PDF - El Centro College

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@ EL CENTRO
801 Main Street Dallas, Texas 75202 www.elcentrocollege.edu
Inauguration of College Newsletter
And the winner is…
The In the Know @ El Centro inaugural issue
newsletter provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, and
students to share information and photos of the many
wonderful events taking place at the college. Every day, I am
reminded that the people who work here see and treat each
other as a “family.” Each member of this collegiate extended
family has a role to play in helping students to fulfill their
dreams and aspirations through higher education. In many
cases, El Centro students are the first in their family to attend
college, and so they are in a journey of creating a new chapter
in their lives and that of their families. It is a story of how
ECC helps change lives for the better.
Dr. José Adames
We will publish an e-newsletter each fall and spring
semesters, and occasionally publish a focused and limited newsletter on a particular
topic between the major publications. A limited number of print copies will be
available. I encourage you to share accomplishments, major events, recognitions and
awards, ideas, opinions, and photos for future issues.
I am so impressed with the submissions for the naming the newsletter contest
and it was difficult choosing a winner out of all the entries. I congratulate the five
winners and thank everyone who participated.
I would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the first newsletter
so successful. I hope you enjoy it.
El Centro held a “Name
Our
Newsletter”
contest in October
and more than 140
entries from students
were submitted. We
would like to thank
all
students
who
participated in the
Shereese Edwards
contest. The winner
of the contest was Shereese Edwards. Ms.
Edwards received a $100 gift card, ECC
goodie bag and lunch or dinner with the
College President or designee.
Congratulations to all finalists:
2nd Place: Erica DiCosimo, “El Centro
Connection” -Prize-$50 gift card, ECC
goodie bag
3rd Place: Kim Rimmer,“El Centro
Exchange”- Prize-$25 gift card, ECC goodie
bag
4th Place: Joseph A. Scott, “The Campus
Connection”- Prize - ECC goodie bag
5th Place: Deborah Tubaya, “Center
Stage”-Prize - ECC goodie bag
Dr. José Adames
President
El Centro College
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Kerri Smith, administrative assistant to the Associate Vice President of Planning, Research and
Institutional Effectiveness, was named a finalist in the 2014 Core24 Dallas Admin Awards. This is a fairly new
award program in Dallas that was created to recognize outstanding administrative assistants. Kerri was nominated
by Lin O’Neill, lead faculty for 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program, for going way above and beyond her
job responsibilities in helping launch the 10KSB program. Kerri was honored as a finalist at the awards luncheon
Kerri Smith
on October 24. 5
INSIDE
Fashion
Marketing
receives
recognition
7 8
New
SGA
Officers
BJP
25th
Anniversary
11
New
Food &
Hospitality
Director
...and much
more
Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Tau Programming and Initiatives
Sigma Tau Officer Team is aiming to accomplish two over-arching goals this fiscal year. The first is to build on the momentum of
the previous officer team by reclaiming the honors and awards granted to the organization last year. The second is to establish a stronger
and more active membership within the organization, and a stronger working relationship with El Centro’s administration, faculty and staff.
Sigma Tau is focusing on water conservation and infrastructure for our Honors in Action project. While our home, the DFW region,
is fortunate to have exclusive access to the Trinity River Watershed, our demand for water will outpace our supply in the near future. The
Sigma Tau officer team is aiming to host at least one, if not a series, of workshops with local conservation entities like the Texas A&M
Master Naturalists, the Texas Native Plant Society and Trinity River Audubon Center to demonstrate urban water conservation strategies on
the grounds of El Centro College.
The 2014-2015 Officer Team wants to also engage students who may be contending with immigration issues and are at risk
of withdrawing from El Centro College. Assisting students facing personal or financial hardship in light of their citizenship status is
the focus of Sigma Tau’s College Project. Sigma Tau realizes there is significant benefit in helping these individuals acquire their twoyear degrees so they can move forward with
their education and acquire fulfilling careers.
The Officer Team is collaborating with the
Multicultural Center and providing outreach
to students whose legal status is impinging
on their education and career aspirations, and
directing them to resources El Centro already
offers.
Our last objective for this year is for
the Officer Teams to lay out the foundation
for a stronger and more active general
membership. Sigma Tau will support this goal
by lowering its admission fee from $120 to
$95, raise its minimum required GPA from
3.25 to 3.50, establish a scholarship fund
for students lacking the funds to pay for
to R)President - Jarratt Willis, Vice President of Leadership - Andrea Saldana, Vice President of Service membership. The Officer Team believes these (L
David Pitts, Vice President of Fellowship - Frida Alcocer, Vice President of Finance - Rocio Gonzalez, Vice
are necessary first steps in retaining student President of Records - Jessica Garcia, Vice President of Junior College High School - Jennifer SanMiguel,
talent at El Centro, and increasing overall Vice President of Communications - Wendy Birdsall, *Not Pictured* Vice President of Scholarship - Carmen
Mata
awareness of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission.
West Campus News
Ivan Martinez came to El Centro College West Campus as its Interim Executive Director. Mr. Martinez has had a
long career in community college education, having previously worked in the Dallas County Community College
at four different colleges. He started at Eastfield College as a government professor and went on from there to
Brookhaven College, Richland College, and Cedar Valley College. His administrative positions range from Testing
Center Director, to Assistant to the President, Division Dean, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs to
Interim President. He also taught government at Trinity Valley Community College and was Vice President of
Instruction at Olive Harvey College of the City Colleges of Chicago.
Ivan Martinez
New Fast Track Program
Beginning with the Spring 2015 Semester, students enrolled in Fast Track take two courses at a time for
eight weeks. This results in the completion of their requirements faster than if they took classes according to the regular semester schedule
by completing the Core requirements in less than two years and an Associate Degree in two years.
Last year’s pilot program, Coaching 4 Completion (C4C) at the El Centro College West Campus, kicked off with two innovative
and interactive workshops for students. The program uses peer coaches to support and encourage students in developmental and firstyear experience classes. Coaching 4 Completion also participated in the Districtwide Texas Completes initiative this fall with computer
stations available for students to sign their online pledges. In the Spring 2015 Semester, the program will include an online “Ten Minute
Mentor” video series that gives students quick tips on a variety of topics related to student success.
Under new leadership, the El Centro College West Campus is creating close relationships with its neighbors; Pinkston High School, the
local YMCA, plus inroads into community organizations, the growth of Continuing Education offerings, and more.
2014 Piper Professor
El Centro College Piper Professor for 2014 is Professor Troy Furlough. He has served as a math instructor in the
DCCCD since January 1997. Troy Furlough represents the essence of the student-centered approach to teaching and
learning at El Centro College. Congratulations!
Troy Furlough
2
QEP Update 2014
El Centro College QEP successfully completed its second year implementation. Nine faculty members completed the
second round of implementation of the QEP Toolkit and Assessment, and three received excellence awards for their work during the
Fall Convocation 2014. The nine faculty members who received QEP recognition medals were Ms. Mwauna Maxwell, Ms. Joselyn
Gonzalez, Ms. Samantha Shultze, Ms. Robin Graham, Ms. Cynthia Brown, Mr. Mike Ogbeidi, Mr. Robin Fletcher, Ms. Lisa Lock, and
Ms. Adrienne Donalson. Out of the nine medal receipients, three faculty members Mwuana Maxwell, Ms. Joselyn Gonzalez, and Ms.
Samantha Shultze, were awarded plaques for excellence in their QEP implementation efforts. These three faculty members successfully
piloted their toolkits, trained faculty/adjunct faculty members, and gathered implementation data for two assessment cycles.
Ms. Mwuana Maxwell, the first recipient, was awarded the “Most Successful Implementation Award for her pioneering
work in developing and implementing of QEP Critical Thinking Toolkit
in EDUC 1300. The second recipient, Ms Joselyn Gonzalez, is the first
to pioneer in the development and implementation of the QEP Critical
Thinking Toolkit in PSYT 1313. She received the award for piloting
the use of a template to deploy the Wise Choice Toolkit to all PSYT
1313 adjunct faculty. Ms. Samantha Shultze, the third recipient, is the
first new faculty to successful train faculty/adjunct faculty members and
implement a toolkit for Engl 1301, showing significant improvement in
implementation success.
ECC’s QEP ran the first CT3 (Critically Thinking Things
Through) Academy during the Assessment Institute, Summer 2014.
Sixteen faculty and adjunct faculty members attended the institute. Seven
out of the sixteen who attended the CT3 Academy in Summer
2012, have attended a subsequent CT3 Training in Fall 2014 and
have been CT3 certified. The CT3 certified instructors are Denise
Griffin, Mike Ogbeidi, Stephanie Thomas, Idichandi Idicula,
Robin Graham, Kim White, and Juan Soto. All seven CT3
certified instructors will have the opportunity to collaborate with
the QEP to do course redesigns with critical thinking emphasis.
These courses will be CT3 stamped and students enrolled in
these courses will qualify for CT3 Honors Graduation Awards.
ECC’s QEP will be scaling up the implementation in
Spring 2015. The following have been identified as lead trainers
and faculty support for the Spring 2015 scale up: Mwauna
Maxwell, Mark Lane, Samantha Shultze, Cynthia Brown,
Russel Haynes, Vanessa Taylor, and Wade Hyde. The success of
the QEP scale up will be evaluated using the California Critical
Thinking Skills Test, SSI and CCSSE.
Fashion at El Centro
Fall is bustling with activity in the Fashion Departments at El Centro. Even with warm temperatures, it’s time to change your wardrobe to
darker, autumnal colors. Bright color accents are still very important as we have been in a brighter color palette the last year.
The Fashion Design students took a few interesting field trips. Several students got to see the “Oscar de la Renta Exhibit” at the George W.
Bush Presidential Center. Dresses that were worn by former first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Reagan were on display along
with gowns worn by Amy Adams, Taylor Swift and local socialites. Oscar de la Renta just designed the wedding dress for George Clooney’s
new bride, Amal Alumaddin. Oscar De la Renta passed
away January 16, 2014.
The Mario Testino’s “Alta Moda” exhibit at the Dallas
Contemporary showcased this world reknown fashion
photographer’s work. The class was able to examine
photos of national costume from Cuzco, Peru. Mario
Testino is archiving costumes and the people of his
native country, Peru. The museum’s director for
education showed a movie highlighting his fashion
career.
Many more activities are happening. The Fashion
Society Club is hosting a fund raiser for Breast Cancer.
The students are starting to make scarves to raise money
for our end of year Fashion Show.
Make sure to mark May 1st on your calendar for the
2015 ECC Fashion Design & Marketing Show!
3
El Centro Student Launches Non Profit Organization
With more than twenty years of experience helping young women prepare for top International Beauty Pageants, El Centro
College Fashion Design major, (Gadol) Baqash Wilson decided to launch his Non Profit foundation, Konjo International to further assist
women from struggling nations to be able to compete at a top level with the beauty super power nations like Venezuela, Brazil, Puerto
Rico and the Philippines. As the license holder for several top pageants like the Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth finals,
this year appears to be one destined for success.
On October 7, 2014 one of his delegates from Ethiopia competed for the Miss Grand International title that was held in
Bangkok, Thailand. Using the skills he is acquiring from the Marketing with Social Media course being offered at El Centro College, he
did not allow the thousands of miles between Dallas and Ethiopia to be an obstacle, and held his annual pageant online this year using
Facebook as the platform for public voting and the official judge’s final decision. Emerging as the 1st runner up was Hiwot Bekele who
traveled to Bangkok to compete for Miss Grand International.
With the computer on and his social media vehicles ready to work, he watched the live stream broadcast as he gave his audience
a minute by minute capsule of what was taking place. Hiwot made the top 20 semi finalists and after the swimsuit round of competition
was moved up to the top ten. After a round of onstage interviews her poise and wisdom landed her in the final five!
Now came the dreaded “final question” which asked each delegate why they should be crowned Miss Grand International and
how they would use the title to help stop war around the world! Hiwot, who’s perfect English astounded most being a delegate from a
third world country, scored perfect 10s as she explained how her role model Nelson Mandela never gave up on peace and through love,
war can be abolished though it may take many years to accomplish.
It was now time for the final countdown. 4th runner up, 3rd runner up, 2nd runner up and Hiwot was still standing. You can
imagine the excitement Wilson felt as he not only witnessed the live presentation, but also simultaneously shared the results through
various social media platforms. “And now the winner… Miss Cuba! Miss Ethiopia is the 1st runner!” Wow….so close and also so very
rewarding.
The best part is that this El Centro College student is still beaming with anticipation as the pageant season has just begun and
he has six more top International pageants to prepare young women. Joining him in the upcoming Miss World and Miss Universe events
will be a host of designers including some of his colleagues and alumni from El Centro College. Congratualtions!
Spoken Word Club
The Spoken Word Club had its most successful
public performance at the Grand Opening of Encore Park
on Friday October 24. Encore Park is an innovative outreach
project of The Stewpot and the First Presbyterian Church
of Dallas located along Park Avenue south of Young in
downtown Dallas. The opening included musicians, art unveiling and
many other activities throughout the weekend. The club was
welcomed onstage as they shared their deepest truths and
honest commentaries for a very supportive and eager crowd. They spoke of their own struggles to succeed and the many
challenges they faced to get to where they are. After the
performance, the students spoke to community members,
many of whom had questions about El Centro and an interest
in our campus.
The ECC Spoken Word Club, often represents at
local open mics and poetry events, but this is our first group
performance at a large non-arts event.
Top Row: Cynatra Fuller, Brittany Stubblefield, Club Sponsor Vanessa Taylor, Local
Poet Erika GDLR
Bottom Row: Edwin Engram, EJ Baggett, Rashad Dickerson, Brandon Birch, Clarence
Greer
4
Student Services held
Professional Development
Conference Day
Partnering With D Magazine
In the spring of 2015, El Centro College
will be partnering with D Magazine to bring Big
D Reads, a city-wide Common Book program,
to campus. Charles Portis’ True Grit, a novel
about a determined young girl’s quest to avenge
her father’s death, was chosen by Big D Reads
and will be distributed throughout the community, including at
El Centro. Campus-level plans are for a “Grit Day,” in which
students, faculty, and the surrounding community will engage in
activities and conversation regarding the various interpretations
of “grit.”
The day will be capped off by a screening of the
recent film version of True Grit, most likely in the nearby Belo
Gardens. Currently, we are looking for input and interest from
student organizations and faculty in all disciplines to participate
in Grit Day by producing novel-related activities such as, but not
limited to, performances, art exhibits, presentations, readings,
and panel discussions. Please contact Joselyn Gonzalez at
[email protected] or Samantha Schulze at sschulze@
dcccd.edu for more information.
As part of El Centro’s ongoing goal of providing
professional development for its employees, El Centro’s
first all day Student Services Professional Development
Conference was held in September at the Bill J. Priest campus.
The theme for this year’s conference was “Teamwork: Success
Through Synergy!” Session themes focused on health and
wellness, customer service, career development, and fiscal
accountability.
Choice of interest sessions included:
Producing Positive Impressions in the Workplace, 5 Star
Customer Service, The CARE Team – Crisis Management:
How to Assist Students in Distress, Financial Literacy
– brought to us by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan
Corporation, – Communication and Conflict Resolution,
among others.
Each Student Services department presented a
five minute “ignite” presentation, after which participants
voluntarily shared one thing that they learned during the
presentation. Registered employees received professional
development credit.
Fashion Marketing Receives
Recognition
The Fashion Marketing AAS Program was recognized
by the Texas Skill Standards Board for implementing Customer
Service and Sales Skill Standards developed by the National
Retail Federation in a series of required courses in the
curriculum pattern. The standards were applied in Principles of
Retailing, Customer Relationship Management, Principles of
Selling, Fashion Buying and Cooperative Education – Fashion
Merchandising courses.
El Centro College will be able to affix a gold, embossed
“TSSB-Recognized” seal to the diploma of every graduate of the
Fashion Marketing AAS Program. Employers throughout the
State of Texas recognize this designation as preparation for the
demands of fashion marketing career pathways.
5
“Sewing the Line” Art Exhibit
The H. Paxton Moore Fine Art Gallery at El Centro College announces an exhibition guest curated by Leslie Moody Castro, an
independent curator based in Mexico City and Austin. She completed her Master’s in Museum Education and Museum Studies from the
University of Texas at Austin in 2010. Her most recent independent curatorial projects have been collaborative and international in scope,
linking the vibrant visual arts world between Mexico City and Texas
The five Latina artists in the exhibition, based across the American Southwest and far West, each use sewing as an important
technical and cultural signifier in their artwork. As Rosemary Meza-DesPlas wrote in her original text, “La Costura, Sew What?” that
formed the inspiration for this show: “The use of sewing as an artistic medium by contemporary Mexican-American women artists is
a by-product of cultural influence interwoven with personal mythology. The Latina artists examined herein delve into their individual
personal histories for imagery, context, and meaning.”
Based in Austin, Candace M. Briceño’s work mixes the techniques of a seamstress with the organic forms of nature, rendered
in soft fabric materials and ornamentation.
El Paso artist Margarita Cabrera creates soft vinyl interpretations of everyday objects that serve as cultural referents viewed
through the prism of sewing. Of her work, Cabrera says, “When you have the line of the sewing machine going; I see that as a kind of
drawing”.
Emily Donjuan, of Dallas, makes idiosyncratic soft objects and tapestries. She learned to sew from her grandmother, and says
this, “Sewing has been a form of craft that has helped me understand the power of femininity and family.”
Dallas artist, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas makes use of human hair in her work, that is sewn into the surface of the work, giving
them the lyrical quality of lines that have been drawn. Her work explores the feminine body and how it is perceived culturally. She says,
“The body communicates to the viewer in a provocative language; it speaks about sexism, ageism, eroticism, and maternity.”
San Jose, California artist, Consuelo J. Underwood’s work is the most politically provocative of the group, creating fabric
material banners and flags that riff on national identities, all while engaging the feminine aesthetic of sewing.
Members of the El Centro College fashion department are collaborating with the exhibit by writing essays about the work in the
show, which will be featured prominently on wall signage throughout the exhibition. The curator will write an essay on the exhibition
which will appear in a catalogue for the exhibition.
Arwork will be on view through December 5th.
For more information, please contact gallery director Randall Garrett.
(Left to right)
Candace M. Briceño Blue (2010), felt, thread, and beads, 4- 1/2 x 4 x 3- 1/2 in.
Consuelo J. Underwood Election Flag (2008) fiber, dyed kitchen cloths, 75x23 in.
Margarita Cabrera Multi-Color Vocho Beetle Sedan Quilt #3 (2004) vinyl and thread, 49 x 95 in.
Rosemary Meza Desplas La Gancha #3 (2011) from the series Girls with Guns, hand-sewn human hair on canvas, 10 x 13 in.
Toastmasters
El Centro Toastmasters, a community club that was chartered by Dr. Wright
Lassiter.
Club meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each
month, from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at El Centro College Bill J. Priest
campus. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication
and leadership development. By participating in club meetings, members
improve their speaking, listening, and leadership skills.
Like the El Centro College Toastmasters Club, ECC Collegiate
Black Student Union promotes the recognition and involvement of all
students at the college to create and encourage academic achievement and
personal development in leadership, time management, and organizational
and communication skills. In addition, its academic and extracurricular
programs enhance and increase knowledge and appreciation of cultural
diversity. The advisors of ECC Collegiate Black Student Union are Florine
Humble and Michael Higgins.
6
New Student Government Association Officers
The goals for
2014-2015
include
advocating
on
our
students behalf by being
a liaison between students
and administration for
campus and systematic
improvements, assist in
the increase of retention
rates through events and
activities and continue
the education of the
significance of student’s
role in the civil democratic
process.
Laura Bueno
President
Advocacy
The foundation of the Student Government
Association is the ability to advocate for the needs
and wants of the students of El Centro College.
Through collection of information and opinions at
student forums and discussions in bi-weekly General
Assemblies, the leaders of the organizations are able to
generate ideas and solutions.We meet with the Dallas
County Community College District Administrators to
discuss and advocate on how to create better changes
on different policies to better serve students.
Retention
We take great responsibility in playing a
role of helping our faculty increase retention rates.
When students can find a group of supportive peers
they are more likely to have better motivation and
enjoy school. This year we plan to increase campus
spirit with various activities and events that will bring
support to our basketball team and increase campus
spirit to bring new people together and create new
relationships.
Danyel Pollock
Vice President
Patrice Johnson
Secretary
Edy Rodriguez
Treasurer
Ora Foster
Ambassador
Yarick Molina
Parliamentarian
Rashard Taylor
Historian
Community Service
As student leaders, we belong to our students because our personal philosophy is servant leadership.
We are partnering with other student-led organizations because many of us intertwine memberships and we
want to assists and provide manpower for the efforts of community service. One of the strongest projects is
our Hearts at Work Project which is in partnership with Sigma Alpha Lambda Fraternity. In conjunction with
Antioch Church to create and continue a joint-pantry for years to come, where our student organizations do
different drives for students in need and the Antioch church distributes the goods along with their goods.
Voter Education
We believe in empowering our students to advocate for themselves. We believe that a majority of
our students are unaware of the significance of voting, so we create several events and opportunities to show
them how important their ballot is. Our goal is to educate our students with the candidates that pertain to
where they reside. Our final goal is to get students to go across the street to actually cast their vote. We plan
on doing group voting and go to the Records Building so that they can get to the polls for early voting.
Be sure to join in at one of the SGA meetings to find out what this organization is doing.
December 3, 3pm, room B274. All students welcome!
Rebecca Lopez
Public Relations
El Centro College 5th Annual Leadership Summit
The Sigma Alpha Lambda El Centro College chapter hosted a Leadership Summit that included over 100 participants and
America’s Voted Best Keynote Speaker, Jonathan Sprinkles. Attending students learned positive and motivational speaking tools
that highlighted Ethics in Leadership by Dr. Mark Thames and Habits of a Leader, facilitated by Ms. Elizabeth Flash. Sprinkles used
his motivational speaking in a fun and interactive technique that allowed the students in attendance to better absorb the successful
characteristics of a leader.
The Leadership Summit provided student leaders the opportunities to network, as well as share various student-led initiatives
with one another.
7
Bill J. Priest Celebrates 25 years of Student Success!
Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development…Past, Present and Future
What is the difference between a dream and a vision with a strategic plan? The answer: Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development
The Institute, was approved by the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees in 1987, and ground breaking took place on December that same year. On Thursday, May 4, 1989, the two-story, 120,000 square foot, $7.8 million Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic
Development was officially opened. The addition of the 30,000 square foot Business Incubator Center in 1990, raised the original cost to $9.1 million.
Dr. Bill J. Priest, the District’s founding chancellor and now Chancellor Emeritus, helped design an educational system of excellence. The economic development institute that bears his name originally had six separate business service components all designed to address economic
and social problems of Dallas County:
• The Business and Professional Institute provided customized contract training for businesses and industries.
• The North Texas Small Business Development Center provides training to small businesses and groups.
• The Center for Government Contracting served as a liaison between government agencies and small businesses.
• The Business Incubation Center allows small companies to rent space in the center.
• The Edmund J. Kahn Job Training Center provides training for the unemployed and underemployed in a variety of workforce programs.
• In addition to the five original major components, the facility also housed a day care center.
Twenty-five years after the grand opening, the Bill J. Priest Institute is still recognized as a strong engine for economic development in Dallas County. Due to the past leadership of Dr. Glen Bounds, former president and Pyeper Wilkins, former director, the Institute has an
exemplary track record for generating millions of dollars in grants for workforce training. This year over $5 million in funds were awarded for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Skills for Small Business with JP Morgan Chase, the Walmart Pathways project and
training grants for AT&T, Healthcare Innovator and other initiatives.
Workforce training is provided in Adult Education Literacy, Business Management, Computer Technology, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, and Welding Technology. Customized corporate training continues to be provided to businesses and Industries. The Institute’s Business
Incubation Center has branded a new concept and emerged as the Business Growth Center.
Happy 25th Anniversary Bill J. Priest Institute. You are embraced by your past, present and future. Employees, students, businesses and industries salute you. Your solid foundation was not build on a dream only. You are a grand institution with a vision crafted with a strategic plan for
economic growth and development for Dallas County.
Jennie V. Pollard
Director, Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development
8
9
The five things you may not know about the ECC Paralegal Program
1. We have a new Director. Starting this Fall, Professor Caeser Espinoza is the new Director of the Paralegal Program. He brings with
him a student-centered philosophy and a desire to maximize technology. 2. We have a course at the West Campus. Professor Dudley Knox has made a lasting impression on the students at the West Campus.
His passion for his courses is infectious. We look forward to expanding our offerings. 3. We have home-host agreements with sister DCCCD colleges. Professor Carol Olsen has lead the charge in making the Paralegal
Program accessible to students at other campuses. Her expectations are high no matter where you attend her courses: El Centro,
Richland or Northlake. 4. We have a Legal Clinic. Partnering with North Texas Legal Aid and the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, the ECC Legal Clinic
provides Legal Representation to low-income individuals. Under the supervision of an attorney and with Professor Beasley's assistance,
paralegal students gain real-life, practical experiences. 5. We have a Paralegal Student Association (PSA). With a renewed focus on community service and job placement, the PSA has
partnered with the Dallas Area Paralegal Association, National Association of Legal Assistants, and the Paralegal Division of the State
Bar of Texas to establish pathways for paralegal students. Heading up the effort is Co-Sponsor, Adjunct Professor, Angelica Cuevas. The
future is bright for paralegal students.
Conflict Resolution Poems
Brittany Stubblefield is a sophomore Theatre student at El Centro College. A 2008 high honors graduate from
North Dallas High School, she sought out her second chance at higher education at El Centro College after
returning back to Dallas per her mother’s death to assist her father in the care of her two younger siblings.
Upon completing her Associate of Arts, Brittany anticipates transferring to either UTA or Sam Houston State
University to obtain her Bachelors in Theatre with a minor in Secondary Education. Brittany is employed with
the Accounting Office at El Centro College as a part time cashier. Brittany participates in the El Centro College
Drama department as well as the iLead Student Leadership organization. Brittany’s passion for writing stems
from her need of self-expression and as a cure for depression. She currently holds office as El Centro College’s
Spoken Word Club’s vice president.
Untitled
The first time we made love, you looked into my eyes Big, brown. Piercing into my soul. Swallowing me like a black
Brittany Stubblefield
hole
And you told me you loved me. I believed you and after that first time, we made a baby
I recall that clear June day
I planted my bare feet in the grass, as the sun filled me and the life growing inside me with
Vitamin D
I prayed to God & asked the universe to grant us with love and prosperity for eternity
The first morning after experimenting with ridiculous amounts of pee sticks
My intense cravings for celery sticks and cheese sticks you held my hair back as we laughed
Praises to the porcelain god
Until one day as pains erupted and I lay in a hospital bed and you sat beside me as the life we made was taken from us
You told me you loved me. I believed you but you started to change
Arguments and fights. Slurs thrown it seemed as if I were the fuck-up and I couldn’t do anything right
Found myself walking on eggshells around a grown ass man
Do you know the feeling?
The “I love you” that evolved into “I’ll kill you”
The same hands that held my hair back, Wrapped around my throat
To look into the eyes Into the same pair of eyes that captured your soul, That you laid down with at night and woke up to in the morning
And watch as they turned red & black
Red & Black, Red & Black as they try to choke the life out of you, to know that you believe and fell in love with a
monster
To lay lifeless at the hands of one you once created life to lay, preparing to meet the child saving a spot in heaven
for me.
STANDING and SPEAKING Was the key for me
by Althea M. Oliver
Seeing me outside of me, scared to reach for me because He may see me,
Whisper to me what do you see ? Can you see me, Scared to reach for me.
They can’t teach me, to protect me, show me how to love me, and stand for me or speak for me.
So I stay and see will he love me, Just say you love me, He’s not upset with me, It’s you can’t you see, it’s you not
him or me. Speaking to me and you say, If you stay you will soon say. I saw me outside of me but was too scared
to reach for me, to stand for me, to teach me and protect me, cause I never loved me.
Now I desire to reach for me, Hug me, Speak for me, Teach me, Protect and Love me. But now it’s too late for me
you see the key for me was to Stand and Speak for me.
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Althea M. Oliver
El Centro’s New Food and Hospitality Director
Steve DeShazo grew up in Dallas and walked the streets around El Centro College since he was a
child. His parents had a law practice in the R Building in the early 1970’s and his mother, Nikki DeShazo,
was a Dallas County judge in the Records Building, right across Market Street, for 26 years. He started
working in restaurants in 1983 at the age of 15, employed at JJ Muggs, an old Steak and Ale concept in
Mesquite, Texas, making onion rings, pico de gallo and guacamole for 40 hours a week one summer. Steve
has loved the restaurant industry ever since.
Steve’s career as an educator began by accident in 2003 with a vision of creating an innovative schoolto-career culinary arts training program at Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas. In 2011 he accepted a
position to develop a four year career academy in Northwest ISD on the campus of Byron Nelson High
School. He is a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation and a certified Food
Service Management Professional through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
The Food & Hospitality Institute is poised for fantastic growth with the goal of being the premier
public institution for higher culinary and hospitality learning in Dallas County and beyond. This growth
is data driven. According to Texas Workforce Commission projections for Dallas County there will be
almost 26% percent job growth in food services resulting in 24,690 new jobs between 2010 and 2020. Add to these statistics the fact that
there are 44 high schools in the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association service area that offer industry-based culinary arts programs and
these students need a post-secondary track to follow so that we can keep our home grown talent at home. “I see this as an opportunity to
extend the reach of what I have been able to accomplish during my years as an educator. I have a strong passion for helping students find a
career in an industry that I love. El Centro’s culinary and hospitality program is part of the DNA of our city and to have the chance to work
with this talented faculty to produce a highly qualified workforce for Dallas is a dream come true!”
Over the last year and a half Gus Katsigris has been laying the groundwork to re-introduce
the El Centro College/Texas Chef ’s Association Chef Apprenticeship program and Steve has
been passed the torch for this important program. “It is widely acknowledged by chefs that an
apprenticeship is the finest culinary training available,” says DeShazo. After receiving certification by
the U.S. Department of Labor over the summer the first apprentices are being placed in sponsoring
houses including the Sheraton Dallas, The Joule Hotel, the W Hotel, Benchmark Hospitality at
Deloitte University, Royal Oaks County Club, Brookhollow Gold Club and the newest addition is
Kent Rathbun Concepts, operators of Abacus and Jaspers. “Apprentices will work 6000 hours over
three years and will concurrently be enrolled and taking classes at El Centro pursuing Associate
degrees in Culinary Arts or Bakery/Pastry Arts. We are very excited about what this program means
both for our students and for the future of the industry,” says DeShazo.
Things are about to start changing in the hallways surrounding our food and hospitality
dining room, kitchens and classrooms. This area is the pilot program for introducing new interior
design packages in the college to make the campus more inspiring and dynamic and to reflect the
changing nature of downtown Dallas. Also, new branding concepts are being discussed for the Food
& Hospitality Institute so that we can more successfully engage our students and the community and
encourage the participation of more industry and community partners. “I am so proud and honored
to have been selected as the new Director of the Food & Hospitality Institute,” says DeShazo. “And
just like our new President, Dr. Adames, said at convocation, it is a very exciting time to be at El
Centro!”
Happy 30th Anniversary, Parigi
Parigi and D Magazine hosted a celebration of food, spirits and tunes to honor the restaurant’s three-decade milestone. Champagne and
spirits were provided by Veuve Cliquot and Belvedere Vodka along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Parigi chef and owner, Janice Provost
and El Centro culinary students. It was a veritable who’s who of Dallas society mingling with Parigi founder Andree Falls and tapping their
feet to tunes by Vince Martinez for the price tag of $84 — a nod to the year the restaurant opened. All proceeds of the event will establish
the Parigi scholarship endowment fund at the Food & Hospitality Institute at El Centro College.
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Intensive English Program Launched at El Centro
The IELT (Institute of English Language Training) enables students living in foreign countries to come to the United States and
enroll in the Intensive English program at El Centro. These students must have had at least one year of English language training in their
country to be eligible to enroll. In addition, there are other requirements that are established by the U.S. government, such as a minimum
amount of funds available to finance a student’s education and living expenses while
they are in the program. Documentation is handled by Robert Reyes and Joseph
Davila in our Multicultural Center.
Once students meet the requirements, the college will issue a form I-20
which the prospective student will take to the American embassy in their country.
Embassy officials have the authority to grant an F-1 Student Visa to these applicants.
Students in the program are responsible for obtaining their own housing,
meals, etc. Many of these IELT students are living with relatives in the DFW area.
Several students are commuting from Allen, Arlington, Midlothian and Waxahachie.
These IELT students have been integrated into existing ESOL courses, plus
they take additional courses in the afternoons, bringing their weekly total to 20 hours
per week in classes or lab. In addition, monthly field trips on Friday afternoons.
Currently there are 17 students enrolled in the IELT program and receive
weekly inquiries from prospective students interested in joining for the Spring, 2015
semester.
For an overview of the Institute of English Language Training at El Centro Colege,
go to http://www.elcentrocollege.edu/programs/institute-english-language-training
The Multicultural Center: The Dream US
The Multicultural Center is pleased to announce that 25 students successfully submitted applications for The DreamUS Scholarship. Over the last three weeks, qualified ECC students worked diligently with Learning Center tutors to develop scholarship winning essays. Multicultural Center staff hosted an open house and multiple information sessions to ensure that students were able to successfully
complete the application process.
All faculty, staff and students are eligible to receive a
discount to any of the Dallas Summer Musicals 2014-2015
productions.
Stay tuned for promo code!
Student Rush Ticket prices will be available too.
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Notes from an Academic Advisor… Spring Registration!
While November might mean fall leaves, pumpkins, and turkey dinner to some, this month has a slightly different meaning for
Academic Advisors. For us, November marks the beginning of Spring Registration. Before most people have even started thinking about
the holiday season, we are busy preparing for your Spring semester which will take you from the cold chill of January to the warm breeze
of summer in Texas.
So before you set off for Thanksgiving break or settle into study mode for finals, stop by the Academic Advising Office and speak
with an advisor about your options for Spring semester. November is the best time to come and speak with an Advisor about your options
for Spring because you will have the greatest chance of getting into the courses you want! If you have a set schedule and can only take
courses on certain days or at certain times, or want to be sure to get your favorite professor again, the chances will be better the earlier
you register.
Come in and have a conversation with an Advisor now so that when registration starts you can login to eConnect and register
for the classes you want! Your Advisors are here to help! Stop by our office A110 with any questions you have about Spring semester and
let us assist you in planning your educational journey. We are always available, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 7 pm, and Friday
from 8 am to 4 pm. Call the Advising Office at 214-860-2083 to schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor, or stop by for a 15
minute Walk-In session.
Registration for returning students starts November 18th
Registration for new students (or those that have not taken courses in over a year) starts November 24th.
By Estelle Garza, Academic Advisor
Retention Services----New Office on the Block!
The Office of First Year Experience and Retention Services was created in
Summer 2014 as an extension of the Academic Advising office. The goal and purpose of
this office is to serve all incoming students with little or no previous college experience.
The Office of First Year Experience and Retention Services aims to support
student learning by actively partnering with and engaging students in the educational
process. Students are assigned an Academic Advisor for their first two semesters here
at ECC. After their first two semesters students will transition to a program Academic
Advisor.
With their assigned First Year Experience Academic Advisor, students will:
• Establish short term goals;
• Gather information and make decisions regarding
your academic and employment goals;
• Identify student resources and know when and how
to use them.
• Identify methods to be successful in courses.
Advisors will connect with students through, case
management, early alert (Starfish), mentoring programs (Journey to
Success), classroom visits, and New Student Orientation.
The Office of First Year Experience and Retention Services
is excited about our new role on the ECC campus. We look forward
to working with our incoming students, faculty and staff!
Myisha Coleman
Academic Advisor II
Elizabeth Flash
Director of College Programs
Roberto Cruz
Program Services Coordinator
Aderiance Ragland (Ms. Ann)
Academic Advisor
Garry Johnson
Academic Advisor
Join us on our Facebook page!
TWEET US
Academic Calendar
@ ECC_Online!
Fall Semester, 2014
November 27 (R).................... Thanksgiving Holidays Begin
December 8-11 (M-R)............. Final Exams
December 11 (R)..................... Semester Ends
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Men Of Color
El Centro College had two students participate in the President’s Roundtable, Men of Color Minority Male Student Leadership Institute
in San Francisco California from October 16-19, 2014.
The Minority Male Institute is a competitive selection Institute. Students nationwide apply, with only the top 50 students getting selected
for the honor of participating in this institute. Mr. José Carreon and Mr. Curtis Lee of El Centro were both accepted to participate in
this year’s institute. Additionally, CVC, MVC, NLC and EFC were the other schools in the district with students selected to participate
in the Institute. Mr. Jose Carreon was selected as one of the Outstanding Student Leaders of the Institute. Student comments included “I felt like I had
known the other participants of the Institute for a lifetime.” “I have been to many other conferences before so I believed I knew what to
expect, this Institute surpassed any and all of my expectations.” “This was a once in a lifetime, life changing experience.” Thank you to
Dr. Sharon Blackman and her team for another outstanding institute that truly changes the lives of these young men.
National Eating Healthy Day
National Eat Healthy Day, November 5
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Sketch In Klyde Warren Park, Fall 2014
Improve Your Selfie Campaign
Improve Your Selfie Contest – ECC Social Media Contest 2014
Introducing New Student Services, Grants and Special Programs
Employees
I am excited to introduce two new full-time employees that have joined the Student Services, Grants, and Special Programs
team!
Lalicia Johnson has transitioned from a part-time position to our Senior Career Services Specialist. This position serves in a
leadership role for the Career Services area. Lalicia brings over five years
of experience in directing student programs and assisting students with
preparing career search materials.
Kendra Harrison joins our team as Office Support Services
Specialist. She will provide administrative support for my office. Kendra
brings with her over 20 years of customer service experience within the
banking industry.
I am thrilled to have both Lalicia and Kendra as members of my
team. Please welcome them as you see them on campus!
Karen Stills, MBA
Associate Dean, Student Services, Grants and Special Programs
Lalicia Johnson
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Kendra Harrison
Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. Early College High School at El Centro
named
National Blue Ribbon School for 2014.
Congratulations to Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. Early College High School at El
Centro for their award recognition as a National Blue Ribbon for Exemplary High
Performing 2014. This is one of the highest educational honors in the nation. This
yearly recognition from the U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools
with highest academic achievement, highest graduation rates and/or the ability
to close the performance gaps between minority students and the state’s Anglo
students.
Lassiter Early College High School fully commits to providing an exceptional
education to its young scholars so they may fulfill their dreams and be prepared
to experience the diverse opportunities that life has to offer. The school's success
can be attributed to the emphasis on two key elements: campus culture, and
quality instruction.
Congratulations to Dr. Michael St. Ama, principal,
and to the faculty and staff for
their dedication and
commitment to our
young scholars!
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