Dear ACC Alumni, Supporters and Friends,
So you can stay up-to-date on what's going on at ACC and with students and alumni quickly and accurately, ACC E-News was created. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services to you. If you ever have any story ideas or suggestions, please send them to accnews@alvincollege.edu. |
| Alvin Police Chief Donates Leftover Campaign Funds for Scholarships
Over $20,000 Will Go Toward Continuous Annual Scholarships |
| City of Alvin Chief of Police Mike Merkel recently donated his leftover campaign funds to the ACC Foundation to create a trust fund for scholarships. Chief Merkel ran for the Brazoria County Sheriff position in 2004 and 2008. By law, candidates and newly elected officials cannot use the money for personal reasons and can only distribute the funds in limited ways, including giving it to a political party, another candidate or charities.
Chief Merkel's donation of $20,701.89 will create a continuous, annual scholarship for a second-year criminal justice student. In addition to earning two associate degrees from ACC, Chief Merkel has been a faculty member for over 30 years, teaching classes in the Law Enforcement Academy and sociology. |
| Photographer Michael Hart to Speak at Annual ACC Foundation Author's Luncheon
Funds Raised Go Toward Scholarships, Enrichment Programs |
| Award-winning Houston photographer Michael Hart will be the guest speaker at the annual ACC Foundation Author's Luncheon on March 31, at 11:30 a.m., at the Nolan Ryan Center. Hart's recent book, Biggio: The Final Game, highlights Craig Biggio's last game with the Houston Astros on Sept. 30, 2007. Biggio spent his entire 20-year Major League Baseball career in Houston with the team. The book was published several months ago by Bright Sky Press and part of the proceeds goes toward Biggio's fundraising efforts for "Chloe's Wish," which helps with Ewing's sarcoma research.
Hart, who has been a professional photographer for over 40 years, has been honored by The Dallas Society of Visual Communications, The Houston Addy Awards, and The Art Directors Club of Houston. His work for corporations, design firms and advertising agencies has taken him to 49 states and over 30 countries. A Hart photograph is also included in The World's Greatest Black and White Photography, published in 2007.
The Author's Luncheon is held each year to raise funds for ACC student scholarships, staff development and community enrichment programs. Tickets for the event are $40 each and a reserved table for eight is $400. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (281) 756-3600. |
| ACC Regents Approve New Computer Server
LVN, RN Programs Highlighted to Board |
| ACC regents unanimously approved a new computer server for the institution's IT needs during a regular meeting on Feb. 26. The Hewlett Packard Integrity RX6600 will replace the college's over five-year-old unit and provide faster service and more capacity.
In other matters, ACC Licensed Vocational Nursing Department Chair Karen Briza and Associate Degree Nursing Department Chair Sally Durand made presentations to the board regarding an overall view of their programs in preparation for the upcoming Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmation of accreditation. ACC's Compliance Certification will be due March 2011, an off-site review will occur May 2011 and an on-site review will be held in the fall of 2011. The presentations by Briza and Durand, along with many presentations to come throughout the next two years, are required by the process. In addition to explaining what skills the students learn in both programs, Briza and Durand discussed the application process, selection criteria, lecture and clinical experience, class size and employment opportunities.
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TSTC Classes Begin in March at Pearland Center
Partnership Offers Skilled Industrial Trade Training |
| ACC has partnered with Texas State Technical College to train students for entry-level employment in a variety of skilled industrial mechanical and machinery maintenance occupations such as: Welding Mechanical Specialist, Hydraulics-Mechanical Systems Specialist and Industrial Electrical-Programmable Logic Controls Specialist.
In February, TSTC received approximately $500,000 worth of training equipment at the Pearland Center campus. In the next month, there will be over $1 million worth of equipment for the program. Classes begin in March. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call TSTC Director of Strategic Partnerships Ben Brigham at (281) 412-9482. |
| AISD Students Win ACC Scholarships at Science Fair
Over 270 AISD High School, Junior High Students Participate |
| Manvel High School student Annie Mejias, Harby Junior High students Aaron Gebert and Austin Weaver, and Nolan Ryan Junior High student Claudia Heymach were honored with first place trophies and $200 ACC scholarships for their science fair projects at the 14th Annual Alvin Independent School District and ACC Science Fair on Feb. 12. Over 270 students competed in categories, such as chemistry, health and medicine, physics, botany and Earth and space. |
| Theatre Presents 'Snoopy!!!' at Pearland Center
Spring Musical Full of Humor, Music and Dancing |
The ACC Speech and Drama Department will present its spring musical performance, "Snoopy!!!" created by Charles M. Schulz, on March 7-8 and March 12-14 in the ACC Pearland Center Theatre. Performances on March  7, 13 and 14 will be at 8 p.m., March 8 at 2:30 p.m. and March 12 at 10 a.m. To reserve tickets, call the ACC Theatre Box Office at (281) 756-3606. The ACC Pearland Center is located at 2319 N. Grand Blvd. Shown are: Nicci Perry, Trey Villarreal, Maranda Agar, Colton Necessary, and Lindsey Page rehearsing a scene from the play recently. |
| DCVS Program Needs Child Volunteers for Pediatric Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound Scanning Benefits Children, ACC Students |
| Students in ACC's new Pediatric Echocardiography program are in need of child volunteers for ultrasound scanning labs on Thursday afternoons. Ultrasound scans are totally painless and noninvasive and an important tool for training. Children from the age of 3 and up are needed and must be accompanied by a parent who can sign a consent form. Call (281) 756-5650 to learn more. |
| ACC Honors Students Attend Annual Retreat at Brazosport College
Students Network with Area Two- and Four-Year College Participants |
| ACC Honors Program students Shannon Komlofske, John Alred and Michael Christian, and ACC Honors Committee Chairman Dr. Ann Guess attended the Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Honors Council annual retreat, hosted by Brazosport College, Feb. 20-21. In addition to attending academic workshops, participants from nine area two-year and four-year colleges in the Gulf Coast area had an opportunity to network.
The ACC Honors Program offers opportunities for motivated and ambitious students to challenge themselves and enhance their ability to succeed at higher levels academically. Through honors projects, students have an opportunity to explore in greater depth some aspect of the course material in an independent study type of environment. |
| Athletic Department Hosts 6th Annual Golf Tourney
Funds Raised to be Used for Women's Softball Program |
| The ACC Athletic Department will host its 6th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, March 23, at Southwyck Golf Club in Pearland. Funds raised from the event will be used toward scholarships and other needs of the ACC women's softball team. Entry fee for the four-person Florida Scramble tournament is $100 per individual player or $600 for Gold Team participation. Southwyck Golf Club is located at 2901 Clubhouse Drive. Late registration will be accepted on the day of the event. For more information, call (281) 756-3696. |
| ACC Students Meet with Legislators in Austin
Community College Day at the Capitol Success for ACC Students |
| ACC students make a difference! On Feb. 4, a group of 14 students joined over 1,500 other community college students and representatives in Austin to meet with state legislators and officials to stress the importance and needs of two-year colleges. In addition to observing a legislative session, listening to various speakers, and touring the capitol building, ACC students met with new District 29 Texas Representative Randy Weber, District 30 Texas Rep. Geanie Morrison and Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini's Chief of Staff Warren von Eschenbach.
The event, sponsored by the Texas Association of Community Colleges, is held each legislative session to give community college students an opportunity to talk with state legislators and learn more about the governmental process.
The 81st Texas Legislature is currently in session. It's important to voice your concerns and ideas. Our state representative, ACC alumnus Randy Weber, can be contacted by calling (512) 463-0707 or writing to Rep. Randy Weber, Room E1.412, Capitol Extension, Austin, Texas 78701. |
| ACC Kindergarteners Address Alvin City Council
Ask for Support of Earth Hour on March 28 |
 ACC kindergarteners addressed Alvin city councilmembers during a meeting on Feb. 19 and asked for support in participating in the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour on March 28 at 8:30 p.m. At that time, millions of people around the world will turn out their lights for an hour to demonstrate concern for the planet. It is designed to remind everyone that by working together, people can solve critical issues. |
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Kindergarten Hosts Open House March 10
Event to Highlight Benefits of College Program for Parents |
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The ACC Kindergarten Program will host an open house at the main campus on March 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration for the next school year, which begins in August, will be held through May 1. Enrollment for the kindergarten program is on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited to 14 students. The ACC kindergarten program began in the fall of 2007 and is operated as a private school through the Child Development/Early Childhood Department. For more information, call (281) 756-3644. |
| Theatre Chair Campaign Needs Your Help
Reconstruction of ACC Theatre to Begin Soon |
 The college needs your help. Reconstruction of the ACC Theatre is about to begin and if enough new theatre seats are not donated, the 30-year-old seats may have to be put back in the theatre until the funds have been raised. If you have been wanting to give back to the college and community in some way, donating a new chair for the ACC Theatre would be a perfect opportunity. Your support will help impact thousands of people every year and foster a sense of pride for our campus.
As you might know, the theatre suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ike and as the college works to rebuild the affected areas any contribution will allow ACC to create a premier venue for future performances and events. At this time, it appears that insurance will not cover all of the costs of replacing the chairs. It seems the only items not damaged in the theatre were the chairs. Therefore, the theatre chair campaign continues.
With a contribution of $250, you can make a tremendous impact and honor a loved one with a special engraved brass plaque on the seat. If you would like to donate a new chair for the ACC Theatre, please call (281) 756-3600. |
| Shell Oil Donates $4,000 to ACC Process Tech Recruitment Initiatives
Donation Will Fund High School Forum, Community Open House |
| The Shell Oil Company recently donated $4,000 to recruitment initiatives of the ACC Process Technology Department. The funds will be used to host a spring forum for high school students on April 8 and a community open house on June 9. The high school forum features a tour of a plant at Chocolate Bayou and presentations by professionals from Shell Oil, former ACC students now working in industry and faculty. The community open house gives guests an opportunity to talk with professionals in the industry, network and learn about process technology careers. |
| Soroptimist Offers ACC Scholarships
Two Scholarships Available for 'Returning Women' |
| Soroptimist International of Alvin is offering two $500 Returning Woman's Scholarships for qualified female applicants who apply before the April 3 deadline. Applicants must be enrolled, or qualified to be enrolled, at ACC, plan to enroll as a full-time student in a one-year certificate or two-year degree program beginning in the summer or fall semester, and have experienced an interruption in education due to family constraints, economic hardship or other limiting factors.
In addition to submitting two letters of recommendation, applicants should be able to demonstrate academic ability, integrity and the ability to carry out goals. Applications can be picked up and turned in at the ACC Financial Aid Office, located in Building H (H-131) on the main campus. For more information, call (281) 756-3524. |
| Dolphins Baseball on Fire
ACC Beats NJCAA National Champions in Non-conference Games |
 The ACC Dolphins Baseball Team got a hint of what could be possible by beating the Grayson County College Vikings, the 2008 JUCO World Series Champions, during two non-conference games in Denison, Texas on Feb. 23. Grayson beat the Dolphins in the JUCO World Series last year to help send the team home without a title. Last month, however, ACC beat the Grayson Vikings 10-6 and 14-3 in two seven inning games. ACC is hoping to acquire the national title from Grayson this year at the JUCO World Series in Colorado in May.
To date, the Dolphins have a record of 13-5 overall with three wins over Laredo College over the weekend, 23-7, 11-1 and 15-5. ACC will play Blinn College at home on March 7 at noon and South Suburban at home on March 8 also at noon. Come out and support our student athletes!
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| 'ACC Premiere' Open House Provides Close-up View of What College Has to Offer
Event Includes Food, Door Prizes, Scholarship Opportunities |
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Be treated like a star at the "ACC Premiere" on April 16 - where you can get a "close-up" view of all the great programs ACC has to offer. During the event, which will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Science/Health Science Building, enjoy several showcase presentations, meet with faculty, learn valuable information about the admission process and receiving financial aid assistance, and go on a guided "back lot tour." There will be lots of free food, fun, and door prizes (while supplies last), including ACC scholarships! For more information, call (281) 756-3531. | |
| Pearland Council Approves Resolution Supporting Shared Service Area Between ACC, San Jac
City Seeks State Legislation Change to Permit San Jac In |
| Councilmembers of the City of Pearland voted 4-0 to approve a resolution to support a shared community college service area between ACC and San Jacinto College during a special meeting on Feb. 16. ACC's service area boundaries were established by state legislators in 1995 to include the Pearland Independent School District, Danbury and portions of the Angleton Independent School District. These service areas lay outside the college's taxing district. Pearland's resolution seeks a change in state legislation to permit both institutions to provide services within PISD.
"The whole idea behind service areas is that colleges would have certainty of a geographical area of service," said Steven Johnson, spokesperson for the Texas Association of Community Colleges in Austin. "There are no shared service areas; we (Texas community colleges) have a few unassigned areas, but no shared ones. In those unassigned areas, institutions have negotiated agreements to provide educational services."
"If there is a change, generally colleges wanting to service the same area come to a mutual agreement and make a negotiated exchange," he added. According to Johnson, service areas were created by the Texas Legislature 14 years ago to help reduce or eliminate the consequences of colleges trying to compete for unclaimed territory.
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| Calendar of Events |
Through March 11 - Mini-semester Registraion March 7-8, 12-14 - Spring Musical "Snoopy!!!"
March 7 - ACC Baseball vs. Blinn College at ACC, Noon
March 8 - ACC Baseball vs. South Suburban at ACC, Noon
March 10 - Kindergarten Open House, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
March 11 - Health Care Job Fair for Alumni, 1-3 p.m., Building S
March 12 - ACC Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Nolan Ryan Center
March 13 - ACC Baseball vs. South Suburban at ACC, 2 p.m.
March 14 - ACC Baseball vs. San Jacinto at ACC, Noon
March 14 - ACC Softball vs. Galveston at ACC, Noon and 2 p.m.
March 16 - ACC Baseball vs. Cedar Valley at ACC, 1 p.m.
March 16-22 - ACC Closed for Spring Break
March 18 - ACC Baseball vs. Wharton at ACC, 2 p.m.
March 18 - ACC Softball vs. Lamar State at ACC, 1 and 3 p.m.
March 19 - ACC Softball vs. LSU-Eunice at ACC, 2 and 4 p.m.
March 23 - Athletic Department Golf Tournament, Southwyck Golf Club
March 24-25 - ACC Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 25 - ACC Baseball vs. Galveston at ACC, 2 p.m.
March 25 - ACC Softball vs. San Jacinto at ACC, 1 and 3 p.m.
March 31 - ACC Foundation Author's Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., NRC
March 31 - Job Readiness Seminar, 2 to 7 p.m., Building S
April 2 - Alvin Community Band Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., Fairview JH
April 16 - ACC Premiere Open House, 4 to 8 p.m., Building S
April 21 - Gulf Coast Industrial Job Expo, 1 to 5 p.m., KC Hall in Alvin | |
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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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