2017 ARCHIVES
December
Blinn College proves a strong launching point for MCAS Yuma commanding officer
Col. David Suggs has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals
Blinn College partners with nonprofit to host seventh annual children’s Christmas party
Students and faculty volunteer to serve Early Childhood Intervention children and their families
Blinn College’s Hodde Center introduces 200-hour carpentry and plumbing courses
Successful graduates can earn OSHA, NCCER Core, NCCER Level 1, and Blinn College certifications
Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program promotes oral health during local Christmas parades
Students, faculty continue 19-year tradition of distributing toothbrushes to parade goers
Blinn’s reputation for academic excellence proved key attraction for this year’s Homecoming king and queen
‘Blinn has a reputation as the premier junior college in Texas,’ Homecoming king Josh Evans says
Blinn College faculty demonstrate commitment to quality online courses
Ninety Blinn instructors earn internationally recognized Quality Matters certification
Blinn Board of Trustees approves agreement to bring industrial skills training to Grimes County
First 40-hour boot camp will begin Feb. 5
Blinn College recognizes 27 Associate Degree Nursing graduates with pinning ceremony
Blinn graduates rank among state leaders on national licensure exam
Blinn College to celebrate 802 graduates at Fall graduation
Total includes 458 reverse transfers
Blinn College Engineering Program hosts inaugural robotics demonstration
Blinn engineering students showcase robots in simulated obstacle course
Blinn College to offer online Spanish program in Spring 2018
Online courses feature innovative tools, interactive instruction to maximize student engagement
Blinn College-Brenham architecture students explore the Houston Museum District
Blinn students get first-hand look at techniques discussed in the classroom
Six students learn to preserve family history through Blinn College-Schulenburg course
The eight-week continuing education course guides students through goal setting, researching, organization, and production of family stories
Blinn College students, employees donate 570 pounds of food to the Brazos Valley Food Bank
Blinn-Bryan’s Office of Student Leadership and Activities sparks widespread donation effort
Blinn College, College Station ISD partnership prepares students for the biotechnology industry
Students earn college credit toward Blinn Therapeutics Manufacturing degree while in high school
Blinn College celebrates Kruse Center grand opening
Blinn thanks the Kruse family for the generous gift that made the facility possible
November
Blinn College nominates Communication Professor Deborah Vavra for Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award
Vavra was Blinn’s 2017 Teaching Excellence Award winner for the Brenham, Schulenburg, and Sealy campuses
Blinn College inducts 28 Bryan Campus students to national honor society
To earn membership, inductees must earn a 3.5 GPA with 12 transferable credit hours
Blinn College-Bryan Campus Theatre focuses on family with upcoming Thornton Wilder one-act plays
‘The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden’ and ‘The Long Christmas Dinner’ run Nov. 30-Dec. 3
Blinn College livestock judging team places second at North American International Livestock Exposition
Kylie Patterson and Grayson Gilbraith each earn top-10 individual finishes
Blinn College alumnus gifts $15,000 for endowed scholarship
Charles Thielemann establishes scholarship in honor of his wife, former Blinn cheerleader and Class of ‘54 Margaret McAlpine Thielemann
Blinn professor recognized for her positive impact on readers
Audrey Wick selected for teacher scholarship to attend Key West Literary Seminar
Blinn College District Board of Trustees authorizes contracts for new parking lot, real estate consulting services
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Blinn College District Board of Trustees authorized the administration to award and execute a contract with Collier Construction Company for the development of a parking lot adjacent to the new student housing facility currently under construction at the Blinn-Brenham Campus.
Blinn College assists Marine veteran in preparation for new career path
Sophomore Christopher “Mack” McLaughlin is president of Blinn’s Student Veterans Association
Blinn College professor recognized for excellence in developmental education
Essie Childers honored with Carol Dochen Professor of the Year in Developmental Education Award
Texas 10th Court of Appeals hears first case of its kind in Texas during session at Blinn College
This marks the sixth consecutive year the Texas 10th Court of Appeals has held session at Blinn-Bryan Campus
Blinn College faculty, staff raise more than $1,800 for Habitat for Humanity
Blinn professors participate in wall-raising ceremony benefiting Bryan family
Blinn freshman to serve as 2017-18 Blinn-Bryan Student Government Association president
‘My goal is to work with students to make Blinn the best it can be,’ says Danielle Duncan
Blinn College livestock judging team claims title in season’s first national competition
Blinn wins the prestigious American Royal Livestock Judging Contest for the second time in school history
October
Blinn College Alumni and Friends names Gus Mutscher the 2017 Person of the Year
Luncheon celebrates the induction of Mutscher, Sharp, Alfred, Krebs, and Tate to the Blinn College Hall of Honor
Blinn, TEEX partnership prepares Blinn College student to carry on family legacy
Lago Vista native Tim England graduates with top honors from TEEX Fire Training Academy
Blinn College graduate selected as apprentice at the Portland Playhouse
Blinn set the stage for former student’s journey into the theatre profession
First-generation student overcomes challenges in pursuit of Blinn College degree
Sophomore Mario Sanchez uses personal experiences to help others find success
Blinn College Board of Trustees considers capital improvement projects
Proposals under consideration would be funded using 2016 bond revenue
Blinn College livestock judging team wins Tulsa State Fair competition
Kylie Patterson’s first-place finish leads sophomore division to championship
Alumni & Friends and Buccaneer Lettermen associations give back to Brazos 4-H Sportsman Club
Blinn associations thank Sportsman Club for assistance at annual Clay Shootout
Blinn College livestock judging team earns Mid-American Classic championship
Sophomore Jaci Burgin earns two first-place finishes for the sophomore division
Blinn College Foundation honors Blinn’s partnerships with The Texas A&M University System and Brazos County
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp and late Blinn Foundation Board Chairman Walt Schoenvogel are recognized with endowed scholarships in their honor
Blinn College band provides personal instruction, great performance opportunities
43rd Annual Blinn Buccaneer Marching Band Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Cub Stadium
September
Blinn students volunteer 1,400 hours at Washington County Fair
Agricultural Science and Veterinary Technology students gain valuable experience in support of the oldest county fair in Texas
Blinn students lend a hand in Hurricane Harvey aftermath
Students in Blinn's Physical Therapist Assistant, Veterinary Technology, and Vocational Nursing programs put skills to work in hurricane recovery, rebuilding
Blinn alumnus finds his niche in the local art community
‘Blinn helped me discover my passion,’ says Brenham native Kevin Newsome
Blinn College Veterinary Technology Program partners with the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley for Barks ’N Books
Sept. 30 event to feature story time, pet crafts with Blinn Vet Tech students
Blinn alumnus reflects on experiences as a first responder during Hurricane Harvey
Houston firefighter Joseph Gamez used skills acquired through Blinn’s Fire Science Program to aid in rescue efforts
Blinn enrolls 18,977 students for Fall 2017 semester
Despite the challenges presented by Hurricane Harvey during the final week of registration, the Blinn College District enrolled 18,977 students for the Fall 2017 semester.
Blinn College trustees approve two leases for space at the RELLIS Campus
Board adopts a 2017 Washington County tax rate of $0.0601 per $100 valuation
Blinn names its 2017 Teaching Excellence Award winners – June 2017 and August 2017
Wagner, Lanfrey, Vrooman, and Vavra are recognized for their commitment to student success
Blinn welding instructor’s innovative methods equip students for success
Live demos and shared ideas from the industry’s best keep Blinn’s welding program on the cutting edge
Blinn College Paralegal Program invites prospective students to learn about variety of legal careers
Program graduates are qualified for careers in law firms, courts, government, insurance, and administrative agencies
Blinn celebrates 20 years of educational excellence at its Schulenburg Campus
The Blinn-Schulenburg Campus celebrates its 20th anniversary with community gathering
Blinn College health clinics extending medical services this Fall
Campus health clinics contracted out to local hospitals expand treatment options
Texas District 2 Rep. Dan Flynn gets first-hand look at Blinn College’s diverse educational and career training opportunities
State Rep. Dan Flynn received a first-hand look at the variety of educational and career training services offered at Blinn College’s Brenham and Bryan campuses.
Blinn Alumni & Friends Association names five to its Hall of Honor
Gus Mutscher, John Sharp, Ron Alfred, Becky Krebs, and Milton Tate are each honored
Blinn-Schulenburg celebrates 20 years of changing lives
Current students, alumni praise Blinn-Schulenburg’s personal and community impact
August
Blinn College partners with the community to assist with hurricane recovery efforts
Donation sites have been established at Bryan’s Tejas Center and Health Science Center, and the Brenham Campus Student Center
Blinn certifies its largest electrical apprenticeship class in eight years
College’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program works directly with local employers to meet growing demand for electricians
Through reverse transfer, hundreds of Blinn College students are earning associate degrees while attending four-year universities
1,199 Blinn students earned their associate degrees in 2016-17 via reverse transfer
Board of Trustees proposes maintaining Blinn College’s current tax rate
College will host public hearings regarding the tax rate on Aug. 29 and Sept. 7
Blinn College offers diverse selection of online programs this fall
Students can complete 22 different degrees and certificates without ever stepping foot on campus
Blinn chemistry course instrumental to students pursuing STEM careers
CHEM 1411 provides students the foundation they need for a variety of fields
Education website names Blinn a top transfer college
SuccessfulStudent.org highlights Blinn's success transferring students to Texas A&M
Blinn College-Brenham Theatre unveils a season of dark tales
This year’s productions explore the dark side of popular plays
Bryan Theatre to bring a world through time to the stage
2017-18 season kicks off with Tom Wright’s mystery drama, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’
Blinn College Paramedic Program recognizes 18 graduates with pinning ceremony
State-of-the-art simulation training prepares students to save lives
Blinn names new Dean of Health Sciences
Thomas Lescarbeau brings 13 years of educational leadership and 21 years of experience in patient care
Texas Workforce Commission awards Blinn College, FUJIFILM Diosynth a $289,395 safety and skills training grant
Skills Development Fund grant will provide training for 140 FUJIFILM employees
Introduction to Engineering at Blinn hones problem-solving skills
ENGR 1201 provides an introduction to the engineering profession
July
Guest speaker to answer the question: What makes people happy?
Dr. Hiroshi Ono will discuss findings from his book during guest lecture at Blinn College-Bryan
Courses in digital imaging and graphic design allow Blinn College students to flex their creative muscles this Fall
ARTC 1302: Digital Imaging develops students’ Photoshop skills, while ARTS 2313: Graphic Design provides instruction in Photoshop and Illustrator
Blinn College alumna earns best-of-show honors at Texas A&M architecture competition
Blinn Architecture Program prepared Nathanielle Sybico for success in structural design
Blinn College student benefits from partnership with local business accelerator
Jordan Murphy balances business venture with Startup Aggieland, studies in Blinn Computer Science Program July 11, 2017
Welding courses lead to quick success for Hodde Center student
Milano native Jason Paniagua finds employment even before he completes Blinn welding program
Blinn summer camp introduces seventh and eighth graders to health science career options
Camp participants used Blinn’s start-of-the-art clinical simulation technology to learn basics of patient care
Blinn College to explore partnership with The Texas A&M University System for development of proposed RELLIS Campus workforce training and educational facility
Blinn negotiating agreements to centralize its Brazos County locations
June
Hardin-Simmons University, Blinn College partner to offer seamless transition program
More than 100 Blinn courses will transfer toward HSU bachelor’s degrees
Seventeen students complete family history writing course at Blinn College
New Preserving Your Family Story I course section begins Oct. 4
Blinn welcomes 21 vocational nursing graduates to the profession with pinning ceremony
Local demand for vocational nurses is expected to increase 21.8 percent between 2012 and 2022
Blinn-Bryan Vocational Nursing Program pins 22 nursing graduates
Classroom, lab and clinical experiences prepare students for rewarding healthcare careers
Blinn students participate in rigorous political campaign workshop
Blinn was the only two-year college to compete in the 2017 New Politics Forum Campaign Bootcamp
Blinn education major aims to reach overlooked students
Blinn’s child development and education programs ensure graduates are well prepared for instruction and childcare
Blinn College professor recognized for superior geography instruction
Texas State University awards Geography Professor Rhonda Reagan its prestigious Booth Award
THECB report: 94.9 percent of Blinn technical students transfer their skills to a new job or additional training
This marks the third-highest percentage among 82 public two-year institutions in Texas
May
Blinn named one of 2017’s most promising places to work in community colleges
Award recognizes Blinn’s exceptional commitment to its employees
Texas Workforce Commission awards $820,365 safety and skills training grant to Blinn College and NOV Grant Prideco
Grant will make $4.3 million economic impact on the local community
Blinn recognizes 1,917 honors students
College names 841 students to the prestigious President’s Scholars List
Blinn Dental Hygiene students provide free dental care to local children in need
Blinn has provided more than $175,000 in preventive dental services since 2009
Blinn honors student takes winding path to associate degree
‘It was time to finish what I started,’ Jaclyn Doro says
Blinn trustees elect new board officers, approve updated strategic plan
Board approves new mission statement, vision statement, core values, and goals
Blinn College recognizes 14 future dental hygienists with pinning ceremony
Fourteen graduates are welcomed to the profession after completing rigorous two-year program
Blinn recognizes nine new veterinary technology graduates
Blinn offers one of just 10 accredited programs in the state
Blinn’s Merten, Caton build strong community bonds with local chambers of commerce
Merten serves as board chairman for Washington County Chamber, Caton is board president of Sealy Chamber
Wells Fargo Foundation donates $20,000 to establish Blinn College endowed scholarship
Blinn will make an additional $5,000 contribution to the scholarship fund
Blinn students display original research and innovations at second annual Student Research Celebration
Event showcases student work presented at national conferences
Blinn recognizes radiologic technology graduates with pinning ceremony
Program has 100 percent registry exam and job placement rate since 1994
Blinn recognizes 50 nursing graduates with pinning ceremony
Blinn graduates rank among state leaders on national licensure exam
Blinn College to recognize more than 700 graduates at Spring graduation
Total includes more than 250 ‘reverse transfers’
Blinn nursing students showcase their skills at Brazos Valley Council of Governments Community Health Fair
Students provide free health screenings for approximately 150 people
Blinn honor society chapter recognized among the top 30 internationally
Blinn’s Phi Theta Kappa Beta Alpha chapter honored for peer mentoring and campus carry projects
Blinn-Schulenburg names Emerging Writers Contest winners
Seven student writers earn recognition for academic writing, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry
April
Blinn Agricultural Mechanics Show draws students from record 92 Texas schools
16th annual showcase draws 201 entries from high school FFA chapters and 4-H clubs
Blinn-Brenham students give back to community through Buccaneer Big Event
Over 60 students worked on projects in the Brenham area
Class assignment challenges Engineering Academy students' problem-solving abilities
Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham students design robots to simulate water purification
Czech language class at Blinn-Schulenburg connects students with their ancestors
Instructor Thadious Polasek is fifth-generation Czech
‘Not your typical curriculum’
Ana Walicki, Goran Sabljic discover new career paths in Blinn’s Therapeutics Manufacturing Program
Blinn-Sealy student overcomes kidney failure en route to her associate degree
Robbie Gay received a life-saving new kidney on Sept. 27, 2016
Blinn celebrates Doyle Coatney Center grand opening
New athletic training facility was funded entirely through private donations
Local paralegals share legal experiences, offer advice at Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum
‘Go into the profession with an open mind and be a team player’
Blinn board receives update regarding TEEX partnership, approves hire of new Vice President for Business and Finance
Board authorizes second phase of Bryan Campus landscaping improvements
Blinn College board approves policy regarding campus carry
Senate Bill 11 goes into effect for Blinn and other Texas community colleges on Aug. 1
Blinn-Schulenburg freshman named Texas Junior College Student Government Association state secretary
Blinn-Brenham Student Government Association awarded ‘most professional’ at state convention
Blinn’s third annual Clay Shootout raises more than $60,000 for student scholarships, athletic equipment
Shootout continues to grow in participants and money raised
Blinn Paralegal Program, Legal Assistant Student Organization to host Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum
Local veteran paralegals to share legal experiences, answer questions at the Blinn-Bryan Campus
Blinn inducts 10 students into Sigma Kappa Delta honor society
English honor society welcomes full-time students with 3.0 GPA
Blinn livestock judging team earns reserve champion honors at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Team captured the championship at five competitions in 2016-17
Blinn-Bryan students volunteer to help local resident as part of community service project
Blinn Dental Hygiene Program, Student Veterans Association spend hours cleaning house, yard of Bryan homeowner
March
Blinn College, Texas A&M University System celebrate RELLIS Campus groundbreaking
Blinn’s 83,000-square-foot facility will open in time for the Fall 2018 semester
Drunken driving crash victim shares story with Blinn College students
Sean Carter suffered traumatic brain injury in alcohol-related vehicle accident
Eleven Blinn students, advisors are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Hall of Honor
Blinn’s Beta Alpha chapter is elected District 5 vice president
Blinn board approves revised resolution approving financing for Brenham student housing project
Resolution keeps project on schedule for Fall 2018 opening
Blinn, Texas A&M University System announce March 31 groundbreaking ceremony for Blinn-RELLIS Campus
83,000-square-foot facility will open in time for the Fall 2018 semester
Blinn names new Dean of Technical & Community Education
Anderson brings more than 15 years of experience developing quality programs that meet local training needs
Blinn students earn top honors at state play festival
The Blinn College Theatre Arts Program earned top honors for its recent performances at the Texas Community College Speech & Theatre Association (TCCSTA) 2016-17 Play Festival at the Blinn-Brenham Campus.
Four Blinn educators recognized with coveted excellence award
NISOD Excellence Award recognizes educators for outstanding teaching and leadership
Former Texas House Speaker honored at Star of the Republic Museum exhibit reception
Gus Mutscher recognized for his contributions to museum, Blinn College
The Second City hosts workshops at Blinn’s Brenham, Bryan campuses
Chicago-based troupe teaches improvisational techniques to Blinn students, faculty
American Brahman Breeders Association honors Blinn Agricultural Sciences professor
Doug Pierce was named ABBA’s 2017 Brahman Friend of the Year
Blinn students, professor work together to synthesize cancer-fighting drug
Research to be submitted to National Cancer Institute, presented at American Chemical Society National Meeting
Executive director of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley credits Blinn for accelerated path to success
Blinn courses, faculty prepared Jabot’ Colvin for career in public service
Phi Theta Kappa honor society’s Blinn-Bryan chapter inducts 73 students
To be eligible, students must carry at least a 3.5 grade-point average
Blinn’s Health Information Technology Associate Degree Program earns national accreditation
HIT Program prepares students for technical career in health-care industry
Community leaders, colleagues of Pete Rodriguez gift $15,000 in support of Blinn College students
Blinn College Foundation, Hispanic Forum of Bryan/College Station partner to honor local leader
Nine Blinn College students named to TMEA All-State Choir
Students performed at special at special TMEA Convention concert earlier this month
Blinn, Texas A&M-Kingsville sign engineering transfer agreement
Blinn engineering students will seamlessly transfer into Texas A&M-Kingsville's Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering