(left to right) San Jacinto College students and Houston Chemical Association scholarship recipients Daniel Ortuno, Daniel Rodriguez, and Emanuel Salazar. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

San Jacinto College students pick up Houston Chemical Association scholarship

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- October 23, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – Three San Jacinto College students have been awarded Houston Chemical Association scholarships for their academic excellence in science and math.

Daniel Ortuno, Emanuel Salazar, and Daniel Rodriguez each receive $500 toward their tuition. The Houston Chemical Association awards such scholarships to students pursuing career paths in the chemical industry. Salazar and Rodriguez plan to transfer to the University of Houston, and Ortuno plans to transfer to Texas A&M  University.

"Scholarships like this one definitely help get me through college as a full-time student," said Rodriguez, who dropped out of high school, yet returned to earn his General Educational Development (GED) diploma and pursue a career in chemical engineering. He is this year’s Outstanding Chemistry Student. "This definitely boosts my confidence."

Rodriguez and Ortuno are also recipients of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) scholarship and were selected for the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (T-STEM) Scholars program, funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Salazar is the recipient of a San Jacinto College chemistry department scholarship and STARS scholarship through the College's Foundation.

"These students exemplify the dedication and passion that is very much needed in chemistry," said Dr. Ann Cartwright, chair of the Central Campus department of physical science. "Not only do they aim to excel in one area, they serve as role models to show others the rewards that come from an education in science and math."

The Houston Chemical Association fosters and promotes the education of its members and the public by gathering and distributing information of general interest within the field of chemical manufacture and distribution. All association scholarship recipients will be recognized at the annual Houston Chemical Christmas Scholarship Social, held in December.

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.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.