17�Թ�

17�Թ� proudly appoints Dr. Joseph Tacy as the new Chair of the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, where he aims to lead with a comprehensive approach, emphasizing innovation and excellence in nursing education, scholarship, and practice for Southeast Texas and beyond.

17�Թ�'s "Home for the Holidays" program, initiated in 2018, sees returning students sharing their college experiences at high schools, connecting over 800 students with support services, dispelling myths, and offering valuable insights into the college journey to foster connections and ease the transition.

For 21 years, Chef Casey Gates and 17�Թ� culinary students have volunteered at the Garth House Gala, a charity event raising funds for child advocacy. Gates, who carried on the tradition from his student days, emphasizes hands-on learning and community service, providing students with real-world catering experience while contributing to the local community.

17�Թ� held its fall commencement ceremony at the Montage Center on Friday Dec. 8 and Saturday Dec. 9, conferring over 2,000 degrees. 

Dr. Mehmet Akkurt, an assistant professor of counseling at 17�Թ�, delivered a keynote address at the National Board of Certified Counselor’s Mental Health Connections Conference. In his presentation, Akkurt emphasized the importance of creating sustainable mental health solutions globally by utilizing local resources.

The 17�Թ� Model United Nations team achieved Outstanding Delegation (Russia) and Distinguished Delegation (United States) at the Lone Star Conference in Texas. They also received accolades in various committees, including Outstanding Position Paper and Distinguished Delegation in the UNESCO committee.

17�Թ� received a $5 million donation from alumna Carolyn J. Keating, establishing the Carolyn J. Keating Center for Academic and Career Success in the College of Engineering.

Micki Carpenter Platt named the 17�Թ� Foundation as the beneficiary of two $20,000 charitable gift annuities, facilitated by the National Gift Annuity Foundation.

Two 17�Թ� first-year writers, Mohamed Irhabi and Rayshaun Smith, earned top honors at the inaugural First-Year Writing Across Curriculum (WAC) Composition Awards.