San Jac is finalist for 2023 Aspen Prize  The Aspen Institute named San Jacinto College one of the 10 finalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This newest honor follows the College’s recognition as an Aspen Prize Finalist with Distinction in 2021, Aspen Prize Finalist in 2019, and Aspen Prize Rising Star in 2017.  The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s...

Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Various Visit sanjac.edu/hispanic-heritage-month Oct. 4 San Jac Police National Night Out 3-7 p.m. Food, games, and fun/Central Campus, Parking Lot 27b (in front of Welcome Center) Oct. 5 Planning for Retirement* 12-1 p.m. Free/Central Campus, C1.108 Oct. 6 Skywarn Weather Spotter Workshop 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free/Central Campus,...

When turning 65 is around the corner, it’s time to prepare for Medicare. Taking the first steps can seem daunting, so getting expert advice is essential.  Jasmine Johnson, San Jacinto College health information management professor, teaches a variety of courses in the medical billing and coding programs. Elizabeth Smith, owner of Elizabeth Smith Life and Health Insurance, teaches continuing...

In fall 1975, a young Roy Parisher stepped foot on the San Jacinto College North Campus for the first time to enroll in the drafting program. Now, 47 years later, he is still walking the hallways of his alma mater but as an engineering design graphics professor.  “My, how time flies,” Parisher said. “I owe so much to the mentors who started me down this path. That’s why I never doubt...

During the 2021-2022 academic year, San Jacinto College celebrated 60 years of service through education, partnerships, and growth in East Harris County.  The College opened in September 1961 in a rented storefront in downtown Pasadena. By the end of the first week, San Jac had an enrollment of 876 students. Today, it boasts more than 41,000 credit and non-credit students each year and has...

Have you spent several decades in a job that pays the bills but leaves you feeling trapped or unfulfilled? What if you could take a career 180 from the comfort of home? Elizabeth Harvey did. In 2017, the longtime interior designer harnessed the power of a San Jacinto College online degree program to pursue a more fulfilling career. In 2014, Harvey’s mom had received a Stage 4 kidney cancer...

Like a salesperson, eyes twinkling, voice lowered, W.C. Cunningham closed the deal. “We’ve just formed a new college district in the area named San Jacinto Junior College,” said the Galena Park ISD superintendent. “Your son could stay home and go to college.” With those words, Cunningham convinced an Oklahoma country school principal to teach at North Shore Senior High School and...

Jill Barson Gilbert’s career in environment, health, and safety spans more than 20 years. Now, through persistence and with help from San Jacinto College, Gilbert can add a degree in art and design to her resume and list of credentials.  “In my family we expected that we would go to college,” she said. “My parents both worked in technical fields. Even though there were four of us kids,...