(front row, left to right) Dr. James Braswell, San Jacinto College (SJC) dean of administration; Larry Peterson, SJC chair of the department of biological and agricultural sciences; Allie Smart, South Sector Manager for Houston City Council Member Mike Sullivan; Dr. Van Wigginton, SJC dean of liberal arts and sciences; Dr. Barbara Hanson, SJC vice president for learning; Dr. Laurel Williamson, SJC vice chancellor for learning and student success and interim president at the South and Central Campuses; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, SJC Chancellor; and Dr. Ann Cartwright, SJC chair of the department of physical science. (second row, left to right) Jaynie Mitchell, SJC dual credit director; Veronica Jammer, SJC dean of health sciences; and Marie Flickinger, chair of the SJC Board of Trustees. (third row, left to right) Mike Mills, SJC Foundation board member, The Mundy Companies; Karen Blankenship, SJC library director; Dr. Deborah Myles, SJC dean of student development; and Dr. Ruede Wheeler, member of the SJC Board of Trustees. (fourth row, left to right) Stephen Trncak, SJC vice chancellor of human resources; Jeffrey Parks, SJC dean of industrial and applied technology; Mike Kane, SJC dean of business and technology; and Brad Hance, member of the SJC Board of Trustees. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

LEED-certified science building unveiled at San Jacinto College

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- November 2, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – Showcasing an impressive three-story periodic table of elements as a reminder of  prolific scientific advancements, the new San Jacinto College Central Campus science building is complete with amenities to prepare graduates for competitive careers within the field.

The 113,000-square-foot building is comprised of 54 percent lab space and 30 percent lecture hall and classroom space. Natural light is a significant feature of the LEED-certified building, which also includes a recycling center and public and student gathering areas located on all three floors. There are 12 biology, four chemistry, three geology, and two physics laboratories. All instructional spaces include integrated projection equipment.

"For more than 10 years, we have proposed a science building that would match the quality of science instruction we deliver to prepare our graduates for Houston's environment of advanced scientific research," said Dr. Ann Cartwright, chair of the Central Campus department of physical science. "This facility will not only accommodate our faculty and students, but will help with our commitment to science outreach to school children and the surrounding community."

Each year, the science department produces graduates who move on to universities to study such fields as chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, health and medicine, and to conduct further research in areas like genetics at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. San Jacinto College faculty members work closely with universities across the region to ensure successful transfers of students, often inviting guest speakers from education and industry to discuss career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

"We have always been proud of the fact that the science education our students obtain here prepares them for seamless transfers to universities," said Larry Petersen, chair of the Central Campus department of biological and agricultural sciences. "Now, with more modern science equipment, the skills our students take with them will be right up there with today's scientific technology."

The new building is a part of a $295 million capital improvement bond referendum approved by voters in 2008 that funds new facilities and renovations at all three San Jacinto College campuses. In addition to the science building, the Central Campus has already held grand openings for a new transportation center and health sciences expansion.

"Science education deserves the very best in facilities as we work to produce top graduates in STEM," said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College chancellor. "We extend our sincerest gratitude to the community for all of the years of supporting our student success initiatives and for recognizing what it takes to provide the highest quality of education and facilities for tomorrow’s workforce, including our future scientists.”

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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