Chancellor's Message
Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer reflects on her experience and hardships as a first-generation college student. She has always had a respect for education. It is this respect, along with her personal story, that fuels her passion for the work we do through the Foundation.
As I venture out onto our campuses and have the opportunity to meet and talk with our students, I see in their eyes the same hopes and dreams that filled mine as a young woman. I grew up in a blue-collar family in Hays, Kansas with dreams of a college education and a future. I am a first-generation college student and my family sacrificed so I could pursue my dreams.
However, even with their sacrifices, I needed more financial assistance than they could provide alone. Luckily, several donors provided funding for scholarships that gave me the opportunity for an education and laid the foundation that I needed for a wonderful career. My path has led me here, to East Harris County where I serve a college and community that I love.
Just as my family and those scholarship donors provided a way for me to pursue my dreams, the San Jacinto College Foundation also provides funding for so many students in our community. Through the funds donated, students who may not have an option for college are given that hope…that option to pursue their dream.
The Foundation is committed to raising funds for scholarships to assist our students with their educational aspirations.
I meet people in our community who dream of keeping our community vibrant and thriving; a place where we are all proud to live and work. The Foundation is committed to raising funds for scholarships to assist our students with their educational aspirations. The work of the Foundation also provides funding for programs so the College can implement student success strategies and enhance its educational offerings. Through these efforts to create an educated local workforce, we improve our community so the collective dreams we pursue can be realized.
I started my tenure with San Jacinto College as a Foundation Board member in 1996. Although my role with the College through the years has changed, I am still passionate about the work we are doing through the Foundation, and its profound effect on the lives of our students and our community. The generous and giving spirit of the friends of San Jacinto College and the community continues to impact lives.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many people.
Dr. Brenda Hellyer
San Jacinto College Chancellor
