TITLE: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of San Jacinto College and recognizing September 19, 2011, as San Jacinto College Day.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of San Jacinto College and recognizing September 19, 2011, as San Jacinto College Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, September 18, 2011, marks the 50th anniversary of the day San Jacinto College opened its doors, and students, faculty, staff, and alumni are celebrating this milestone throughout the 2011-2012 academic year; and WHEREAS, Originally known as the East Harris County Union Junior College, the institution operated out of a storefront location in downtown Pasadena and held its first day of classes on September 18, 1961; its initial enrollment was close to 900 students, and the following year, a permanent campus opened within sight of the San Jacinto Battleground; by 1964, the campus included the administration, science, and music buildings, as well as a gymnasium; and WHEREAS, San Jacinto College was awarded full accreditation by the Texas Association of Colleges and Universities in 1963, becoming the first college to do so after just two years of operation; during the 1960s, the institution granted associate degrees and offered the first two years of a four-year college curriculum in both day and evening programs, as well as technical training in data processing, electronics, police administration, nursing, and other fields; and WHEREAS, By 1965, San Jacinto College ranked as the second-largest junior college in the state with an enrollment of more than 3,500 students; San Jacinto College North opened in the fall of 1975, followed by San Jacinto College South four years later; in December 1995, the board of regents adopted the official name San Jacinto Community College District; and WHEREAS, Today, San Jacinto College includes three campuses, nine extension centers, and an early college high school; it serves nearly 30,000 students in more than 140 degree and certificate programs, including university transfer courses and job training; in 2008, taxpayers approved a bond referendum to support growing enrollment through renovations at each campus and the construction of student success centers, science and allied health facilities, and a 92,000-square-foot transportation center that will house automotive technology programs; and WHEREAS, For the past half-century, San Jacinto College has provided students with important opportunities in higher education, and in so doing it has enriched the lives of countless area Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of San Jacinto College and recognize September 19, 2011, as San Jacinto College Day; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for San Jacinto College as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton Huberty Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 219 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House