Seabrook resident, Pamm Muzslay, navigates around practice cones during a recent motorcycle rider’s certification course at San Jacinto College. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

Courses designed especially for the adult learner at San Jacinto College

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- November 29, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – Once dubbed queen of the house, Pamm Muzslay is now scooter queen of the road. The Seabrook grandmother captured her new family title after completing a weekend motorcycle rider’s certification course at San Jacinto College.

Muzslay is one of many who are taking advantage of affordable noncredit personal enrichment courses through the College’s Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) division. The division recently introduced an Adult Learning Institute (ALI) to provide community members, 55 years of age and older, with many leisure learning courses at a 10 percent discounted rate, along with community events catering to older adults.

"For me, taking a course at my nearby college was convenient because I was able to get off work, grab a bite, and get over to my class," said Muzslay, adding that she's looking forward to hitting the streets in her new teal green scooter. "Plus, the course and the price, considering all that we covered, were just right." 

For Casandra Perry, owner of Superior Cakes and More, taking five leisure learning courses at the College was well worth the drive from Humble to enhance her small business. The level of instruction, she said, helped her gain the knowledge needed to advance her cake decorating skills.

"I wanted the proper training that was necessary to enhance some of the things I was seeing, but not quite able to do just yet," said Perry. "These courses gave me that extra boost, the expertise needed for my business."

The CPD division offers more than 150 leisure learning courses in such subjects as language, various dance styles, finance, retirement planning, music, scrapbooking, baking, various sports, art, photography, motorcycle, and more. Classes are held at all three of the San Jacinto College campus locations.

"It is estimated that every 18 seconds, a person turns 50," said Ann VandeWeerd, program coordinator for the division’s life long learning area. "We recognize that learning doesn't stop at any age. By providing affordable courses, more adults will have access to learn a variety of skills as they continue to enrich their lives through education."

Anyone interested in leisure learning course offerings, or information about the Adult Learning Institute, may call 281-542-2077 or email Ann.VandeWeerd@sjcd.edu.

About the Continuing and Professional Development division
This noncredit division of the College provides training for both current and future employees in the professional and technical job sectors, as well as provides participants with open enrollment course options to enhance their lives. Professional and technical training is available through contract training, open enrollment and grant funding. For more information, call 281-476-1838.

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.