PRESS RELEASE: HCC Energy Symposium Garners Educational Gift from Chevron

HOUSTON, TX – Three-hundred and twenty-five students gathered for the second annual Houston Community College Chancellor's Symposium at the newly constructed Norris Center in Spring Branch. Students enjoyed a full day of activities and information about educational opportunities and career pathways to Houston's dynamic energy industry.

The students from HCC and Alief, North Forest and Spring Branch ISD attended sessions that focused on everything from green energy to fossil fuels and petroleum geology. Chevron Energy Solutions served as the Presenting Sponsor with a $25,000 gift that supports the Symposium and establishes scholarships for students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary S. Spangler says, "The nurturing of new talent in these fields is imperative as we find ways to sustain our energy resources and to advance renewable energy sources."

HCC is on the frontline in finding and training the talent needed in the energy industry. It established a $1,000 scholarship in honor of John Hofmeister to be awarded to a deserving student in 2010. Hofmeister, former Shell Oil President, served as keynote speaker of the symposium. He is founder and head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, a not-for-profit association that promotes sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation.

Students also had the opportunity to gain insight from exhibitors and vendors, including the American Meteorological Society/UH (Student Chapter), CenterPoint Energy, HCC Foundation, HCC Northeast College, HCC Northwest College, Houston-Louis Stokes alliance for Minority Participation, NASA Johnson Space Center, Shell, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Society of Women Engineers (Houston Section), University of Houston, University of Texas at Tyler, and Workforce Solutions.

To see highlights of the Chancellor's Symposium on Energy, go to http://hccs.edu/symposium2009. The symposium was held Friday, October 16.