John Appelt, Alicen Swift, Linda Drummond and Allison Wen.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Fort Bend County celebrated the opening of its new campus with a ribbon cutting and grand opening that included a surprise that will pay off big for students’ futures. Emcee Russ Lewis, KHOU 11 morning anchor, began the program with a huge Texas welcome to the more than 400 people in attendance. Included in this group were community leaders and residents, college donors and supporters and TSTC administration, faculty and staff.
Vice Chancellor and Chief Execution Officer Randy Wooten emphasized the notion that TSTC will have a major impact on Fort Bend County and its neighboring communities. “Through this event, we tried to bring together all of the people of this community who made this campus happen,” said Wooten. “Undoubtingly it is the leaders, the education advocates and the visionaries who truly understand that TSTC will make Fort Bend County a better place to live and work.”
Wooten did not fail to thank those who came together to raise the money to invest in a brighter future for all of the residents of Fort Bend County. “You made this happen,” said Wooten. “You not only worked together but together raised the money needed to make an investment in a better future for all of the residents of Fort Bend County. This has been a humbling experience, and I’m so honored to be a part of it.”
The Development Corporation of Richmond, Rosenberg Development Corporation, the George and Henderson-Wessendorf Foundations and the community of Fort Bend County raised more than $40 million dollars to keep TSTC in the region because of the impact it has on industry and the job market. The 126,000 square-foot TSTC Industrial Technology Center houses state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for the more than 250 students enrolled. It is the first building in what will eventually be a six to eight building campus with the capacity to support 5,000 students.
With construction on the second building, the Brazos Center, underway and scheduled to be complete for Fall 2017, TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser made two special announcements that will change the lives of many prospective TSTC students. “I am proud to announce that TSTC has set up a money back guarantee that allows a student who fails to find a job within six months of graduating to receive a refund of their tuition, and TSTC’s Foundation Board has decided that each family here tonight will receive a $1,000 scholarship certificate.”
Randy and Gayle Wooten.
The scholarships are to be given to a deserving Fort Bend County resident who is willing to make the commitment to be a new, full-time TSTC student. “Just like you helped us build this campus, you will help us grow it,” said Reeser. “Together we will bring in students, we will graduate them and put them in the region’s workforce.”
Rosenberg resident Linda Knesek spoke nothing but praises about TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus. “TSTC has done the community proud,” said Knesek. “This type of facility has been a dream for so many people for a long time, and I understand it will only grow from here. We’re blessed to have this here in Fort Bend County.”
Knesek also took advantage of the $1,000 scholarship certificates being distributed at the event. “This scholarship is going to my great-nephew who just graduated from high school,” said Knesek. “A four-year degree isn’t for him, so this is a great opportunity for him.”
TSTC serves Texas with 10 campuses throughout the state. TSTC in Fort Bend County offers certificate and associate degrees in Cyber Security, Diesel Equipment, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining, Telecommunications and Welding Technologies.
For more information on TSTC in Fort Bend County, call 832-595-8734 or visit tstc.edu/fortbendco.