Members of the Jazz Combo also received Outstanding Musician awards, including Kim Chavez on the trumpet, Wesley Moseley on the piano and Trent Minter on the guitar.
 
The GCIC comprises 16 community colleges in the greater Houston area and provides students with an opportunity to learn and perform in a professional setting.

Students display their awards. From left to right: Wesley Moseley, piano; Kim Chavez, trumpet; Trent Minter, guitar.

Student growth, service and academic success are goals that Dr. Chris Allen helps his Phi Theta Kappa students reach. For his role as advisor to the College of the Mainland chapter, he received the Paragon Award for New Advisors at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in Nashville, TN. Students in College of the Mainland’s chapter nominated him for the award, and out of 700 advisors the organization selected him as one of 30 to receive this honor.

Allen’s role as an advisor is to guide and mentor students in their projects. He enjoys “watching the students grow and learn more about themselves.” He has been an advisor since spring 2009.

College of the Mainland’s Sigma Delta chapter was also recognized as one of the top 100 chapters in Phi Theta Kappa out of 1316 chapters internationally. As a recent service project, the Sigma Delta chapter offered free basic computer classes to community members.

NAMP works specifically with COM’s business, sociology, Process Technology, (PTEC) and safety and environmental programs. NAMP is a $190,000 four-year grant program issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

“I think it’s a great honor for College of the Mainland to receive this type of grant for international exchange,” said Dr. Dotti Jones, Director of Leadership, Organizational Development and Training. “It’s even more special that we’re the lead institution because this is the first time we’ve done this.”

COM is the NAMP’s lead institution. The other participating colleges and universities are St. Lawrence College of Kingston, Ontario, Canada; College Communautaire de Noveau-Brunswick, Campbelton, New Brunswick, Canada; Instituto Tecnologico Superior De Villa La Venta, Mexico; and Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The students in the program are studying Green Building Initiatives.

NAMP promotes a student-centered approach to education and training in several academic and professional programs that complement bilateral and trilateral exchange programs among Canada, Mexico and the United States.

College of the Mainland’s Jazz Ensemble shared the stage with Texas City ISD student bands during an exciting evening of musical excellence Saturday, Feb. 18 at the new Texas City High School auditorium.

The Jazz Ensemble headlined the show, accompanied by renowned trombonist Ron Wilkins.

“It was a lot of fun,” COM Jazz Ensemble director Sparky Koerner said. “That guy is a multi talented musician. I’ve known Ron since the late 1970s at North Texas.”

Wilkins, who had just returned from performing in Russia, said COM’s Jazz Ensemble is “one of the better big bands in the country.”

Joseph Figarelli, Director of Fine Arts for Texas City ISD, said the experience was an invaluable one for his students.

“Our students get to see an older group of incredible musicians,” Figarelli said. “It opens many doors and they can see the possibilities out there for them.”

COM’s Jazz Ensemble has an ecletic mix of musicians, from trumpet players Ken Kirk and Ted Williams, both of whom have more than 30 years of experience, to Kendal McLaughlin, a Santa Fe High School student.

“I really like the departure from professional life,” said tenor saxophonist Ed Copeland. “I really have a lot of fun. It’s a great diversion.”

Copeland said it’s great to inspire younger musicians by playing on the same bill.

“Kids understand (playing music) enriches your life,” he said.

The Jazz Ensemble’s next performance will be the day-long Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Consortium (GCIC) on March 31 at Lone Star College-North Harris. The featured artist will be drummer C.E. Askew, a former member of the U.S. Air Force Jazz Ensemble.

For more information, contact Koerner at 409-933-8347 or skoerner@com.edu.

College of the Mainland’s Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Delta Chapter hosted its first District IV Conference in more than a decade.

Sixty-four students from eight colleges attended the day-long event that featured team building activities, guest lectures and networking opportunities.

“We’re ecstatic with the turnout,” said Dr. Chris Allen, the honor society’s advisor and a COM science instructor.

Four PTK members from COM, Taylor Hernandez, Christie Lafoy, Alex Miller and Merretta Vasquez, and co-advisor, Kristen Hatfield, were inducted into the District 4 Hall of Honor at the conclusion of the conference.

“It’s a big deal,” Allen said. “They rose above and beyond their normal responsibilities. They’ve done an outstanding job in participation and performance with their chapters.”

The PTK members are top students, but the honor society gives them an opportunity to hone and complement their academic skills through participation in community service, leadership and fellowship.

The event featured a discussion on the Culture of Competition led by guest speaker Debbie Esparza, Texas Regional Coordinator for PTK.

COM Vice President of Instruction Dr. Amy Locklear welcomed the attendees by crediting Allen and the students with preparing for the conference.

Alex Miller, of Texas City, is the chapter’s Honors in Action chairman. She enjoyed last Saturday’s conference.

“I thought it was pretty successful,” Miller said. “Everyone had fun while still learning the objectives of team building and leadership. Dr. Allen pretty much orchestrated most of it. He’s done a lot. Since I had the opportunity to attend conferences like this from other schools, it’s interesting to see it from the other side of the relationship.”

Miller will graduate from COM this spring with plans of earning her doctorate and becoming a research physician. PTK has provided opportunities to learn about scholarships and network with fellow students, she said.

Taylor Hernandez, of Galveston, will graduate from COM this spring and study music at the University of Kansas.

“I’ve always been a shy person. Being an officer in PTK helped me become more of a leader,” said Hernandez, who hopes to become an opera singer.

Christie Lafoy, of Texas City, is a Collegiate High School senior who will earn her high school diploma and an associate degree this spring.

She has wanted to be a medical general practitioner since she was in seventh grade and is committed to that goal. She credits PTK with helping her learn “team building skills.”

Merretta Vasquez, of Texas City, said the conference was “really fun – a really great experience. PTK is a great organization. There’s a lot of scholarships available.”

Vasquez will graduate from COM in May and will attend UT-Arlington or UT-Medical Branch next semester with hopes of beginning a career as a clinical lab scientist.

Kristen Hatfield, who has been a Co-advisor for a year, appreciated being inducted into the Hall of Honor.

“I think PTK is a great organization,” Hatfield said. “It’s really positive and it gives our students a chance to grow.”

The conference was open to PTK alumni and students from outside the chapter.

Justin Medellin, a 2010 COM graduate and Texas City native, attended the conference, as did Jeff Sweeten, who attends Connors State College in Warner, Okla.

“A lot of people still come to conferences after they’re finished,” said Medellin, a NASA contractor who’s studying computer information systems at University of Houston-Clear Lake. “What I’ve learned here, I’m able to take over there and become a better person.”

The event begins at 8 p.m. on Feb. 23 and concludes at 6 a.m. on Feb. 24.

“A lot of our students are night owls,” COM Art Club advisor Mark Greenwalt said. “It’s a nice block of time.”

Each student will receive a large sheet of watercolor paper and  will collaborate with each other to develop individual drawings in a relaxed studio open to different concepts, mediums and techniques.

A sign-up sheet is located outside the door in Fine Arts Building, Room 133.

For more information, contact Greenwalt at mgreenwalt@com.edu or 409-933-8673.

Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (Texas LEARNS), an adult education and family literacy collaboration, gave College of the Mainland Gold Level recognition for meeting all performance measures in 2010-11 for Adult Education and for EL Civics.

Texas LEARNS State Director Joanie Rethlake awarded the programs during the organization’s annual business luncheon, for the second straight year.

 “We are really proud to once again receive recognition for the hard work and accomplishments of our students and faculty,” COM Director of Adult Education Joshua Hayes said. “The dedication and achievement of our students is a credit to themselves, their families, and our community.”

There are 11 different cohorts based on ability level, with six for ESL and five for GED. COM serves more than 1,900 students through these programs.

For nearly 40 years, COM has provided GED preparation and ESL classes to Galveston County and the surrounding communities through partnerships with area schools, churches and social-service providers.

The College provides tuition-free classes to adults and out-of-school youth, offering a second chance to improve their future, advance in the workplace, continue their education and learn to live in a new country.

COM currently has partners at 24 locations throughout the area.

The Texas LEARNS’ mission of adult education and family literacy is to ensure that all adults who live in the state have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the workplace, and in the community.

For more information about COM’s Adult Education Department, call 409-933-8130 or visit www.com.edu/adulted.

Joshua Cratic and Rumela Roy are gaining valuable experience as interns for Lonica Bush, College of the Mainland executive director for Diversity and Equity and in-house counsel.

Both interns are working toward their respective master’s degrees at University of Houston-Clear Lake. Cratic is studying cross cultural studies and Roy’s degree will be in industrial organizational psychology.

“Joshua Cratic has been working to provide “Community of Respect training,” which is a cross cultural diversity training workshop. His contributions toward this initiative have been invaluable,” Bush said. “Rumela Roy has been an invaluable resource to the Office of Diversity and Equity by ensuring that all employees are in compliance with the preventing employment discrimination and preventing sexual harassment online training modules.”

Cratic, who grew up in the tiny East Texas town of Colmesneil, has valued the opportunity to learn about expanding cultural awareness. He plans on pursuing a career in diversity management.

“I’ve learned to be a professional, be confident in myself,” Cratic said. “Being a community college graduate, I can relate to the students. I encourage students when I see them.”

Cratic earned an associate degree from Lamar Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University, both in Beaumont.

Roy, who grew up in Calcutta, India, moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.

Roy’s interest in psychology opened the path to diversity.

“I did a lot of undergraduate work on diversity,” Roy said. “I want to eventually get a Ph. D and focus my work on diversity in the workplace.

She hopes to help “people better understand the value of diversity” and is currently working on the College’s diversity training program.

College of the Mainland’s Child Development and Education Club received a donation of baby quilts that it gave to the Pregnancy and Support Center of Texas City.

A total of 19 quilts were handmade by the Sew Sisters of League City Quilting group of League City. The quilts are available for the expectant mothers to earn by attending classes on caring for their baby.

The Sew Sisters Quilting Group is a group of six senior citizen women who make quilts.  They heard about the need for quilts at the Pregnancy and Support Center and began exchanging fabrics and stitching them.

The donation of quilts is part of the Onesie and Diaper Drive for the 2011-2012 school year, conducted by placing boxes in each of the COM buildings. The Child Development and Education Club has continuously held drives for various groups supporting children.

For the past four years, the club has held a baby shower, a baby supplies drive and a diaper drive. All of the donations have gone to the Pregnancy and Support Center. 

The Child Development Club is always accepting new and gently used baby items to take care of Texas City’s children.

Donations can be made to club faculty advisor Susan Napoli at TVB 1329. For more information, contact Napoli at 409-933-8462. 

College of the Mainland Foundation’s scholarship deadline for the 2012-13 academic year is March 31, 2012.The scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, current students and incoming transfers.

Applications can be found online at www.com.edu/com-foundation; and click on the STARS Online link. Only completed applications will be considered.

In-district, out-of-district and international students are eligible to apply.

The majority of scholarships are awarded in April and May.

COM Foundation awards about 125 scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,600 per year. For more information, contact the foundation at 409-933-8508.

“We’re a community college and we were competing against universities,” COM  Director of Student Support Services Tamara Hoodye said. “To win it was special.”

The five students, David Duron, Tori Holiday, Brittani Johnson, Sierra Martin and Samantha Smith, won the competition at TRiO Day.

TRiO is a series of federally-funded grant programs for first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities and military veterans. Its goal is to help these individuals advance academically from middle school through college.

Along with the aforementioned students, Jasmine Butler, Brittany Johnson and Jana Kimling participated in the conference.

Do you enjoy musical instruments or have a special talent for playing the flute, clarinet or
trombone?

The College of the Mainland Concert Band, led by renowned music professor Sparky
Koerner, is inviting students, faculty and the general public to join the band.

A basic music reading ability is required. The group rehearses each Monday from
7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building’s recital hall and performs a wide variety of music,
including showtunes, standard concert literature and a few marches.

“This is a great way to put that instrument that you played in high school or college back
into use,” Koerner said.  “Dig it out of the closet and come on out.”

For more information, call Koerner at 409-933-8347 or email him at skoerner@com.edu.

The two-part class that runs through April 16, covers Microsoft Office software,
business communication skills, writing memos, keyboarding and more.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
 
For more information, contact Neugent at 409-933-8279 or lneugent@com.edu.

Collegiate High School student Johnathan Moore knew he could continue his
Friendswood High School extracurricular activities when he enrolled at CHS as a
junior.
 
That was important to the 17-year-old senior who is captain of the FHS debate
team and its National Honor Society chapter.
 
But Moore had no idea about the College of the Mainland opportunities that would
become available to him when he stepped on campus.
 
CHS is a COM program that gives local high school students an opportunity to begin
their freshman year of college during their high school years.
 
By the time they graduate high school they’ll have an associate degree along with
heir high school diploma, and the opportunity to begin college as freshmen with
credits.
 
CHS will host a parent information meeting for prospective students at 6:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Learning Resource Center. The meeting is open to parents
and prospective students.
 
Moore is the executive chair of the CHS Club, the treasurer for the Biology Club,  
member of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), the Student
Government Association (SGA) and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national community
college honor society.
 
“(When I started), I didn’t know I could be part of these things,” Moore said. “I think
 CHS is great. The kids are nice. The teachers are great. It saves money. If I went to a
 university, the classes would be more expensive. All in all, it’s been a really good
 experience.”
 
Being a CHS student, Moore said, will make the transition to a university much
easier.
 
Moore, who is one of five Friendswood students in the program, plans to attend
a nearby university such as University of Houston or Rice University.
 
Moore currently has 51 college credits but expects to have 73 by the end of the
semester. He will apply most of those credits toward a double major in electrical
engineering and corporate communications.

Moore will either combine the skills from those two fields or choose the one he likes
best.
 
The foundation he received at CHS will help him excel in his courses at UH or Rice.
 
“COM is a great system,” Moore said. “The professors are here because they enjoy
 the subject, because they’re passionate about it.”

Patricia Jackson started College of the Mainland’s Career Services Department 12  years ago.

“We had a five-year plan and accomplished those goals in two and a half years,” said Jackson, who worked for COM from 2000-02.

She returned to the College this semester as an intern for Dr. Dotti L. Jones, the director of leadership and organizational development. The internship is part of Jackson’s coursework for her final semester as a Texas Southern University doctoral student in education administration.

“She’s preparing herself to be in a position of leadership,” Jones said. “I knew her when she worked here before. I knew her work ethic and her level of performance. I was really pleased that she’d want to do an internship with me at College of the Mainland.”

Jackson’s responsibilities will center around assisting with COM’s Leadership Development Academy, which has 11 fellows this semester.

Jackson’s goal is to become a vice president or dean of student affairs at a college. She said the internship is helping her reach those goals.

“Dr. Jones is a premier speaker,” Jackson said. “She has a plethora of information to provide me. I’m working with her and conducting research and gleaming from her knowledge.”

Jackson was born in Mobile, Ala. and grew up all over the world because her father was in the U.S. Army.

Jackson, who lives in Clear Lake with her daughter, graduated from the University of New Orleans (UNO) with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1991 and earned her master’s degree in postsecondary education guidance and counseling from Xavier University in New Orleans in 1994.

Jackson worked in career development at University of Alabama, Dillard University in New Orleans, and University of Tennessee before joining the COM staff in 2000.

In 2006, Jackson earned a second master’s degree. She graduated from UNO with a master’s in education administration, while operating an international trucking company in Bacliff.

“It kept me current in field of higher education while I was working in a different capacity,” Jackson said.

College of the Mainland student Christian Carlin, of League City, was
 impressed with the COM Faculty Art Exhibition during the artist reception on
 Thursday afternoon at the art gallery.
 
“I like Mayuko (Gray’s) and Mark (Greenwalt’s) the best,” Carlin said. “I like to see
which stuff they’ve chosen to put in after I see all of the work they’ve done. It was
interesting to see what they’d do outside of the classroom.”
 
Six of the seven artists were present and each of them spoke to a crowd of 40
people regarding their work. Conceptual artist Nick Barbee was the only artist who
didn’t attend the event.
 
The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, runs through Thursday, Feb. 16.
Gray, who was born and raised in Japan, studied calligraphy at a young age. She
“combined eastern and western artwork” with a trio of complex Japanese
calligraphy paintings that each told a story.
 
Greenwalt spoke about his unique artwork that featured distorted images. He said
that he’s simultaneously holding multiple ideas together at the same time and noted
that he was inspired by pop culture, especially from the 1960s.
 
COM student Victoria Alvarado, of Dickinson, was impressed with Greenwalt’s talent
and creativity.
 
“I love it,” she said. “Mark Greenwalt’s paintings are so distorted and so different.”

George Bowes, who specializes in ceramics, discussed how “all art has a narrative”
and discussed how he’s interested in the “layers and events of a piece.”

Photography artists Lisa Marie Kress and Kristy Peet showcased interesting images
 in their respective exhibits.
 
Kress focused on photos of Galveston that convey an image besides great weather
and beaches. Peet had a unique exhibit called “How Will I Die?” She came up with
 the idea after discussing the topic with a fellow artist.
 
Ann Wood, who’s an installation artist, had one of the most unique exhibits. She
incorporates many different types of art into her work.
 
Wood’s unique art impressed COM student Krystal Chaisson of Santa Fe.

“It’s gruesome,” Chaisson said. “But she presents it in such a delicious manner. I
 really like (the exhibit). I’ve never been much of an artist. I want to be able to
 illustrate my books someday. This is really an inspiration.”

College of the Mainland students Merretta Vasquez and Taylor Hernandez volunteered to teach a class on American cultures as part of the “Scouting on the Boardwalk,” an event for Boy Scouts of America groups from Texas.
 
Vasquez, of Texas City, and Hernandez, of Galveston, both are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national community college honor society. Their volunteer work was recognized at the COM Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday.
 
“I thought it was amazing,” Vasquez said. “All of the boys were intelligent and eager to learn. We talked about different cultures and how they shape our country.”

College of the Mainland’s Process Technology (PTEC) program and LyondellBasell strengthened a growing partnership.

LyondellBasell made a $5,000 donation to the College’s renowned PTEC program. It was approved at the COM Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

“We really appreciate it,” PTEC program chair Jerry Duncan said. “We’re definitely developing a good partnership with them.”

David Gosnay, an operations supervisor with LyondellBasell, is encouraged by the strong partnership.

“COM (has) a very robust program,” Gosnay said. “Part of my role is to do the hiring for operators…(when it came to) internships, COM is the first place I thought of.”

One group of PTEC students has completed their internships with LyondellBasell, and they’ve been offered positions with the company.

Wendy Kane has lived in Bay Area Houston since 1967. During the past 45 years, she’s owned a hardware store and restaurant, worked as sales representative and officiated soccer games.
 
Kane, who is currently employed as a sales associate at The Room Store in Webster has started applying for new jobs. The Houston locations of The Room Store will be closing within months, according to Kane.
 
Kane, a 63-year-old League City resident, decided to refine her computer skills in preparation for the job market, so she turned to College of the Mainland’s North County Learning Center (NCLC) where she’ll begin a computer course this winter.
 
“I wanted to go to a local school,” Kane said. “I really wanted to do COM because of their reputation, and I knew they had this extension center here (in League City). This is very convenient when you’re an adult working person, particularly an adult working person in retail.”
 
Kane said COM’s affordability, flexibility and small class size drew her to the college.
 
“(It) allows me to work my workday then come to class,” she said.
 
Kane, who enjoys photography, fine arts, cooking, yard work, walking, spending time with her dogs and traveling, graduated from Georgia State College, now Georgia State University, in Atlanta with a bachelor of science degree in biology/chemistry  in 1969.
 
She plans on taking more courses at NCLC in future semesters.
 
“I’ll probably take enjoyment courses,” Kane said. “They have a lot of craft and artistic things. It’s a good way to meet other adults. It’s certainly a good way to keep your brain working.”
 
For more information on NCLC classes, call 281-332-1800 or log on to www.com.edu/nc.
  

Friendswood resident Melanie Bernsen Clinkscales grew up enjoying the sounds of
the 1960s, courtesy of her parents’ music collection.
 
As one of the five cast members in College of the Mainland Community Theatre’s
“SHOUT! The Mod Musical”, Clinkscales is returning the favor.
 
“I’m excited to sing songs that my parents played,” Clinkscales said. “It’s kind of nice
 for my family to see it and watch (me) sing the songs they grew up on. It’s extra
 special to them.”
 
“SHOUT!” is currently playing every Thursday through Sunday until Feb. 12 at COM
 Community Theatre.
 
COM director of theater programs Mark Adams saw “SHOUT!” a few years ago in
 New York City.
 
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be good for our audience,” Adams said. “(It) has
 a lot of nostalgia value. The songs are enduring, so even younger audience members
 know a lot of these songs.”
 
The cast ranges in age from 22 to 31, so they grew up in the 1980s and 1990s.
They’ve been convincing in their portrayal of London-based 1960s performers to
 early audiences of “SHOUT!”
 
“The audiences have been very responsive,” Adams said. “We’ve had big laughs, big
 applause. The audience sings along and joins in. It’s a very high-energy show. It’s a
 big crowd pleaser.”  
 
Clinkscale and Amber Bennett of Houston regularly perform in COM Community
Theatre performances.
 
Kelly Cornell of Sugar Land has played in one show at the theater, while Houston’s
 Adrian Coco Anderson and Friendswood’s Monica Marcha are each making their
 COM debuts with “SHOUT!”.
 
“It’s been really fun,” said Bennett, who grew up in Alvin. “I’m an old soul at heart. I
like the music of the 60s and 70s, so it’s been fun to perform it. It’s always very
professional and very rewarding (to perform at COM).”

College of the Mainland graduate Sonja Blinka understands the importance of

community in a community college.

Blinka, who was hired as COM’s director of purchasing on Jan. 3, grew up in

Dickinson and now lives in Santa Fe.

“(My job is to) make sure the College finds the best value for all its products and

services in a legal and ethical way,” Blinka said.  “(We want to) give opportunities

back into our local economy as much as possible.”

She credits her time at the College with helping develop her career. Two of her

children have attended COM as well.

“(COM) put me on the right career path,” Blinka said.

During her time as a COM student, Blinka was inspired to succeed by English

instructor Astrid Lowery and history professor Manuel Urbina.

Blinka earned an associate degree in general studies with an emphasis in business

in 2007 before graduating Magna cum laude from University of Houston-Clear Lake

with a bachelor’s degree in public service management in 2010.

Blinka has more than 20 years of purchasing experience, mostly recently as a

technology buyer with Clear Creek Independent School District.

She began her career through a cooperative education program at Dickinson High

School in the late 1980s in which she worked for Northrop Grumman Corporation.

After graduating from Dickinson High, where she represented the school as its

gator mascot, Blinka continued to work for Northrop Grumman’s purchasing

department.

Blinka and her husband, Paul, a reliability specialist consultant, are avid gardeners

 in their free time. 

The College of the Mainland will host a financial aid workshop from 9

a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4. at the Technical Vocational Building Auditorium, T-

1101. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP before Wednesday, Feb. 1 as seating is limited.

Attendees will receive help completing their Free Application for Federal Student

Aid (FAFSA). They must have a FAFSA pin to access the FAFSA website,

fafsa.gov.edu. To apply for a FAFSA pin, log on to www.pin.ed.gov.

Attendees are encouraged to bring complete copies of their 2011 federal income tax return and the W-2 form.

The event is sponsored by Alpha Phi Fraternity Inc., Zeta Tau Lambda chapter and

COM Office of Student Financial Services.

For more information, email Carl Gordon at cgordon@com.edu or Theo Moody at

theomoody@comcast.net.

College of the Mainland coordinator of memberships and community recreation
Michael Richardson works with students, faculty and local residents so they can
enjoy the College’s athletic facilities and programs.
 
“It’s a good place for people to play and have a good time. You can forget about that
 rough work day you had and just enjoy yourself,” said Richardson, 41, who lives in
League City with his wife, COM career counselor Pamela Berry-Richardson, and
their three children.
 
He also coaches the COM Fighting Ducks club basketball team.

Two decades ago, playing against Richardson was anything but enjoyable for
Southwest Conference opponents.

 
(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS)

Richardson played guard and forward for the University of Texas basketball team
from 1991-93.
 
He was recruited to Austin by Longhorns coach Tom Penders who went on to coach
the University of Houston from 2004-2010.
 
The 1991-92 Longhorns reached the prestigious NCAA Tournament, which featured
64 of the nation’s top teams. They lost to the University of Iowa in the first round.
“That was amazing,” Richardson said of the Big Dance. “Everything was a big show.
Practices were a show. Everything was amplified by 10. It was a different kind of
energy.”
 
Earlier that season, Richardson and the Longhorns lost a buzzer beater to Shaquille
O’Neal and Louisiana State University.
 
“He was young, athletic, quick,” Richardson said of Shaq. “You wouldn’t believe how
agile he was for his size. Somehow in the zone (defense), he got mixed up on my side
on a couple of occasions.”
 
Richardson led the SWC in scoring as a senior, but the Longhorns struggled to an 11-
17 finish.
 
“We had the talent to do well but things kind of started falling apart,” Richardson
said.
 
Richardson, who earned a master’s degree in organizational management from
University of Phoenix in 2005, played professional basketball from 1994-2002 in
Sweden, France, Lebanon and the Continental Basketball Association.
Richardson reunited with Penders in 2006 at UH where he worked as the assistant
director for the Academic Center for Excellence. His role included tutoring and
mentoring members of the Cougars’ men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Richardson, who became a COM employee last August, enjoys the community
college environment.
 
Prior to playing at UT, Richardson played basketball and studied at Panola College in
Carthage and Western Texas College in Snyder.
 
“I understand what the students are going through because I went through the same
thing,” Richardson said.
 

Ted Williams made the most fortuitous sale of his career in 1983.

A music salesman, Williams delivered a flugelhorn to College of the Mainland Director of Instrumental Music/Jazz Studies Sparky Koerner.

“Sparky said come out and join the band and see how you like it,” Williams said.

Williams, who plays the flugelhorn and trumpet, has played in COM’s Jazz Ensemble continuously longer than any other member.

“I sign up for the class each semester,” Williams said. “I have a 4.0 average since 1983.”

The ensemble wasn’t full when Williams began, but he’s played a key role in building it into one of the best musical outfits in Galveston County. He’s encouraged other musicians to join the band over the years.
“Ted is a wonderful sight reader,” Koerner said. “When we put music down in front of us I can always count on him to play it perfectly the first time, and that helps guide the other players. He’s been a good-spirited person in the band and helps with the camaraderie.”

Williams, who lives in Dickinson, was born in Augusta, Ga. and grew up near San Antonio.
He was named after the baseball legend but quickly left the bat and glove behind to focus on instruments and music sheets.

“I got the name,” Williams said. “I just couldn’t live up to the batting average. I enjoyed music so much I decided to make a career out of it.”

Williams graduated from Texas A&I University, now known as Texas A&M-Kingsville, with a music education degree.

He was a band director in public schools for four years before joining Music & Arts, the nation’s largest retailer of band and orchestra instruments. He currently services nine school districts in the Houston area.

The ensemble has provided him with the perfect outlet to enjoy music and camaraderie.

Williams said he enjoys playing swing music and counts the ensemble’s performance with former Tonight Show band leader Doc Severinsen, in 1986, to be among the highlights of his time with the ensemble.

“I love playing in the band,” Williams said. “We’ve got to play with a lot of professional artists from all over the place. I like the camaraderie of all of the musicians, and the band keeps getting better and better every year. It’s a fine group of folks and I consider them all my friends.”

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Seven of the top artists in Texas will have their work on display from
Tuesday, Jan. 17 through Thursday, Feb. 16 at College of the Mainland Faculty Art
Exhibition at COM Art Gallery.
 
“Each person has a different media,” said gallery director and artist Mayuko Gray,
who is also a participating artist. “It shows a high level of work. It shows our Fine
Arts program is really strong.”
 
There will be a reception and artist talk on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
All seven of the artists participating in the biennial event teach art classes at COM:
 
Nick Barbee, conceptual art – Barbee’s work has been displayed in galleries in
Boston, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia. He creates abstract forms that can be
physical markers of concepts over time. Barbee has a Master’s in Fine Arts from
Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia.
 
George Bowes, ceramics/sculpture – Bowes has a M.F.A. from the University of
California at Davis. His ceramic works and sculptures have been displayed
throughout the United States.
 
Mayuko Gray, drawings/graphite – Gray, who has a M.F.A. from the University of
Houston, was born in Gifu, Japan. Her works are “drawings” of Japanese calligraphy
detailed with graphite pencil that she describes as hybrid of Eastern aesthetics and
Western drawing pictures. Her work has been displayed throughout Greater
Houston and in Oaxaca, Mexico.
 
Mark Greenwalt, paintings/drawings – A full-time faculty member at COM since
2000, Greenwalt’s work has been displayed at The Contemporary Art Museum of
Houston, Galveston Art Center, The Museum of Southeast Texas and Hooks-Epstein
Gallery. Greenwalt is a native of Galveston County. He has a M.F.A. from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.
 
Lisa Marie Kress, photography – Kress, who has a M.F.A. from the University of
Houston, is a League City artist who is one of two artists in the exhibition that will
focus on photography. Some of her recent work focused on Galveston after
Hurricane Ike.
 
Kristy Peet – photography/small sculptures – Peet has an M.F.A. in photography
from the Savannah College of Artist and Design in Savannah, Ga. Her work deals
with psychological issues and relationship. Her work has been displayed
internationally, including a solo exhibition at the Dallas Contemporary.
 
Ann Wood – installation animals. Wood has an M.F.A. from the University of Texas
at San Antonio. Her work has been featured at exhibitions throughout Texas.
“My work generally involves immediate and dramatic environments/installations
that initially seem inviting, pretty and sometimes even cute,” Wood said. “They have
a Rocco visual appeal and are gentle in their stillness and reference of topiary floral
bouquets and desserts and the idea of nurturing and gift-giving.”

College of the Mainland student Janelle Fry is glad that she and her mother, Joyce Burke, attended the Winter 55+ Health and WellnessExpo on Friday at COM Gymnasium.

The Dickinson residents were just two of the 150 attendees at the four-hour event.

“It’s been really nice,” Fry said. “The vendors have been really nice. There were great giveaways and a lot of information. I got my blood pressure checked.”

The free event was sponsored by COM Senior Adult Program and Special Projects in conjunction with the Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services and the Galveston County Health District.

“I loved it,” Burke said. “I talked her into coming here. You get a lot of information. I kind of like the free EKG (electrocardiogram). I just love health fairs.”

The free health screening included tests for blood pressure, blood oxygen, blood sugar, caregiver stress and electrocardiogram, with flu shots available with Medicare or a $20 payment.

The attendees received a free box lunch, and there were door prizes as well as grand prizes of $50 and $100.

There were three seminars held at the event -- on social media, self-defense and financial security, respectively.

The self-defense seminar, taught by Galveston County Sheriff’s Deputy Jimmie Gillane, was well-received by those in attendance.

Gillane, who teaches the seminar three to four times per year, said it was important because older adults aren’t taught defensive training.

“It was a really good class,” Gillane said. “I was shocked at the size of the class. They were very receptive to it. I would have loved to have spent more with them.”

Margaret Dale of Bayou Vista was one of the volunteers during the self-defense seminar.

“It was a good demonstration,” Dale said. “The way he showed me how to break holds, I think I could really do it.”

With the new year underway, it’s the perfect opportunity for local residents to learn new skills or enjoy a hobby at College of the Mainland’s North County Learning Center (NCLC), 200 Parker Court in League City, which is located off FM 518, just west of Interstate 45.

“We have a relaxed atmosphere with small classes,” NCLC director Lanis Neugent said.

The NCLC has more than 100 courses per semester, and students are encouraged to register three days before classes begin. The Center responds to community suggestions and has added classes on request.

Whether you’re entering the job market, seeking a career change, hoping to enhance your current skills or need an enjoyable outlet, the Center has something for everyone.

Several job ready courses are offered, including the administrative assistant certificate, which is an accelerated program that teaches skills necessary to begin a career in that field.

“(The course) will take a person (with) no office skills through a complete training program for immediate employment,” Neugent said.

NCLC’s Real Estate Academy prepares its students to take the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) exam.

“The market is coming back, so be prepared to be part of this growing field,” Neugent said.

A floral design class gives students insight into the techniques of creating arrangements, corsages and bouquets. On completion of the course, students will be ready to start a floral business.

Community members looking to enhance their computer and business skills have the opportunity to take courses in QuickBooks, Word Intro 2007 and Computer for Beginners.

Prospective novelists will enjoy one of the Center’s most popular classes, a creative writing series, taught by Kimberly Wuttke.

High school students can take dual credit courses, held at the Center during the day.

If you enjoy Salsa Dancing, Yoga or Zumba, there’s an opportunity for you to enjoy those activities, through NCLC, at nearby Clear Springs High School.

Contact Neugent at 281-332-1800 for registration information, a complete list of classes. Log on to www.com.edu/ncfor more information.

CHS is a program in which high school students are full-time COM students. They return to their high school campus for extracurricular activities and graduation, but they’re also eligible to participate in COM extracurriculars.

Hicks graduated from CHS, as the salutatorian, with an Associate in Science degree and 70 college credits. He simultaneously was named the Valedictorian of Hitchcock High School and enjoyed the challenge of preparing  graduation speeches last spring for both CHS and HHS.

Hicks will use most of the credits he earned at CHS toward his biology/pre-medical degree at University of Texas at Arlington, and he plans to graduate from the Metroplex school next spring.

“I’m really glad I did the Collegiate High School program,” Hicks said. “It gave me a thorough insight into what I had to look for (in college). The only reason I’m at UTA now is because of COM.”

Hicks, who last spring became the first person in his family to earn a college degree, earned an automatic full scholarship to UTA by being named to the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team.

Hicks was one of 50 community college students nationally, and one of five from Texas, to be named to the Academic Team’s Silver Scholar list. Each of those students was awarded a $1,250 scholarship.

During his two years at CHS, Hicks was very involved with Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for community colleges.

“It was an amazing experience,” Hicks said. “It really promotes excellence and academic enjoyment.”

Hicks served as Vice President of Service for PTK’s Sigma Delta Chapter at COM and represented the honor society at its international convention in Seattle.

“He’s very studious, very disciplined,” said Dr. Christopher Allen, COM Science professor and PTK advisor. “He’s very dedicated to his academic goals that he had set for himself. When I first met with him, he pretty much knew he was going to be a doctor.”

Hicks is preparing his medical school applications, and he requested recommendations from COM professors, including Dr. Allen.

“You become a family once you’re part of CHS,” said Hicks, who enjoyed the program’s small class sizes and the opportunities it provided."

Historians and scholars have often discussed how much social progress the nation has made since Aug. 28, 1963.

Lecia Brooks, director of outreach for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Ala., will be the guest speaker at College of the Mainland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration, presented by COM’s Multicultural Team. Brooks is also the director for the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery.

“I’ll be talking about Dr. King and his legacy and what was going on at the time,” Brooks said. “(I’ll talk about) those engaged in The Civil Rights Movement – what were they up against and juxtapose that with the current situation.”

The one-hour event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 1200 Amburn Road, Learning Resource Center 131.

Brooks, who will visit COM for the first time, said she’ll “encourage people to stay engaged in struggle” for civil rights.

She regularly speaks at schools and places of worship throughout the U.S. She also trains teachers and law enforcement personnel through SPLC’s Teaching Tolerance program.

According to its website, the SPLC is a “non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society,” founded in 1971.

Brooks said the SPLC is launching SPLC On Campus, a national college campus club program this semester.

She plans on telling COM faculty and students about the opportunity to start a local chapter.

For more information, contact Martin Perez at 409-933-8653 or mperez@com.edu.

Collegiate High School is a COM program that gives local high school students an opportunity to begin their freshman year of college in high school. By the time they graduate high school they’ll have an associate degree along with their high school diploma, and the opportunity to begin college as a freshman with credits.

The students return to the high schools in their respective home districts for extracurricular activities and participate in graduation ceremonies there as well.

“The Collegiate High School is the best kept secret in Galveston County,” CHS principal Sandi Belcher said. “Where else can you graduate with an associate degree prior to high school graduation at a fraction of the cost to attend a four-year institution?”

CHS, which meets on the COM campus in Texas City, offers a 40 percent reduction in tuition and fees and provides college textbooks.

The program is available to students from Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD, Friendswood ISD, Hitchcock ISD, La Marque ISD, Santa Fe ISD and Texas City ISD, as well as private school and home school students.

COM’s core classes are transferrable to Texas public universities.

Attendees may RSVP or request more information by contacting Lodie Salazar at 409-933-8169 or lsalazar@com.edu.