TITLE: Commemorating the 15th anniversary of North Central Texas College--Bowie.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 15th anniversary of North Central Texas College--Bowie.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, North Central Texas College--Bowie celebrated the 15th anniversary of its opening on March 9, 2015; and WHEREAS, Responding to a need for further educational opportunities in the area, the Bowie City Council created a college task force in 1995; community leaders subsequently partnered with North Central Texas College, using an economic development sales tax to fund the construction of a new campus in Bowie; in April 1999, the city broke ground on a 16,000-square-foot building, and the campus opened its doors for the first time in January of the following year; and WHEREAS, In the decade and a half since it welcomed its first students, NCTC--Bowie has undergone significant expansion, and it now boasts the resources of a comprehensive community college; in the summer of 2008, the campus launched an oil-and-gas technology program, and in 2009, that initiative received a boost with the opening of a new wing that featured a cutting-edge petroleum training facility, a library, learning labs, and a Student Success Center; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of current director Jose DaSilva, the campus offers a wide variety of programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into prosperous and fulfilling careers, including technical training, dual-credit courses, and pathways for transferring to four-year schools; in addition, the campus serves the local business community through classes on how to start a company and through free consultations for local entrepreneurs; furthermore, the Division of Lifelong Learning provides nontraditional students with a number of special interest classes as well as training in computer applications, life skills, and technical trades; and WHEREAS, By furnishing its students with a solid educational foundation, North Central Texas College--Bowie is stimulating economic development in the city and the surrounding vicinity and increasing the standard of living among area residents, and it is indeed a privilege to recognize the campus's many contributions to its community at this time; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 15th anniversary of North Central Texas College--Bowie and extend to its administration, faculty, staff, and students sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the campus as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Springer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1923 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House