HCC-ASPIRE initiates awards to honor excellence
Apr 5, 2016
Houston Community College (HCC) and the HCC Foundation are dedicated to ensuring resources to support the educational pursuits and achievements of students, faculty, and staff throughout the district. As a supporting organization of HCC Foundation, HCC-ASPIRE (Asian Scholarship Program Inspiring Results and Excellence) continues to grow to newer heights. In addition to awarding scholarships to HCC’s students, HCC-ASPIRE has initiated financial awards for the faculty and staff of HCC who demonstrate excellence in their studies or professions. To facilitate further growth, HCC-ASPIRE will host an Awards Reception honoring several high-profile Houston leaders on May 4.
“Our May event will strengthen partnerships for future fundraising for scholarships for students and professional development for faculty and staff.” said HCC-ASPIRE Founder Neeta Sane, also HCC trustee from District VII.
“We are very pleased to have a powerful group of community leaders who will be honored during our early evening reception,” Sane said. “We will begin the awards ceremony by presenting the Public Service Award to the Hon. Mayor Sylvester Turner, and the Immigrant Achievement Award to the Hon. Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos.”
Others to be honored during the event include Mrs. Susan Sarofim with the Philanthropy in Education Award, the George Foundation with the Corporate Philanthropy Award, and HCC Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Parvin Bagherpour with the Legacy Award.
“While the Asian-American community continues to contribute to the Houston economy, HCC-ASPIRE has made it a priority to celebrate the multi-culturalism in our city. We bring the communities together to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all at HCC, be it in education or employment or entrepreneurship.” added Sane.
The HCC-ASPIRE Awards Ceremony will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, 77027. The donation to attend the event is $25 per person. Reservations may be made online at hccsfoundation.org/hccaspire by April 28. Those interested in attending may also send their reservation to the HCC Foundation via check to HCC-ASPIRE, 3100 Main St., Suite 12B2, Houston, TX 77002.
The Host Committee for the May 4 event includes Centerpoint Energy, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Aga Khan Council for Southwestern USA, Cathay Bank, H-E-B, Society of Iranian-American Women for Education, Wae Lee, Lina and Michael Sabouni, Dr. Melanie Christofferson, Dr. Rita Raju, Glen Gondo, Stephen Le Jr, CC Lee, Dr. Mohammad Athari, Dr. Art Tyler and Pegah Pouasef, J.D., as well as HCC-ASPIRE Founder and President Neeta Sane.
Partners in organizing the event are Aga Khan Foundation, American Leadership Forum, Chinese Community Center of Houston, Greater Houston Black Chamber, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, HCC Board of Trustees, HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, HCC Foundation Executive Director Carme Williams, Houston International Trade Development Council, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Houston Woman Magazine, India House, Muslim Association of Greater Houston, Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, People Caring for the Community , Inc.(PCCI); Raindrop Turkish House, Houston; South Asian Chamber of Commerce, Houston; Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston; United Nations Association – Houston; Vietnamese Culture and Science Association and World Chamber of Commerce, Texas.
The Executive Team of HCC-ASPIRE included HCC Trustee Neeta Sane, Dr. Parvin Bagherpour, Sheila Briones, Dr. Ritu Raju, Ajanta Barua, Munira Panjwani, Munir Ibrahim, Elaine Barber, Mehmet Okumus and Sara Abraham. For more information, please call HCC Trustee Neeta Sane, 832.279.8601.