HOUSTON (Oct. 31, 2012) — Dr. Richard Carpenter, chancellor of Lone Star College System, was honored on Oct. 26 by the NAACP Houston Branch at its Annual Freedom Fund Gala.

Dr. Carpenter received the group’s President’s Award based on his leadership and the positive impact that LSCS makes in the community.
The Annual Freedom Fund Gala, which was held at the Hilton Americas downtown, is the Houston Branch’s signature event of the year where members recognize and celebrate sponsors and individuals that champion causes to better the local community.

“The focus areas of the NAACP Houston Branch are education, labor, and civic engagement. Dr. Carpenter was chosen because of the impact his leadership has made and demonstrated successes to the community in education,” said the Rev. Reginald Lillie, president, NAACP Houston Branch. “He was also chosen because of the economic impact Lone Star College has made in our community.”  

“This is such an honor for me, and for Lone Star College System,” said Dr. Carpenter.  “Lone Star College prides itself on being an inclusive institution of higher learning and celebrates the diversity in our community. Our number one goal is student success and credential completion for all.”  

The gala featured a keynote address from U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri and U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee was honored with the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award. Other President’s Award honorees were Mary L. Ramos, treasurer, LULAC District VIII and Claude Cummings, vice president, Communications Workers of America.

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.  

The NAACP Houston Branch, with approximately 1,500 members, serves the Harris County area through its programs and myriad committees made up of its dedicated staff and volunteer members.

With 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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