For immediate release - July 2005

(DALLAS) – Members of the National Community College Hispanic Council will have a taste of Texas – from 10-gallon hats to cowboy boots and salsa – when they arrive in Dallas to attend the organization’s national leadership symposium, scheduled Sept. 22-24 at the Westin Dallas City Center. The theme for the event is “Leaders Who Bridge Access to Success,” and the Dallas County Community Colleges will serve as host to visitors from across the United States.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Raymund Paredes, commissioner of higher education for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, who will address symposium members during the closing session on Saturday; Gloria Campos, news co-anchor for WFAA-TV, who will talk to participants during a Friday evening awards banquet and graduation of this year’s NCCHC Fellows; and Dr. Jesus “Jess” Carreon, DCCC chancellor, who will open the conference and welcome attendees on Friday morning.

NCCHC, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges. “Members of NCCHC believe that education is essential for realizing the fullest potential of each member of our society and that appropriate higher education should available to all,” said Dr. Maria Vallejo, president of NCCHC and provost at Palm Beach Community College (Fla.).

“Community colleges are key to educational attainment for millions of Americans in the 21st century,” explained Dr. Jesus “Jess” Carreon, DCCC chancellor, who is chairing the symposium planning committee. “NCCHC takes pride in the fact that we are at the forefront of developing leaders who will have an impact on expanding educational opportunities in our communities throughout the United States. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in all of our communities.”

For more information on attending the conference, contact Tracy Newell, NCCHC’s executive director, at (310) 531-5081 or call DCCC’s office of the chancellor at (214) 860-2125.

Press contact: Ann Hatch, 214-860-2478