The Alvin Community College Foundation presented approximately $28,000 in grants and awards at the annual Honoring Excellence Reception on April 23.

The ACC Foundation presented faculty and staff members with the Foundation Excellence Awards which recognize college faculty and staff members who go above and beyond every day. Winners this year were Camely Myers, administrative assistant for the dean of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Nadia Nazarenko, dean of General Education and Academic Support; Diana Gonzalez, custodial supervisor and Marby McKinney, Respiratory Care director. Each received $1,000.

 

Winners of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Awards were: Wendy Stewart, Nursing instructor; Paresh Patel, grants project specialist and Jared Dornak, EMS Lab assistant. Each received $500.

 

Innovative Initiative Grants were also awarded during the reception.  These grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative approaches to fulfill the mission of Alvin Community College. The grants will be used for the 2024-25 academic year.

Upward Bound Director Robert Sanchez was awarded $1,600 to create a Love Languages workshop for students.

 

Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography Director Danielle Kemendo was awarded $1,500 to purchase tablets to help students engage with volunteers in the sonography lab.

 

Math Chair Charles Kilgore was again awarded $1,250 for new software for the Math department.

 

Geology instructor John Mohr received a $1,900 grant to purchase a drone to create virtual field trips.

 

Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Amanda Smithson was awarded a $3,000 grant to start the Emergency Go Bag program by providing food and supplies for students in need of emergency assistance.

 

Vocational Nursing instructor Thirty Lacy received a $2,000 grant to fund professional development opportunities for Nursing adjunct instructors.

 

Vocational Nursing instructor Maria Ruiz was awarded $2,000 to create a health fair program.

 

Associate Degree Nursing instructor Justin Morgan received a $2,500 for the second time to support the annual Disaster Day exercise for Allied Health students.

 

Recruitment and Enrollment Director Amanda Smithson was awarded $2,000 to fund scholarships for students seeking preparation for the TSI exam.

 

Licensed Professional Counselors Lilly Guu and Jesse Guevara received a $2,000 grant to help provide transit assistance to students in need.

 

Culinary Department Chair Laura Trigo was awarded $3,000 to purchase a barbecue pit in order to implement barbecue skills into the Culinary Arts curriculum.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities for students, faculty and the college. For more information about the Foundation or to learn about how to donate, visit https://p2p.onecause.com/accclosedamb or call 281-756-3600.