San Jac Shares “A Raven’s Journey” at 2025 State of the College
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College Chancellor, Dr. Brenda Hellyer, delivered the 2025 State of the College address, centering on the theme, “A Raven’s Journey.” The annual event, held in person and streamed virtually, brought together the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, elected officials, community leaders, and College employees to celebrate progress and reflect on the impact of education in shaping lives.
“A Raven’s Journey” showcased the stories of individuals whose paths led them to San Jacinto College and beyond — from faculty and staff to current students and alumni. These personal journeys illustrate the College’s ongoing mission to transform lives through accessible, affordable, and high-quality education.
Four Ravens’ stories were highlighted:
- Tabitha Godinez – once a San Jac student herself, Tabitha Godinez’s journey has come full circle as she now helps others navigate their own educational and career pathways.
- Zach Labbe – process technology student and Promise Scholar Zach Labbe is harnessing the power of networking and mentorship at San Jac to turn classroom learning into career opportunities.
- Roland Rodriguez – after a successful engineering career, Roland Rodriguez discovered a new passion in cancer data management, a path made possible by his education at San Jacinto College .
- Desiree Wilson – inspired by her own start as a San Jac dual credit student, biology professor Desiree Wilson returned to teach at the College, motivating the next generation of scientists with her story of resilience and discovery.
“Our journey is made up of thousands of individual stories — each one inspiring, each one important,” said Hellyer. “Together, as a community of learners, educators, and partners, we continue to shape the future of this region through the success of every Raven who chooses San Jac.”
In addition, Hellyer provided an update on San Jac Online, the 89th Legislative session, and the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship.
View the State of the College recording
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
