Lone Star College-University Park celebrates Bachelor’s+ course completion in partnership with Texas A&M University

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College-University Park recently celebrated students who completed its Bachelor’s+ Program (B+) summer course. In partnership with Texas A&M University, LSC-University Park provides engineering students with hands-on manufacturing experience. The completion ceremony recognized students who gained practical machining skills while developing a deeper understanding of the manufacturing processes behind the engineering designs they will create throughout their careers.

Hosted at the Energy & Manufacturing Institute (EMI) on the LSC-University Park campus, the five-week summer course introduces engineering students to the fundamentals of machining through practical instruction using industry-standard equipment. Students learn to operate machine tools while gaining firsthand experience with the manufacturing processes that transform engineering concepts into finished products.

Duane Thomas, a Texas A&M University graduate and engineering professional with experience intertwined in both technology and business served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. Drawing from his industry experience, Thomas encouraged students to embrace opportunities to bridge classroom instruction with real-world application.

"Engineering is about more than just designing solutions," Thomas said. "Experiences like this help students understand how their designs are manufactured, the realities of production, and the expertise needed to deliver a high-quality finished product. That perspective ultimately helps them become stronger engineers and better collaborators."

Throughout the course, students received instruction in machining terminology, shop mathematics, precision measurement, part layout, preventative maintenance and the safe operation of equipment including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, power saws and bench grinders. Equal emphasis is placed on shop safety, housekeeping and the proper use and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.

By combining engineering education with hands-on machining experience, the program helps students better understand the practical realities of manufacturing and the collaboration required between engineers and skilled technicians. The experience provides valuable insight into how design decisions affect production, quality and efficiency.

This summer's cohort included students from Texas A&M University, The University of Texas and Lone Star College-University Park. The completion ceremony included student recognition, awards and remarks from college leaders, university representatives and industry professionals celebrating the value of experiential learning.

Alfred “Freddy” Sustaita Jr., associate program director for Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Workforce Development, helped close out the ceremony emphasizing the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.

"This partnership gives our students an opportunity to complement their engineering education with practical manufacturing experience," Sustaita said. "Working alongside Lone Star College-University Park strengthens their understanding of how engineering and manufacturing work together. At the same time, the partnership provides our students with a foundation that will benefit them throughout their careers and instills an understanding of and appreciation for lifelong learning."

Since the program launched in 2025, approximately 18 students have completed the B+ course. As interest continues to grow, Lone Star College-University Park is exploring opportunities to expand the program and create additional pathways that connect engineering education with advanced manufacturing and workforce training.

The B+ course is offered through Lone Star College-University Park's Division of Computer & Engineering Technology/Workforce and reflects the institutions' shared commitment to preparing students for careers in engineering through innovative educational partnerships and applied learning experiences.

To learn more about B+ summer program contact workforce advisor Brian M. Wong. For more information about classes at LSC-University Park or to register, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.