Dallas College

The countdown is on! You can still reach us in person, by phone, email or online chat Dec. 23 and 24, or catch us next year. To get in touch --> https://bit.ly/4fCyYZy

Note: All campuses and offices close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2.

Life gets better when you embrace its seasons — each challenge, triumph and change brings you closer to the person you’re meant to become.” - Nelson Martinez, Dallas College Culinary student and a contestant on Food Network's "Christmas Cookie Challenge"! Catch the episode on Food Network tonight, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m., and if you miss it, you can stream it anytime on HBO Max starting Friday, Dec. 20. Read more about Nelson below.

What is your experience like being a contestant on Food Network's "Christmas Cookie Challenge”?
“It has been truly amazing. I was actually scouted through Instagram. At first, I honestly thought it was a scam, but then they reached out to me via phone and I realized it was for real. It reminded me how easy it is to take yourself for granted, but sometimes you need to take a step back and really appreciate all the hard work you’ve put in to get where you are. There are two rounds: the first is a simpler challenge focused on design. If you advance to the second round, you face a structural challenge, after which the winner is announced.”

Why has the Culinary and Pastry program made such an impact on you?
“Dallas College CHI is an incredible place to attend because everyone is so welcoming, and it provides amazing opportunities to connect with people and jobs in our industry. I would like to give a huge shoutout to Chef Steve DeShazo, who always goes above and beyond, taking time out of his day to help find solutions to any challenges we face.”

Champions call Dallas College their home college! The 2024-2025 basketball season is in full swing, and before tipoff of their season opener, we honored our North Lake men’s basketball team for capturing last season’s NJCAA National Championship. As part of the celebration, the team received their rings in front of a packed house on game day. Good luck to the Blazers and all of our Dallas College men’s and women’s teams this basketball season!

Catch a game this season - all Dallas College games are free to attend!

Tuition exemption for seniors! The Dallas College Lifelong Learning Program is designed for our 55+ community with a range of credit and continuing education courses customized for older adults. Seniors 65+ are even eligible for a tuition waiver that covers up to six credit hours per semester! Learn more and see if you qualify —> https://bit.ly/3BBVxPV

Less than a month to go! Register now to get the classes you need for full 16-week Spring ’25 courses. Plus, students who took Fall ’24 classes and register by Dec. 24 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP parking space next semester. Get started —> https://bit.ly/3ZY3nNj

The end is here! With the Fall 2024 semester behind you, which class was your favorite?

For some, today marks the last step in their journey toward a degree. For others, it's the beginning of a well-deserved break. For the determined, it's a transition from one semester to another. Wherever you’re headed, we're proud of you. See you again soon!

"Coming into community college, I didn’t know what I was doing or how to navigate the everyday experience, I thought you just came to class and went home. I quickly got to meet people through student clubs and hear their stories, and naturally I felt connected to people around me. I am able to make friends while staying close to home. I came here just to get my degree and that’s it, but I was elected to be VP of SGA because of all the relationships I’ve built, and along the way I ended up finding myself.

Community college has made my life better through embracing my vulnerability. All of us as students are putting our heads together to make it out of here successfully. My friends and classmates are all connected and finding ways to help each other. The number one resource for me this semester has been the FOCUS student club. They really help ground you during a busy semester, and members are here to support you – and even hug you when you need that comforting moment. There are people who can push you when you feel like breaking down, and they’re here with you for the long haul."

A FULL-RIDE scholarship for our newest Kramp Scholars to help them achieve their academic goals! Fighting through the challenges, they dug deep and found the courage to rise — and win! Read their inspiring stories: https://bit.ly/3ZVtSD7

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to register for Spring 2025, it pays to do it early. Why? Several reasons, but the big one is that you might win a VIP parking space on campus or other great prizes! Just register for your Spring classes by Dec. 24 to be eligible —> https://bit.ly/3Dc4Q9w

Great news for prospective Dallas College students! A $60M gift from the O’Donnell Foundation is expanding Dallas County Promise. New and expanded programs will support returning adults, parents of Promise students and those in workforce training. More opportunities are coming for our students to build thriving-wage careers for themselves, and we are thrilled to continue our barrier-busting work in the community. Learn more here https://bit.ly/4g0ExBI

At this month’s Board of Trustees meeting, we celebrated the incredible achievements of the Eastfield volleyball team, who brought home their second consecutive NJCAA Division III National Championship! 🏆🎉

The Harvester Bees capped their historic season with a dominant 34-1 record, sweeping their final nine opponents, including six in postseason play. Three players — Carli Banks, Azoria Davis, and Taryn Doiron — earned First Team All-American honors, while Brenly Walker was named to the Second Team. 🙌

For Walker, the journey began with a phone call from Coach Phil Nickel, who promised, “If you come here, you’re going to be a national champion.” That vision became a reality thanks to the team’s grit, determination, and unity. “Everyone brought something unique to the table,” Banks said. “It created this foundation of aggressiveness, competitiveness, and just grit — we all wanted to win.”

Join us in applauding these outstanding student-athletes and their coaches for their hard work and commitment to excellence. This is more than a championship — it’s a legacy. 💪🐝

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/41iWwPk

Meet Chong Chu, a proud Dallas College professor for the past 40 years! From Brookhaven art student to well-respected faculty member, Chong’s story is full of inspiration and hope for creative minds.

Enrolled: Brookhaven, 1978-80
Job title: Professor of Art at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus

Why did you attend Dallas College?

I was born in South Korea and came to Dallas in 1975 with my parents. My whole family moved to Dallas because my father got a job here. When we arrived, I had no friends. I had just graduated from high school in Korea, and all my friends were still there. Deep inside my heart, I wanted to be an artist, specifically an abstract artist. I wanted to attend an art school to pursue my dreams, but everyone thought I was crazy. My English skills were not strong enough to enroll in school, and since I had just graduated high school, I couldn't go back. I felt stuck. In 1978, I heard from someone in the Korean community that Brookhaven College was opening. In October 1978, during a miserable weather day, I drove to Brookhaven College. My goal was simple: I wanted to see an art classroom. I couldn’t register because the semester had already started, but when I peeked into a noncredit art class on a Wednesday evening, the students and the teacher invited me to join. I was so delighted. Even though I couldn’t officially enroll, they let me sit in and paint with them once a week. My teacher encouraged me to register for the following semester.

Why did you become an art professor?

After finishing my courses at Brookhaven, Professor Taylor asked me what I planned to do next. I told him I didn’t know. He suggested I take my artwork to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and meet with Larry Scholder, the chairman of the art department. I followed his advice and brought my portfolio to SMU. When I met Larry Scholder, he asked me only one question: “Did you do all of this yourself?” I said yes. He was particularly impressed by a portrait I had drawn from a live model. After reviewing my work, he told me it was enough and sent me on my way. A few weeks later, I received two letters: one offering me a transfer scholarship based on my GPA and the other from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, which covered the remaining tuition. With a full scholarship, I transferred to SMU and studied there for two years. Later, I attended Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia to pursue my master’s degree. After earning my master’s degree, I planned to move to New York to further my career. I packed everything into a U-Haul, but my father called me and asked me to come back to Dallas to help the family. So, I returned to Dallas, where I met my future wife, a graduate student from Temple University. Before coming back, I called my former professor, Don Taylor, to let him know I was returning. He invited me to teach part time at Brookhaven College. At first, I hesitated, but he challenged me, saying, “Do you know more than an 18-year-old who just graduated high school?” His words stuck with me, and I decided to give teaching a try. In 1984, I began teaching evening classes at Brookhaven. I taught part time for many years while helping my father and working as a high school teacher. Eventually, in 2002, I became a full-time professor at Brookhaven, where I continue to teach today. Brookhaven holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I started. Many of the students I teach today face similar struggles to what I went through in 1978. I understand their challenges — balancing jobs, financial stress and uncertainty about their futures. I always tell my students, “If I can do it, you can do better than me because you were born in the United States. I wasn’t.” My goal is to inspire them to move forward and complete their education. I want to see the parking lots full at the end of the semester, not half-empty like they often are now.

What is the most rewarding part and proudest moment as a professor?

At the beginning of every semester, many of my students struggle. They often share their hardships — lack of money, personal problems or doubts about their abilities. One student, a young man over 18, frequently arrived late and lacked proper supplies. One day, he came in with a rolled-up piece of paper, which was actually his homework. When he showed it to me, I flattened it on the table and said, “Don’t go anywhere. Stay here.” It was a short conversation, but it carried a deeper message: “You have potential. Don’t mess around with your life.” He stayed despite facing difficulties. Over time, I helped him see his potential and encouraged him to keep going. Moments like this remind me why I teach — to help students believe in themselves and succeed.

Are you a proud Dallas College alum? Visit https://bit.ly/4fY2WrC to join our network!

Parents and Students: An extra day to get it all done - We’re open Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. via phone, email and online chat to help you prepare for next semester. We know your weekday schedule is busy. That’s why we’re here to help. Get the details: https://bit.ly/41hPFpj

POV: You were worried about preparing for finals until realizing you had the support of our qualified team of tutors. Walk-in sessions happen at all campus locations including one on one, larger groups, single course or even multiple courses. There are also study jams happening this week Dec. 3-5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on every campus. Whatever your needs are, we got your back. Info at https://bit.ly/4i8JUAB