SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 573

WHEREAS, San Antonio College has been named the recipient of the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence by the Aspen Institute; and

WHEREAS, Awarded every two years since 2011, the $600,000 prize recognizes institutions that have distinguished themselves in the areas of teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor's degree attainment, workforce success, equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, and leadership and institutional culture; the rigorous competition encompasses an 18-month review process to examine extensive data on performance and improvements and conduct site visits to the campus of each finalist; and

WHEREAS, San Antonio College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, is among the largest single-campus community colleges in the nation, with 35,000 students; two-thirds are Hispanic, Black, or Native American, forming a far more diverse student population than many community colleges can claim; SAC has been designated as an official Hispanic-Serving Institution, and it also enrolls the largest number of veterans in the state; and

WHEREAS, Over four years, the SAC graduation rate has improved by nearly 20 points, reaching 48 percent, which is 2 points above the national average; the college has developed strong systems to constantly analyze and address what students need in order to advance academically and prepare to achieve their goals after graduation; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges play a vital role in opening doors of opportunity for all members of society, and through its exceptional efforts in fulfilling this mission, San Antonio College has earned well-deserved national recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby congratulate San Antonio College on its receipt of the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and extend to all those associated with the college sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the college as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Menéndez, Campbell Gutierrez, Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate