“Reaching for Tomorrow” chronicles some of the historical highlights of East Harris County with a focus on the history of San Jacinto College. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Gift of history can make a great Christmas present

San Jacinto College’s 50^th anniversary book on sale at campus bookstores

Rob Vanya, November 30, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – Running out of Christmas gift ideas? Why not give the gift of history?

San Jacinto College’s attractive 50^th anniversary coffee table book chronicles some of the historical highlights of East Harris County with a focus on the history of San Jacinto College, the local college that began small and rapidly developed right along with the thriving communities it serves.

“Reaching for Tomorrow, the San Jacinto College Story 1961 - 2011” is a 160-page limited edition hardcover book that features vibrant photography, informative timelines, and a well-researched narrative.

The book chronicles the humble beginnings in 1961 when San Jacinto College held its first classes in a renovated storefront in old downtown Pasadena. Photos of the first temporary site are included, as well as photos of construction at the first permanent campus on Spencer Highway at a site where Pasadena, La Porte, and Deer Park converge.

Readers can trace the College’s rapid growth and development during the formative years when, by Fall 1967, enrollment reached 5,164, pushing San Jacinto College ahead of all Harris County college enrollments, with the exception of the University of Houston.

Readers can also follow the College’s expansion to the North Channel area with the opening of the North Campus in 1975, and to the South Belt-Ellington area with the opening of the South Campus in 1979. Photos document notable facility expansions from the opening of the first permanent classroom at the Central Campus in 1962 to the state-of-the-art buildings recently opened, and currently under construction at all three campuses.

Photos in the book depict students on campus and in classrooms through the years, and the narrative chronicles many of the state, regional, and national academic achievements earned by San Jacinto College students. The book also features student athletes in action through the years, and photos show them proudly displaying therir regional, state, and national athletic championship trophies.

The price of “Reaching for Tomorrow” is $35.95, and the book is available for purchase at any of the three San Jacinto College bookstores, which are located inside the student center at each campus. San Jacinto College North is located at 5800 Uvalde Road in the North Channel area. The Central Campus is located at 8060 Spencer Hwy. in Pasadena. The South Campus is located at 13735 Beamer Road in the South Belt-Ellington area.

The 50th anniversary book is also available for purchase online at www.sanjac50.com.

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.