ACC Foundation Awards Grants and Honors Staff
The Alvin Community College Foundation presented approximately $30,000 in grants and awards at the annual Honoring Excellence Reception on April 20.
The ACC Foundation also presented faculty and staff members with the Foundation Excellence Awards which recognize college faculty and staff members. Winners this year were Marketing Director Lorrent Smith, Executive Administrative Assistant for Student Services Carolyn McCollum and Biology faculty Dr. Nancy Fitzgerald. Each received $1,000.
The Innovative Initiative Grants were also awarded during the reception. These grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative approaches to fulfill the mission of Alvin Community College.
Eleven grants were awarded at the reception and will be used for the 2022-23 academic year.
English instructor Ashlea Massie received $500 to purchase Teachers Pay Teachers curriculum materials.
Psychology instructors Cindy Dalmolin and Jennifer Shimek were awarded $2,000 to enable Learning Framework students to evaluate their skills and share their successes.
TDCJ Director Chakoa Jefferson and Senior Administrative Assistant for TDCJ programs Carrie Tolf, were awarded $2,000 to help pay for supplemental scholarships and transcript fees for incarcerated students.
Pathways Advisor Sarahy Farley received $2,000 for a Career Closet, filled with clothing items to help prepare students to dress for success.
Nursing instructor Dr. Mekonnen Birru was awarded $2,000 to help break down language barriers for ESL Nursing students.
Upward Bound Director Yolanda Warren received an $800 grant to fund an etiquette course for Upward Bound students.
English instructor Haley Collins and Continuing Education Director of Business and Technology programs Sarah Currie were awarded $1,500 to begin an Excellence Award program for adjunct faculty.
Collins also was awarded $1,100 to offer stipends for adjunct faculty to complete additional certification.
Biology Chair Dwight Rhodes and Biology Faculty Heather Lewis received a $2,000 grant to bring additional enhancements to the new Biodiversity Center on campus.
Band Director David Griffith was awarded $2,000 to complete upgrades needed for a mobile music station.
Neurodiagnostic Technology Faculty Robyn Ketchum was awarded $2,000 for incubators so students can practice their skills in a neonatal environment.
A $10,00 scholarship endowment was also established for the Dual Enrollment program to assist high school students who want to pursue a higher education at ACC.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities for students, faculty and the college. For more information about the Foundation or to learn about how to donate, visit https://p2p.onecause.com/accclosedamb or call 281-756-3600.