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San Antonio – The Community College Futures Assembly (CCFA) named El Paso Community College (EPCC) Student Technology Service (STS) and Student Culinary Service (SCS) finalists for the 2019 Bellwether Award.

“This consideration is a statement to the hard work and dedication of the current and former students in the Culinary Arts program at EPCC,” Chef Jonathan Nickerson, SCS Manager said.

The program hires and trains students in the real work environment for future reference related to their major.

“STS has a positive impact for students to succeed at EPCC,” Debbie Aguilera, STS Manager said.

The STS and SCS programs were two of 10 finalists in the instructional programs and services category. The 2019 Bellwether awards

received over 200 applications.

STS is the student employment arm of the Instructional area of El Paso Community College. STS, managed entirely by students, is a program that empowers decision-making, budget management, and customer service.

Meanwhile, SCS provides hands on training and instruction to increase preparation skills in the culinary arts and restaurant management for students in the program.

The winners will be announced at the CCFA Annual Meeting on February 5, 2019 in San Antonio.

CCFA recognizes effective programs in the area of workforce development, instructional programs and services and planning, governance, and finance.

On Friday, the Student Government Association (SGA) at El Paso Community College (EPCC) received a check for $5,000 from PepsiCo to support the Tejano Food Pantry for EPCC students.

“Kindness has come from the donation from PepsiCo to the Tejano Food Pantry,” Jones Arvis, Director of Student Leadership & Campus Life said. “This will go a long way in fighting food insecurities among our college family.”

Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President; Texas State Representative Mary Gonzalez; Rebecca Acuña from PepsiCo; Arvis Jones, Director of Student Leadership & Campus Life and EPCC Student Government Association President, Bryan Mena attended the check presentation at the EPCC Administrative Services Center

The Tejano Food Pantry, a service created by a student for the students, is operated by the Student Government Association at EPCC.

EPCC officials added, that the Tejano Food Pantry “aims to minimize hunger among our students by providing free, accessible and nutritious food.”

The pantry is located at the Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Drive in room C102.

On Thursday, El Paso Community College (EPCC) welcomed Lorenzo G. Alarcon Elementary School as part of its school adoption program during a proclamation ceremony held at the school.

“A student is never too young to learn the importance of going to college,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “Reaching out to elementary school students and their parents allows students to learn that higher education is within their reach and we build a college-going culture.”

Alarcon Elementary School is EPCC’s seventh school adopted and first for SEISD.

“It is important to go to college because it breaks down barriers and allows you to take a seat at the table, where without a college education you would not have even been invited to sit and be a part of any decision making’” Dr. Jeannie Meza-Chavez, SEISD Superintendent said.

“Just think of the security and numerous financial and career options it provides for future generations.”

EPCC President Dr. William Serrata welcomed San Elizario Independent School District (SEISD) Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Meza-Chavez, Alarcon Principal Julissa Esquivel and the student body to the program.

EPCC has plans to continue adopting elementary schools across its district.

Previously EPCC adopted Campestre Elementary from Socorro Independent School District, Frederick Douglass Elementary from El Paso Independent School District, Ramona Elementary from Ysleta Independent School District, Canutillo Elementary School from Canutillo Independent School District, Frank Macias Elementary School from Clint Independent School District and O’Donnell Intermediate School from Fabens Independent School District.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) will host the annual K-12 Art Exhibit at the EPCC Administrative Services Center (ASC), Building A, 9050 Viscount.

The 1,140 art entries submitted from 92 teachers will be on display through Thursday, November 29, 2018.

As part of this event, there will be an awards reception where the top student artists will be honored.

The reception will take place Wednesday, November 28, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the ASC Auditorium, students will learn if their art has won a prize, including a special President’s Choice award selected by Dr. William Serrata, President of EPCC.

Trophies will be given to winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as Honorable Mention in the four Divisions

Kinder – 2^nd grade

3^rd – 5^th grade

6^th – 8^th grade

9^th – 12^th grade

The K-12 Art Exhibit is part of EPCC Salute to the Arts.  The exhibit is free and open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., excluding the Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving week.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) through the National Center of Academic Excellence.

Institutions are designated based on their robust degree programs and close alignment to specific cybersecurity-related requirements as validated by top subject matter experts in the field.

According to Tony Vargas, EPCC Regional Cisco Networking Academy Director, there are more than 300,000 cyber security related jobs that go unfilled each year.  Consequently, there is a significant workforce demand in this field and EPCC is preparing students to fill these high-demand jobs.

“EPCC has received this five-year designation beginning with the Fall 2018 semester. This will provide EPCC Information Technology students a strong resume for any job that requires knowledge and skills in Cybersecurity,” Vargas said.

According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) a degree from a CAE designated school gives potential employers confidence in hiring a graduate. “Students can feel confident that their academic program will prepare them to enter this important and lucrative field, which reports earnings significantly higher than the national average.”

“EPCC’s programs meet the ever-changing employment needs of our region and nation,” Steve Smith, Vice President of Instruction & Workforce Education, said.  “The Cybersecurity field has growing demand for skilled and capable professionals to protect our nation’s infrastructure.  Being designated as a CAE in Cybersecurity is just one example of EPCC’s commitment to providing academic excellence and high-quality education.”

Via a news release, EPCC officials said, “Students who study cybersecurity learn skills needed to protect information systems vital for national security, commercial networks, and critical information infrastructure in the private and public sectors.   The work they do also protects people and businesses from cybercrime and cyberattacks.”

EPCC officials added, “By attending a CAE institution like EPCC, students have the opportunity to learn the necessary knowledge and abilities to protect and defend our nation’s infrastructure.”

Selena Solis, El Paso Community College (EPCC) Board of Trustee member, announced her intent to resign after being elected to serve as 243^rd Court Judge, and now college officials are looking for her replacement.

“Ms. Solis has been a dedicated trustee who is committed to ensuring EPCC strives for positive outcomes at every level,” Art Fierro Board Chair said. “She has served our students and community well by supporting EPCC’s efforts to provide high quality and affordable education.”

Solis represents District 4 which covers parts of Central, West and South El Paso and has served on the EPCC Board of Trustees since 2013.

During her tenure, EPCC was nationally recognized for many initiatives including successful Early College High Schools and Dual Credit, was named as one of the Top 10 Community College’s in the Nation by the Aspen Institute and received the American Association of Community College’s (AACC) Student Success Award.

In addition to her service at EPCC, she has been involved with many community organizations including the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, the El Paso County Civil Service Commission, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. and numerous others.

EPCC will begin accepting applications to fill the remainder of the term from interested residents from District 4 immediately.  Application information can be found online at the College District’s website or can be picked up at the President’s Office, located at 9050 Viscount Boulevard, Suite A131 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Applications must be received in the President’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, November 26, 2018. EPCC will be closed on November 22^nd and 23^rd in observance of institutional holidays.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) welcomed O’Donnell Intermediate School as part of its school adoption program during a proclamation ceremony held at the school on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

EPCC President Dr. William Serrata welcomed Fabens Independent School District (FISD) Assistant Superintendent Michele Gonzalez, O’Donnell Principal Corina Ruiz and the student body to the program.

“A student is never too young to learn the importance of going to college,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “Reaching out to elementary school students and their parents allows students to learn that higher education is within their reach and we build a college-going culture.”

O’Donnell Intermediate School is EPCC’s sixth school adopted and first for FISD.  “The mission of Fabens ISD is to prepare all students to be successful citizens,” Michele Gonzalez, FISD Assistant Superintendent said. “The mission does not end at high school graduation and includes making sure that our students are prepared to enter college and graduate from college.”

EPCC has plans to continue adopting elementary schools across its district.

EPCC officials added that they are “committed to increasing the number of students going to college in the region.  By building strong elementary school and college connections through campus tours, workshops, presentations, outreach programs and parental involvement, EPCC is building a college-going culture.”

Previously EPCC adopted Campestre Elementary from Socorro Independent School District, Frederick Douglass Elementary from El Paso Independent School District, Ramona Elementary from Ysleta Independent School District, Canutillo Elementary School from Canutillo Independent School District and Frank Macias Elementary School for the Clint Independent School District.

New York City – El Paso Community College (EPCC) Biology Professor Dr. Maria Alvarez was honored with the 2018 National William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

Dr. Alvarez received the award during their annual leadership congress held in New York City.  ACCT recognized her for her excellence in teaching and in scientific research.

“Our faculty provide the foundation of success for our students,” Steve Smith, EPCC Vice President of Instruction and Workforce Education said.  “Dr. Maria Alvarez is an example of an outstanding professor, mentor and role model who has transformed STEM education, secured more than $13.2 million dollars of grant funding and has created extraordinary experiences for our students.”

One of many programs Alvarez has initiated and developed at EPCC is the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program which gives students opportunities to conduct research and other opportunities.

As a result of her efforts, hundreds of minority and underrepresented students have had the opportunity to engage in high-level scientific projects.

In addition, her students have gained tools needed to succeed in college and take the opportunity to continue their education by earning transfer baccalaureate, master and doctoral degrees and ultimately pursue STEM careers.

Her students say she helps students understand that they can aspire to be anything because and thank her for mentoring them on a pathway to achieving their dreams.

“I became not only the first in my immediate family to finish college, but also the first in my extended family to obtain a doctoral degree,” said Salvador Muñoz, who earned his Ph.D. and was post-doctoral fellow at the University of Rochester after studying with Dr. Alvarez.  “She makes the improbable possible for many young minds.”

Through the programs she has developed and through more than 20 grant-funded projects, she has created opportunities for her students to be involved in hands-or research in state-of-the-art facilities.  Under her guidance her students have completed scientific research with real-world implications and impact.

“The outstanding results Dr. Alvarez has achieved demonstrates her tireless efforts to find innovative ways to engage her students,” EPCC Board Chair Art Fierro said.

Each year ACCT recognizes faculty members from community colleges across the nation for their outstanding leadership.

The El Paso Community College men and women’s cross-country teams won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region V Cross Country Championships in Ranger, Texas.

Tejano, Gideon Cheplak (25m:50) in the and Tejana, Everlyn Kemboi (17m:47s) triumphed in the men’s 8K and women’s5K races.
This is the sixth year in a row that the Tejanas women have won the regional championship.

Five runners (1. Everlyn Kemboi, 3.Faith Jemutai, 5. Francisca Jebor, 7. Feliciana Kiptoo, 8. Dorothy Jemutai ) finished in the Top 10 to receive All-Region honors. South Plains College placed second and New Mexico Military Institute women placed third.

Along with the men’s championship, four runners (1. Gideon Cheplak, 2. Elias Loriposia, 4. Dennis Kiptoo, 5. Elvis Chelak ) placed in the Top 10 for All-Region honors.

Ranger College finished in second place and New Mexico Junior College in third.

Up next for the EPCC Cross Country teams is the NJCAA Championship on November 11 in Garden City, Kansas.

As the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Cross Country men’s and women’s teams continue their winning ways, coaches and others are beginning to take notice.

Both teams are now in the top five rankings in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Poll of October 17, 2018 for Division 1 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) teams.

The teams are coming off a very successful meet at the University of California Riverside Highlander Invitational. They competed against Division 1, 2 and 3 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) universities.

The Tejanos are ranked third in this week’s poll, the highest ranking in their history. The men finished fifth at the Highlander Invitational with EPCC athlete Gideon Cheplak winning the race.

The women are ranked second for the third poll in a row. The Tejanas placed fourth at the Highlander Invitational.

Next on the schedule, EPCC will compete at the NJCAA Region V Championship in Ranger, Texas on October 27, 2018.  For more information about the NJCAA rankings, visit the website.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) Men’s Cross country team member, Gideon Cheplak won the University of California at Riverside Highlander Invitational on October 13, 2018.

Cheplak’s time for the 8K race was 24m: 24s. Over 250 runners participated in the men’s race from universities and colleges all over the southwest. The Tejanos’ team finished fifth overall.

Everlyn Kemboi, who finished seventh in the 5K race, led the women’s team with a time of 17m: 18s. The Tejanas’ team finished fourth overall.

The EPCC men and women’s teams consistently have been ranked nationally in the top five by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Next on the schedule, EPCC will compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region V Championship at Ranger, Texas on October 27, 2018.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) held a grand opening celebration for its state-of-the-art Fire Technology Academy Training Facility on Tuesday morning.

During the event, EPCC and area fire department dignitaries attended as current Fire Technology Academy gave life-saving demonstrations.

“The Fire Technology Academy Training Facility is an example of how EPCC provides high-quality and affordable instruction,” Steve Smith, Vice President of Instruction and Workforce Education said. “EPCC is training workers with the skills to sustain and improve quality of life in our region.”

“The students trained at this facility have committed to a career of saving lives and helping individuals in our community stay safe,” Myshie Pagel, Dean of Career and Technology Education.

Since beginning in the 1970s, the program has graduated over 1,000 students adding to the workforce locally, throughout the state and the nation.

Additionally, regional fire departments look to EPCC to provide training for their departments.   For more information on the program, click here.

El Paso. A city of endless desert vistas, mountains, dark skies, and mild winters. A beautiful city to those that call it home.

But how much do we really know about weather and climate, natural resources, planetary and other geological processes that affect living and decision making in the El Paso region?

That’s why El Paso Community College would like to invite you all to their Transmountain campus for a free evening of fun and learning at their first ever Earth Science Day.

Back when I was a student there, I loved learning about the ecology and geology of this borderland region. Now, EPCC wants everyone to learn more about our regional geology through presentations and demonstrations. They’re going to take you on a journey into the past where you can experience our rich geological history through performances by EPCC Dance and explore our environment with the EAR 1 rover.

You’ll get to interact and engage with demonstrations in Augmented reality (AR), seismology, and more! In this way, you’ll learn about the environment using hands-on technology. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Admission is free and open to the public. So, join us Wednesday, October 17th from 5pm to 8pm in the Library and Mall area of the Transmountain Campus located at 9570 Gateway North Boulevard.

Contact John Olgin at jolgin@epcc.edu or call 915-831-5058 for more information.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) Women’s Cross country team finished first at the New Mexico Junior College Invitational in Hobbs, New Mexico. The men’s team took second place at the meet.

This accomplishment comes on the heels of the national ranking of both teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Poll; the women placed second and the men fourth in the ranking.

Individually at the NMJC Invitational, EPCC’s Everlyn Kemboi won the race with a time for the 5K of 14:43. This was the second fastest time in the history of the race.

Leading the men was Dennis Kiptoo who finished second with a t time of 21:40 for the 7K men’s race.

EPCC’s next race will be on October 19 at the UCR Highlander Invitational in Riverside California.

Both of El Paso Community College (EPCC) Cross Country teams – men and women – are ranked at the same time on the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Poll.

The women are ranked 2nd and the men 4^th, thanks to their performances at the Lori Fitzgerald Open on September 15^th, the men finished in 1^st place and the women in 2^nd place. The best competitors individually were Gideon Cheplak, finishing in 1^st place for the men, and Everlyn Kemboi, finishing in 5^th place for the women.

“Most important is that they all excel academically,” Felix Hinojosa, EPCC Athletic Director and Cross Country Head Coach said.  “Each team member is a leader and they depend on each other to excel.”

The next competition for the EPCC teams will be the NMJC Cross Country Invitational at Hobbs, NM on September 28^th. This will be the next to last race before getting to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) regionals in the last week of October, and national championships in the first two weeks in November.

The teams are looking to repeat last year’s achievements, where the men finished in 2^nd place and women in 1^st place at the NJCAA regionals.

For complete rankings, visit the ustfcca website.