A 2009 portrait of Slovacek will be displayed at the Wayne Slovacek Student Center, located at San Jacinto College North. Photo by Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

San Jacinto College to give double honor during November to the late Wayne Slovacek

Former trustee remembered for his loyal support, lasting legacy

Rob Vanya, October 23, 2012

The late Wayne Slovacek, one of San Jacinto College’s most loyal advocates, will receive double honors from the College during the month of November.

The San Jacinto College Foundation Golf Tournament, to be held in Deer Park at Battleground Golf Course on Nov. 7, will be dedicated in honor of Slovacek. All proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will be directed to the C. Wayne and Marja Slovacek Promise for Their Future Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship funding for qualifying San Jacinto College students interested in the arts and sciences. At the tournament, Slovacek’s relatives will be presented a copy of a framed photo of him that will be placed on display at the Wayne Slovacek Student Center, which is located at San Jacinto College North. Slovacek served as chairman of the annual golf tournament, the Foundation’s primary fundraiser.

Also during November, San Jacinto College will recognize Slovacek’s service to America as a veteran of the U.S. Marines. Slovacek was in the Marines from 1942 to 1946, and served active duty during World War II, being stationed for a while in Japan (photo at left). The Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success at San Jacinto College’s North and Central campuses will have Slovacek’s military uniform on display during November. The display will also include a photo of Slovacek as a young Marine.

Slovacek was a longtime resident of Deer Park until his death earlier this year. He served for 38 consecutive years as a member of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, from 1972 until his retirement on Dec. 13, 2010. During his tenure, he served as board chairman and was an integral part of numerous expansions and major upgrades, including construction of the College’s North and South campuses, additions of the Interactive Learning Centers at all three campuses, and the College’s current major capital improvement campaign that includes new allied health and science facilities, a transportation center, and student welcome centers at each campus.

Slovacek was a founding member of the San Jacinto College Foundation Board of Directors, and helped coordinate and carry out numerous events to raise funds for student scholarships. At his retirement, Slovacek said he tirelessly supported San Jacinto College because of his appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of education. “An educated and well-trained workforce is the key to a strong economy and a thriving community, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve San Jacinto College and help people of all ages to improve their lives through education,” he said.

Ruth Keenan, executive director of the San Jacinto College Foundation, said Slovacek’s lasting legacy will positively impact San Jacinto College students for many years. “Wayne Slovacek was truly one of San Jacinto College’s greatest leaders,” she commented. “He never missed an opportunity to help, campaign, or offer advice. It was an honor and a privilege to know him, and the results of his labors are evident in the very fabric that makes up San Jacinto College.”

About the San Jacinto College Foundation

The San Jacinto College Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enhancing the level of student achievement and excellence at San Jacinto College. Our purpose is to receive gifts, bequests, and donations, and to raise private funds to benefit the people of East Harris County, Texas. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.sanjacfoundation.org, or call 281-998-6104.

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.