HCC celebrates grand opening of Global Energy Center Of Excellence
Oct 27, 2016
A spirit of celebration and enthusiasm could be felt as Houston Community College (HCC) officials, faculty, staff, and industry partners participated in the Global Energy Center of Excellence Grand Opening at the HCC Northeast Campus.
“It is our duty to provide through our centers of excellence, educational access and opportunity for our students. This grand opening is a reflection that success can be achieved when we work together,” said HCC Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Adriana Tamez.
For HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, the presence of the HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence in Houston, considered by many an international energy capital, represents a natural evolution of the services that HCC provides for the community.
“The energy companies we are partnering with are focusing on new technologies and expansions at the time they are facing the future retirement of baby boomers,” said Dr. Maldonado. “It is a great opportunity to be here and support these companies to respond to the challenges ahead.”
With five accredited programs, Drafting & Design Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Technology, Petroleum Engineering Technology, and Process Technology, the Global Energy Center of Excellence is producing professionals like Matt Menke, a 2013 graduate and current employee for INEOS chemical company.
“I feel this program has opened so many doors for me. Knowing how a plant operates can give you an advantage in the industry,” said a thankful Menke. “I feel that this program gave me the knowledge to make me successful. I use what I’ve learned at HCC every day in my job.”
Morteza Sameei, director of the HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence, recognized the dedication of faculty members and highlighted the world-class educational facilities where students learn and train.
Sameei added, “We have over 30 laboratories throughout the city of Houston with the majority located at the HCC Northeast campus. Students get to do hands-on simulations and practice with the latest technologies.”
HCC is the first community college in the nation to centralize global energy studies and provides HCC with the influence to forge invaluable relationships.
“Our response to the fluctuations in the industry is to work closely with our industry advisors to cross train students and build greater stability and resiliency in their careers,“ explained Dr. Margaret Ford-Fisher, president of HCC Northeast.
HCC District VIII Trustee Eva Loredo, who represents the interests of constituents in that area, thanked the community for its support.
“This is the best time to be part of Houston Community College,” she said. “The experience students are getting here is hands-on and it’s really going to prepare the real work out there.”
According to the HCC Gulf Coast Wage and Workforce expectancy projections, the annual job growth in the energy industry should range between 13 and 28 percent through 2022.
To learn more about the HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence visit hccs.edu/energy.
