This success story is about a unique partnership between Houston’s progressive technology leaders and CIOs and LSC-University Park. The Houston Chapter of the Society of Information Management (SIM) held its 9th Annual CIO Charity Golf Tournament Monday, April 25, at the Golf Club of Houston. The event scored $25,000 for Lone Star College-University Park. However, there is much more to this philanthropic relationship. 

Just a month ago, at the LSC Foundation Scholarship Reception at LSC-University Park, SIM Houston presented a $15,000 check towards their pledge of $100,000 for technology-related programs and scholarships. George Crawford, executive VP of SIM Houston, was the keynote speaker at the reception and shared the importance of supporting LSC-University Park. 

“SIM Houston’s history of supporting LSC-University Park’s programs is mutually rewarding. We are allies in developing Houston’s technology and energy workforce for a bright future,” said Crawford. 

“SIM Houston is a premier professional organization that supports innovation through education,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park founding president. “Their contributions of more than $135,000 to date fuel our mission to offer programs, mentoring, and equipment for highly technical career opportunities.”

Through SIM Houston’s scholarships and mentorships, IT, AI, and Data Analytics professionals directly support and advise students, passing on their expertise to help future high-tech specialists enter the job market well prepared. SIM Houston is a leading network of IT executives in “Space City” with 190 members. 

“The partnership with SIM is one we have valued for several years. We use their method of combining scholarship and mentorship as a model,” Ardalan added. “SIM Houston not only contributes financially, but board members donate their valuable time, sharing their industry expertise and knowledge,” Ardalan said. 

“We are extremely grateful to our friends at SIM Houston for their substantial donations and support,” said Steve Kahla, LSC-University Park dean of instruction. “The relationship between LSC-University Park and SIM Houston is an outstanding partnership. As a result of these gifts, we have been able to offer scholarships to STEM students and purchase a variety of needed items that have fostered innovation in teaching and learning.”

Technology companies that participated in the CIO fundraiser included Arctic Wolf, BlueSky, Catapult Energy Services, Comcast Business, Crown Castle, Element Critical, GDT, HMG strategy, Fortinet, IronNet, LACEWORK, NetApp, NETSYNC, Netrality, RingCentral, RSM, TRG, and Query.ai. For information on the Society for Information Management, visit simhouston.org. 

Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative institutions of higher education in the country. Under its founding president, Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park is devoted to impacting the community’s prosperity and upward mobility through student success. The college’s competent and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.

University Park campus is home to the Center for Science & Innovation, Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, Geology Rock Wall, Corporate College and Conference Center, University of Houston-Downtown NW, iSchool High, and YMCA Children’s Academy. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu/UP.

Lone Star College offers high-quality and affordable academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. The institution is globally recognized for achieving exceptional levels of success in student learning, student completion, gainful employment, equity, and affordability. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of eight colleges, ten centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.

For information on taking classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.