Remembering Dr. Ruede Wheeler and John Moon Jr.
San Jacinto College honors the lives and legacies of two longtime Board of Trustees members whose vision and leadership helped shape the institution’s remarkable growth and enduring commitment to students — Dr. Ruede Wheeler and John Moon Jr.
Dr. Ruede Wheeler: A Lifetime of Dedication
When Dr. Ruede Wheeler accepted an invitation to join the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees in 1986, the College had only three campuses and a promising future ahead. Over the next 37 years, he would help transform that promise into progress. A former La Porte ISD board member, Wheeler brought a clear focus to every decision: what would best serve students.
Throughout his tenure, he played key roles in shaping three successful bond referendums that expanded academic and workforce facilities and established two additional campuses. He also helped champion initiatives that improved student outcomes, such as Open Books, which has saved students millions through free and low-cost textbooks.
Wheeler’s leadership helped guide the College through its Achieving the Dream work in the early 2000s — a pivotal effort that redefined student success strategies and significantly increased graduation rates. His quiet resolve, financial stewardship, and student-centered approach earned him the honorary title “Trustee Emeritus” upon his retirement in 2023. The North Campus Dr. Ruede M. Wheeler Building stands as a permanent tribute to his service.
John Moon Jr.: A Vision for the Future
Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2009, John Moon Jr. shared that same steadfast commitment to San Jacinto College and its students. A lifelong Pasadena resident and proud San Jac graduate, Moon combined his professional expertise as a certified public accountant with his deep community roots to guide the College’s financial and physical growth.
As chair of the building committee and later vice chair of the board, Moon was instrumental in planning and passing two major bond programs totaling $720 million. These initiatives modernized facilities, expanded workforce training capacity, and created innovative spaces for student learning.
Beyond board service, Moon gave his time as a San Jacinto College Foundation board member and adjunct professor, demonstrating his belief in giving back to the institution that helped launch his own educational journey.
Lasting Impact
Together, Dr. Wheeler and Mr. Moon exemplified the values that define San Jacinto College — integrity, vision, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Their decades of leadership have left a lasting mark on the College and the communities it serves, ensuring that generations of students will continue to benefit from their dedication and foresight.
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.
