Members of the Harris County Historical Commission, San Jacinto College, and elected officials officially unveil the Texas Historical marker during a dedication at the Central Campus. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Harris County Historical Commission, San Jacinto College unveil Texas historical marker

 Amanda L. Booren -- August 27, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – More than 200 elected officials, community members, and former and current San Jacinto College employees joined Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer and members of the Harris County Historical Commission to unveil an official Texas Historical Marker in honor of the College’s 50^th anniversary, on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012.

“This is truly an honor for San Jacinto College,” said Dr. Hellyer. “We have come from humble beginnings in a storefront in Pasadena to three campuses and nine extension centers that serve more than 30,000 students. The dedication of our Board of Trustees, employees, and students, both past and present, has helped shape this incredible institution for more than 50 years. I thank Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the county commissioners, and the historical commission for this great recognition and honor.”

The marker dedication and unveiling ceremony culminated a yearlong celebration throughout the College in honor of its Golden Anniversary. The celebrations kicked off on Sept. 18, 2011 with San Jacinto Day, and included campus activities throughout the year, a gala that raised more than $200,000 for student scholarships, a family picnic for employees, and this week’s marker dedication and unveiling.

Chris Varela, vice chair of the Harris County Historical Commission, presented the College a proclamation on behalf of County Judge Ed Emmett recognizing Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 as San Jacinto Community College District Day. San Jacinto College also received recognition from Governor Rick Perry and Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams, District D.

In late 2010, Anne Thomas, a Harris County Historical Commission member and former San Jacinto College employee, recommended that the College apply for a marker in honor of its Golden Anniversary. A team of employees conducted historical research and put together the application, and the College was notified in February 2011 of the marker award. The marker is just the fifth in the city of Pasadena. The other four are the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Independent School District, Allen Ranch, and Crown Hill Cemetery.

The marker is located in front of the Interactive Learning Center on the San Jacinto College Central Campus, located at 8060 Spencer Highway in Pasadena.

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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