Andrea Aguirre and Carlvin Paul are not only outstanding academically, having been named to this year’s All Texas Academic Team, but they also stand out among Cy-Fair College's more than 11,000 students.
“Andrea is an extremely motivated young lady whose enthusiasm for learning and service has made a valuable contribution to the Cy-Fair College community,” said Esther Robinson, associate professor of history and Phi Theta Kappa co-advisor.
Aguirre’s service to the college as well as the Cy-Fair community began as a Student Ambassador, continued as the Phi Theta Kappa Beta Lambda Mu Chapter Vice-President of Service and the inaugural Student Government Association Vice-President of Student Activities and included serving as the National Model United Nations Co-Head Delegate for 2007. In addition, Aguirre has earned several academic honors such as also being named to the All USA Academic Team and receiving the Guistwhite Scholar Award.
“The Guistwhite is a great honor for Andrea and she is very deserving of this award. It is a very competitive process and it is not easy to become a Guistwhite Scholar. She is an exceptional student and Phi Theta Kappa officer. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments,” said Sandra D. Harvey, Beta Lambda Mu Advisor.
While currently working toward an Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems on the Barker Cypress campus, Aguirre has plans to not only major in Environmental Engineering but to ultimately earn a doctorate’s degree in the field.
A recent Cy-Fair College graduate, Paul is taking his newly earned Associate of Arts in Business Administration, continuing on an entrepreneurial track at the University of Houston, and pursuing a dream of an running an entertainment café.
“It is always great to see a student get involved in the college beyond the classroom walls—to see a student become an active part of Cy-Fair College,” said Denise Scagliotta, associate professor of English. “Carlvin’s accomplishments as a student and as a Fairbanks Center Student Services employee embody the standard of student engagement that is central to the college’s vision. His commitment to academic success and his ability to share his experience with incoming students have made his presence at Fairbanks Center invaluable. Carlvin truly represents the possibilities that exist for students who focus on excellence.”
As a native of the Island of Dominica (commonly mistaken for the Dominican Republic), Paul moved to Houston in 2004, leaving the family business and his own company in freight forwarding, to further his education. With his first class at Fairbanks Center, he said it was clear he’d made the right choice.
“I grew a deeper passion for learning as I was awarded the opportunity to work in diverse groups and dynamic classes with teachers who truly had a passion for their profession,” said Paul, an international student who took 20-credit hours a semester, worked part-time at Fairbanks and was in Phi Theta Kappa.
Vanessa Williams, student services specialist, said she has no doubt that Paul’s going to accomplish great things because of his seriousness, drive and reliability. She added that Paul is also focused, articulate, respectful and well-versed. “He is one of the best part time employees we've ever had.”
Paul and Aguirre, along with other All Texas Academic Team members from across NHMCCD, were honored at a congratulatory luncheon. Members’ respective Phi Theta Kappa advisors and college presidents were among those in attendance along with NHMCCD Chancellor Dr. John E. Pickelman.