The Coyote Insider
The Coyote Insider
LSC-KINGWOOD “OVER THE MOON” TO RECEIVE TREE THAT TRAVELED TO SPACE
A tree that traveled to space and orbited the moon will now be landing at Lone Star College-Kingwood, to be planted on the campus where the motto is, fittingly, “Start close, go far.”
NASA selected LSC-Kingwood to receive the tree out of 1,300 applications
The seedling, a Loblolly Pine, orbited the moon during the Artemis I Mission. The mission was part of a national STEM engagement and conservation initiative between NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services, which flew five species of tree seeds into space The Moon Tree seeds traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft, then traveled thousands of miles beyond the Moon for about 4 weeks before returning to Earth.
Engineering Professor Dr. Jamie Turner, who submitted the grant application, says she is “ over the moon ” about being chosen. “Kingwood appreciates trees, Houston is a bit of a space town, and our Lone ‘Star’ motto is all about looking up into those bright guiding lights above Imagine dragging the telescopes out some evenings, and looking up to the stars, next to a living plant that has actually been up there!”
"Moon trees are a living testament to the importance of scientific exploration and human curiosity,” says Biology/Environmental Science Professor Dr Brian Shmaefsky “As an environmental scientist, the trees are a reminder of our quest to understand life beyond the boundaries of the Earth and our relationship to the rest of the universe."
A ceremony is planned to commemorate the reception and planting of the tree on Tuesday, November 19th. More details will be announced closer to the event date. The celebration will be open to the community.
Message from Dr Gonzalez President Kingwood College
Hello, Coyotes!
Lone Star College-Kingwood is celebrating some big accomplishments this month.
From an out-of-this-world addition to our campus...to big news for our art department... to a successful sports season - this month was one to remember!
Facutly, students, and staff also had fun with fall festivals on our campus and at our centers.
We can’t wait to see what the next month brings!
-- Go Coyotes!
LSC-KINGWOOD PROFESSORS FEATURED IN HOUSTON’S NEW MEOW WOLF EXHIBIT
Two Lone Star College-Kingwood Visual Art Adjunct Professors are being featured in the new Meow Wolf immersive art exhibit in Houston
Adela Andea and Loc Huynh are among roughly 40 local and international artists chosen to create installations in the exhibit, which opened Thursday, October 31st.
The exhibit, “Meow Wolf Radio Tave,” offers experiences such as a honky-tonk dive bar, a mysterious hollow of musical inspiration, a never-ending dance party, and more.
Andea is an American artist who creates immersive installations using light She grew up in Romania, where she says living under communist rule had a profound impact on her worldview and her art
Her exhibit at Meow Wolf is titled “Adela’s Oceanic Trench,” and she describes it as a full room immersive installation providing a deep oceanic experience. “Meow Wolf has a unique perspective on the artworld, how art should reach the public, what role we all have in this as artists; it was something I profoundly appreciated.”
The other artist featured, Loc Huynh, who grew up in Austin in a Vietnamese American household, began teaching at LSC-Kingwood this fall His installation is called “Swamptown, USA ”
“Working with Meow Wolf has been such an involved creative experience It’s allowed me to create work with potential I didn’t even know was possible,” Huynh shared.
Andea has been teaching at LSC-Kingwood since 2012. She says it is her way of giving back.
“I believe that art is not just about creating beautiful objects—it is about expressing ideas, challenging norms, and finding new ways to connect with others. I want my students to understand that their unique experiences, no matter how difficult, can serve as powerful sources of inspiration ”
You can experience Andea and Huynh’s installations at “Meow Wolf Radio Tave,” located at 2103 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020. Tickets can be purchased here.
To read the full story on Andea and Huynh’s feature in Meow Wolf click here
Adela Andea’s Meow Wolf installation (Houston) Loc Huynh’s Redneck Dong Ho (Rattlesnake)
Loc Huynh’s Redneck Dong Ho (Crawfish)
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
2024 FACULTY ART SHOW
Adela Andea and Loc Huynh are also two of the artsists featured in the LSC-Kingwood 2024 Faculty Art show on the campus.
Other artists include: Rebecca Andresen, Aaron Bielish, Cory Cryer, Perry Chandler, Virgilio Davis, Emily Howard, Aaron Novak, Mari Omori, and Kelly Revuelto The pieces range from sculptures, to paintings, to mixed media. A reception with the artists was held October 22nd in the Art Gallery. The 2024 Faculty Art Show will run Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. through December 5th. To see more pictures of the art pieces, click here.
HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Dr Grisel Gomez-Cano stopped by the Kingwood campus to discuss Día de Los Muertos, as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month events organized by Student Life and the Curious Minds lecture series. Dr. Gomez-Cano is an author and English & Humanities Professor at Houston Community College. She spoke about the Aztecs’ views on death and some of their rituals, which may have influenced modern Day of the Dead celebrations.
Those who attended were also treated to some refreshing popsicles, courtesy of Francisco Sanchez, owner of Paco Pops paleteria What an informative and entertaining event! To see more pictures, click here
HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT: POETRY & SONGWRITING OPEN MIC
The Poetry & Songwriting Club hosted an Open Mic to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Students took the stage to showcase their creativity and honor their heritage To see more pictures from the event, click here
CAMPUS NEWS
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK
Thanks to the Women’s Center for organizing the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk around the LSC-Kingwood campus on October 4th. To see more pictures, click here.
CAMPUS NEWS
VOTE IN STYLE: A TAPESTRY OF WOMEN
The importance of voting was front and center during the “Vote in Style: A Tapestry of Women” event at LSCKingwood on October 17th.
A panel of students, staff, and representatives from the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County shared their stories and why it’s important to them to make their voices heard by voting. Several students were honored with awards for their involvement in the Latina Inspira Student Network At the event singer Vanessa Alonzo wowed the crowd with her incredible voice and was presented with the Texas Familias Council’s Machilitzli Award for sharing knowledge across cultures. She has performed unique mariachi opera internationally, and teaches vocals to youth across Texas. Thanks also to Pretty Little Things Boutique in Kingwood for ensuring the models looked fashionable while walking the runway to encourage voting. To see more pictures from the event, click here.
campus NEWS
COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR
A Community Resource Fair was held October 10th in the SCC. It was a chance to explore and chat with representatives from a variety of local organizations that help support students, their families, and the community! For more pictures from the event, click here.
COMMUNITY FOOD FAIR
LSC-Kingwood is also proud to serve the community with our food distribution services. On October 11th, we served over 235 families during the community food fair distribution
campus NEWS
PET FOOD DRIVE: TATER TOT ON TOUR
It was a “paws-itively” good time at the Women’s Center Pet Food Drive - and all for a good cause, too Students and staff showed up with donations for their furry friends and got to meet the Lone Star College Therapy Dog, Tater Tot, as well. Students learned about the role of therapy dogs, and even campus President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez got up close and personal with the precious pup. All the pet food and supplies will be donated to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe.
campus NEWS
CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
The Center for Civic Engagement has been busy on the LSC-Kingwood campus The organization aims to encourage students, faculty, and staff to become active citizens involved in their communities by providing opportunities and resources to engage in community activities. Government Professor John J. Theis is the Director of the Kingwood CCE. This month alone, the group hosted events such as Presidential Debate and Vice Presidential Debate watch parties, financial literacy lunch and learn events, and a movie night in the SCC
A DAY IN THE LADIES LAIR & MEN’S CHAT
Thanks to the Men’s and Women’s Centers for hosting A Day in the Ladies Lair and Men’s Chat Both are opportunites for students to make friends and get to know each other in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Students also enjoyed making crafts, learning makeup tips, and playing video games. A Day in the Ladies Lair pictures here. Men’s Chat pictures here.
GARDEN CLUB FALL FESTIVAL
It was the perfect fall weather for a fall garden festival. The Garden Club hosted the event on October 29th. The garden was the perfect setting for crafts, conversation, and connecting with nature.
campus NEWS
KINGWOOD OKTOBERFEST
A huge crowd of Coyotes turned out for the Kingwood Oktoberfest celebration on October 17th Students enjoyed German food, live music, and games. Thanks to the Office of Student Life for hosting the event. For more pictures, click here.
campus NEWS
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
BOOFEST
BooFest was a frightening and fun event! Faculty and staff donned costumes and got into the “spirit.” Families enjoyed visiting the tables for treats, and a free showing of Hotel Transylvania. Thanks to Student Life for hosting this event! You can see more BooFest pictures here.
campus NEWS
HALLOWEEN FACULTY & STAFF COSTUME CONTEST
Halloween is serious business at Lone Star College-Kingwood. Take a look at the faculty and staff who won this year ’ s Costume Contest! More pics here.
Funniest: Flex Space Attitude! Most Mysterious: Boss Gonzalez - Taking Care of Business!
HALLOWEEN FACULTY & STAFF COSTUME CONTEST
Scariest: Zombie STEM Club Most Creative: Magnum Phi!
HALLOWEEN FACULTY & STAFF ONLINE WINNERS
Funniest : Australian Breakdancer Raygun
Best Overall & Most Creative: George & Francine Kingwood
Most Mysterious: Taking Care of Business
Scariest: Spooky Witch
STUDENTS AND STAFF SHOW THEIR HALLOWEEN SPIRIT
Students and staff showed off their creativity for Halloween. Check out some of the Coyotes we found roaming campus in costume.
EAST ALDINE CENTER OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest was a fun and festive event at East Aldine Center. Employees painted pumpkins and enjoyed traditional German food. Thanks for stopping by!
EAST ALDINE CENTER PIZZA WITH THE PRESIDENT
LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez popped by East Aldine Center for Pizza with the President. Students had a chance to chat with her about questions and concerns as well as win some prizes!
EAST ALDINE CENTER CMA BILINGUAL MATCH NIGHT
East Aldine held its very first Match Night for its Clinical Medical Assistant Bilingual program on October 2nd. Many of the students have now started their internships, where they will gain valuable experience right in their own community
Special guests at the event included LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez & Maria Baños Jordan, with Texas Familias Council.
“The East Aldine Center’s CMA students are invaluable to our community,” said Baños Jordan. “Caring for people is a special calling, and I’m so grateful that these students have committed to this mission of caring. I wish them each continued success, and I hope they know we ’ re supporting their journey ”
To see more pictures from the event, click here
ATASCOCITA CENTER FALL FEST & OPEN HOUSE
There were a lot of friendly faces at the Fall Fest at Atascocita Center on October 22nd! Students enjoyed food, fun, and giveaways. The center also hosted an open house to help students with financial aid, admissions, advising, and to showcase other campus resources
ATASCOCITA CENTER CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN WITH SPOOKY BINGO
Bingo got a spooky twist at the Atascocita Center on Halloween. Treats and prizes were also provided.
PROCESS TECHNOLOGY CENTER FALL FEST & OPEN HOUSE
The LSC-Process Technology Center held its Fall Festival and Open House on Thursday, October 31st. Congratulations to Ash Sta, the lucky winner of the brand-new Dell laptop! Nine other students participated in a Scavenger Hunt at the center and took home some great prizes. In total, 20 students attended the event, plus a few more guests who wanted to learn more about the Process Tech program. A special thanks to Pemex, Summer Creek, and Nimitz High School for coming out to the Fall Festival.
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
PSSA HOSTS SPOOKY GHOST STORIES
The PSSA (Professional Support Staff Association) brought some spooky stories to campus on Halloween. Destiny Spearman, Student Life Specialist, shared ghost stories and her experiences with the supernatural. More pictures here.
PSSA PARTNERS WITH COSMETOLOGY STUDENTS TO OFFER HAND MASSAGES
LSC-Kingwood Esthetician students worked their magic to give staff members relaxing hand massages on October 24th Thank you to the LSC-Kingwood PSSA and these students for hosting this event!
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
LSC-KINGWOOD COSMETOLOGY PROFESSOR FEATURED IN AMERICAN SPA MAGAZINE
Lone Star College-Kingwood Adjunct Cosmetology Professor Dr Alissa de Jongh has a new accomplishment to add to her resume.
Dr. de Jongh recently had an article published in American Spa Magazine. She has also been selected as a premier educational speaker for the 2024/2025 International Esthetics Cosmetics & Spa Conferences on Medical Esthetics.
Dr. de Jongh, N.D., M.I.W.M. is an international wellness expert whose experience in the world of business and beauty spans over a successful thirty-two year career.
Her article is about the healing powers of Gua Sha for glowing skin. Gua sha is a a therapeutic technique with deep historical roots in traditional Chinese medicine. You can read Dr. de Jongh’s full article here.
EAST ALDINE
CENTER DEAN REYNA TIPPETS
RECEIVES
EDUCATION AWARD
Congratulations are in order for LSC-East Aldine Center Dean Reyna Gómez Tippetts.
She was honored with the Education Leader Award on October 2nd at the Precinct 2 annual Hispanic Heritage celebration,which took place at the Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center and James Driver Inclusive Park. The event, Precinct 2Gether, celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and recognized the contributions of local leaders, including educators, youth, and community advocates.
Tippetts, seen here with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, says she was deeply honored to receive the award.
“This occasion was particularly meaningful, as October 2 also marks National Custodian Day. I began my career as a custodian at the very college where I now serve as Dean. Being acknowledged 23 years later for my work in education serves as a powerful reminder of my journey and that every role, whether as a custodian or a dean, has a lasting impact on our community. Education changes live; it does not come easily, and many times, it requires sacrifices. However, I can tell you that it is the best investment you can make. Education has changed my life and my family's ”
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
FAMILYTIME CRISIS & COUNSELING CENTER LUNCHEON
Thank you to FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center in Humble for inviting our LSC-Kingwood family to your luncheon! We feel fortunate for the opportunity to forge a stronger bond with your team to positively impact our community.
Pictured left to right: David Baty, VP Instruction, Lilian Hulett with the Women's Center, Karen Woolley, Dean of Atascocita Center, LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, , Dr. Sampada Dalvi, English Professor, Dr. Sherry Wells, VPSS, Al Dorsey with the Men's Center, and LSC Trustee Mike Sullivan.
GREATER CLEVELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON
Imee Villarreal, Manager of Mi Familia, Mi Futuro, represented our college at the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Luncheon on October 8th.
Featured in the photo are: Matt Bieniek, Cleveland ISD Chamber Director, Victoria Good, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chamber, and Imee Villarreal, LSC-Kingw Familia, Mi Futuro Manager.
EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON
Our Coyotes accomplish great things! We at LSCKingwood are so proud of Carter Johnson, City of Porter Fire Chief and LSC-Kingwood Fire Science Program Alumnus.
Featured: LSC-Kingwood President Dr Melissa Gonzalez with City of Porter Fire Chief Carter
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
LSC-KINGWOOD MUSIC DEPT. RECEIVES $18,000 SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
The Lone Star College-Kingwood Music Department is the recipient of an $18,000 scholarship endowment. The LHMAS David A. Livingston and Diane L. Livingston Endowed Scholarship is earmarked for music majors. “I am so thrilled this endowed scholarship is happening as I can truly say that our college music department would be much diminished without the tireless contributions over many years of Dave and Diane Livingston,” said LSC-Kingwood Music Department Chair, Dr. Todd Miller. “They have both established the culture of quality live music performance and education in our area, and we are all the better for it. Sadly, Dave passed away recently. However, he was adamant about establishing this endowed scholarship so the Livingston legacy of musical support would live on for future generations.”
The endowment criteria are as follows: Student must attend LSC-Kingwood or centers, minimum full-time student, must be enrolled as an Associate of Arts Music Major (AA.MUSI). The Music Department scholarship committee of LSC-Kingwood (which includes a representative from LHMAS with a minority vote) must review applications and make a recommendation, with scholarship to be awarded for Fall semester and funds to cover all educational costs.
The LHMAS (Lake Houston Musical Arts Society) is a partner with LSC-Kingwood and is assisting with the funding for the scholarship
“A huge thank you to LHMAS for their continued commitment to our community and LSC-Kingwood,” remarked LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez. “Their generous donation will change the lives of our students.”
To learn more about the LSC-Kingwood Music Department, click here. For more on the LHMAS, or to contribute to the endowment, visit https://www.lhmas.org/.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
FALL 2024 CONCERT CHOIR PERFORMANCE
The LSC-Kingwood Concert Choir serenaded a full house during their fall 2024 performance Dr Todd Miller was the Conductor and Dr. Robert Hunt was the pianist. What a way to showcase the incredible talent of our music students. You can see more pictures from the concert here.
EDUCATORS BREAKFAST
Around 80 guests were treated to a lovely breakfast on October 24th at the LSC-Kingwood campus. It was an opportunity for area school district partners to learn more about the programs and services LSC has for their students when they look into pursuing a higher education For more pictures, click here
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO VISIT TO LSCKINGWOOD
On September 26th, UTSA transfer advisors made a visit to our LSC-Kingwood campus to give STEM major students a glimpse of all that UTSA has to offer to Lone Star College students specifically, including a $15,000 renewable STEM scholarship! The event was led by UTSA Transfer Advisor Vera Walker and Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Jennifer McDaniel who shared valuable information with attendees over lunch and light refreshments. More pics here.
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE TOUR
What an amazing opportunity for more than 70 LSC-Kingwood students, who were able to visit the Texas A&M campus on October 11th. The tour was hosted by Mi Familia Mi Futuro, TRIO SSS, and CAT Center The students received a tour, admissions presentation, visited the bookstore, and were able to experience on-campus dining. What a great way to see what life at a 4-year university is like. To see more pictures from the tour, click here.
CLUB SPORTS UPDATE
We’re proud of all of our Coyotes who competed this fall semester! Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, and tennis, are done for the season. The Coyote Baseball team had an amazing experience at the in the Wood Wars Tournament in Louisiana November 1st3rd. Congrats to the Women’s Soccer team, which came in Runner-Up, finishing the season 3-2. Be sure and cheer on the Men’s Basketball team, which heads to the playoffs this month! You’ll find all our sports teams pics on our Flickr page https://www flickr com/photos/lsck/albums Go, Coyotes!
WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM SNAGS RUNNER-UP SPOT IN 2024 SEASON
Congrats to the Women’s Soccer team who placed Runner-Up this fall season They lost the Championship game to Cy-Fair 3-2, but they never stopped hustling. They even brought home some bling! On October 31st, Campus President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez also presented each player with a medal to honor their huge accomplishment Way to go, Lady Coyotes! More pictures can be found here.
LSC-KINGWOOD BASEBALL WRAPS UP FALL SEASON IN DOMINANT FASHION
By: Jacob Pierce, LSC-Kingwood Student
Finishing the fall regular season undefeated with a record of 5-0-1, the Lone Star College Kingwood Baseball team eagerly preps for the longer and more competitive spring season With a pair of commanding wins to close out the season against Houston Community College in a doubleheader, winning 26-0 and 18-4 respectively, coach Salvador Rico and his players can’t help but feel confident as they prepare for the spring season.
In a recent interview, Coach Rico expressed optimism about the team's performance this fall. “I’m feeling really good about this team They’re gelling together at the right time,” he stated The offseason additions of pitching depth have made a significant impact, with Coach noting, “These guys have been working their tails off…I’m glad that they chose Lone Star College to come and pitch for us. ”
While the team's offense has long been a strong point, Coach Rico highlights the focus on pitching improvements going into this year. “Our offense has never been too much of an issue. It’s always been our pitching, and I think this year, we kind of answered that question,” he explained
Two of the new pitching recruits were on full display in the commanding wins to close the season, with first year pitchers Tristian Garcia and Blake Ward getting the starting nods. Both pitchers made easy work of the Houston Community College lineup, both going 3 hitless innings and earning wins in convincing fashion.
Team captain and game one starter Tristan Garcia has had a standout fall, particularly in the recent doubleheader, where he pitched three hitless innings in a 26-0 victory Reflecting on the team's dynamic, Tristan remarked, “They’re playing really, really well today…When you ’ re comfortable with your defense and your pitching, you build that trust.”
Game two starter Blake Ward echoed this sentiment after a stellar performance, where he struck out nine batters in just three innings “I’m pretty excited Coach told us it’s probably the best team we ’ ve had in a while,” Blake
