21
February
2019
|
13:26 PM
America/Chicago

South Texas College students take part in Community College Day at the Capitol

South Texas College students and staff took part in the 86th Legislative Session’s Community College Day at the Texas State Capitol, Jan. 30.

Community College Day is a day legislators designate for community college students throughout the state of Texas to discuss future goals and projects.

South Texas College students had the opportunity to tour the capitol, meet with lawmakers, and discuss important issues.

Some of the subjects discussed were future funding, dual credit opportunities and workforce education.

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. was among the many Texas leaders STC students had the opportunity to visit with. Often called the “Godfather” of South Texas College, Lucio introduced the legislation that called for the creation of the college back in 1993.

Senate Bill 251 called for the creation of a college to serve Hidalgo and Starr Counties. In June of that year, then Texas Gov. Ann Richards signed the legislation creating South Texas Community College, serving both counties.

Representative and former South Texas College Trustee Oscar Longoria, Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr., Representative Ryan Guillen, and Representative Alex Dominguez also met with South Texas College students and discussed their goals and priorities for the ongoing legislative session.

South Texas College sophomore, Enrique Olguin was in attendance at Community College Day and appreciated the opportunity to represent STC in Austin.

“The trip with STC and our Student Government Association was a great learning experience. Thanks to the college I was given the chance to see how the capitol functions,” said Olguin. “It was a great pleasure to meet with our representatives.”

“The trip with STC and our Student Government Association was a great learning experience. Thanks to the college I was given the chance to see how the capitol functions,” said Olguin. “It was a great pleasure to meet with our representatives.”
South Texas College sophomore, Enrique Olguin

Elibariki Nguma, director of Student Activities and Wellness at South Texas College says these events are important for student growth.

“This was a great opportunity for STC’s student leaders to meet in person with their local/state representatives and senators,” said Nguma. “We also ran into an STC alumni currently working at the Capitol on an internship, she was also able to talk to the students about her experiences.

It was an eye-opening experience for students and they expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity.”