The featured student this week is Christie Nguyen Heitmann, a former engineering design graphics (EDG) student at the Central campus, who now teaches within the EDG program at the South campus.

Houston, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/29/2011 -- February is Technical Education Month, and San Jacinto College is spotlighting a technical education student from each campus during the month. The featured student this week is Christie Nguyen Heitmann, a former engineering design graphics (EDG) student at the Central campus, who now teaches within the EDG program at the South campus.

Christie Nguyen Heitmann could have taken the usual path toward her education, but what began as a simple elective at San Jacinto College Central ended up sparking an old high school flame: drafting.

After taking a technical drafting class at South Houston High School, Heitmann decided that she wanted to pursue an engineering degree. Like many students, she made a plan to get her basics out of the way at community college, and then move on to a university to finish her degree. In Fall 2002, she started taking classes at the Central campus and enrolled in a drafting class as an elective.

"I was already a little familiar with drafting since I took a class in high school, and since I needed an elective that went along with my degree plan, I took a drafting class at San Jac," she said. "Once I was in the class, it reminded me of how much I loved it."

She then started taking more and more EDG courses, realizing that this was the path she wanted to follow. As semesters progressed, Heitmann knew she had a decision to make; either transfer to a university with the required basics she had already completed, or stay at San Jacinto College to finish an associate of applied science degree and pursue the future she knew she wanted. While the choice wasn't difficult, getting there would take a little longer than expected, but would ultimately be worth it.

"It took me a little while to finish up my associate's since I started going to school part-time and working full-time. After I finished in 2006, I began working at Dashiell Corporation as one of their first civil structural drafters," she said. "Since then we've had a lot of interns and entry-level drafters come from San Jacinto College because we know that they come here with a great foundation and skills they need to start on projects that first day."

Getting a technical certification or associate of applied science degree can offer students a big advantage over some of the traditional routes of education. Dr. Brenda Jones, dean of business and technology at the South campus, sees this as not only as a competitive advantage when entering the workforce, but feels that it also enables students to begin earning and establishing a new career they may not have thought possible.

"Our students will not only be qualified to begin a career in their chosen field of study, but will have the confidence and skills necessary to be successful in the workforce at least 2-3 years ahead of those who may have chosen to pursue a traditional university degree," said Jones. "When economic times are tough, as they are now, a technical certification or an associate of applied science degree provides opportunities for individuals to refocus their skills, as well as the knowledge and training to embark upon a new career path within a short period of time."

After four years as a drafter at Dashiell, Heitmann has spent the last year as a lead designer for the company. "My favorite part of the industry is drafting design. I just think it's more fun than 'engineering,'" she laughed. Heitemann is now working on the company's larger projects, building many from scratch. "Right now I'm working on designing a 345 kV utility plant switchyard for Lone Star, which is fairly large compared to what we normally do, so that's pretty exciting."

Another new challenge she's taken on this year is teaching descriptive geometry at the San Jacinto College South campus. As part of the EDG program, this class uses drafting and graphics to solve normal mathematic problems.

"At first, I was worried that my students wouldn't take me seriously. I started the semester really emphasizing the importance of this class, and how it's a basic course to their technical foundation, which they'll need in the workforce. Even when we do hand drafting, I explain that it's still an important skill to have. Not only will it make you more marketable to employers, but it will give you more value as an employee."

Heitmann is continuing her higher educational endeavors. Currently, she is attending the University of Houston-Downtown, where she is finishing her bachelor's degree in engineering technology.

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for nearly 50 years. We are committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of more than 29,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career-track choices. Students also benefit from the College's job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of ever-changing industry in the region. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Also visit us at http://www.SanJac.edu

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Houston, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2011 -- The Foodservice Educators Network International (FENI) recently named San Jacinto College (SJC) culinary arts instructor Sean Perrodin as its 2011 Educator of the Year.

The award recognizes Perrodin's accomplishments and leadership in the foodservice-educator community, as well as his impact on the field of culinary education. Perrodin serves as lead culinary arts instructor at the SJC North campus, and as the faculty advisor for the campus' student-operated Culinary Arts Club.

Steve Rudd, North campus culinary arts department chair, says he can think of no one more deserving of the honor than Perrodin.

"Chef Sean has done a fantastic job of building our program, educating students about culinary arts, and serving as a leader in life and as a human being," Rudd commented. "He has a wide range of culinary skills, creativity, a winning personality, the ability to innovate, and he possesses and applies tremendous leadership skills, making those working and learning around him successful."

Since Perrodin took the position as lead culinary arts instructor three years ago, the graduation rates in the program have more than doubled, enrollment in the program has doubled, and a new pastry chef degree plan has been added. Perrodin uses innovative teaching techniques, such as class scavenger hunts, culinary graffiti, culinary excellence dinner challenges, and team building exercises that involve students teaching community members how to cook. "There is a positive buzz on campus about culinary arts," Rudd remarked.

Culinary arts student Jennifer Perez, who graduated from Pasadena High School, says she likes Perrodin's hands-on educational approach. "He does not just tell you, he takes the time to show you," she said. "He will go the extra mile and walk you through every little step. He just does whatever it takes to make sure that each student learns the right way."

Perrodin attended Lafayette Technical College, Xavier University, and the University of Louisiana Lafayette. He still wants to continue his education and will soon earn a bachelor's degree in communication from Walden University. He will also soon complete Certified Executive Chef, and Certified Culinary Educator training through the American Culinary Federation. He has been a member of the Texas Chef Association, the Professional in Culinary Arts organization, and the American Culinary Federation.

Perrodin has 16 years experience working in all types of restaurants. "I've done it all, from working in a truck stop, to fine dining upscale restaurants, to owning my own catering business for 10 years," he commented. "I have held every position from line cook to entrepreneur." Perrodin also developed, marketed, distributed and sold a personal line of specialty seasonings and sauces in gourmet markets locally and nationally.

Perrodin considers culinary arts more than simply food preparation. "To me, it's a professional lifestyle," he remarked. "My personal motto is 'food is love' and I enjoy serving people wonderful food and creating experiences around food. My passion and dedication in culinary arts is something I live by daily. I enjoy seeing the wow factor when someone experiences the unexpected in food."

He says his teaching philosophy as a culinary arts instructor is that food preparation is an art form that involves the palate. "The objective of creating dishes is to convey to the person tasting the food that it is better than what he or she thinks," he said. "I believe anyone can create great food with the right attitude. Constant practice perfects food, even as the food industry is constantly changing."

San Jacinto College offers a wide range of culinary arts courses and degree plans at the North and Central campuses.

About the Foodservice Educators Network International
The Foodservice Educators Network International provides a focal point for culinary educators to network and better prepare for those they educate and influence. Through the network's Chef Educator Today magazine and the annual FENI Summit, culinary educators have a continuous opportunity to expand their culinary knowledge, present papers and analyze the latest technical and theoretical concepts.

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for nearly 50 years. We are committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of more than 29,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career-track choices. Students also benefit from the College's job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of ever-changing industry in the region. San Jacinto College.

Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. Also visit us at http://www.sanjac.edu

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm