Meet new alumni, annual giving coordinator

Shazia Husain considers herself as close to a native Texan as you can get. Other than being born in Pakistan and living briefly in Los Angeles, Husain has called the Lone Star State home for more than 30 years.

"I got to Texas as soon as possible," she said.

As the San Jacinto College Foundation's new alumni and annual giving coordinator, Husain will foster relationships with alumni, keeping them engaged so they always feel San Jac is their home. She also wants to encourage alumni to invest in the next generation through scholarships so current students can focus on classes, not costs.

"It's essential for alumni to understand the importance of giving back to the College and Foundation," she said. "I want other students to have the same advantages I had as a scholarship recipient."

Class of 2020

Husain is a San Jac alumna herself. In 2020, she graduated from the College with her Associate of Arts in communications.

"I chose San Jac because I heard from friends and family that it was a great institution," she said. "I was so inspired by seeing my peers get so far in life after starting at San Jac that I wanted to do the same for myself."

San Jac professors made a difference in her degree journey, reviewing material with Husain online or face-to-face when she needed extra help. Several even stayed in touch via LinkedIn to encourage her to reach her career goals.

"I have never heard of other institutions having teachers so committed to a student's success," she said. "I encourage everyone who wants to start college to look into San Jac."

Adventures ahead

Husain recently earned her bachelor's degree in digital media and professional communication from Texas Tech University. After wearing freelance, student, and mom hats for the last decade, she is excited about her new adventure at San Jac. And by adventure, you could call her job orientation "trial by tornado." On her second day, she sheltered on the ground level of her new office while a tornado pulled down fences and trees and peeled back roofs just blocks away.

Disaster brings a community together. In her new role, Husain looks forward to working with those who have a heart to serve and give.

"One of the many things that excite me about this position is going out into the community and meeting people who impact our community in different ways," she said. "I'll also get to spread the word about what our Foundation does and how it hugely benefits our students."

Husain and her husband, Aleem, have three children ranging from 3 to 10. When they aren't busy shuttling their kids to sports on weekends, they explore new restaurants or entertain at home.

Want to connect with Husain and learn how you can partner with the Foundation for student success? Email her at alumni@sjcd.edu.