michael Worthy, La Marque
Annika Anderson, League City
Jeeshia Bacarinas Selerio, League City
Jonathan Daniel, League City
Clay Erwin, League City
Corey Lanier, League City
Robert Reeves, League City
Santosh Soule, League City
Dana Holst, Liberty
Erynne Johnson, Liberty
John Hamilton, Liberty Hill
Odette Lopez, Lufkin
Lacey Moton, Nederland
Jason Dyess, Paris
Marisa Velasquez, Pearland
Kendall Florence, Port Bolivar
Everett Williams, Port Bolivar
Jeremy Ross, Rosharon
Wendy Ormand, San Antonio
Robert Preshong, San Antonio
Jared Dornak, Santa Fe
Bret Martin, Santa Fe
Elizabeth Pizzitola, Santa Fe
Megan Crowel, Splendora
Jeryn Baldwin, Texas City
Jodie Chapman, Texas City
Michelle De Salvo, Texas City
David Gage, Texas City
Karina Gonzalez, Texas City
Jacqueline Lawrence, Texas City
Matthew McDaniel, Texas City
Olena Reading, Texas City
Tracy Rios, Texas City
Hunter Green, Vidor
Tionna Gibson, Webster
Amber Alexander, Whitehouse
Massachusetts
Charles Jenness, Brookline
New Hampshire
Lazer Axelman, Hooksett
Washington
Kaila Lay Port, Orchard
Vice President’s List
Texas
Shelli Darnell, Alvin
Johnny Davis, Alvin
Angelica Rios, Alvin
Megan Diaz, Beeville
Cassie Sartain, Brazoria
Aspyn Grossman, Bullard
Connor Dunham, Dayton
Yahaira Jones, Dickinson
Brandon Quinonez, Dickinson
Avorie Williams, Dickinson
Wendy Jardine, Freeport
Dennis Acosta, Galveston
Dazlin Allen, Galveston
Rohan Balasubramanian, Galveston
Daniela Barragan, Galveston
Samuel Bell, Galveston
Mary Breitbach, Galveston
Kathleen Bromley, Galveston
Oscar Carrillo, Galveston
Alexis Cermeno, Galveston
Basel Chreidi, Galveston
Leira Clinton, Galveston
Kodiak Cox, Galveston
Jamari Crooks, Galveston
Grant Davison, Galveston
Joelleryan Dondonay, Galveston
Markeisha Dumas, Galveston
Dayana Enamorado, Galveston
Britney Fletcher, Galveston
Anais Franco, Galveston
Maria Fuentes, Galveston
David Garcia, Galveston
Tyler Garcia, Galveston
Nicky Giron, Galveston
Jackson Glenn, Galveston
Mason Glidewell, Galveston
Braden Hebert, Galveston
Jorge Hernandez, Galveston
Bernardino Hernandez Estrada, Galveston
Mariella Huerta, Galveston
Audrey Johnson, Galveston
Dausen Kuypers, Galveston
Selso Loubet, Galveston
Richard Mancuso, Galveston
Lilia Martinez Pompa, Galveston
Noemi Mata, Galveston
Aaron Moser, Galveston
Alec Muniz, Galveston
Kayla Murray, Galveston
Sarah Nonmacher, Galveston
Wyatt Petersen, Galveston
Abigayle Pruns, Galveston
Melody Rumion, Galveston
Jaime Saenz, Galveston
Hannah Sendejas, Galveston
Dazjah Shannon, Galveston
Raoul Simmons, Galveston
Caleb Smith, Galveston
Vividiana Solis, Galveston
Elahe Tabibzadegan, Galveston
Elizabath Thomas, Galveston
Alanicesia Vanhorne, Galveston
Ter’nique Wells-Webb, Galveston
Jacob Wenzel, Galveston
Bailey Westhause, Galveston
Desmond Wheeler-Martinez, Galveston
Savannah Wilkinson, Galveston
Jaelyn Williams, Galveston
Angelina Woods, Galveston
Riley Wusk, Galveston
John Yeager, Galveston
Leticia Flores, Hitchcock
Marisa Reyes, Hitchcock
Sarah Reyna, Hitchcock
Bailey Groom, Hooks
Chasity Kambitsch, Houston
Michael Nguyen, Houston
Clayton Young, Humble
Madeline Knapp, Huntsville
Samantha Fremin, Katy
Pablo Carcano Martinez, La Marque
Ashley Hicok, La Marque
Julianne Jones, La Marque
Shanikqua Miller, La Marque
Waylin Wells, La Marque
Blake Garrison, League City
Celene Nunez, League City
Brittney Wingate, League City
Christina Trevino, League City
Haley Henderson, Leander
Flash Rainey, Odessa
Madison Murdock, Orange
Tyran Norris, Pearland
Savannah Robisheaux, Pearland
Adam Jacobsen, Richmond
Trystyn Matthew Cline, Rosharon
Deborah Stricklind, Santa Fe
Dylan Whitehurst, Santa Fe
Arce Cisneros, Texas City
Trayvon Cotton, Texas City
Taylor McDaniel, Texas City
Angela Onofre, Texas City
Gary Riggs, Texas City
Jeraud Samuels, Texas City
Shmarrion Williams, Texas City
Latoishia Smith, Woodway
New York
Jake Murciano, Roslyn
Dean’ List
Texas
Krysten Hurick, Abilene
Kaitlyn Kincaide, Alvin
Conny Navarrete, Angleton
Valeria Oliden, Angleton
Morgan Ambler, Austin
Patrick Dubourdieu, Bay City
Natasha Aiken, Baytown
Sarah Wingate, Baytown
Kirk Schiesler, Beaumont
Caitlin Denison, Bridge City
Richard Lilljedahl, Buda
Joseph George, Carrollton
Matthew Perez, Channelview
Connor Kaiser, College Station
Harlee Haag, Colorado City
Olivia Yargo, Cypress
Tammy Walker, Deer Park
Andrew Albright, Friendswood
Joseph Alexander, Galveston
Daniela Alvarado Carballo, Galveston
Chantelle Anderson, Galveston
Giuliana Araujo, Galveston
Priscilla Arellano, Galveston
Josue Ayala, Galveston
Joseph Baker-Scott, Galveston
Victor Benavides, Galveston
Alexandra Benitez Briseno, Galveston
Jakolby Bryant, Galveston
Corina Chavez, Galveston
Sarina Contreras, Galveston
Jayce Courville, Galveston
Copley Davis, Galveston
Zachary Dean, Galveston
Sysco Delacruz, Galveston
Alyssa Dill, Galveston
Kurt Dillon, Galveston
Jolie Edwards, Galveston
Ethan Fox, Galveston
Brayan Garay, Galveston
Brijha Gibson Nunes, Galveston
Kinara Cali Gibson Nunes, Galveston
Azucena Gonzalez Garcia, Galveston
Barbara Harbaugh, Galveston
Madeline Haver, Galveston
Angelique Hernandez, Galveston
Lindsey Hernandez, Galveston
Sebastian Hernandez, Galveston
Rory Hinton, Galveston
Edward Hoffman, Galveston
Reagen Isbell, Galveston
Alana Jones, Galveston
Dillon Jones, Galveston
Kristin Kaufman, Galveston
Alejandro Lopez, Galveston
Mary Lopez, Galveston
Brielen Martin, Galveston
Kamille Martinez, Galveston
Karla Martinez, Galveston
Roxana Martinez, Galveston
Shannon Mathers, Galveston
Branden Medina, Galveston
James Mellen, Galveston
Johnathan Mendoza, Galveston
Ruby Morgan, Galveston
Allan Mungarro, Galveston
Princess Musick, Galveston
Reece Ogden, Galveston
Kiara Ortiz, Galveston
Yohalma Ortiz, Galveston
Gabriel Pinto, Galveston
Tyler Pothos, Galveston
Michael Rabinowitz, Galveston
Yeison Ramirez, Galveston
Isabel Ramos, Galveston
Tyrell Randle, Galveston
Matthew Reed, Galveston
Sienna Reeves, Galveston
Noel Reyes, Galveston
Austin Roche, Galveston
Bryan Rodriguez, Galveston
Karalynn Salva, Galveston
Jimena Sanchez, Galveston
Cade Sattelmaier, Galveston
Ramiro Silva, Galveston
Stephanie Simmons, Galveston
Grace Smith, Galveston
Trinity Smith, Galveston
Natalie Stewart, Galveston
Joanna Strueby, Galveston
Amanda Thomas, Galveston
Jose Tovar, Galveston
Michael Varela, Galveston
Aldo Vazquez, Galveston
Joshua Ward, Galveston
Erica Washington, Galveston
Valerie Wilmeth, Galveston
Lanetra Woods, Galveston
Sheree Smith, Hitchcock
Dorion Alcantar, Houston
Monica Caballero Rey, Houston
Alyssa Castellano, Houston
Damian Ebirim, Houston
Dalila Elhamdi, Katy
Connor Tinsley, Katy
Tanner Evans, Kingwood
Maritchie Arriaga, La Marque
Tanner Maughan, La Marque
Yvonne Shaw, La Marque
Shakella Steen-Woods, La Marque
Myles Anderson, League City
Chasity George, League City
Kristen Hartwell, League City
Ty Luper, League City
Brett Meyer, Leander
Lauren Vacker, Lumberton
Abby Anderson, Orange
Brandon Trevino, Pasadena
Scottlyn Goodmanson, Pirates Beach
Isaac Oden, Plano
Jada Nolasco, Port Bolivar
Chanda Ybarra Hendricks, San Leon
Jarren Guerra, Santa Fe
Christopher Paxton, Seabrook
Amanda Rodriguez, South Houston
Anabella Valadez, South Houston
Bianca Guardian, Sweeny
Angela Cantu, Texas City
Alexis Gallardo, Texas City
Ryesha Gipson, Texas City
Chazmond Oaks, Texas City
Chelsea Simmons, Texas City
Ashley Trahan, Texas City
Ledreya Washington, Texas City
Celeste Watkins, Texas City
Madeline Locke, The Woodland
Jennifer Gilbreth, Webster
Illinois
Kenna Skepnek, Algonquin
Pennsylvania
Jamison Hughes, Indiana
Wyoming
Naomi Reece, Cheyenne
Australia
Joshua Meyer, Carnegie, Victoria
Historic milestone: 13 students receive bachelor’s degrees from Galveston College
In a first for Galveston County, 13 Galveston College students made history in December as the first graduates to receive Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management degrees from their local community college – Galveston College.
The students also were the first students ever to receive bachelor’s degrees from Galveston College, which before 2019 offered only two-year associate degrees and technical and professional certificates.
“The future is bright for the class of 2020,” said Dr. Tirizia York, program director. “I was honored to be a part of their educational journey, and I know they will use the leadership skills gained in the program to make a difference in the field of healthcare management.”
Class of 2020 graduates included Hemal Amin, Gabriela Bailon, Brittany Diaz, Ginger Jackson, Roza Kastis, Patricia Phol, Marsha Scoggin, Tiffany Sherman and Catalina Tovar, all of Galveston; Michele Garza and Yvonne Shaw, both of La Marque; Jeremy Ross of Rosharon; and Christina Trevino of League City.
“We are so proud to have our first cohort of students graduating with their Bachelor of Applied Science degrees,” said Dr. Cissy Matthews, vice president of instruction. “These students were able to balance responsibilities they have for home and work while completing this rigorous curriculum. I know their hard work and determination will pay off as they take on future leadership roles within the healthcare industry.”
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management prepares graduates for entry- to mid-level management positions in planning, directing and coordinating medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed-care organizations, public health agencies or similar organizations. The students took a blend of online and on-campus classes.
“I enjoyed being in the program, and I feel that I learned a lot throughout the courses I took,” said Roza Kastis of Galveston. “Prior to this program, writing papers had been a challenge for me; however, the BAS program strengthened my ability to write effective reports pertaining to healthcare management. My instructor, Dr. York, was very helpful and responded quickly to emails if I had a question. Overall, this experience enhanced my growth and my intellectual skills.”
In November 2017, the Galveston Community College District Board of Regents took a historic vote to create the opportunity for Galveston College to pursue offering the bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The college launched the Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management in fall 2019 and plans to add the Bachelor of Science in Nursing soon.
“The bachelor’s degrees we are offering complement our two-year degree and certificate programs that prepare students for the workforce and to transfer to four-year universities,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, president of Galveston College. “These are degrees where there is a local workforce need either for skills that need specific training and require a bachelor’s degree or for someone who has those skills and wants to advance into a management role.”
Dr. Shelton said Galveston College will continue to add baccalaureate programs, while retaining the technical mission that is part of a community college’s job — that is, training workers for local industries.
“These graduates are a testimony to the need for affordable bachelor’s degrees offered close to home, work and family,” Dr. Shelton said. “We are very proud of their achievements and wish them the best as they continue their careers and future educational pursuits.”
Galveston College mourns passing of former president
The Galveston College community is mourning the Jan. 13 passing of Dr. John Pickelman, 75, fourth president of Galveston College.
Dr. Pickelman served as president of Galveston College from 1983 to 1991. He followed third president Dr. Jack Stone and preceded Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, who served as vice president of instruction under Dr. Pickelman.
Under Dr. Pickelman’s leadership, the college completed Regents Hall in 1990 with a library, atrium, nursing faculty offices, science labs and classrooms. The following year, the college renovated the original Moody Hall with a lecture hall, counseling center, bookstore, admissions and financial aid offices. The first floor of Moody Hall has since been remodeled.
In addition to his contributions to the college, Dr. Pickelman was a tireless supporter of the Galveston community. He inspired the Leadership Galveston program, which Galveston College coordinated in partnership with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce from 1984 to 2017.
After leaving Galveston College, he became the chancellor of Lone Star College from 1991 to 2007, and he was widely credited as being the most instrumental in developing the concept of comprehensive multi-campus systems across the service area. During his tenure, LSC grew from about 20,000 students to more than 75,000 students.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and to those who knew him and respected him,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, Galveston College president.
A private service is scheduled. Memories may be shared at the following link:
Galveston College mourns passing of Charlie Thomas
Galveston College is deeply saddened by Friday’s passing of longtime business leader Charlie Thomas, 89, of Houston, who at one time owned multiple Texas car dealerships as well as the Houston Rockets basketball team.
Through the generosity of Mr. Thomas and his family, Galveston College opened the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center in 2013 at the dealership’s former Galveston location on Broadway Street as a commitment to provide multiple workforce and technology programs for residents to be trained to enter lucrative careers in the Galveston County area.
Since that time, the programs have produced hundreds of graduates who have joined the workforce or become their own service industry business owners and providers.
“Mr. Thomas was an outstanding business and community leader, Texan and friend of Galveston College,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, Galveston College president. “He left a tremendous legacy in Galveston and will continue to touch many lives through the students who receive technical education and training at the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
For more information about the Galveston College Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center, please contact Dr. Van Patterson at [email protected] or (409) 944-1205.
Mr. Thomas’ obituary may be found in the Wednesday, Jan. 20, issue of the Houston Chronicle. Funeral service information may be found here.
Photo: Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
Galveston College Board of Regents forms nominating committee for Position 8, hears report on technology survey
The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on Wednesday formed a nominating committee to make recommendations to the board to fill the unexpired term of longtime Regent Carl Kelly, who died unexpectedly July 31.
Board of Regents Chair Karen F. Flowers appointed a nominating committee comprised of Board of Regents Vice Chair Fred D. Raschke, who will chair the committee, past Board of Regents Chair Raymond Lewis, Jr. and Regent Mary R. Longoria.
The term, which expires in May 2022, is Position 8 on the board.
The college will accept letters of interest for two weeks, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, and ending on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 5 p.m. Letters of interest should be submitted to the Office of the President in person or at [email protected].
Following a review of the letters of interest on Feb. 17, the nominating committee will select a small group of candidates for interviews on Feb. 24 and further consideration by the full board. It is anticipated that a decision will be made at the March 10 board meeting.
In other business at the meeting, board members heard a report on a student technology survey from Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Carmen Allen.
During the fall 2020 semester, Galveston College conducted an online survey to gather information about students’ ownership, use patterns and expectations as they relate to technology and the academic experience.
“Eighty-eight percent of the students who responded to the survey reported having access to the internet five or more days a week, on average,” Allen said. “Ninety-four percent were able to access the internet from home. More than 90 percent of students with home internet access described it as being at least moderately strong and reliable. Ninety percent of students used a laptop for at least one class in fall 2020.”
When asked to rank various learning environments in order of preference, Allen said 60 percent of students preferred either totally or mostly face-to-face classes.
The survey also addressed issues related to technology challenges during the fall semester.
“Seventy percent of students experienced at least one technological issue that presented a challenge to their online learning experience in fall 2020, and 40 percent experienced multiple issues,” Allen said.
In other business, board members
- approved the promotion of Dr. Arlinda Washington from associate professor to professor of Nursing.
- ratified the appointment of full-time faculty members Melissa Gauna, instructor of Healthcare Management, Dr. Alex-Giovanny Peniche-Trujillo, instructor of Biology, and John Ryland, instructor/program director of Logistics.
- heard a legislative update and college calendar report from President Myles Shelton. The spring 2021 lecture series will be conducted virtually.
- heard updates from Janene Davison, president of the Galveston College Faculty Senate, and Liz Lacy, program coordinator for the performing arts.
- heard a Student Government Association update from Maia Adolphs, SGA president.
- approved a proposal to offer Continuing Education Level 1 certificates in Automotive Diesel Technology and Massage Therapy.
- ratified acceptance of a $750,000 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Texas Reskilling Support Fund grant award from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.
- approved a proposal for a website content management system from OmniUpdate.
- accepted the fiscal year 2020-21 first quarter investment report.
- reviewed the monthly financial reports presented by Jeff Engbrock, chief financial officer/comptroller.
Galveston College Foundation announces Helen K. and Phillip A. Lohec Endowed Scholarship
The Galveston College Foundation Board of Directors has announced the creation of the Helen K. and Phillip A. Lohec Endowed Scholarship at Galveston College.
Established by Mark T. and Pamela Lohec Stasney and family, the new scholarship is available to full- and part-time students at Galveston College who are pursuing an associate degree or technical certificate and may be applied to tuition, fees, books or course supplies. The first recipient will be announced in spring 2022.
“My parents have been a part of the Galveston community for decades,” said daughter Pamela Stasney. “They have served and volunteered in the community in many roles, from government to historical to education to church. We wanted to find a way to honor their contributions and hard work, and we felt a scholarship at a local institution would be an appropriate way to thank them while supporting and encouraging others. We hope the recipients will find the same calling to work hard and to support their home communities.”
Galveston College Foundation Board of Directors Chair Jeri Kinnear said, “It is a great honor to announce that Pam Stasney and her family have endowed a scholarship to recognize the contributions that her parents, Helen K. and Phillip A. Lohec, have made to our community. Galveston College is so fortunate to have patrons such as the Stasneys, who like the college believe and support the philosophy of “opening doors and changing lives.”
“On behalf of our students, faculty and staff at Galveston College, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the creation of this endowed scholarship that will benefit our students for years to come,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, president of Galveston College. “We are thankful for the Lohec family and the positive impact they’ve had on the Galveston community.”
Currently, there are several scholarships available for students interested in Galveston College.
Application information is available on the college website at https://gc.edu/financial-aid/available-aid/scholarships/ and from the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected].
To make a gift to the Galveston College Foundation, please contact Dr. Van Patterson at (409) 944-1205 or [email protected].