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 signature recognition of community colleges that are achieving high and equitable outcomes for students. The 10 finalists represent the amazing potential of more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide as engines of prosperity and social mobility. San Jac has distinguished itself in innovative instructional and student support strategies and leads the nation in Hispanic student degrees, use of data collection and analysis, and workforce and economic development.
Next steps in the Aspen Prize selection include multi-day site visits to each of the 10 finalists to gather insights about effective practices, a review by a distinguished jury to select the Aspen Prize winner, and a late spring 2023 announcement of the winner.
To learn more about San Jac and the Aspen Prize, visit sanjac.edu/newsroom.
Gala fills financial gaps for future students
Thank you to the San Jacinto College community for making debt-free college possible for in-district high school graduates!
On May 20, 2022, the sold-out “Step Brightly into the Future” Gala raised more than $430,000 to support future San Jac students. This happened thanks to generous individual and corporate sponsors, including presenting sponsors LyondellBasell and the Sinor Family.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors, guests, donors, and volunteers who helped make this one of the largest fundraising events we have ever had,” said Teri Crawford, vice chancellor for external relations. “Because of their generosity, hundreds, if not thousands, of students will attend college without worrying about how to pay.”
The gala kicked off a $10 million fundraising campaign for the Student Success Fund Endowment supporting Promise Scholarships. These cover up to three years of tuition and books so in-district high school graduates can earn a degree or certificate debt-free.
Thanks to philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett’s $30 million donation to San Jac, the College established the endowment to expand Promise Scholarships.
Recent Deer Park High School graduate Evan Mayes comes from a family of seven kids. Now, through Promise, he can earn an associate degree without stressing himself or parents financially.
“I feel pretty awesome about having an opportunity to go to San Jac, especially with the Promise program, where I can attend for free,” Mayes said.
During the gala, 40 guests committed to become Promise Partners, supporting Promise Scholars for years to come. These partners help remove students’ financial barriers by donating monthly or annually, building the endowment for current and future students.
View the gala photo album at bit.ly/38fHFMH. Learn more about becoming a Promise Partner at sanjac.edu/promise-partner.
Vote for San Jac’s new mascot
As one College with five campuses, extension centers, and a diverse community of students, employees, and alumni, San Jacinto College is transitioning from three mascots to one.
Historically, San Jac has had three campus mascots: the Central Campus Ravens, North Campus Gators, and South Campus Coyotes. While remembering its storied past, San Jac looks forward to entering a new era with a new mascot.
This spring, the College welcomed new mascot suggestions from alumni, students, donors, employees, and community members, resulting in a wide range of ideas.
The College’s administration and Board of Trustees narrowed down the choices to the top two — jaguars and ravens. Through Oct. 14, community members may vote for their top pick to help decide the San Jac’s new mascot. The final decision will be announced in spring 2023.
Vote through Oct. 14 at sanjac.edu/mascot.
