The Pioneer

"Education to Follow"


           
e-Newsletter            September 2015
WCJC a smart start for transfer students
When Kirsten Machicek graduated from Louise High School in 2010, she could have gone just about anywhere to further her education. Instead of heading directly to a four-year unversity, though, she chose to complete her basics at WCJC and then transfer. It was a logical decision, she believes. "I decided to attend WCJC right after high school because I had graduated from a small school and didn't want that shock of going off to a four-year university," Machicek said.

WCJC volleyball team opens 2015 season

The WCJC volleyball team is off to a dynamic start this season, sporting an 11-4 record and beating Blinn College, the defending National Champions, on Sept. 8. The Pioneers opened their season back in August and have found success on the road, with all of their games so far being away. WCJC will play its first home game on Monday, Sept. 14, when they take on Paris Junior College in Wharton. This year's team is a blend of veterans and newcomers, with five returning sophomores, nine freshmen and one new sophomore transfer. Returners include Shay Mitchell of Lumberton, Macy Mitchell of Lumberton, Katlynne Wilson of Victoria, Emily Flores of New Braunfels and Heather Henneke of Halletsville. The team is coached by Brianna Florus. See schedule for dates, times and locations.
  
  

 'Reach' a celebration of WCJC alumni

WCJC will mark its 70th year of operation in 2016. The celebration will include the featuring of alumni in college marketing projects. Through a new campaign entitled Reach - A Celebration of Wharton County Junior College Alumni, the college will highlight past students who have made noteworthy or unique accomplishments in their lives and careers. The college was founded in April of 1946, with the first class beginning in September of that year. Approximately 200 students were part of the inaugural class, housed in former fairground buildings at the corner of Alabama Road and Boling Highway.
  
  

College spending boosts local economy 
A recently released study on WCJC's impact on the local economy says the college and its students added $202.9 million in net income to the economy in fiscal year 2012-13. Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) conducted the study. According to the report, WCJC created this income through operations spending of $30.7 million, student spending of $755.6 thousand and alumni employment of $171.4 million. Operations spending included the college's 2012-13 payroll of $27.3 million for 927 full and part-time employees, as well as $3.4 million in day-to-day expenditures.

 

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Golf tourney benefits scholarship program

It looks to be a full house for the WCJC 3rd Annual Invitational Golf Classic. Scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at the El Campo Country Club, the tournament filled up early with the maximum number of teams registering for the annual event. Sponsorships, however, are still available in the $300 and $1,000 categories and donations are also being accepted. Tournament proceeds benefit the President's Scholarship Fund and the Presidential Scholars Program. Anyone wishing to sponsor the tournament or make a donation can contact Cheryl Machicek at 979-532-6322 or via email at [email protected]

 

Carolan recognized for years of service  

WCJC recently recognized a long-time instructor by naming a learning center after him. On Aug. 28, college officials formally dedicated the Jim Carolan Learning Center in Room No. 100 of the FJL Blasingame Science Building on the Wharton campus. Carolan's family - including his wife of 59 years, Lillian - was on hand for the special event, which coincided with the college's convocation services. Carolan retired this past summer after 56 years of teaching at WCJC. During his tenure, he taught an estimated 20,000 students, primarily in mathematics. He was known for a sharp wit and a down to earth style that allowed students to grasp difficult concepts.
 

 

Naval officer stresses public speaking

WCJC speech instructor Dr. Pam Speights treated her students to a special presentation recently when United States Navy Lt. James Hardaway and his wife, Kenna, served as guest speakers at the Richmond campus. The couple - both graduates of Elkins High School in Missouri City - stressed the importance of being able to communicate in various public speaking roles as part of their daily jobs.
James is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has served as a nuclear submarine officer and an instructor of nuclear engineering at a submarine base in Georgia. Kenna is currently working on a master's degree in public administration at the University of North Florida and is employed an as IT project manager for Baylor Health.

 

Faculty Feature

 

 

There are no shortcuts when it comes to learning how to save a life. And that's something students learn from day one when enrolled in WCJC's Emergency Medical Services program. "I tell students that one of these days they're going to be working on me - and that's the standard we hold them to," said EMS Program Director Gary Bonewald.

 

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Special Exhibit

 

 

From intricate cross-sections of leaves to dramatic sketches of insects, WCJC art students will present their more scientific side during their first show of the 2015 season. Deemed "Nature Studies," the exhibit will be on display at the Wharton County Library beginning in September.

 

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Thought for the Day
"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." - Maya Angelou
  
Contact Information
WCJC Office of Marketing and Communications
911 Boling Highway
Wharton, TX 77488
979-532-6322