The Board of Regents received the 2014 annual report from the Foundation during the regents' meeting on April 23. Foundation vice president Dr. Jim Crumm reported that last year, more than $90,000 in scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors  and current ACC students. Last year the foundation also awarded $8,600 as part of the Innovative Initiative grants as well as $13,600 for the Adopt A Grant program. Regents also received an update on the college's strategic planning and Accreditation Reaffirmation process. Read more about the meeting.

Runners and walkers can pound the pavement for the Student Government Association during the 3rd Annual Dolphin Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk on May 9. Registration for the event is $20 and will include a T-shirt and refreshments. All proceed benefit the SGA. Runners and walkers can register starting at 7:30 a.m. outside the front entrance of the college, 3110 Mustang Road. The race begins at 9 a.m. Those who register before May 7 will receive a discounted rate of $15. There will be two divisions: runners 12 and younger and runners 13 and older. To pre-register visit the ACC Marketplace or call 281-756-3686.

Registration for the Fall 2015 semester will open on May 5 and close on August 12. Classes will begin on August 24. Fall schedules are now available online. Registration for the 11-week and first 5-week summer mini semesters is still open and will end on June 1. Classes will begin on June 4. For more information about registration visit the ACC website or call 281-756-3531.

Pictured from left are Jake Fonke, Taylor Stahl, Carolina Heiman, Government Chair Elizabeth McLane and Rachel Chambers.

Government students recently completed The Ballot, a voting guide for elections in the ACC service area. They worked with faculty and staff of the Election and Policy Center. The guide contains information from local candidates in the upcoming May 9 election including: Alvin, Brookside Village, Danbury, Iowa Colony, Manvel, Pearland and Pearland ISD. Students spoke with 32 candidates for the guide. Copies of the Ballot are located at North Brazoria County Libraries and select city halls. The center is supported by a grant from the ACC Foundation. Find out more about The Ballot and the Election Policy Center. 

ACC programs and clubs along with other civic organizations recognized several students for academic excellence during the Award Day ceremony on April 27. Among the winners included Courtney Daniels, of Alvin, who was awarded the President's Award. Shemilore Oguntoye, of Alvin, received the Dean's Scholarship for $350. Many other students were also honored and given scholarships during the ceremony. The scholarships were awarded by several ACC departments and civic organizations including the Alvin Kiwanis Club, American Association of University Women and Soroptimist International. 

The Polysomnography Program and the Student Polysomnography Club held the First Symposium for Registered Polysomnography Technologists on April 17. The symposium included seminars regarding updates to procedures and technical advances in the field. Participants earned six CEUs (continuing education credits). The registered Polysomnography Technologist must earn CEUs each year to retain their licensure. Read the full story about the event. 

The CNC/Machinist program is now offering free workshops to the public. CNC instructor Kevin Wert sheds light on the profession during his regular workshops that he launched this year. CNC machinists operate mills and lathes, which are used in industrial construction projects. Having skills with both types of equipment makes a potential employee more attractive in the job market. The next workshop will be on May 9 at 10 a.m. in Building D. class 117. Read more about the program. Register for a workshop online or call 281-756-3670.