Vice Chancellor for Administration Recognized for Dedication to the Alamo Community Colleges

Dr. Dan Derrico, Vice Chancellor for Administration, was recently recognized for his years of dedication to the Alamo Community Colleges at a reception held at the Killen Community Education and Service Center. In addition to his Vice Chancellor duties, Dr. Derrico served as Interim Chancellor until the hiring of Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. This March, Dr. Derrico is retiring to Florida.

(l to r) Kristi Booth, Administrative Assistant, Vice Chancellor for Professional, Technical and Workforce Education; Dr. Adriana Contreras, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; Dr. Daniel Derrico, Vice Chancellor for Administration; Lisa Flores, Administrative Assistant, Vice Chancellor for Administration; and Cathy Obien, Executive Assistant, Vice Chancellor for Administration

February 2007 District-Wide Employee of the Month Honored

At a recent board meeting, Estella Huary from St. Philip's College was recognized as the February 2007 District-Wide Employee of the Month.

(l to r) Dr. Patricia Candia, Interim President, St. Philip's College congratulates Estella Huary, District-Wide Employee of the Month, St. Philip’s College.

Current Group of Oppenheimer Scholars is the Largest Ever

A total of 20 students who would otherwise not be attending college are currently enrolled at one of the Alamo Community Colleges, thanks to scholarships provided by the Oppenheimer Scholars Fund. Established in 2001 with a pledge of $1 million from the Jesse H. and Susan R. Oppenheimer Foundation, the scholarships enable high school graduates who are not eligible for federal financial aid, but whose income precludes them from attending college full time, to attend an Alamo Community College.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and provide up to $3,000 per academic year to each recipient, making these the largest scholarships awarded by the Alamo Community Colleges. To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA in high school of 3.0 and must demonstrate “the desire and capacity to excel and succeed.” They must enroll as full time students at one of the Alamo Community Colleges, be accepted into an accredited associate degree program and take at least twelve credit hours each semester. Students who receive first-year awards, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their first year of college and otherwise meet the criteria will be considered for a second-year award.

The $1 million donation is the largest pledged gift ever received by ACCD from a private foundation. The Oppenheimer’s gift reflects their lifelong interest and involvement in education. Susan Oppenheimer was the first woman ever elected to the ACCD Board of Trustees and served three consecutive six-year terms on the Board. She was elected vice chairman and served as chairman twice, the only woman ever to serve as Board chair. She also has been a teacher at both the high school and university level.

The Alamo Community College Oppenheimer Scholars are Teresa Barron, Raymond Briseno, Isidro Chamberlain, Isaiah Chavez, Daniel Cedar, Jeffrey Cuellar, Esperanza Desoto, Dena Dick, Cordell Dunlap, Christina Encina, Robert Nathan Graves, Jr., Melanie Isham, Kevin L. Jackson II, Desmond L. Johnson, Natalie L. Lopez, Steven Ruiz, Chelsea Rutkoski, Sarah L. Smith, Philip Thomas and Erica Walton. This is the largest group of Oppenheimer Scholars to attend the Alamo Community Colleges since the scholarship was established.

Gay Awarded Certified Workforce Development Professional Status

Mary Ann Gay, workforce development support specialist at the Advanced Technology Center, has been awarded the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).

“Mary Gay exemplifies the degree of professionalism and commitment to excellence that America needs if it is to continue to enjoy a world-class workforce,” said NAWDP President C. Paul Mendez.