Lone Star College System kicks off 2026-2027 academic year at Fall Convocation

HOUSTON, TX -- Graduating high school was a big deal for Sanyiah Griffin because most of her family members never met that milestone. She grew up with no plans to attend college, but when she found herself at Lone Star College System, she also found new resources, growth opportunities and inspiration to set ambitious goals for her future.

“Lone Star has really helped me maneuver through life,” Griffin said. “I didn’t really dream or think big for myself, but when I started going to school and being around certain things, it made me want to do more for myself.”

LSCS faculty and staff heard Griffin’s story at the annual Fall Convocation, where college system leaders opened the 2026-2027 academic year. Attendees also heard an alumnus success story from Edgar Garcia, a 2010 graduate of LSC-North Harris, demonstrating the vital roles employees play in the journey from new student to successful alumnus.

Garcia shared about the many challenges he faced growing up after moving to Houston from Mexico at age 7. Over time, he developed a strong entrepreneurial mindset and work ethic, and his time at LSCS helped shape who he would become.

“Never underestimate how much of an impact you can make on students,” Garcia said. “You might not see the result immediately, but believe me, they will remember years later that you believed in them and the words of encouragement that you provided. I’m one of those students now.”

Garcia enrolled at LSC-North Harris after graduating high school and built his business, AE Construction Services, from the ground up while pursuing an associate of arts degree in business. Nearly 20 years later, his business continues to succeed, and he is now a mentor and scholarship donor for the next generation of LSCS students, giving back to the institution that gave him so much.

“Thousands of students will walk through our doors—many beginning a new chapter, returning to finish what they started, or balancing college with work and family,” said Mike Sullivan, LSCS board chair. “They chose us because they believe in the opportunities we provide. We are incredibly proud of what the college system has accomplished and excited about what lies ahead.”

While the college system’s enrollment continues to grow, Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSCS chancellor, reminded employees that students are more than just a number.

“Remember that there are roughly 97,000 other Sanyiahs out there with the same dreams, hopes and aspirations to do better,” Castillo said. “To walk up to a counter and say, ‘I want more than I have,’ is an act of courage, and it falls on us to help individuals get from where they are to where they want to be.”

Chancellor Castillo also celebrated the work of five individuals making a difference in the lives of their students and colleagues.

Grateful Heart Award: Jeremiah Allison, LSCS System Administrator I – Windows, makes LSCS a better place for his colleagues and clients to work through his position in the Office of Technology Services. He is known for his positive attitude, servant leadership, selfless acts of appreciation, and for treating everyone he encounters with kindness and respect.

Principled Innovation Award: David Gonzalez, LSCS senior manager, Product Marketing & Creative Design, leads through his commitment to continuous improvement. Over the past year, he has identified opportunities to improve operational effectiveness, creating more capacity for his colleagues in the Marketing & Communications department to focus on higher-value initiatives that better support institutional priorities.

Transformative Effect Award: Heidi Jo Green, Ph.D., LSC-CyFair political science professor, brings government to life through her innovative and immersive teaching approach. She develops educational experiences that shape how students see their roles in society, such as meaningful debates between students and incarcerated individuals, Port of Houston tours, and local courtroom visits.

One LSC Award: Corniche Land, LSC-Tomball interim director, Admissions and Recruitment, and Allyson Bullock, LSC-University Park dean, Student Services, have collaborated to foster the “Team 249 – Corridor of Opportunity” partnership. While these two campuses were once competitive and siloed, this strategic initiative aligns programming, messaging, student support services and operational initiatives to support growth in their service areas.

“Lone Star College System would not be what it is without the faculty and staff who show up every day to give their best to their students and their peers,” Castillo said. “These individuals have gone above and beyond their assigned roles to ‘Do the Thing.’ They truly represent our system’s values in action.”

Visit LoneStar.edu/Employment to learn more about job opportunities across the college system.