Honoring David Waters through Student Success
When Alexis West walked across the stage at San Jacinto College’s May commencement, she wasn’t just earning her diploma. She was making history. West became one of Texas’ first students to receive a state professional license alongside a diploma, thanks to an innovative partnership between the College and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The new program allows students to take their state licensing exams as their final course assessment so they can enter the workforce immediately.
This groundbreaking initiative was made possible partly thanks to the David Waters Memorial Fund, which covered the exam fees for participating students. Established through the San Jacinto College Foundation, the fund honors the late Waters, a beloved San Jacinto College cosmetology instructor for nearly 40 years. The veteran and lifelong advocate for student success left a legacy that continues to transform lives.
“David would be immensely proud,” said Susan Lipka, fund co-executor. “His gift is helping students launch their careers the moment they graduate.”
The pilot program, launched in spring 2025, included 130 students across five programs—cosmetology operator, barbering, massage therapy, manicurist, and esthetician. For these students, graduating and receiving their license simultaneously eliminated months of delay and out-of-pocket costs. The gap closed, thanks to faculty now administering the exams and the Foundation providing the funding.
The partnership originated through conversations between Foundation board members, including TDLR commissioner Tom Butler and San Jacinto College Board vice chair John Moon Jr., demonstrating the power of community-driven solutions.
The Foundation plays a pivotal role in student success, awarding more than $700,000 annually in scholarships, supporting emergency aid, and fueling innovative partnerships like this one. Waters’ final gift reflects the lasting impact of educators and donors who believe in student potential. His legacy lives on in every licensed graduate ready to join the workforce.
Read more stories from the Chancellor's Report to the Community
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.
