| Alvin Community College President Dr. Rodney Allbright honored Suzanna Gaeta (left to right), of Pearland, Heather Walker, of Friendswood, Michelle Hulen, of Rosharon, and Jason Johnson, of Pearland, as 2010 Presidential Scholars during the annual President's Tea on April 27. Some of the requirements to be named a Presidential Scholar include: completion of at least 45 credit hours with a minimum 3.90 grade point average. Other recipients included: Rose Anderson, Autumn Coe, Shawntay Fernandez, Elena Kourcheva, Ashlea Massie, Dawn Oleary, Bryden Olson, Kisha Poole, Hollie Sims, Dewey Stevenson, Sara Stover, Timothy Unruh, and Ron Vollmering. |
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| Board Approves $4 In-district Tuition Increase
Regents Review Foundation Annual Report, Allbright Honors Feldman |
 ACC regents unanimously approved a $4 per credit hour tuition increase for in-district and $7 for out-of-district students during a regular meeting on April 22. The increases, needed to help address projected state funding cuts, will go into effect for the fall 2010 semester. Non-resident tuition also increased from $110 to $130 per credit hour.
During the meeting, ACC President Dr. Rodney Allbright presented a plaque to attorney Dennie Feldman (right photo, left) to give to her husband, David, who served as the college's attorney for approximately 30 years. David was recently appointed as the new city attorney for Houston. Dennie, who has performed legal services for ACC in the past, will now be representing the college.
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| Election for Board Positions Held on May 8
Early Voting Continues May 3-4 |
Incumbent Mac Barrow, of Alvin, Michael "Drab" Green, of Alvin, and Jim Sudela, of Pearland, will be running for Position 8 on the ACC Board of Regents during an election on May 8. L. H. "Pete" Nash and Karlis Ercums, III, will be running unopposed for Positions 7 and 9, respectively. Early voting will be held May 3-4. The terms for these positions expire 2016. For more information about voting times and locations, visit www.alvincollege.edu or call Election Clerk Janet Schwebel at 281-756-3594.
The early voting location at the Alvin Library was changed to Alvin City of Hall, 309 W. Sealy, due to a recent fire at the library. |
| MHS, AHS Students to Earn Associate Degrees
Stiles, Royal to Graduate from College Before High School |
 Manvel High School student Michelle Stiles (right photo, left) and Alvin High School student Devin Royal are scheduled to earn their associate degrees from ACC during the commencement ceremony on May 11, three weeks before graduating from high school. Michelle will become the first MHS student to earn an associate degree through the dual degree program. Devin will be the fifth to earn one from AHS. Michelle is shown with one of her ACC teachers, ACC Science Department Chair Dwight Rhodes. |
| ACC Student Awarded Several Art Scholarships
Gardner Wins Top Prize in UT Competition |
 ACC student Bryan Gardner, of Alvin, was recently awarded several scholarships for his artwork, including a $1,000 scholarship for winning the highest award of excellence during an art competition at University of Texas at Tyler, a $1,000 scholarship to University of Houston-Clear Lake for winning an award at a recent competition at The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake and a scholarship to continue attending ACC from the college's art department. |
| Health Programs Hold First Intraprofessional Training Drill
Students Learn How to Work Together, Communicate with Others |  To give students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technology (EMT), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Respiratory Care programs at ACC another tool to experience a positive transition into their careers, the first intraprofessional training drill was held on April 9. The drill consisted of two sessions and involved volunteers, simulating various traumas, illnesses and emergency conditions, placed throughout the campus. The first stage involved EMT students arriving by ambulance to the scenes to assess and stabilize the patients for transfer.
The patients were then transported to the training emergency room of the ACC Science/Health Science Building where nursing and respiratory care students were waiting to assist. EMT students were required to provide vital information to the nursing students and help in the bed transfer. Nursing students were then required to work with respiratory care students to meet the patient's needs. ACC instructors served as doctors for each situation.
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| Students Participate in Mock Trial with Aid of Houston Attorneys
Event Provides Realistic Experience Involving a Real Case |  Does a confession always reflect reality? What role should forensic evidence play in determining a person's fate? If you're an attorney, how do you convey the complex meaning and relevance of forensic science to others? ACC students enrolled in the criminal justice, paralegal and court reporting programs had the unique opportunity to address these issues, gain valuable courtroom experience and be part of an intriguing case with the help of attorneys from the Houston law firm of Berg & Androphy during a mock trial at the Friendswood Municipal Court on April 22.
Since 2007, attorney and ACC criminal justice instructor Joseph Gutheinz has been coordinating a mock grand jury each semester to give students an opportunity to gain valuable experience on a case that is unfolding in the media so they can go through the "various stages necessary to bring about a final resolution of the case." This was the first time his students were able to participate in a mock trial, however. ACC criminal justice student Justin Cook (right photo, right) is shown getting advice from Houston attorney Rachel Grier for his lead defense argument.
For the full story, visit: http://testwww.alvincollege.edu/home/news_continued.cfm?nid=1095. |
| Biology Instructor Chosen to Attend Annual Seminar in Hawaii
Event Brings Together Teachers from throughout the U.S. |  ACC biology instructor John Matula (right photo, left), of Alvin, was recently chosen to attend the annual Hawaii National Great Teachers Seminar in August. He was presented with the surprise during his class on April 26 by last year's recipient Debra Fontenot (center), of Alvin, and ACC Foundation Executive Director Wendy Del Bello. Since 1978, the ACC Foundation has sent one faculty member each year to a seminar to celebrate exceptional service, renew the instructor's commitment to teaching and provide the resources and tools needed to continue to inspire and stimulate students, as well as themselves.
The ACC Foundation hosts events each year to raise money for student scholarships and these awards. Matula was nominated for the honor by fellow faculty members and chosen by past recipients. At the seminar, which will be held at Kilauea Military Camp near the world's most active volcano, Matula will engage in projects and activities with people from all over the country that will spawn ideas and excitement. The goal of the seminar is to bring educators together to learn from each other. |
| Bill Nash Inspires ACC Students in Country Music Course
Event Made Possible by Sisters Enrolled in Class |  Ever since the country music history credit course began at ACC in 2008, instructor James Harvey has sought to motivate his students with lessons from real artists in the industry. Little did he know that two sisters, who enrolled in the class in January, would help him surpass that goal this semester with a special performance by Bill Nash on April 19 and April 26. Nash performed for the ACC students and shared numerous stories due to his friendship with Karen Leder and Georgia Truitt, sisters who live in Rosharon and are taking Harvey's class. Nash's influence on country music has spanned decades. As a young member of the Nash Family Trio in the 1950s, he recorded with Columbia Records. His solo career with Mercury Records led to writing hit songs such as "Hold Me 'Til the Last Waltz is Over" and "I Can't Help It If You're Always on My Mind" for Eddy Arnold. He was also the first performer to record a Kris Kristofferson song, "For the Good Times."
Throughout the years, Nash appeared at the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Jimmy Dean and Lefty Frizzell and on various television programs, including the Eddy Arnold Show, Mike Douglas Show, Mama Cass Television Program and Phil Everly Show. Nash and his wife, Kim, also wrote "They Asked About You" for Reba McEntire and "In God We Still Trust" which has been recorded by Diamond Rio, as well as their own family group, Nash3, and many others. Nash3 includes their youngest son, Jimmy. Nash (third from left) is shown with James and his two students Georgia (second from left) and Karen.
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| ACC Partners with TCC for Transfer Agreement
Students Can Transition More Easily into Advanced Degree Program | | ACC entered into an articulation agreement with Texas Chiropractic College on April 21 to help students transition more easily into the Doctor of Chiropractic Program. Through the transfer program, ACC students who earn 90 undergraduate credit hours and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall and 2.5 in specific science prerequisite courses will qualify for TCC admission. Students who enroll in TCC's program are able to earn a bachelor of science degree in human biology while they work toward their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. For more information about the TCC Doctor of Chiropractic Program, call 281-487-1170.
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| ACC, HCC Hold Joint Geology Field Trip
Students Learn About Eocene-age Stone City Member |  The Geology Departments of ACC and Houston Community College Southwest College conducted a joint geology field trip to the Brazos River along State Highway 21, just west of Bryan, on April 17. At this location, students taking introductory geology classes were introduced to the Eocene-age Stone City Member of the Crockett Formation. The area is about 100 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Twenty students from ACC and 29 students from HCC attended. There were three geology professors from HCC present, including Justin Devery (a field trip leader), Al O'Neill and Stewart Sandberg. ACC Physical Sciences Department Chair Dora Devery also served as a field trip leader. |
| Guests Win Scholarships at ACC Open House |  ACC presented six scholarships to guests at the "Your Adventure Begins Here" open house on April 15. Those who won $250 scholarships during the drawings included: Michelle Barton, of Pearland; Chelsea Boyd, of Manvel; Morgan Brashier, of Pearland; Hayley Cates, of Van Vleck; Kristi Lynn Harrell, of Alvin; and Jake Scott, of Alvin. In addition to enjoying lots of fun activities, food and door prizes, guests were able to learn about all the credit and continuing education programs offered at the college, experience many of the training labs, meet with faculty and staff and much more.
Morgan Brashier (right photo, left), of Pearland, was one of the winners of a $250 scholarships to ACC. She was presented the award by ACC Marketing Specialist Cammy Guggisberg, who coordinated the event.
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| New Weight and Fitness Rooms Ready at ACC
Fitness Center Receives Numerous Upgrades |  Getting or staying in shape takes effort and time. That effort and time can be more beneficial and enjoyable when the surroundings support the endeavor. Due to the damage ACC sustained from Hurricane Ike in 2008, administrators and faculty were able to take advantage of the situation to make changes throughout the campus, including the Fitness Center which was recently renovated. The original 1,000-square-foot weight room was converted into a dance and aerobic exercise room and the original first floor women's and men's locker rooms were gutted to create the new over 3,000-square-foot weight room. In addition to the new weight and dance/exercise rooms, the Fitness Center received new lighting in the gym, new flooring throughout the facility, remodeled upstairs locker rooms, removable railings for the bleachers, new mounted TVs, and a smart classroom.
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| Registration for Kids' College Begins May 17
Classes Offered in Alvin and Pearland June, July and August |  Registration begins on May 17 for the ACC Busy Bodies Kids' College sessions at the main campus June 14-17 and July 19-22, Pearland Center June 21-24 and July 12-15, and Mary Burks Marek Elementary in Pearland Aug. 2-5. Kids will have the opportunity to gain skills in art, sports, science, pottery, computers, cheerleading, dance, social interaction and much more. Students entering kindergarten through sixth grade for the 2010-2011 school year are eligible to participate. Registration will be available online at www.alvincollege.edu and in person at the ACC Continuing Education Workforce Development Department (Building H) on the main campus, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The child's social security number and date of birth are required at time of registration. Deadline to register for each session is four working days prior to the first day of the session. The cost per child is $100 per week session. Students will wear a name tag and be escorted to and from classes. For more information, call ACC Special Events Coordinator Rhonda Myers at (281) 756-3729.
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| Auditions for Children's Theatre Held May 12-13
Productions Open to Public in June and July | | The ACC Speech and Drama Department will hold auditions for its Summer Children's Theatre Festival on May 12-13, at 6:30 p.m., in the main campus theatre. Callbacks will be May 17. The first summer show will be performed June 21-24 ("King Midas and the Touch of Gold") and the second will be July 26-29 ("The Brave Little Tailor"). Over 60 children participated in the festival in 2009. ACC has been providing this opportunity for young actors for over 25 years. For more information, contact the ACC Theatre Box Office at 281-756-3606. |
| Dual Credit Student at MHS Receives $15,000 Scholarship
Artwork Wins Her Accolades at HLSR | |
Manvel High School and ACC dual credit student Arianna Ramirez-Sparrow was honored at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a $15,000 scholarship for her artwork. She is in the top 10 percent of her graduating class and will be attending University of Houston in the fall. |
| Scouts Hold Fundraising Dinner for 'Learning for Life' Program
Program Puts Life Skills Courses into Classrooms | | For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has provided its participants with opportunities and resources to gain life skills that help foster positive personal development and a dedication to community and environmental stewardship. Through its Learning for Life program, the Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America (BACBSA) is now making many of those opportunities and resources available to every kindergarten through 12th grade student in Galveston and Brazoria Counties. The goals of Learning for Life are to "encourage a desire for lifelong learning, foster the acquisition and application of personal/social skills, prepare tomorrow's workforce through exposure of career management skills and develop engaged citizens."
In addition to the implementation of the Learning for Life curriculum in schools, the BACBSA hosts a four-day outdoor event for students participating in the program each spring. In order to expand Learning for Life in more schools in Galveston and Brazoria Counties, BACBSA hosts fundraising support dinners and encourages sponsorships from individuals, companies and organizations. The next support dinner will be held at the Alvin Community College Nolan Ryan Center on June 3 at 7 p.m.
For more information about donating to the Learning for Life program and/or participating in the support dinner on June 3, call BACBSA at 409-744-5206. |
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| Calendar of Events |
May 12-13: Summer Children's Theatre Auditions, 6:30 p.m., Theatre
May 18: ACC Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Nolan Ryan Center
May 31: ACC Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
June 3: Boy Scouts Learning for Life Dinner, 7 p.m., Nolan Ryan Center
June 14-17: Kids' College at Main Campus
June 15-16: Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Building H Parking Lot
June 21-24: Softball Skills Camp for Girls, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Ruth Ryan Field
June 21-24: Summer Children's Theatre Festival
June 21-24: Kids' College at Pearland Center
June 24: ACC Board of Regents Meeting, 7 p.m., Nolan Ryan Center |
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| Welcome to ACC
from the President
Dr. Rodney Allbright |
| It is our mission to serve the community by providing excellent educational opportunities for people of all ages, events and activities for the whole family, venues for other public and private events and a way to foster economic prosperity. |
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