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Laredo Community College
LCC in the NEWS

NEWS ARCHIVE

--September 2002        --January 2003

--October 2002

--November 2002

--December 2002

Week of February 24, 2003

01. LCC implements new schedule (with graphic)
02. LCC to premiere Art in a Suitcase: Pt. 2
03. LCC, Doctors to host Health Fair February 28
04. LCC student engineers plan remembrance for shuttle crews
04. LCC honors STDC's contributions to education (with photo)
05. LCC to offer Palomino baseball camps
06. LCC offering early sign up for community blood drive
07. LCC offering free math TASP workshops
08. LCC names new Community Education chief (with photo)
09. LCC, TAMIU welcome back ROTC after 30 years
10. LCC alum reflects on LCC Honors program experiences (with photo)
11. City of Laredo training benefits from LCC offering (with photo)
12. LCC music standouts receive highly-coveted All-State Band honors (with photo)
13. Teleconference at LCC celebrates Black History Month
14. LCC calendar for February 23-March 2, 2003

LCC implements new schedule

Laredo Community College is taking the first step to respond to a state-mandated budget reduction.  Beginning March 1, Laredo Community College will undertake an operating schedule which will require that campus offices be closed on Friday afternoons. As part of the state’s mandate that state colleges and universities undertake a 7 percent budget reduction in the current fiscal year, LCC President Ramon H. Dovalina announced the new operating schedule and stressed that no classes would be cancelled.

“Our emphasis will be maintaining our current level of services to students and we feel the new schedule, along with a variety of other internal measures, will help us reach the 7% goal,” Dovalina said. “We will not cut back on courses, in fact we will offer the same number and variety of summer courses that are available to students every year.”

LCC offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. On Fridays, the campus will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Student service departments that currently open through 7 p.m., such as Financial Aid and Admission/Registration, will continue to remain open until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Effective immediately, the Harold R. Yeary Library on the college campus will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and will close on Sunday.  The LCC Internet Corral Lab will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday and will close on the weekends.

A four-day summer operating schedule is also being contemplated, although Dovalina emphasized that students can count on the availability of courses in both traditional summer sessions.

Other measures being undertaken immediately are a hiring freeze, elimination of part-time and temporary positions, and a reduction of weekend and evening events sponsored for entities outside of the college. College departments are also proposing budget reductions in supplies, contract services and subscriptions, among other cuts.

For more information regarding the new LCC operating schedule, contact the LCC Marketing and Public Information Office at 721-5140 or by e-mail at publicinfo@laredo.edu.

STUDENT SERVICE DEPARTMENTS
HOURS OF OPERATION -- March 1– May 11, 2003
 

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LCC to premiere Art in a Suitcase: Pt. 2

In 2001, Chinese artists Kong Ho and Ben Sum chose Hong Kong as the site to unveil a mixed media exhibition entitled “Art in a Suitcase.”

Now, Laredo and area citizens will have the opportunity to view the second part to this unique exhibition when the avant-garde artists premiere their innovative work at Laredo Community College on Thursday, February 27.

The LCC Art Department will host an opening reception to welcome their newest exhibition, “Art in a Suitcase: Part 2,” on February 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the LCC Art Teaching Gallery.  Visiting artist Ben Sum will be present to meet with students and community members.  Admission is free and open to students, art lovers and the public. 

Prior to the opening of the art exhibit, Sum will deliver a talk and demonstration about his art work, including focus on a special technique he uses to transfer images.  The presentation will be February 27 at 2 p.m. at the LCC Art Gallery.

“Art in a Suitcase” is a video, painting, mixed media and installation exhibition focusing on the life experiences of Ho and Sum, who live in Hong Kong and the United States.  Through their personal interpretations, the exhibition features art that comes from everyday life and dreams, and analyzes the two sets of different, yet shared, expressions of traveling and living in both the U.S. and Hong Kong.

The journey from the West to the East, started with Sum’s immigration to the U.S., where he encountered Ho whose similar journey from the East to the West provoked some unexpected but shared life experiences and artistic inspirations.

Based on the differences in geography, time, culture, art, value, and belief systems of the two continents as a backdrop, the two artists have created non-chronological narrative works that express their experience of moving between two very different worlds.

The decision by Sum and Ho to debut their new exhibition at LCC was realized through their friendship with an old classmate, Gary Brown, an LCC Art Instructor.  The three are all graduates of Texas Tech University.  Ho and Brown were graduate students who completed their art studies in 1994.

“Laredo Community College is fortunate to serve as the site to unveil the next installment of the Ben Sum and Kong Ho exhibition.  This event will greatly complement our students’ learning experiences and expose the community to innovative art work,” said Brown.

Born in Shanghai, China, Sum spent his childhood in Canton.  Later, he moved to Hong Kong with his family and received his secondary school education there.  Upon graduation, Sum worked for the China Light and Co. for three years before moving to the U.S. for college.

Sum settled in Texas in the early seventies and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech in 1975.  He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Texas Tech in 1992.  He has been teaching at Western Texas College in Snyder since graduation and is currently an Associate Professor of Art. 

Sum has returned to Hong Kong quite frequently since the mid-eighties.  He has been teaching figure drawing workshops in the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center every summer since 1998.

Ho is a bicultural artist who was born in Hong Kong.  Diagnosed with polio at the age of one, he attributes his quiet personality to his early years which were spent mainly in the protective environment of the hospital and his home.

Ho studied fine arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.  After graduation, he started working in graphic design and teaching art.  In 1991, he was awarded a three-year scholarship from the Sir Robert Black Trust Fund which allowed him to earn an MFA in painting and drawing at Texas Tech.  He returned to Hong Kong to serve the community as fulfillment of his commitment to the scholarship.

After his return to Hong Kong, Ho worked as a studio artist, art administrator and an art educator for different colleges and vocational institutions.

In 1997, he founded the Hong Kong Mural Society and started to promote mural art in his homeland.  At the same time, he worked as an administrative director of I-Kiln Studio, a ceramic studio and art organization. 

Currently, Ho is studio artist and adjunct faculty member at Western Texas College.

The exhibit at LCC will remain on display through March 20.  Gallery hours are Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free of charge. 

For more information, contact the LCC Art Department by calling 721-5224.

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LCC, Doctors to host Health Fair February 28

Laredo Community College and Doctors Hospital invite Laredoans of all ages to follow the road to wellness during the third annual Wellness Fair on Friday, February 28.

The event will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. in the LCC Maravillo Gymnasium.  Admission is free and open to the campus body and the public.

The Health Fair will provide participants with an array of free medical and health services, including glucose (sugar), cholesterol, blood pressure, depression, sleep evaluations, height/weight, body fat measurements, computerized wellness assessments and breathing capacity tests.  Individuals who plan to take the cholesterol and glucose screenings must fast at least 8 hours prior to the screenings.

Representatives from different community service organizations will host exhibits and distribute free literature, including the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Blakey Medical Supply, Border Region MHMR, City of Laredo Health Department, Galo Optical, LCC Nursing, Allied Health, Wellness and Science Departments, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Silva International, Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, Doctors Hospital, U.S. Border Patrol and many more.  There will also be wellness giveaways, door prizes, and free healthy snacks and beverages.

The Laredo Children’s Museum will also host a Children’s Fun Place, a section for youngsters to enjoy while parents take full advantage of the health services.

For more information, contact the LCC Wellness Program by calling 721-5326.

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LCC student engineers plan remembrance for shuttle crew

Members of Laredo Community College’s newest student organization, The Society of Hispanic Student Engineers, invite the campus body and the public to join them Saturday, March 1, for a special ceremony in memory of the Shuttle Columbia Crew.

A tree planting and monument dedication will begin at 10 a.m. at the east side of the LCC Community Services Building (P-11).   The local remembrance will be made in memory of the seven astronauts who died with the loss of the Shuttle Columbia.

SHSE President Susan Cabello said that the ceremony will have a special meaning for all who attend the ceremony, particularly the LCC students who participated last year in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars program.  Cabello was among those participants.

To add a special touch to the tree planting, Cabello said that the student group will plant a Moon Sycamore.  The student organization is also grateful to Gloria Monument for donating the stone marker.

For more information, contact the LCC Marketing and Public Information Office by calling 721-5140.

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LCC honors STDC’s contributions to education

Laredo Community College recognized the South Texas Development Council on Thursday for its invaluable and steadfast support to education in the past three decades.

Appreciation was extended to STDC during a luncheon on campus attended by the regional board, its staff and college leaders.  During the event, STDC was honored as the first entity to receive the LCC Star Award.

LCC President Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina praised the STDC and its leadership for its significant role in advancing lives through its support of the college’s educational services.

“Over the last 30 years, Laredo Community College has received tremendous assistance from the South Texas Development Council to meet the educational needs for a fast growing and vibrant regional community,” said Dovalina.

As the regional council of governments for the counties of Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg and Starr, STDC is the clearinghouse for governmental funding which has awarded numerous economic development grants benefiting the college’s infrastructure and workforce training needs.  An 18-member Board of Directors, composed of elected officials and citizen representatives, serves as the governing body for the STDC.  Amando Garza Jr. is the Executive Director.

LCC Chief Development Officer Blas Castañeda noted how the college has a long history of collaborating with STDC to secure federal grants, averaging $600,000 to $800,000, for capital facility needs.  Throughout the years, the college has been able to enhance its infrastructure needs by securing allocations for the de la Garza Building, the Allied Health and Lopez Nursing Buildings, and the Hachar and Moore Vocational Buildings. 

A grant of $443,000 also benefited to some extent the historic Ft. McIntosh Chapel currently occupied by the Laredo Children’s Museum.

“These facilities were realized through the college’s submittal of funding grants through the STDC to the Economic Development Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Castañeda.  “In most cases, the EDA funding received was on a 50/50 match.  STDC added a 10 percent contingency to make it a 60/40 match which brought additional dollars to the college.”

The Regional Police Academy at LCC, which has served as the primary law enforcement trainer for the four-county region since the 1970s, has benefited also from the STDC, says Academy Director/Instructor Ray Garner.

The Academy has received yearly grants of up to $27,000 to provide free training to law enforcement centers across the region.  LCC annually trains about 75 cadets sponsored by the region’s law enforcement centers.  Continuing education training is also provided to about 2,000 law enforcement and 911 personnel employed by the same entities.  LCC also offers training seminars to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Alcoholic Beverage Commission, U.S. Customs, U.S. Border Patrol, DEA, FBI and IRS, among other federal and state agencies that service the region.

“Thanks to STDC’s involvement in helping the college secure these grants, training is provided at no cost to produce and maintain a quality law enforcement body for the well being of the region,” said Garner.

Dovalina emphasized, “Without the STDC assistance in facilitating the federal funding process, our institution would probably not be able to completely fund these crucial projects.” 

The South Texas Development Council is a multifunctional organization, which in combining the benefits of an economic development district and a regional council of governments, provides technical assistance and comprehensive regional planning services to member governments, serving the south Texas area: Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata counties.

Among officials who attended a luncheon at Laredo Community College to recognize the South Texas Development Council for its efforts to enhance educational services delivered by LCC are, from left, J.C. Trevino, LCC Board member; Heriberto Garcia, Roma Police Chief; Fernando Pena, Mayor of Roma; Guadalupe Martinez, Founding Board Member of STDC; Blas Castaneda, LCC Chief Development Officer; Ramon Dovalina, LCC President; Agapito Molina, Jim Hogg County Judge; Amando Garza, Executive Director of STDC; and Oralia Reyes, Mayor of El Cenizo.

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LCC to offer Palomino baseball camps      

Young baseball fans will have a fun and exciting way to spend their spring break when the Laredo Community College Baseball program offers two-day Palomino Baseball Camps on March 10 and 11.

Space is limited and parents are encouraged to sign up their children during the following early sign-up days: February 23 from 4 to 5 p.m., March 8 from 5 to 6 p.m. and March 9 from 2 to 3 p.m.  Early registration will be held at the LCC Doc Sanchez Baseball Field.

Chase Tidwell, LCC assistant baseball coach, will lead the camps, which will be divided into two age categories: ages 7 to 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and ages 11 to 14 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The March 10th camp day will focus on defensive positions, including pitching, catching, infield and outfield.  The March 11th camp day will concentrate on hitting, bunting and base running.

The fee for the two-day camp is $50 per participant.  Little League coaches are encouraged to contact Tidwell to learn about special rates available for groups of 10 or more ballplayers.

For more information, contact Tidwell by calling 721-5178 or 206-9168.

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LCC offering early sign up for community blood drive

Laredo Community College students, faculty and staff will be able to contribute toward the elimination of a blood supply shortage in the region by participating in a City-Wide Blood Drive on March 1.

To generate a list of potential donors, the LCC Health Services is registering potential donors in advance of the community blood drive, scheduled for March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Laredo Entertainment Center.                                    

The Early Sign-Up days at LCC began on February 17 and continue through February 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center lobby.

For more information, contact LCC Health Services by calling 721-5189.

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LCC offering free Math TASP workshops

The Laredo Community College Mathematics Department is once again offering a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for the math section of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) Test through a series of workshops in progress through February 27.

The workshops are being taught by long-time LCC Math Instructor Dr. Alejandro Perez from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  The series of classes will continue February 26 and 27.

Perez explained that the workshops focus on the practice test available to students in preparation for the TASP Test.  The subject matter includes the fundamentals of math, algebra, geometry and problem solving. 

The TASP Test assesses the basic skills levels of students entering Texas public colleges in the fall of 1989 and thereafter.  Students who score below the state minimum must enroll in developmental course work.  The goal of the program is to ensure that Texas college students are successful in their academic endeavors.  In addition to mathematics, the TASP Test also assesses a student’s reading and writing skills.

For more information about the LCC Math TASP workshops, contact the LCC Math Department by calling 721-5441.

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LCC names new Community Education chief

Lewis A. Pack, an educator with extensive experience in workforce development training, has been selected Director of Community Education at Laredo Community College.

Pack comes to Laredo via Houston where he was director of workforce development for San Jacinto College North.  There, he initiated, developed and coordinated business and industrial customized instruction, among other duties.

“Laredo Community College is pleased to welcome Mr. Pack to our college family.  His vast knowledge and experience in the management and development of training programs for business, industry and community will have a positive impact on the educational services that LCC delivers throughout the region,” said Chief Development Officer Blas Castañeda.

Pack, who assumed the position on February 3, is busily shaping the expansion of LCC’s Community Education Department, which provides non-credit short courses for adults who desire to improve their vocational, professional, cultural or social learning beyond their present level of education.

Pack says that his immediate goals are to implement initiatives that will help boost enrollment and focus on the workforce development training mission this department is entrusted to deliver to the region.

“Some of my goals include the development of a formal award program to confer Continuing Education Workforce Development certificates and the implementation of online education and personal enrichment courses,” said Pack.

“The focus will be more on workforce development and implementing strategies to bring community education and continuing education closer to the general public for all to benefit,” added Pack.

 He also plans to explore links between LCC’s Community Education courses and its college credit courses. During his tenure at San Jacinto College, he served seven years as the division chair of the Industrial Technology Department.  He envisions exciting possibilities at LCC where eligible students interested in non-credit training programs, can take credit courses, such as welding, side-by-side with students taking the course for credit.

Prior to his service at San Jacinto College, Pack dedicated 12 years to the Texas State Technical Institute in Waco as staff development officer from 1984 to 1990, and as senior instructor of the auto body repair program from 1978 to 1984.

Pack is a graduate of East Texas State University in Commerce, where he received a Masters degree in Vocational Education.  He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Industrial Education from Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

For more information, contact Pack by calling 721-5374 or by e-mail at lpack@laredo.edu.

Lewis A. Pack

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LCC, TAMIU welcome back ROTC program after 30

years

        While interest in joining the military quickly faded among the youth after the Vietnam War, a new Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program is ready to fill a gap of nearly 30 years by training a new generation of military manager leaders at Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University.

        The joint ROTC program will be offered starting Fall 2003 in partnership with LCC and TAMIU.  Students may register at any time leading up to the first day of Fall 2003 classes.

        TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck said the University is excited to welcome the ROTC program back to campus.

        "We are happy to welcome the ROTC program home. The program offers many scholarship opportunities and teaches leadership skills that students can utilize in any career," said Dr. Keck, "Students who become a part of this program will be addressing the needs that exist locally for trained officers."

        Dr. Ramón Dovalina, LCC president and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, noted the major impact that the new military science program will have for the region.

        "LCC is also pleased to build a program that combines military skills with career skills which benefit our students throughout their lifetime," said Dovalina. "A military-based program which allows students to continue their studies, rather than interrupt them, is an excellent option for many young people in our students."

         Major Mary Payton, assistant professor of military science, will direct the four-year program at TAMIU, divided into two levels.

The LCC program will be directed by Sergeant Major Ricky Burts.

        The ROTC program, known for its ability to develop superior leadership skills, will serve a major local need for military officers, Payton said.

        "I expect the program will grow every year because we have not had a program that produces officers for 30 years although military presence is strong here with units of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve and the U.S. National Guard being active," she said.

        Years ago, TAMIU, then known as Laredo State University, offered ROTC courses under the direction of former Capt. José García. However, the program was closed after interest in the military dropped among students.

        García, now vice president of finance and administration at TAMIU, said he is thrilled the program is being restored at the College and University.

        "I think that it's excellent that we are reopening the program. ROTC offers many scholarship opportunities and secondly, it provides a way to commission officers that will go to the U.S. National Guard and reserve units that are in Laredo," he said, "It's great training for young people no matter what career they choose to go into."

        Payton explained that the program is divided into lower and upper divisions. The lower division is open to all freshmen and sophomores, but the upper division is only available to students who meet pre-requisites.

        Those interested in enrolling for the upper division must be full-time students, have approximately two years remaining in their degree plan and maintain a minimum 2.0 G.P.A. They must also meet medical fitness requirements and have taken lower division courses, she said.

        Students in the program graduate under their chosen degree plan but may choose military science as their minor, she said.

        For more information about the ROTC program at LCC, please contact Sgt. Maj. Ricky Burts, Military Science Instructor, by calling 764-5769 or 764-5767.

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LCC alum reflects on LCC Honors program experiences

Laredo Community College honors graduate Alberto P. Cardenas, Jr., made a special visit from the nation’s capitol to his hometown college to offer students “A Reflection- Ten Years after Graduation from the LCC Honors Program” on Thursday, February 20.

Sponsored by the LCC Honors Program, Cardenas’ lecture was held in the de la Garza Building, room 101.  

Cardenas is the Special Assistant to the Chancellor and Director of Federal Relations for the Texas Tech University System in Washington, D.C. He will reflect on his experiences at LCC and in the LCC Honors Program, 10 years after his graduation.

“(My lecture focused) on the foundation LCC offers in transitioning to a four-year university, the work environment and post-graduate education,” said Cardenas.

He said that a college student, while sitting in classes, studying for exams, and completing assignments, may often ponder what their present activities in life might have to do with the future.

“This discussion shed light on the dilemma by making the correlation between the first two years at an institution of higher education and the political and professional working environment a Hispanic from Laredo, Texas, faces on a daily basis,” said Cardenas.

Cardenas graduated magna cum laude from LCC in 1993.  He holds a bachelor of arts from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Texas Tech University School of Law.  He is licensed by the State Bar of Texas and serves on the Board of Government Relations Representatives for the American Association of Medical Colleges.

In his current capacity with the Texas Tech University System, he coordinates federal research initiatives for the System and serves as a liaison with members of Congress, executive agencies, respective campus administrators and the system’s Board of Regents. 

The Texas Tech University System is a public, state supported comprehensive institution of higher education.  Its general academic institution, Texas Tech University, has a main campus in Lubbock and satellite campuses in Junction and the Texas Hill Country. 

For more information, contact the LCC Honors Program by calling 764-5956.

Laredo Community College honors graduate Alberto P. Cardenas, Jr., made a special visit from the nation’s capitol to his hometown college to offer students a reflection of his life 10 years after graduation from the LCC Honors Program.  He talked about the valuable foundation LCC offers in transitioning to a four-year university, the work environment and post-graduate education.  Today, Cardenas is the Special Assistant to the Chancellor and Director of Federal Relations for the Texas Tech University System in Washington, D.C.  He is the son of LCC History Instructor Maria de la Luz R. Cardenas and retired LCC counselor Alberto P. Cardenas.

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City of Laredo training benefits from LCC offering

         Working to meet the needs of small businesses is routine for Roxanne Vedia, coordinator of Laredo Community College’s Business and Industry Training Program. However, she is undaunted when large employers like the City of Laredo call LCC to supplement their internal training resources.

         Recently, the City of Laredo reached an employee development milestone when it completed a Laredo Community College supervisory-level training program for most of its administrative level staff. It took eight months for 220 city administrators to receive the 32-hour course, according to Vedia.

“Although many large employers, like the City of Laredo, have an internal training program, their commitment to a quality workforce may require supplemental training,” said Vedia.

In the city’s case, LCC provided a Supervisor’s Survival Kit Management Course, which included basic supervisory skills, responses to common problems and effective solution strategies. Also covered were various theories of employee supervision, the roles of leadership, elements of communication, guidelines for organizational design and the language of management.

Many of LCC’s B&I Training programs can be delivered on-site and on schedules which allow employees from various shifts to participate.

“We specialize in customized training and tailor the program, the schedule and the location to the employer’s needs,” Vedia said.

Jerry Elizondo, the City of Laredo’s training coordinator, said the city’s goal is to attract, maintain and develop a quality workforce which provides valuable services to the community. He utilizes both internal and external training resources to meet this goal and regularly conducts his own human resources and policy/procedure courses for city staff.

“LCC has now helped us lay the foundation to a strong management training program which will move us to a higher level of supervisory skills training,” Elizondo said. “The pre and post tests demonstrated tremendous results from the majority of participants.”

Course instructor for the city training program was Edward Macdonald, a long-time member of the college’s Management Department faculty.

LCC is currently offering an array of short-term courses in a variety of software products such as Excel, PowerPoint, Access and QuickBooks which support the needs of many small businesses.

Other courses beginning soon include Leadership, Customer Service, Business Writing, Notary Public, Hazardous Materials, Forklift Operation and Safety, Substitute Teacher, Food Protection Management, Security Guard and Firearm certification, First Aid and CPR.

For more information on these courses and other customized training programs available through LCC, check the college website at www.laredo.edu or contact Roxanne Vedia at 721-5373.

Veronica Urbano, a city employee and graduate of the LCC Supervisory Skills Training Program for city employees, was recently named Interim Budget Director for the City of Laredo. At left is LCC Instructor Edward Macdonald and at right is City Manager Larry Dovalina.

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LCC Music Standouts Receive Highly Coveted All-State Band Honors

       The Laredo Community College Music & Dance Department is proud to announce the selection of three outstanding music students to the Texas Community College All-State Band.  Representing Laredo in the 2003 All-State Band are Hacel Arias, flute; Cesar Casiano, trumpet; and Alfonso E. Ortiz, trombone.

         “Laredo Community College is proud of our music students for attaining a high level of proficiency as musicians.  I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.   They are a credit to their families, the college and the Laredo community,” says José D. Compeán, LCC music instructor and Showband director. 

Hacel Arias is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Arias and is a first year music major.  After completing for her first two years at LCC, she plans to pursue a music education degree and a minor in flute performance at a university.  She is a 2002 graduate of United High School.  

Cesar Casiano is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Juan Casiano and is studying music on a part-time basis this semester.  He is a J.W. Nixon High School graduate.   

Alfonso E. Ortiz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Luis Ortiz and is a first year music major.  He plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in music education with a minor in trombone performance.   He is a 2002 graduate of Alexander High School.

  The three LCC music students, who are under the tutelage of Compean, competed with music students from 30 community colleges in Texas.   They were vying for the opportunity to perform with the highly acclaimed Texas Community College All-State Band.  The competition was sanctioned by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).  

The LCC All-State musicians enjoyed participating in the TMEA All-State Band Clinic and Convention February 12-15 in San Antonio.

The convention featured more than 200 clinics and workshops on pedagogy and rehearsal techniques taught by leading educators from across the nation.  Students were also able to experience computer-based music programs.         

The LCC musicians were featured in a special concert with the Texas Community College All-State Band during the TMEA convention.

For more information, contact Compeán at the LCC Music and Dance Department by calling 721-5334 or by e-mail: jdc@laredo.edu.

Laredo Community College music students selected to the Texas Community College All-State Band are, from left, Hacel Arias, Alfonso Ortiz and Cesar Casiano.  Jose D. Compean (right) is their music instructor.

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Teleconference at LCC celebrates Black History Month

Laredo Community College students were able to celebrate Black History Month through the advantages of sophisticated video technology during the continuing installment of the Society of Success and Leadership teleconference series on Tuesday, February 25.

Sponsored by the LCC Student Activities Office, the live national videoconference featured professor, author, speaker and educational consultant Joe Martin, who delivered a talk entitled “True Colors.”   The presentation was shown from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the LCC de la Garza Building, room 101. 

In his presentation, Martin addressed several issues, including five reasons racism exists, taking action against racism, prejudices we don’t realize we have and a moving yet funny program incorporating engaging stories.

Martin is the author of the top-selling book Tricks of the Grade^TM and the founder and president of RealWorld University, the largest student success center on the Internet.

He was voted Speaker of the Year by the Association for Promotion on Campus Activities.  Martin has also been featured in USA Today, the Miami Herald and the Atlanta Constitution, in addition to numerous television and radio talk shows.

        For more information about the teleconference series, contact LCC Student Activities Director Margie Moncibais-Sanchez by calling 721-5179 or by e-mail at msanchez@laredo.edu.

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LCC Calendar for Feb. 23-March 2, 2003

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2003

The Laredo Community College Athletics Department invites young baseball fans (ages 7 to 14) to participate in the LCC Palomino Baseball Camp, March 10 and 11.  The coaching staff will hold an Early Sign Up today from 4 to 5 p.m. at LCC Doc Sanchez Field.  For more information, call 721-5178 or 206-9168.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2003

Laredo Community College Health Services will offer an early sign-up opportunity for students, faculty, staff who may want to participate in a City-Wide Blood Drive to be held in March.  The sign-up will be today through February 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5189.

A recruiter for the Walt Disney World College Program will be at the Laredo Community College campus to meet with students who may want to participate in the national internship.  Meet the representative from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kazen College Center.  A general presentation open to students will be offered at 1 p.m.  in the Kazen College Center, room 121.  For more information, call 721-5461.

The Laredo Community College Math Department will offer a series of Math TASP Workshops through February 27 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For more information, call 721-5441.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  Early registration is highly recommended. For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Register now at the LCC Admissions/ Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department is offering adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2003

Laredo Community College will celebrate Black History Month with the presentation of a national videoconference entitled “True Colors,” presented by professor, author and educational consultant Joe Martin.  The presentation will be shown from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in de la Garza Building, room 101.  Admission is free and open to students.  For more information, call 721-5179.

Laredo Community College Health Services will pre-register LCC faculty and staff for a City-Wide Blood Drive to be held in March at the Laredo Entertainment Center.  Sign-up today through February 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5189.

The Laredo Community College Math Department will offer a series of Math TASP Workshops through February 27 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For information, call 721-5441.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering short-term classes for adults ranging from Computers to Food Protection Management.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Register now at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2003

Laredo Community College Health Services will offer early sign-up to students, faculty, staff who may want to participate in a City-Wide Blood Drive to be held in March off-campus.  Sign-up today through February 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5189.

The Laredo Community College Math Department will hold Math TASP Workshops through February 27 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For information, call 721-5441.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is currently underway at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2003

Laredo Community College will host a retirement reception to honor Math Instructor Lydia Linares from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kazen College Center, room 102.  For more information, call 721-5441.

Laredo Community College visiting artist Ben Sum will offer a talk and demonstration of his artwork at 2 p.m. in the LCC Art Teaching Gallery.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Art Department will host a reception for a new mixed media exhibition entitled Art in a Suitcase: Part 2 by featured artists Kong Ho and Ben Sum from 5 to 7 p.m. at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery.  Admission is free. Everyone is invited.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Palomino tennis team will play against UT-Pan American at 1 p.m. in Edinburg.  For more information, call 721-5326.

A transfer student recruiter from the University of Texas-Pan American will be at the Laredo Community College campus to meet with students who may be interested in continuing their studies toward a four-year degree or beyond.  The representative will be at LCC’s Kazen Center from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  For more information, call 721-5179.

Laredo Community College Health Services will offer sign-up volunteers for a City-Wide Blood Drive to be held in March off-campus.  The sign-up will be today through February 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5189.

The Laredo Community College Math Department will offer a Math TASP Workshop from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For more information, call 721-5441.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is underway at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003

Laredo Community College and Doctors Hospital will host their third joint Wellness Fair from 8 to 11 a.m. in the LCC Maravillo Gymnasium.  Free wellness check-ups, prizes and snacks will be given.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5328.

Today is the deadline to apply for the T-AMP stipend available at Laredo Community College for future engineers.  For more information, call 721-5135.  

Laredo Community College Health Services is offering an early sign-up opportunity for students, faculty, staff who may want to participate in a City-Wide Blood Drive to be held on March 1 off-campus.  The sign-up will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more details, call 721-5189.

The Laredo Community College Theta Theta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society for two-year college students will host an initiation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in de la Garza Building, room 101.  The ceremony is open to the community. For more information, call 764-5956.

Laredo Community College invites students and the public to submit their literature and artwork for publication in the Spring 2003 edition of the college magazine, La Frontera.  For more information, call 721-5226.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is underway at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2003

The Society of Hispanic Student Engineers at Laredo Community College invite campus and community to a tree planting and monument dedication in memory of the Columbia Shuttle crew at 10 a.m. at the east side of the Community Services (P-11) Building on the college campus.  For information, call 721-5140.

A community-wide Blood Drive will be held at the Laredo Entertainment Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  All persons who may be eligible to donate blood are encouraged to attend.

Take a walk on the wild side.  Visit the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center on the Laredo Community College campus and explore the various education and native specimen exhibits of the Rio Grande ecosystem.  The center, located on the north side of the campus, is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $2 for children and senior citizens and $4 for adults.  For more information, call 764-5701.

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play a conference doubleheader against San Jacinto College beginning at 12 noon in Houston.  For more information, call 721-5326.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2003

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play a conference game against San Jacinto College at 11 a.m. in Houston.  For more information, call 721-5326.

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Week of February 10, 2003

01. LCC-Job Corps partnership No. 1 in nation
02. Former mayor to address LCC students
03. LCC clubs to host Valentine's Day Fair
04. Opportunity available to join the LCC Honors Program
05. LCC offers students way to 'STEP-UP'
06. AAUW hosts 'Girls Can!' at LCC
07. LCC hosts Coordinating Board workshop
08. LCC features noted dancer in workshop
09. LCC calendar for February 10-16, 2003

LCC-Job Corps partnership No. 1 in nation

The city of Laredo has one more reason to be Laredo Proud.  A partnership between Laredo Community College and the Laredo Job Corps Center, the only one of its kind in the nation, has reaped the highest ranking among the nation’s Job Corps vocational training programs.

Partnership leaders announced that the local Job Corps Center has achieved the number one ranking in the country for the quality of its vocational instruction programs.  The most recent rankings released by the U.S. Department of Labor are for the months of November and December, 2002.  The rankings for January will be released in mid-February.

The job corps centers’ vocational training programs are ranked based on a rigorous assessment and evaluation process devised by the Department of Labor and the Vinnell Corporation.  Job Corps is administered by the Department of Labor.  Vinnell operates the LJCC.

Since its establishment in Laredo in 1980, LCC has been under contract to provide vocational instruction to students at the LJCC, which currently enrolls 250 students annually.

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential, education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16 through 24. Laredo’s Job Corps program is the only one in the U.S. that works in collaboration with a community college to provide formal vocational instruction.

The LJCC offers vocational instruction in health occupations, building and apartment maintenance, electrical training, security, business occupations training, culinary arts, welding and its newest program-K-9 handlers. The 10 faculty,  five  staff  members and one coordinator who oversee the vocational instruction at the LJCC are employees of Laredo Community College.

"Laredo Community College is proud of our faculty and staff for elevating us to the top of the national rankings for the quality vocational training programs offered to students in the LJCC," said LCC President Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina.

Blas Castaneda, LCC Chief Development Officer, said, "LCC has always maintained at delivering quality education to our students. The college will continue working with the Job Corps Center to maintain our long-standing commitment to excellence in education."

John Bruce, LJCC director since 1986, remarked that the rankings demonstrate the vibrant union and total commitment that LJCC and LCC share.

"Our relationship is unique because no other Job Corps in the U.S.A. is in partnership with the local community college. And who benefits the most - our students," said Bruce.

Saul Gonzalez, Jr., is the coordinator for the LCC/LJCC instruction contract. Raul Treviño is the vocational training manager for LJCC.  

There are a total of 116 Job Corps centers located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In the five-state region, which includes the LJCC, there are 15 centers.

Since its inauguration in 1964, under the Economic Opportunity Act, Job Corps has provided more than 2 million disadvantaged young people with the integrated academic, vocational, and social skill training they need to gain independence and get quality, long-term jobs or further their education. Job Corps is funded by Congress and administered through the U.S. Department of Labor. LJCC is operated by the Vinnell Corporation, a recognized leader in educational and vocational training, facilities operation and maintenance, military training, and logistics support in the United States and overseas. It is a TRW Company, which provides advanced technology, systems and services worldwide.

Teens and young adults, between the ages of 16 to 24, who are interested in enrolling in the LJCC are encouraged to contact David Gutierrez, Outreach and Admissions manager, at 727-5147, extension 175.

TOP NURSES: The Health Occupations-Nursing Assistant training program at the Laredo Job Corps Center is one of the many successes which has led the Laredo Job Corps Center to reach the top of the national rankings for its quality vocational training programs.  The most recent graduating class of nursing assistants took their certification exam in December.  All seven graduates passed on their first attempt.  This is the third consecutive graduating nursing assistant class from the LJCC to achieve a 100 percent passing rate.  The graduates and faculty of the program are, L-R, seated, Mildred Alanis, Vanessa Muñoz, Jasmin Orrantia, Juliza Cruz; standing, Instructor David Hill, Sonya Rodriguez, Melissa Hernandez, Lee Ann Sanchez and Instructor Diana Espinoza.

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Former mayor's lecture reset for March 6    

Laredo Community College government students will have a special opportunity to listen to an informative lecture on municipal government by former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo on Thursday, March 6.  The presentation was originally scheduled for February 13.

Sponsored by LCC Honors government students, Tatangelo’s address will be from 8 to 9:20 a.m. in the de la Garza Building, room 101.  Admission is free and open to LCC students.  Seating is limited.

LCC Honors Program Coordinator Anna Maria Mendiola said that LCC honors students are pleased to feature Mr. Tatangelo on campus to deliver a first-hand account of the role he played to reform city government during his 12-year tenure as mayor of Laredo from 1978 to 1990.

For more information, contact the LCC Honors Program by calling 764-5956.

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LCC clubs to host Valentine’s Day Fair

Several Laredo Community College student organizations will sell a variety of items to help convey the message “I Love You” during the annual LCC Valentine’s Day Student Club Fair on Friday, February 14.

Items for sale will range from long-stemmed roses to tasty treats.  The Valentine’s Day fair is held yearly as a fun and unique way for student organizations to raise funds. 

The sale will be held in the Kazen College Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

For more information, contact the LCC Student Activities Office by calling 721-5179.

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Opportunity available to join the LCC Honors Program

        Opportunity is still available at Laredo Community College to be among the ranks of the area’s best and brightest high school graduates as members of the prestigious LCC Honors Program.

        Time is running out to be considered for admission to the program.  Applications must be submitted by February 15.

        The LCC Honors Program, established in 1988, offers full scholarships and challenging academic opportunities.   It is acclaimed for giving the region’s gifted students the opportunity to excel in academics, community involvement, and to enhance their leadership potential.

        Academic advantages include educational field trips, specialized seminars on leadership skills, and a live theater production based on classroom and research work.

        The Honors Program is affiliated with the National Collegiate Honors Council, the governing body for all college and university Honors programs, including the Ivy League schools.

        The program selects students on the basis of academic ability and community service, and has no income guidelines or limitations. Scholarships are given for fall and spring semesters, up to 66 credit hours.  Additional scholarships and grants are available for students in the Honors Program.

        The Honors Program at LCC is open to entering freshmen who meet at least one of the following requirements:

·              an ACT composite score of 23

·                         an SAT composite score of 1070

·                      academic recognition on TAAS

·                      graduation in the top ten percent of high school class and minimum 90 average on high school courses.

        Applications for the LCC Honors Program are available from high school counselors  and the LCC Honors Program Coordinator.  Applications are due before Saturday, February 15.  For more information, call Mendiola at 764-5956 or send email to amendiola@laredo.edu.

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LCC offers students way to ‘STEP-UP’

High school students can GET MORE in life by taking the initiative to STEP-UP to Laredo Community College.

Opportunity is currently available for students, ages 16 to 21, to be part of the in-school program, Project STEP-UP, a Workforce Investment Act (WIA)-supported initiative led by the Texas Workforce Center and LCC.  The project is funded by the South Texas Workforce Development Board.

Registration is currently underway.  LCC and TWC staff are available to meet with prospective students and their parents/guardians throughout the week.  Extended hours of service are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the TWC on the LCC campus (P-39) in rooms 110 or 103.  Space is limited to 39 participants.  Early registration is strongly encouraged.

STEP-UP provides a Skills Training and Education Program to offer participants with Unlimited Power to succeed in life.

As a member of Project STEP-UP, participants get to experience college life by attending Saturday classes and participating in various activities on the college campus.  This includes tutoring, work experience, job search/work maturity skills and vocational, leadership, organizational, study and life coping skills training.  The first class starts on March 1.

Project STEP-UP also provides students with access to the college’s library, learning and employment assistance centers, gymnasium, health and tutoring services and computer labs.

For more information, contact the TWC at 724-1105 or Project STEP-UP at 721-5144.

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AAUW hosts ‘Girls Can!’ at LCC

More than 100 young women converged on the Laredo Community College campus on Saturday, February 8th, to attend the Ninth Annual “Girls Can!” Workshop.  The event was from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. 

Participants of this year’s conference had an opportunity to listen to words of inspiration from Jan Melendez, an accomplished horse trainer and a leader of the United States Department of Agriculture.  Her presentation was from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Kazen College Center. 

Hosted by the American Association of University Women-Laredo Branch, the event was created by the group of professional women to guide their younger counterparts from area middle schools toward careers in math, science, education and other careers.

This year, Veronica Martinez from Texas A&M International University and Nora R. Garza from Laredo Community College are co-presidents of the local association.  They worked with a committee of members to organize this event.

“As always, the ‘Girls Can!’ Conference was an exciting time for middle school girls to come together to learn about setting goals for education and life,” said Garza.  “This May will mark the AAUW’s 50th year in Laredo.  Our hope is that activities such as this event will benefit youth who want to get a better education.”  

Event organizers report that the greatest number of participants was from Los Obispos Middle School.  The young women at Los Obispos have even identified their own group of future collegiate attendees.  Jose Montemayor and Adriana Martinez are the counselors from Los Obispos.   

A highlight of the workshop was the presentation by this year’s motivational speaker.  Melendez is the USDA Hispanic Serving Institutions' National Program Liaison Officer.                                              

Melendez, who is assigned to Kingsville, shared with the participants the many opportunities open to them with the USDA. She holds a degree in Animal Science from Texas A&I University and is a noted horse trainer. Her desire is to see Texas move aggressively toward a goal of providing an enriched education to Hispanics.

The workshop also featured breakout sessions where the young women were able to meet with professional women representing various fields.

The study of mathematics and science is one of the areas that was covered. Rosaura Tijerina and other lawyers talked about careers in law and law enforcement. The participants had an opportunity to view the LCC Police Academy’s Firearms Training System, which offers a computerized video simulation of police work.

LCC Science Instructor Rukmani Viswanath and LCC Math Department Chair Anna Maria Mendiola escorted some of the participants to the LCC Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center.

Other sessions included presentations by: Viky Garcia, who discussed the importance of goal setting to complete an education and secure a good job; Hilda Trevino, who worked with the girls on yoga exercises to keep the mind and spirit healthy; LCC Vocational Nursing Department Chair Carolyn Otero,  who shared insights on what is needed for careers in allied health and nursing, and Angie and Mercedes Garcia, who introduced the girls to computer information systems careers. 

AAUW Laredo Branch carries out this activity yearly in an effort to promote education for better careers. The group’s mission is to promote access to education and equity for all women and girls, lifelong learning, and positive societal change.

For more information, contact Dr. Nora R. Garza at 721-5337.

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LCC hosts Coordinating Board workshop

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LCC features noted dancer in workshop      

Dance students from Laredo Community College and the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts had an opportunity to study flamenco with highly noted dancer Cristina Godines-Greco on February 8 at the LCC Music and Dance Building I, room 107.  Cristina is a 1990 graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and Education and was the recipient of the Outstanding Choreography Award, as well as the Stella Moore Award.  She has performed many of her works at university and college dance programs throughout North and Central  America.  One of her choreographies was done in collaboration with and performed by Lola Greco for the National Ballet of Spain in 1994.

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LCC Calendar for February 10-16, 2003

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2003

The Program and Policy Committee of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees will hold a meeting at 12 noon in Laird Hall, room 124.  The meeting is open to the campus body and the public.  For more information, call 721-5101.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  Early registration is highly recommended. For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is currently underway at the LCC Admissions/ Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2003

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play a match against Schreiner College at 1 p.m. in Kerrville.  For more information, call 721-5326.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is currently underway at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003

A recruiter with the City of Austin Fire Department will be at the Laredo Community College campus to meet with students interested in exploring job opportunities.  The recruiter will be at the LCC campus through February 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kazen College Center lobby.  For more information, call 721-5179.

A transfer student recruiter from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will be at the Laredo Community College campus to meet with students interested in continuing their education toward a bachelor’s degree.  The recruiter will be at the Kazen College Center lobby from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.  For more information, call 721-5179.

The Building Committee of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees will hold a meeting at the LCC South campus construction site, 5552 South Zapata Highway.  Prior to the meeting, there will be a tour of the construction site at 11:30 a.m.  The meeting is open to the campus body and public.  For more information, call 721-5101.

The Finance Committee of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 124.  The meeting is open to the campus body and public.  For more information, call 721-5101.

The Laredo Community College Community Education Department is offering an array of short-term classes for adults.  Check out the class schedule at www.laredo.edu/ce or call 721-5374.  Registration is currently underway at the LCC Admissions/Registration Office, located in University Hall, room 125.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2003

Laredo Community College students in an honors government class will host a lecture presented by former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo from 8 to 9:20 a.m. in the de la Garza Building, room 101.  The lecture is free and open to LCC students.  Seating is limited.  For more information, call 764-5956.

The Laredo Community College Student Occupational Therapy Assistant Club will host a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Kazen College Center lobby.  Proceeds benefit the student club’s activities.  For more information, call 721-5460.

Laredo Community College will host a luncheon to recognize the South Texas Development Council for helping the college advance its educational mission for the benefit of students and region.  The luncheon will be from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the de la Garza Building, room 101.  For more information, call 721-5101.

The Laredo Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 124.  For more information, call 721-5101.

Today is the final day to view the Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2003

Today is the deadline to apply for admissions to the Laredo Community College Honors Program.  The application is available online at www.laredo.edu/honors.  For more information, call 764-5956.

Laredo Community College will host the annual Valentine’s Day Student Club Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5179.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2003

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play against Blinn College at 12 noon in Brenham.  For details, call 721-5326.

Take a walk on the wild side.  Visit the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center on the Laredo Community College campus and explore the various education and native specimen exhibits of the Rio Grande ecosystem.  The center, located on the north side of the campus, is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $2 for children and senior citizens and $4 for adults.  For more information, call 764-5701.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2003

The Washington’s Birthday Celebration continues with the Laredo Community College Musicale and the Children’s Fun Fest on the LCC campus grounds.  The Musicale will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and the Fun Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5140.

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play against Blinn College at 11 a.m. in Brenham.  For details, call 721-5326.

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Week of February 3, 2003

01. LCC faculty, staff learn of state budget issues

02. Wal-Mart Global leaders benefit from training
03. HACU to recruit LCC students for national internship
04. Tess to provide comic relief at LCC Tuesday
05. College for Texans workshop set for Friday at LCC

06. U.S. Customs internship available to LCC students

07. LCC students highlighted in art show

08. LCC offers more job skills training

09. World-acclaimed organist opens new Laredo Distinguished Concert Series Feb. 6

10. LCC calendar for February 3-9, 2003

LCC faculty, staff learn of state budget issues

Dr. Ramon Dovalina, President of Laredo Community College, told faculty and staff January 27 to help him find ways to undertake state mandated budget cuts without causing a significant reduction in services to students.   The college president called two meetings Monday afternoon to explain the need for immediate action to reduce the college budget by 7% or approximately $900,000, with seven months remaining in the current fiscal year.

         “We have received a letter signed by the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Speaker of the House. It is addressed to all state agencies and institutions of higher education,” Dovalina said. “We have to take action now. We have to cut $914,746 from our general appropriation and $199,344 from our group insurance.”

Dovalina said the task of identifying places to cut the college’s operating budget was not easy and would require the complete support of all college employees.

“We have some difficult times ahead, but the challenge is not insurmountable,” Dovalina said. “This is a state problem which unfortunately, needs to be resolved locally and I am counting on each one of you to work with me to help us meet this challenge.”

He asked for immediate implementation of cost-cutting measures and for recommendations which he can take to the LCC Board of Trustees at their next meeting February 13. Among the immediate steps to be implemented are a freeze on hiring, equipment purchases and travel that are not required by grants or contracts with state and local agencies.

Measures being considered for discussion with the LCC board include: a summer increase of tuition and general use fees, as well as increases in fees for continuing education courses; new contracts with vending companies to  include a price increase for beverages sold on campus; reduction of 20% in current year budget expenditures for subscriptions, memberships, supplies and contract services.

Another significant proposal for savings would be the spring implementation of a 4 ½ day work week and the summer implementation of a 4 day work week, eliminating temporary, part-time positions and overtime salaries. The use of college facilities by outside groups and the rents charged for use of these facilities will also be reviewed. Tuition and fees currently reimbursed to LCC employees and their dependents will also be reconsidered.

         Following Monday’s meetings, Dovalina will travel to Austin to meet with area legislators and members of the Texas Community College Association to discuss options and opportunities to minimize the state budget’s impact on LCC and its more than 7,800 students. The Spring Semester at LCC started January 6. The current budget must cover the remainder of the semester and two summer sessions, in addition to preparations for the Fall 2003 term.

         “Students should not cause this news to reconsider their college plans, we intend to meet all our obligations to student success and encourage more students to attend LCC next fall in support of the college and state budget,” Dovalina said.

         The Governor’s letter reads in part that the Texas economy remains stronger than most other states, but that the review estimate released this month by the Comptroller’s Office demands that spending be reduced for the balance of the year. Savings this year will be the key to resolving the State’s budget issues for the remainder of this year for the next biennium.

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Wal-Mart Global leaders benefit from LCC training

Customized training provided by Laredo Community College has presented a local management group for the world’s largest retailer with new perspectives on effective leadership.

Last month, twelve managers and supervisors from Wal-Mart Global Logistics completed a 16-hour, continuing education class on leadership skills at the LCC campus. 

The course is part of specialized training available to public and private entities—both small and global in scope—through the college’s Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department.

Located within close proximity to the City of Laredo’s Solidarity Bridge, the Wal-Mart Global Logistics facility has the unique distinction to serve exclusively as a distribution center for the export of goods to Wal-Mart stores across Mexico.

The distribution center operates 16 hours a day and employs 200, said Steve Sacia, Personnel Manager. Sacia commented that the company was satisfied with the outcome of the college training. 

“At Wal-Mart, training and education is a basic and important component of our philosophy to achieve excellence,” said Sacia.  “The management who underwent the leadership skills class at Laredo Community College was very satisfied with the training.  It was excellent.  We will definitely continue to explore further training opportunities available at LCC.”

The Wal-Mart leaders gained new understanding on concepts and skills dealing with leadership in a work setting.  The instructor, Richard Perez, discussed situational theories and styles in class lectures and organized group sessions where case studies of real world leadership issues were analyzed.

Diana Soto, a 10-year veteran who works in the Wal-Mart distribution center’s Personnel Department, explained that the outcomes of the leadership skills class emphasized the need for continuous improvement as a leader.

“It was fascinating to discover different ways to empower our associates to help our company succeed,” said Soto.  “The class definitely complimented and enhanced our goals and philosophy as leaders for our company.”

Olga Palizo, a supervisor with over 9 years of service at Wal-Mart, also enjoyed the class.  

“The training was a good learning experience, which demonstrated a wider expectation of what it takes to be an effective manager,” said Palizo.

Roxanne Vedia, who coordinates the Business and Industry Training Initiatives for the college, explained how a wide variety of training programs and services are available for companies.

“Communication and interpersonal skills, computer training, professional development and health and safety issues are just a part of the myriad of customized training modules available at Laredo Community College.  The training possibilities are endless,” said Vedia.

For more information, contact Vedia by calling 721-5373 or by e-mail at rvedia@laredo.edu.

QUALITY LEADERSHIP: Among the Wal-Mart Global Logistics managers and supervisors who participated in the leadership skills training offered recently at Laredo Community College were, from left, Oscar Gomez, Olga Palizo, Diana Soto, Delfino Guardiola and Leticia Reyes.

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HACU to recruit LCC students for national internship

Laredo Community College students will once again have opportunities to participate in a national internship program sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

Ana Esquivel, a recruiter with HACU, will be on the LCC campus on Monday, February 3, to meet with college students interested in applying for a paid summer- or semester-long internship.  Esquivel will be available to meet one-on-one with LCC students at the Kazen College Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP), ten- and fifteen-weeks long in duration, gives college students direct experience in a diversity of careers in the federal and corporate sectors.

  Students who are selected for the HNIP are placed in one of several federal agencies and private corporations in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country.

Over the past ten years, HNIP has placed more than 3,800 college students in rewarding and challenging internships matching their majors and career goals.  The goal is to create a pipeline of future employees who have had positive, meaningful work experience.

“Laredo Community College students have benefited tremendously from the national internship program.  A total of up to ten LCC students participate each year, earning a weekly salary of $420.00, plus expenses covered for the round trip air fare,” said Employment Assistance Center Director Felix Gamez.

For more information, visit the HACU web site at http://www.hnip.net/ or call the LCC Employment Assistance Center at 721-5461.

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TESS to provide comic relief at LCC Tuesday

Laredo Community College students will add some comic relief to their lunch hour on Tuesday, February 4, when rising comic star Tess takes the stage at 1 p.m. in the Kazen College Center.

Sponsored by the LCC Student Advisory Board, the Tess comedy show is free and open to students and the public. 

A publicity release explains how the comic grew up watching Jerry Lewis movies, but did not define her own comedy style until her marriage “became a mistake.”  The Sandusky, Ohio, native discovered her gift for comedy in high school where she was voted both Class President and Class Clown, says the release.

After graduation, Tess took only her first name and moved to Oakland where she got married.  It lasted only 90 days.  During that rocky period she unearthed the foundation of a comedy career.

“The ability to laugh at divorce and the absurdities of dating gave me a sense of strength and a ton of (comedy) material,” said Tess.

Tess has appeared at the 2001 UW Comedy Arts Festival, NBC’s Late Friday, The Jamie Foxx Show, BET’s Comic View, Def Jam Comedy tour and Brian McKnight’s Back at One tour.

For more information about the Tess performance at LCC, call the LCC Student Activities Office by calling 721-5179.

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College for Texans workshop set for Friday at LCC

Laredo Community College will assist the state’s new aggressive effort to send more Texans to college when its hosts a “Train-the-Trainer” workshop on Friday, February 7.

Sponsored by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the College for Texans workshop will be held on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the de la Garza Building, room 101, on the LCC campus. 

Leaders of faith- and community-based groups, non-profits, businesses, schools and higher education institutions have been encouraged to be part of this exciting effort. 

To participate in the session, individuals must register in advance to ensure the availability of free training materials. Among the local entities expected to attend the workshop are the Laredo Children’s Museum, Communities In Schools, Laredo Job Corps Center and Literacy Volunteers of America-Laredo. 

Each group was awarded a grant from the THECB for their planned efforts to carry out the state’s College for Texans campaign. 

The C-STEP (Central-South Texas ENLACE Partnership) /ENLACE (ENgaging LAtino Communities in Education) at Laredo Community College submitted a joint-grant application to the THECB on the behalf of these community organizations. 

 The statewide campaign is motivating students to prepare and aim for college, inspiring parents and others to support student aspirations for college, and making sure that they have the tools and information to take those steps. An advertising campaign supports the local outreach efforts.

The College for Texans campaign, using the slogan “Education. Go Get It,” is part of the state’s Closing the Gaps by 2015 education plan. Closing the Gaps goals include enrolling an additional 500,000 academically prepared students in Texas higher education and increasing the number of certificates and degrees awarded in Texas by 50 percent.

For more information, contact C-STEP Promotora Sandra Rodriguez at Laredo Community College by calling 721-5218 or by e-mail at srodriguez@laredo.edu.

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U.S. Customs internship available to LCC students

Laredo Community College students have an opportunity to join a small, select group of their counterparts to participate in a national internship sponsored by the U.S. Customs Service. 

The internship is billed as an opportunity to produce the agency’s future managers.  Some of the agency’s current leadership began their careers while still in college.

Interns earn an hourly salary of $10 and work alongside seasoned professionals in virtually all major areas of the U.S. Customs Service’s law enforcement mission.  To be considered for the national internship, students must complete an “OF 612” application, available at the LCC Employment Assistance Center, located in the Kazen Center, room 234.  Applicants must also submit college transcripts and a one-page essay.

Interns are required to be U.S. citizens with at least 45 college credits in any major and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0  The deadline to apply is February 7.  Interviews will be held at the LCC Employment Assistance Center on February 10 and 11.  For more information, call 721-5461.

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LCC students highlighted in art show  

A wide spectrum of art created by Laredo Community College students is on public display as part of the LCC Semi-Annual Art Student Show, which can be viewed through February 13.

The LCC Art Department recently hosted an opening reception for the community to view the art work and to meet the student artists.

LCC art faculty members say they are thrilled about sponsoring the art show to promote and nurture student talent. 

“The exhibit features over 100 art pieces created by exceptionally talented art students at Laredo Community College,” says LCC Art Department Chairperson Dale Short.

The gallery is graced with virtually all kinds of art, ranging from traditional drawings, to high-tech art created by design communication students. Other art forms include oil painting, life drawing, watercolor, printmaking, black and white photography, ceramics, 2-D and 3-D design, metals and jewelry making.

Gallery hours are Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the LCC Art Student Exhibit, contact the LCC Art Department by calling 721-5224.

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LCC offers More Job Skills Training

This spring, Laredo Community College is offering adults the opportunity to DO MORE by acquiring MORE job skills through its Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department.

More than 70 course sections have been programmed for the new term in the areas of computer applications, business/professional development, environmental safety, substitute teacher training, food safety, security guard training and health.

     Among the computer courses available for the first time are: Word XP, Excel XP, Access XP, and QuickBooks 2002.

Under the umbrella of business and professional development training, an array of courses in customer service, supervisory skills, leadership, business writing, business English and certified notary public will be offered. 

Individuals are encouraged to seek early registration.  Some classes begin as early as February 4.  Course fees range from $16 for the Private Security Officer Certificate-Level 1, to $160.50 for the Certified Notary Public class.

For more information, call Business and Industry Training Coordinator Roxanne Vedia by calling 721-5373 or by e-mail at rvedia@laredo.edu.  Additional information is available on the LCC web site at www.laredo.edu/ce/industry_initiatives.htm.

World-Acclaimed Organist Opens New Laredo Distinguished Concert Series Feb. 6

    Ann Elise Smoot, a highly acclaimed organist, will travel to Laredo from England to present a concert Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in Christ Church Episcopal, located on 2320 Lane St.

    The event is free of charge and the public is invited to attend.

    Smoot's concert, which includes a presentation of the entire "Goldberg Variations" of Johann Sebastian Bach's composition, will serve to officially launch the Laredo Distinguished Concert Series.

    The Series is the result of a partnership between Laredo Community College, Texas A&M International University, United Independent School District, Laredo Independent School District and various community organizations, including Christ Church Episcopal.

    Its purpose is to promote the presentation of music solo performances to students and the public at no cost. The Series will consist of a total of five concerts per year, including some performances featuring soloists chosen from the faculty of each educational institution.

    Danuta Gazdyszyn, chair of the Music and Dance Department at LCC, said LCC is proud to be part of a union in the performing arts that will culturally enhance community life.

    "By pooling our resources with our partners, we will be able to foster greater opportunities that will enrich lives through the beauty of music and dance," she said, "This partnership will have a tremendous impact in the lives of students attending LCC, our partner schools and the community. We hope that our goal to showcase renowned artists from around the country and the world will foster a greater appreciation for the arts in the community."

    Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor of music and chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at TAMIU, said students from TAMIU and the partnering educational institutions will gain valuable knowledge by attending the Series.

    "This Series was developed, together with our partners, with the students and the community in mind and as our fine and performing arts program here at TAMIU continues to grow, we want students to realize what a gifted group of professors they can learn from," Dr. Soto said.

    Ernesto Guajardo, coordinator of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts at LISD, said LISD is excited to be a part of this partnership.

    "We have talented students in our district because they learn from highly skilled and trained professionals," Guajardo said, "This concert series will exhibit the fine teachers we have working with our schools to the Laredo community."

    Javier Vera, director of Fine Arts at UISD, said the Laredo distinguished Concert Series will enrich the arts in Laredo by providing an excellent opportunity for the general pubic and music lovers to listen to talented musicians perform a wide variety of musical selections.

    "This opportunity to join forces with our educational partners in promoting the arts in Laredo is something I look forward to now and for years to come," he said, "UISD students will benefit from this concert series in that they will have the opportunity to hear professional musicians that live, work and teach in Laredo."

    Aside from the Goldberg Variations, Smoot will play compositions by Antonio Vivaldi, John Stanley, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Georg Muffat and Felix Mendelssohn.

    Smoot began her musical education in her native Philadelphia, continuing her studies at Yale University, where she obtained two honors degrees (bachelor of arts and master of music). She won several academic and musical prizes, including a fellowship that took her to England to study at the Royal Academy of Music.

    Her international career was launched by her success in two major competitions: St. Albans in 1997 and the American Guild of Organists National Young Artists competition in 1998. She now performs regularly throughout the United States and Europe, with a repertoire that ranges from the 14th century to the present day.

    She has played in many of England's major venues, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall. Her debut CD, featuring the music of Vierne, Bairstow, Karg-Elert and Stanford, was issued by JAV recordings in June 2000, to much critical

acclaim.

    For further information about the Ann Elise Smoot Concert or the Laredo Distinguished Concert Series, contact the LCC Music and Dance Department by calling 721-5330.

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LCC Calendar for February 3-9, 2003

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2003

A recruiter for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Internship Program will be at Laredo Community College to meet with students interested in applying for this learning opportunity.  Meet the HACU representative anytime from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kazen College Center.  For more information, call 721-5461.

A transfer student recruiter from the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio will be at Laredo Community College to meet with students planning to continue their undergraduate studies at an upper-level institution of higher education.  The recruiter will be at the Kazen Center lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information, call 721-5179. 

Laredo Community College will offer a Math TASP Workshop from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For more information, call 721-5441.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  Early registration is highly recommended. For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2003

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play a match against the University of Texas at Brownsville at 12 noon in Edinburg.  For more information, call 721-5326.

The Laredo Community College Student Advisory Board will present the LCC Campus Comedy Hour featuring national campus entertainer Tess Drake at 1 p.m. in the Kazen College Center.  Admission is free and open to students and the public.  For more information, call 721-5179.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2003

The Laredo Community College Alumni Association will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. in the Kazen College Center, room 121.  All LCC/LJC alumni are invited to attend.  For more information, call 721-5812.

Laredo Community College will offer a Math TASP Workshop from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Laird Hall, room 277.  Admission is free and open to students.  For more information, call 721-5441.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2003

Laredo Community College, Texas A&M International University, Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District will launch the Laredo Distinguished Concert Series with a concert featuring world-renowned organist Ann Elise Smoot at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5330.

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

Registration is in progress for a Laredo Community College-Texas Notary Public Association course to become a certified notary public.  The course will be offered on February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LCC campus.  For more information, contact the LCC Business and Industry Training Initiatives Department by calling 721-5373. 

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2003

The Laredo Community College Semi-Annual Art Student Show is on public display through February 13.  The exhibit may be viewed at the LCC Art Teaching Gallery on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5224.

The Laredo Community College Palomino tennis team will host its first home match against St. Mary’s University at 1 p.m. at the LCC H.E. Butt Tennis Courts.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5326.

Today is the deadline for Laredo Community College students to apply for an opening in the U.S. Customs Internship program.  For more information, call 721-5461.

Laredo Community College will be the site for a College for Texans Train-the-Trainer Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the de la Garza Building, room 101.  For more information, call Sandra Rodriguez at LCC, 721-5361.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

The Laredo Community College Adult Education Department will offer adult education classes in Zapata and Hebbronville.  Adults with children under the age of 18 in their household and who participate in TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIPs or Free/Reduced-Price Lunch Program may qualify for these free classes.  In Zapata, please call Marcelo Salinas at 765-6544, Ext. 2315.  In Hebbronville, please call Frank Huerta at 285-0491.

Persons interested in becoming certified to administer first aid and life-saving CPR are encouraged to register for a Community Education course to be offered at Laredo Community College on February 8.  The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the college campus.  For more information, call 721-5374.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2003

The American Association of University Women-Laredo chapter will host the annual Girls Can! Career Awareness Conference from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Laredo Community College campus.  For more information, call 721-5823.

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will launch the conference with a doubleheader against Wharton County Junior College beginning at 12 noon at the LCC Doc Sanchez Field.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5326.

Take a walk on the wild side.  Visit the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center on the Laredo Community College campus and explore the various education and native specimen exhibits of the Rio Grande ecosystem.  The center, located on the north side of the campus, is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $2 for children and senior citizens and $4 for adults.  For more information, call 764-5701.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2003

The Laredo Community College Palomino baseball team will play against Wharton County Junior College at 11 a.m. at the LCC Doc Sanchez Field.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 721-5326.