Special Anniversary Edition
Dear Navigators and friends,
Welcome to the digital version of our Winter 2024 issue of Polaris Magazine – celebrating our 90th anniversary!
When I think about those visionary leaders in the early part of the 20th century who established our institution in what was then known as Goose Creek, Texas, I am humbled by their determination and drive. They rallied the community starting in 1929 to vote into existence the college that would offer local students a higher education.
Their hard work paid off. On February 24, 1934, residents in the region voted overwhelmingly 538 to 198 to create the college, which would officially be named Lee Junior College on June 14, 1934. When the doors opened on September 3 and registration was complete, 177 students enrolled in the first class, exceeding the expected 150.
And we are still exceeding expectations 90 years later.
For the second consecutive fall, we’ve achieved our highest enrollment on record, with more than 8,600 students choosing Lee College for their education. Every member of our college family played a crucial role in making this happen.
This issue of Polaris also updates the progress we are making in delivering the “ideal student experience.” Our Student Center has been renovated and enlarged to create the Student Resource and Advocacy Center continuing to ensure we consistently remove any barriers to our students’ success.
At the McNair Center, our commitment to educating our future workforce shines through. The HVAC program, after a long hiatus, has returned with a new instructor at the helm – a Huntsville Center alumnus who found his way back to the college that gave him a second chance. Also, discover how Lee College is shaping the next generation of Songahm Taekwondo instructors all over the globe, and our students are getting a real kick out of it!
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College President
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College President
In this 90th year of our institution, let us all harken the words of Walter Rundell, the first dean, as we continue working to “make Lee College the kind of institution which will be a source of pride for all of us.”
Warm regards,
Dr. Lynda Villanueva
President
Another Enrollment for the Record Books
For the second consecutive year, Lee College recorded its highest enrollment in the institution’s history. The student headcount increased to 8,619 for Fall 2023. That is a 2.2% jump compared to the same time last year.
“Our upward trajectory in enrollment is driven by our continued commitment to the long-term strategies we put into practice during the pandemic around the core value that Lee cares," said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, president. "I can say with confidence that few colleges are seeing these outcomes."
One approach is a focus on personal, one-on-one recruitment efforts in partnership with area high schools to help graduating students feel like they belong at Lee and walk them through the registration process before they even leave commencement with their high school diplomas.
“Our Student Services team has put a lot of effort into making personal connections with prospective students and helping them make plans and take action while they are still in high school,” explained Scott Bennett, associate vice president of student services. “Rather than getting students to sign up in July and August, which are the busiest months, we held registration events in April, May and June this year. We were able to get more students enrolled earlier and spend time getting to know those students before they started college.”
Other plans put in place to ensure student success include First Time Free at Lee, which offers new students tuition, fees and e-books at no cost. The college’s enhanced course delivery options allows students who work during the day or care for families a choice on how they want to learn. They include Mytime, LeeStream, MyFlex Hybrid and Face-to-Face.
“Retaining students from semester to semester can be a challenge. The initiatives we established will provide a path to success starting the day they walk into the classroom to the day they walk across the graduation stage,” said Dr. Douglas Walcerz, provost and vice president of academic and student affairs.
Lee College graduation in Fall 2023
Lee College graduation in Fall 2023
Further, the college is unified in delivering the ideal student experience to everyone who enrolls. This goal stretches beyond financial assistance to include wraparound support services to help with transportation, food, childcare and other obstacles students might face.
“Breaking down the barriers to a student’s education is one of our top priorities,” Villanueva added. “There is no reason anyone, a recent high school graduate, new parent, or someone looking to switch careers, should be excluded from a college education.”
Jermair Colwell, Lee College student, and her daughter
Jermair Colwell, Lee College student, and her daughter
'Game Changer'
Empowering Student Parents to Finish College
Hundreds of Lee College students who are parents will not have to worry about child care expenses, thanks to a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program or CCAMPIS grant is a “game changer” for sustainable childcare services funding.
“One of the primary reasons students who are parents drop out mid-semester or do not attend college at all is due to challenges with child care,” said Kelli Forde Spiers, associate vice president, Student Success and Belonging. “Now, this grant will empower these mothers and fathers to prioritize their studies while their kids are in the care of professionals they choose.”
According to the DOE, more than one in five students in the United States are parents, and 42% of all student parents attend community colleges. Many of these students must balance the demands of being primary caregivers or guardians for at least one child, and they face financial struggles while pursuing academic degrees and certificates.
“The assistance offered through CCAMPIS will resolve the child care issue for 360 to 400 Lee College student parents during the grant program."
Candace Blackburn in the Student Center Learning Hub with her three daughters.
Candace Blackburn in the Student Center Learning Hub with her three daughters.
“The CCAMPIS grant represents a significant step toward supporting the academic aspirations of our student parents while alleviating their financial burdens,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “By providing them with access to affordable, quality care, our students have a greater chance of obtaining a college degree, leading to successful, family-supporting careers.”
The CCAMPIS grant will be administered through the Student Resource and Advocacy Center, which addresses unmet basic needs such as childcare services, food and emergency aid. During the 2022-2023 academic year and summer semester, SRAC provided financial assistance for child care to 81 Lee College student parents.
In addition to paying for licensed child care providers, funds from the four-year project will be used to hire a CCAMPIS program manager who will coordinate child care assistance, foster collaborative relationships with community child care vendors, and develop campus programs and outreach for parenting students. The funds will also enable the installation of lactation stations/pods and changing stations around campus to make the campus more family friendly.
“The assistance offered through CCAMPIS will resolve the child care issue for 360 to 400 Lee College student parents during the grant program,” said Selah Tacconi, chief advancement officer and executive director, Lee College Foundation. “We believe this will disrupt generational poverty in our community by enabling parents to work toward making a living wage.”
Leaving A Legacy
The Lee College Foundation received a substantial gift from the estate of the late John P. and Charlotte Henderson. The Hendersons, who were longtime supporters of the college, bequeathed 10,000 shares of ExxonMobil stock which was sold for approximately $900,000.
Their gift is the largest estate donation in the institution’s 90-year history.
The Lee College Foundation Scholarship Committee voted to use the money to establish the Henderson Family Trust, which will create over 20 scholarships annually. Recipients of the Henderson Family Trust will be known as The Henderson Scholars.
John and Charlotte Henderson, pictured in 1985, were longtime supporters of Lee College.
John and Charlotte Henderson, pictured in 1985, were longtime supporters of Lee College.
“Uncle John and Aunt Charlotte always valued Lee College and its impact on the Baytown community,” said Jason Free, great nephew. “They made Lee College a priority in their charitable work and charitable giving during their lives, and they were excited to help future students receive a much-needed education through their estate plan.”
The Hendersons have been associated with Lee College and the Foundation since the late 1960s. John served as a regent on the Lee College Board and was a charter member and board member of the Friends of Lee College.
“The visionary gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henderson will support our students for generations to come,” said Selah Tacconi, chief advancement officer and executive director, Lee College Foundation. “Their legacy and that of the Henderson Family Trust will live on through the success of the Henderson Scholars in perpetuity.”
(l-r) Tiffany Goodman, Catrina Gilbert, Anu Varghese and Veronica Vasquez are among the first cohort of The Henderson Scholars.
(l-r) Tiffany Goodman, Catrina Gilbert, Anu Varghese and Veronica Vasquez are among the first cohort of The Henderson Scholars.
John passed away at the age of 107 in October 2020. Charlotte was 106 years old when she died exactly one year later. They were married for 80 years, and in 2019, the Guinness World Record recognized them for setting the then all-time world record for the oldest living couple of aggregate age.
“This exceptional donation will truly be transformational for our students and for the future of our college,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “We are extremely honored and thankful that John and Charlotte cared so much for the betterment of Lee College and future generations of Lee College students.”
For years, Lee College has benefited from the Hendersons’ generosity. In January 2021, shortly after John Henderson’s death, an endowment scholarship was established through the Foundation in his name to support tuition and books for a deserving Lee College student who is planning to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin where Mr. Henderson was a letterman on the Longhorn football team.
Mr. Henderson began his career in 1939 at Humble Oil and Refining Company, which is now ExxonMobil. After 34 years and various assignments, he retired as department head of business services. Henderson was extremely active in the Baytown community – having spent decades as a board member with the Community Resource Credit Union, formerly known as Humble Employees Baytown Federal Credit Union. Mr. Henderson was also a member of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, past president, life member and treasurer of the Kiwanis Club, and past board member of Baycoast Hospital.
Open for Business
New Corporate Training Center Meets Need for Skilled Workforce
For years, Lee College has been offering corporate training to industry partners such as ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell and Worley for their employees, but there’s never been a dedicated training space until now.
But recently, industry representatives, elected officials and community members gathered at the Lee College McNair Center to cut the ribbon on its newly renovated, state-of-the-art, 11,000-square-foot Corporate Training Center.
(l-r) Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president; Fran Parent, division chair, Instructional Studies and executive director, Instructional and Construction Technologies; Marsha Tuha, executive director, Workforce and Community Development and Mayor Brandon Capetillo, City of Baytown at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Corporate Training Center at McNair Center.
(l-r) Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president; Fran Parent, division chair, Instructional Studies and executive director, Instructional and Construction Technologies; Marsha Tuha, executive director, Workforce and Community Development and Mayor Brandon Capetillo, City of Baytown at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Corporate Training Center at McNair Center.
Operated by the Lee College Center for Workforce and Community Development, the Corporate Training Center offers hands-on training and leadership development for employees of all levels – from onboarding training for new hires to upskilling and solidifying skills of seasoned employees.
Process control system at the new Corporate Training Center at McNair Center.
Process control system at the new Corporate Training Center at McNair Center.
Clients who hire Lee College will benefit from working with subject matter experts who have decades of experience in the petrochemical and manufacturing industries. They are retirees who are often Lee College alumni – returning to share their extensive knowledge with the next generation of workers. Students will work with equipment encountered in the field as well as state-of-the-art trainers such as the Emerson Performance Learning Platform units – designed specifically for process control and instrumentation training. Labs are set up in a modular fashion to allow each space to serve multiple purposes – meaning the training labs and lecture areas can be expanded to accommodate any class size.
“With this new instructional space, we can deliver advanced technical training like no other college – anytime a company has needs,” said Marsha Tuha, executive director, Center for Workforce and Community Development. “The focus is to get employees in and trained for a real-life work setting and with the latest technology. We are not teaching concepts. We are teaching troubleshooting.”
Clients who hire Lee College will benefit from working with subject matter experts who have decades of experience in the petrochemical and manufacturing industries. They are retirees who are often Lee College alumni – returning to share their extensive knowledge with the next generation of workers. Students will work with equipment encountered in the field as well as state-of-the-art trainers such as the Emerson Performance Learning Platform units – designed specifically for process control and instrumentation training. Labs are set up in a modular fashion to allow each space to serve multiple purposes – meaning the training labs and lecture areas can be expanded to accommodate any class size
“This facility is an investment not just in the community but in jobs. Anytime a major employer comes to look for site selection in the Baytown area they are looking for a skilled work force. This facility is going to meet that need.”
Another advantage of the training center is to enhance existing partnerships with employers who hire Lee College graduates.
“How wonderful is it that we can educate our students and then, when they get a job with one of our industry partners, they come right back to Lee College to get trained with their new company,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “We are producing employees who are advancing their skills, thinking on their toes and becoming problem solvers.”
Zoe Barinaga, process manager for ExxonMobil’s Baytown chemical plant says she’s seen firsthand how training programs provide life-changing opportunities for students working toward degrees and certifications to become a part of the ExxonMobil family.
Zoe Barinaga, process manager, ExxonMobil Baytown Chemical plant gives remarks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at McNair Center.
Zoe Barinaga, process manager, ExxonMobil Baytown Chemical plant gives remarks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at McNair Center.
“In my five years at ExxonMobil, we have turned over half of our operators at the chemical plant because of retirements and expansions,” Barinaga explained. “The only way to keep up with the growth is to have well-trained candidates in the area.”
Larry Lester spent nearly four decades as an electrical engineer and maintenance supervisor at ExxonMobil. He is the Workforce Center’s technical advisor who customizes training for companies and hires the instructors. Lester says it’s one thing to know how to use the equipment, but his trainings delve into the inner workings of the equipment so employees will be well prepared to troubleshoot if a problem arises.
“The biggest thing that I’ve seen in this program is the ‘Aha!’ moment when a person understands new technology, new equipment, new ways of looking at stuff and how to use that information to get the job done,” Lester said. “These include people who’ve been doing their jobs for 15-20 years.”
Championing Educational Fun
Lee College is a proud sponsor of the Chambers County Children's Museum.
Lee College is a proud sponsor of the Chambers County Children's Museum.
Lee College faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents celebrated the official opening of the new Chambers County Children’s Museum in Mont Belvieu in July 2023.
The college is a proud sponsor of the CCCM’s library, which is located to the right of the museum’s entrance. The library is an innovative space where kids can curl up on the couch to read one of the numerous books from the shelves, solve a puzzle at the table, play with toys or admire “Sunny,” the museum’s resident bearded dragon.
“This beautiful museum is an investment in the community’s children, and we are thrilled to help support their educational endeavors,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “It also shows we are deeply committed to enhancing our partnership within our service area of Mont Belvieu and Chambers County.”
Marsha Tuha, executive director of the Lee College Center for Workforce and Community Development, says starting next summer, the college will offer its popular Kids at College camps to young visitors, as well as other joint educational programming throughout the year that focuses on early child development.
Visitors to the CCCM can enter the Lee College-sponsored library where they will find books to read and games to play.
Visitors to the CCCM can enter the Lee College-sponsored library where they will find books to read and games to play.
Located in the old Thrif-Tee Food Center on Eagle Drive, the CCCM was built on the concept of bringing play-centered learning to Chambers County.
“The vision of this project was to create a place of joy for kids big and small, a place for celebrations on rainy days, for school field trips and toddler play dates, for art and theater classes, as well as parenting classes,” said Macy Middleton, founder and Board of Directors president. “It’s also a place to showcase our industry and our community, and a place that our kids will remember forever.”
Baytown and Beyond
Lynda Villanueva, Michael Sorrell and Ruth Simmons
Lynda Villanueva, Michael Sorrell and Ruth Simmons
Texas Tribune Festival
President Villanueva was invited to join three other state leaders to speak on a panel at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival also known as TribFest in Austin. TribFest is a three-day event and one of the largest colloquiums of thought leaders in the nation. To discuss the topic of Race and Higher Education, Dr. Villanueva was joined by Ruth Simmons, the President’s Distinguished Fellow at Rice University and advisor to the president of Harvard University on historically black college and university initiatives. Dr. Simmons was previously the president of Prairie View A&M University, Brown University and Smith College. Additionally on the panel were Texas State Senator Royce West from Dallas and the president of Paul Quinn College, Michael Sorrell.
The 2023-24 Inaugural Class
The 2023-24 Inaugural Class
Achieving Excellence
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program selected Lee College president Dr. Lynda Villanueva to join the inaugural 2023-24 class of its Aspen Presidents Fellowship. Chosen through a competitive process, Villanueva is one of 25 community college leaders from across the country appointed to this prestigious program. The Aspen Presidents Fellowship focuses on developing a sustainable and comprehensive reform agenda that advances excellence and equity in student outcomes at scale.
“I was in the first class of Aspen’s Rising President Fellowship designed for aspiring presidents, and I attribute much of my development to their program,” Villanueva said. “As a fellow in this new program, I will collaborate with leading community college experts and senior staff from the Aspen Institute on strategies to improve our students’ graduation rates and post-college success, which will no doubt have a positive impact on Lee College.”
The 2023-24 class represents the diversity of our nation’s community colleges: 56% women and 44% people of color. They lead institutions across 14 states that collectively educate over 280,000 students in varied settings, from a rural college of 700 students to an urban one with enrollment over 24,000.
Dr. Lynda Villanueva and Dr. Greg Poole
Dr. Lynda Villanueva and Dr. Greg Poole
New Branch Campus is Closer to Reality
In January 2024, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approved Lee College’s request to establish a branch campus within Barbers Hill Independent School District (BHISD) contingent upon a proposed maintenance tax receiving voter approval. The THECB also approved BHISD’s request to hold the branch campus maintenance tax election.
“We are thrilled that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has officially approved the building of a Lee College branch campus in Mont Belvieu,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Barbers Hill ISD and Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole and look forward to the college being more accessible to all students in our service area.”
Additionally, the BHISD trustees met and voted to hold the maintenance tax election on May 4.
Regent Moore-Fontenot Elected to ACCT National Board of Directors
Susan Moore-Fontenot (center) at graduation with fellow members of the Lee College Board of Regents Gina Guillory and Chair Daryl Fontenot.
Susan Moore-Fontenot (center) at graduation with fellow members of the Lee College Board of Regents Gina Guillory and Chair Daryl Fontenot.
The Lee College Board of Regents represented southeast Texas and the state at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress in Las Vegas. The ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.
The ACCT Leadership Congress is the largest professional development opportunity for over 1,500 community college trustees and presidents, as well as leaders from philanthropic organizations, government agencies and other national non-profits. It is a time for these community college leaders to share experiences and expertise, network with people from around the country and expand knowledge of the community college sector.
“It’s important for my colleagues and me to meet our peers from around the country and learn what challenges they are facing,” said Lee College Board of Regents Chair Daryl Fontenot. “While no two institutions are identical, defined themes and trends emerge at national meetings like ACCT.”
“Serving at this level not only affords me the opportunity to share the great successes that make our college great, but it will also give me a chance to contribute to improving policy governance, impacting federal legislation and sharing best practices across the country."
Regent Moore-Fontenot spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Student Center on Nov. 14, 2023.
Regent Moore-Fontenot spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Student Center on Nov. 14, 2023.
During the congress, Regent Susan Moore-Fontenot was elected by her peers to the ACCT Board of Directors as one of only three Directors-at-Large. In this new national role, Regent Moore-Fontenot will advocate for students from across the nation. She was elected with the highest vote total of the three available positions.
“It is an honor to represent Lee College, the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT), as well as those colleges in the six national regions across the United States,” Moore-Fontenot said. “Serving at this level not only affords me the opportunity to share the great successes that make our college great, but it will also give me a chance to contribute to improving policy governance, impacting federal legislation and sharing best practices across the country. As the only national organization focused specifically on community college governance, trustee education is a core component of the ACCT mission and expertise; therefore, I look forward to the various opportunities that serving on this board will provide.”
Introducing the Ideal Student Experience
Food Market at the Student Resource and Advocacy Center
Food Market at the Student Resource and Advocacy Center
Food Market at the Student Resource and Advocacy Center
Food Market at the Student Resource and Advocacy Center
Student Center Game Room
Student Center Game Room
Student Center Learning Hub
Student Center Learning Hub
Renovated Student Center, new Student Resource and Advocacy Center are helping students succeed.
The Student Center is the heart of the Lee College campus and is a home away from home where students can study, access support services, play games with their friends or just unwind.
At the beginning of the year, the building underwent a massive transformation using a $5 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Scott chose the college as a recipient of the funds because of its focus on educating students from low-income backgrounds or racial minority groups.
“This wonderful money was for the community,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “We were simply the stewards to use it for the benefit of our students.”
Ever since the sliding doors opened in late October, students like Valerie Garza have enjoyed the updated layout of the two-story building and added amenities – including cozy study nooks with white boards, charging stations and mood lighting; family-friendly quiet study rooms for students with children; a game room with pool and ping-pong tables; and a meditation room for reflection and prayer.
“This new Student Center provides me more support,” Garza said. “When I come into work at the TRiO Student Support Services office or go to study in the Learning Hub, I light up because I get to see my old friends. We are all together now.”
IMPACT student Eris Hawkins says the bright colors and fun shapes that are splattered throughout “motivate her” while she is studying, and she enjoys taking walks around the building. Jefferson Rodriguez, another IMPACT student, loves the camaraderie in the Game Room.
“I started coming here to play ping-pong and pool, but then I started to make a bunch of new friends of all ages,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a really good place to be.”
The SRAC Food Market is stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, canned and dry food.
The SRAC Food Market is stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, canned and dry food.
Students who require assistance with basic needs – such as clothes, transportation, child care and food, can utilize the Student Resource and Advocacy Center, which opened in a new location on the first floor of the Student Center. The SRAC is also home to the largest college food market in Texas and possibly the country. Students can shop for free produce, canned, dry and frozen food, as well as essential hygiene products and school supplies.
Ever since the inception of the SRAC, there’s been an outpouring of financial support from the Lee College Foundation and community partners including: Yield Giving, ExxonMobil, JP Morgan Chase, Covestro, the Houston Food Bank, PVF Roundtable and H-E-B.
“Some of the challenges that students are facing today go beyond some of the traditional things,” said Brian Mayo, process manager for ExxonMobil’s chemical plant. “It’s the basic needs like providing some groceries to help them through the week, assisting with daycare so a single mother or father can come to campus or filing up a tank of gas, so they don’t miss class. These are life-changing opportunities for students working to receive a certification or degree.”
In addition, the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded Lee College $2 million over the next four years to cover the cost of child care for hundreds of student parents.
“We are investing in our students’ future by eliminating any and all barriers that are in their way and helping them to become the very best versions of themselves,” Villanueva added.
Now, that’s the definition of the ideal student experience.
A student studies in the new Learning Hub.
A student studies in the new Learning Hub.
Students work collaboratively in one of the Learning Hub's modular study nooks, which have chargers for mobile phones and tablets as well as mood lighting.
Students work collaboratively in one of the Learning Hub's modular study nooks, which have chargers for mobile phones and tablets as well as mood lighting.
The inside and back of the Learning Hub study nooks are equipped with white boards for brainstorming sessions.
The inside and back of the Learning Hub study nooks are equipped with white boards for brainstorming sessions.
Celebrating 90 Years
Lee College: Then and Now
In 1934, history unfolded in remarkable ways.
While the criminal exploits of Bonnie and Clyde echoed through the nation, the Federal Communications Commission (or FCC) was established, and baseball icon Babe Ruth marked a milestone with his 700th home run.
During these notable events of 1934, Lee Junior College emerged in Goose Creek, Texas, with a vision to pioneer academic and technical excellence for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. That fall, the school welcomed its inaugural class of 177 students and embarked on a mission that would echo through the decades.
Fast forward 90 years, and Lee College stands as a testament to its founders’ dreams. Breaking records and transforming lives, the institution has become a cornerstone of education in southeast Texas.
As we commemorate this milestone, Polaris Magazine invites you to take a trip through time with indelible images as well as fond memories shared by educators who serve in various roles but are united by their shared love and passion for all things Lee College.
Longtime Employees Reflect on Lee College’s Transformations
Jim Campisi recalls the day he set foot on campus. It was March 8, 1990. He was the college’s first full-time security officer – hired when the Security Department was brought in-house. In his mind, he was going to give Lee College two years and move on.
That was 34 years ago.
Campisi, who is the longest serving full-time staff member at Lee, left his security post after a few years and moved to Shipping and Receiving, where he remains to this day. He’s also a proud alumnus – having received an associate degree in business management with honors.
During his career at the school, Campisi says the biggest change he’s seen was the evolution and integration of technology.
“When I started, we didn’t have computers at our desks,” he recalled with a chuckle. “When you wanted to set up a meeting or send a message, you would have to type out a memo, take it to the mailroom and wait for it to be collected and for a response. Who would have thought that now we can walk around campus and check our emails on our phones?”
As you can imagine, the campus also looked vastly different. There were half as many buildings as there are now.
“What we all know today as John Britt Hall was the Social Sciences Building,” Campisi explained. “Tucker Hall didn’t exist, and now that’s an older building. The fountain that is behind Rundell Hall used to be a parking lot for that building.”
Mike Spletter came to Lee College in April 2002 as a student activities coordinator. The Wisconsin native was brought to Baytown to help convert the old library into a new Student Center. For him, there’s no question October 23, 2004, the day of the ribbon cutting for the first iteration of the Student Center, was his favorite moment as an employee.
“I was in on the design phase. Where the Learning Hub is now, that was called the Cyber Café – there was a coffee bar and big round desk seating with computers on high tables. There was also a stage in the corner where we used to have one-person comedy and music acts as well as a game show, which I hosted.”
Nineteen years later, Spletter, who is now the student engagement manager, would experience another transformative moment — the ribbon cutting for the second renovation of the Student Center. That took place in November 2023 and was made possible by a generous $5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Another favorite memory of Spletter’s is being a volunteer assistant coach from 2005-2009 and interim head coach in 2008 for the women’s tennis team, which won three national championships in 2002, 2007 and 2009.
It was under then Athletic Director Karen Guthmiller’s tenure the women’s tennis team scored those championships, and the volleyball team also had its shining moments, placing in national tournaments.
Guthmiller’s favorite moment was in 2003 when the new Sports Complex opened. She and her coaches were excited to show off the beautiful new home for athletics, which also hosted playoff games and University Interscholastic League (UIL) tournaments that continue today.
“Our motto was, ‘We are the front door of Lee College’,” she emphasized. “We did so many amazing things to promote and raise money to support our athletic teams – such as hosting golf tournaments. We held summer camps for kids to bring them to campus and show them athletics is a valuable part of Lee College. We also created the Positive Partner program to promote businesses that would purchase signage in our arena, which was always packed with parents and people from the community.”
After 30 years of wearing different career hats, Guthmiller has since shed the athletic director, tennis coach and Kinesiology division chair titles, but she continues to teach Kinesiology classes. She also supervises the Empirical Educator Center providing professional development for all Lee College employees.
“I thought I would be here for three years, but there was something about this college that has kept me here since 1993,” she shared. “Lee College is a place where you can continually grow and improve.”
“Lee College has always been student-focused, putting students first,” Spletter added.
“You don’t stay in one company for this many years,” Campisi continued. “It’s been like family here. I think because I see the value in education and how we impact the lives of so many people.”
MARCHING TOWARD GREATNESS
Since the 2023-24 season tip-off, the Navigators basketball team has been on a relentless pursuit of greatness. The opening slam dunk was achieving a 17-2 start – one of the best in the school’s 90-year history, and clinching the No. 1 spot in Region XIV. Certainly, there have been moments of pride and lessons learned along the way.
“Every game is going to bring its own nuances and adversities,” Nicholas Wade, head coach, Navigators basketball and athletic director, remarked – acknowledging the team’s mix of unexpected losses and anticipated victories. “My focus remains on the process.”
Coach Nicholas Wade is calling out a defensive assignment during a home game.
Coach Nicholas Wade is calling out a defensive assignment during a home game.
As the conclusion of the season approaches, and the races get tighter, the Navigators remain determined to uphold a winning streak as they edge closer to securing a spot in this year’s National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) championships – commonly known as the March Madness of community college basketball.
Guard De'Vion Lavergne is driving past the defender during a match-up against Trinity Valley.
Guard De'Vion Lavergne is driving past the defender during a match-up against Trinity Valley.
With standout players like Jorge Moreno, DaCannon Wickware, Jamaria Clark, Landyn Jumawan and Bryce Smith on the roster, Wade and his coaching staff are confident the team will carry them to the “big dance” in Kansas.
Point Guard Bryce Smith is dribbling the ball during a game against Kilgore College.
Point Guard Bryce Smith is dribbling the ball during a game against Kilgore College.
For Smith, a freshman point guard from Barbers Hill High School, choosing Lee College is about more than just the game. It is about personal growth and pushing himself to his full potential.
“I’ve evolved as a player who is able to handle the ball better and have sharper awareness of time and situation,” he explained. “This experience has also taught me how to be a stronger leader and how to better control the offense.”
As the Navigators continue their journey, they remain poised to make a lasting impact both on and off the court.
They also earned a collective GPA of just over 3.0. Additionally, two students secured scholarships to play basketball at four-year universities – an accomplishment that speaks volumes about their dedication and talent. And, for the freshmen players, Wade said, “They are easily the best class I’ve ever coached in my career. I hope we continue to make our institution and the community proud.”
Forward DaCannon Wickware is performing another slam dunk against Kilgore College.
Forward DaCannon Wickware is performing another slam dunk against Kilgore College.
Building Disciplined Leaders and Business Owners
Lee College is First in Country to Offer Martial Arts Degree, Certifications
From the time Hunter Davis stepped into the dojo and donned a dobok to learn Songahm Taekwondo, he knew everything was going to be okay. As a young boy, Davis was bullied, and his father had enough of his son being pushed around.
“My dad decided to enroll me in martial arts. He told the instructor he wanted me to have better discipline, learn to stand up for myself and to have more confidence. I’ve stuck with it ever since and have never looked back.”
Eleven years later, the Indiana native has not only gained confidence and discipline to stand up for himself, but he’s also a fourth-degree black belt. When Davis is not training, teaching or competing, he is learning how to improve his instruction skills through the Songahm Taekwondo Instructor program at Lee College in Baytown, Texas.
Lee is the first and only community college in the country to offer this Songahm-style program, which is affiliated with the American Taekwondo Association and offers an accredited, transferable two-year associate of applied science degree. Students anywhere in the world can access class materials online asynchronously. They learn how to teach Songahm Taekwondo and how to operate a facility as an ATA licensee. Those who complete this program successfully will receive level 1 and level 2 certifications that can be stacked with completed general education courses for an AAS.
The program is the brainchild of Dr. Dometrius Hill, Lee College associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of academic studies. Hill, who is also a senior master instructor and seventh-degree black belt, has conducted research that shows students who enroll in a curriculum-based martial arts course in college achieve overall success in the dojo and in everyday life.
“They graduate with higher grade point averages and are employed at higher rates because martial arts pedagogy is built on the life skills principals of belief, communication, discipline, honesty, respect and self-esteem,” Hill explained.
In addition to learning Songahm Taekwondo instruction, students are receiving a well-rounded business education. Courses of study include principles of marketing, office management, psychology, English composition and technical writing, child guidance, math and statistics to name a few.
“There are numerous places that can teach martial arts, but there are few places that teach you how to become an instructor,” said Chief Master Eugene Candreva, Lee College instructor and owner of ATA Martial Arts in the Chicago area. “Not only is the program at Lee College for those wanting to teach, but also for those who desire to expand their knowledge base and learn how to run their own business.”
Launched in Fall 2022, the program has three cohorts with nearly 40 active students pursuing either their associate degree or certificates. Libby Wilcox is another one of those students. She was introduced to the sport through training with her two young boys at Bekho Martial Arts in Las Vegas. What she’s learning at Lee College she shares with the Tiny Tigers at Bekho and their parents.
“Through taking the Songahm Instructor program, I hope to gain a deeper knowledge of teaching because there is no one way to teach,” said Wilcox, who has been recognized by Lee College as an outstanding student. “I want to find the best way that fits me as a person and keeps my personality intact to reach the kids at the studio.”
Hunter Davis, who spends about 8 hours a day honing his craft at Leaders for Life Martial Arts in the Houston area, aspires to one day open his own school and impress upon his students the confidence and self-esteem he built through Songahm Taekwondo.
But for now, Davis is leaning on his Lee College instructors to help him move from “bars” to “stars.”
“My favorite part of the program has been sending videos of my martial arts forms to my teachers for them to critique and give me advice on what I can do better,” he added. “It is the ideal opportunity to learn from some of the best in Songahm Taekwondo.”
POWER UP!
Huntsville Center Alumnus Returns to Re-Launch HVAC Program
Chris Avirett recalls the very moment he decided it was time to get an education. He was in the middle of serving a 15-year sentence in a Texas prison.
“I was at the T.L. Roach Unit in Childress, and my job was to pick cotton,” he shared. “That’s what motivated me to sign up for school. I knew it had to be better than dragging a six-foot bag behind me – filling it with cotton every day.”
For the next several years until his release in 2001, Avirett immersed himself in as many academic and vocational courses the Lee College Huntsville Center offered. One course Avirett really connected with was Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration or HVAC, which at the time was taught at the Hightower Unit by the late instructor Al Davis.
“Al taught me as a young man many things I should have learned from a dad. He said, ‘Look, you are going to have competition out there. Don’t lie to homeowners. Just do the right thing.’ He lived what he taught,” said Avirett, who has carried on what Davis instilled in him throughout his HVAC career and his personal life.
In the years after his release from prison, Avirett worked for various AC companies as a technician, salesman and accountant and learned how to be a leader without the title, until one day he decided it was time to venture off on his own.
“It was late spring 2005. I gave notice to my employer that I was going to leave. So, I bought a van, company phone and an ad. It was literally one man, one van and one ad,” he said with a chuckle.
Avirett went on to run several successful businesses across the Houston area for 17 years, but in the back of his mind, he knew he would eventually return to Lee College to teach, and for the past couple of years, he’s been working behind the scenes with college administrators to re-launch the HVAC program at the McNair Center.
“Chris contacted us because he had been in the program in Huntsville and had his own company, but he always had the desire to come back and help the institution that helped him,” said Fran Parent, executive director, Industrial and Construction Technologies at Lee College.
Parent has been instrumental in working with Avirett to build a state-of-the-art HVAC lab. Students will learn the theory of refrigeration, principles of electricity, various gas and electrical laws and how to safely use common tools of the trade to evaluate, maintain and repair HVAC equipment. Graduates who receive an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or certificate of completion can enter the workforce as an entry-level service technician, installer and maintenance technician in various industry sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, distribution and manufacturing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers has a 10-year projected growth of 5% by 2031, which translates to more than 40,000 openings on average each year.
Chris Avirett is speaking with a student in the HVAC lab at McNair Center.
Chris Avirett is speaking with a student in the HVAC lab at McNair Center.
“I want people to understand the technical aspects of HVAC, but I also want them to understand that they are doing something that’s bigger than fixing an air conditioner..."
Chris Avirett, HVAC instructor
Texas is one of five states with the highest employment level for HVAC technicians. Commercial and residential building construction is driving that employment growth. In addition, the growing number of high-tech climate control systems is also expected to increase the demand for qualified technicians. Avirett and Parent are providing students with the tools and skills to meet industry needs, but they also want students to have a passion for their chosen field.
“As a technician and business owner, I was committed to serving people, and I don’t think I really knew that at the time, but I did it naturally,” Avirett shared. “I want people to understand the technical aspects of HVAC, but I also want them to understand that they are doing something that’s bigger than fixing an air conditioner. They could be saving someone’s grandmother when it’s 95 degrees outside.”
SHATTERING RECORDS
The 36th annual gala hosted by the Lee College Foundation was a remarkable success that will go down in the record books.
Gala guests admire the items up for auction.
Gala guests admire the items up for auction.
Live auction items
Live auction items
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president and Breana Escobar, student speaker
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president and Breana Escobar, student speaker
Regent Gina Guillory, Lee College Board of Regents with Breana Escobar, student speaker.
Regent Gina Guillory, Lee College Board of Regents with Breana Escobar, student speaker.
The glamorous event, held to honor generous donors, raised an unprecedented sum of nearly $225,000 with a record-breaking turnout of close to 400 guests.
In 2023, the celebration moved to the new Hyatt Regency Baytown. Guests toasted 55 years of the Foundation and student success — with the Fred Hartman Bridge as a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.
Steve DonCarlos, gala master of ceremonies and past chair of the Lee College Foundation Board of Directors, addresses the guests.
Steve DonCarlos, gala master of ceremonies and past chair of the Lee College Foundation Board of Directors, addresses the guests.
"It was indeed a great night. We could return to Baytown now that we have a venue large enough to hold all our foundation friends, both new and old,” said Steve DonCarlos, gala master of ceremonies and past chair of the Lee College Foundation Board of Directors. “We raised a record amount of money for the foundation and had fun doing it.”
The $225,000 was made possible through ticket sales, sponsorships and proceeds from the live and silent auctions. The funds will be used to further the mission of the Foundation and the college’s Student Resource and Advocacy Center (SRAC), which supports unmet basic needs such as childcare services, food, emergency aid and textbook assistance.
“This demonstrates the college’s comprehensive commitment to supporting students in all aspects of their educational experience, ideally contributing to their overall success and growth,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president.
Breana Escobar, a recent Lee College graduate, was the evening’s keynote speaker. She shared her inspiring story of success and how the Foundation and the SRAC had a profound impact on her educational and career goals. The mother of two young children graduated from the Nursing program in August and is now a practicing licensed vocational nurse.
“I have the amazing opportunity to be considered the first college graduate in my family, and I can be the pioneer for my children,” Escobar shared with the audience. “I can show them anything is possible regardless of any obstacles. I am so grateful for Lee College. It will forever be a part of me.”
During the 2023 academic year, the Lee College Foundation awarded nearly $800,000 in scholarships to 824 hardworking students.
While the gala traditionally celebrates current donors, it is also an opportunity to bring in the next generation of individuals advancing Baytown’s philanthropic mission. This year, the Foundation documented a 44% increase in sponsorships compared to the 2022 event. Additionally, 18% of the event’s returning sponsors increased their giving levels, demonstrating the community’s ongoing support for the Foundation’s work at the college.
Selah Tacconi is Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Lee College Foundation.
Selah Tacconi is Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Lee College Foundation.
Advancing the College's Mission
As the new Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Lee College Foundation, Selah Tacconi oversees the Lee College Foundation, the Performing Arts Center and the Grants Management Department.
With a wealth of experience in education, Tacconi’s journey includes her previous position as Director of Grants Management at Lee College, Director of Educational Technology at Galveston College and various roles in the K-12 arena, where she holds certifications as a teacher and principal.
Her leadership extends into the nonprofit sector, where she holds the title of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) – having successfully raised over $40 million for various non-profits in the Galveston, Houston and Baytown areas.
Tacconi describes her newest role as “the perfect meld of my two professional passions — education and non-profit service.”
Her perspective on the Foundation’s mission is multifaceted. Whether raising funds for student scholarships, enhancing facilities and classrooms across the campuses or sustaining programs that support students with basic needs, Tacconi emphasizes the holistic impact the Foundation aims to achieve.
“We operate uniquely by supporting students without being directly student-facing. Our focus is not strictly academic; instead, we are dedicated to raising funds to support the strategic goals of Lee College,” she added. “Going forward, it will be crucial to operate as a cohesive unit to provide consistency and continuity for all stakeholders and to forge new partnerships within our expanding service area.”
CURTAIN CALL
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a nearby home-away-from-home for patrons and performers alike – where people can be authentic. It’s where diversity, inclusion, and the sharing of new thinking and diverse cultures is embraced.
The center is the cultural leader in the community, connecting students, staff and the Baytown area to new worlds of performing arts—worlds you may know exist, and others that may be new to you.
"Our goal is to establish the Center as an arts and culture leader in Baytown and its surrounding communities."
Polaris: The Magazine of Lee College Spring 2024
President & Publisher: Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief: Brian Waddle
Creative Director: Sean Barnes, MFA
Associate Editor & Writer, Digital Design Layout: S. Sara Tubbs
Photography: Chris Coats, Estefany Sanchez, Andric Cantu
Graphic Design & Front Cover Illustration: Richard Palacio
Print Production Manager: Sara Hernandez
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