President's Update

DRAGON COUNTRY! Summer Bash 2026 will take place on August 13, 2026, from 12–2:30 p.m.

Summer Bash showcases the many programs, resources, services, and opportunities available at Howard Community College. Students and community members can learn about HCC’s academic programs, transfer pathways, and career-focused training, as well as receive assistance with applying to HCC, registering for classes, completing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and applying for scholarships. Students who are registered for the fall semester and attend Summer Bash will automatically be eligible for a Financial Aid Services Scholarship.

Participants can explore student activities and engagement opportunities, connect with faculty and staff, discover campus resources, take a Dragon Tour, and meet members of our championship Dragons Athletics programs. Join us as we celebrate the start of the academic year with free food (while supplies last), games, live music, prizes, and more!

If you are faculty/staff who are volunteering or representing your department for this event, please complete this form. If you have questions, please email co-chairs Danny Hall (DHall@HowardCC.edu) or Will Shaw (WShaw@HowardCC.edu) for assistance.

*Weather Contingency Plan: In the event of rain or inclement weather, Summer Bash will be moved indoors. Please check the website for updates.

We are hosting a back-to-school expo, which is a collaboration with local community leaders to provide backpacks/supplies to school children. Our goal is to provide resources to children as they start their school year and to connect with their parents and families. We will also have a short presentation in Smith Theatre outlining resources geared towards student parents.

We have over 300 families already registered for the event. A resource fair will be held in the Galleria with community and college resources, and families will receive bookbags and supplies to help prepare children for a successful school year.

We are asking for volunteers to help with registration, distribution of bookbags and pizza, and directing families around the Quad to designated areas. If you are able to help, please sign up here.

Books in Bloom: The Author's Panel | Campus Drive

Commemorate the 10th annual Books in Bloom festival with a heartfelt Author’s Panel featuring powerhouse creators Jason Reynolds, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman, and Sasa Aakil. Together, these phenomenal creators discuss the power of storytelling, the intersection of art and community, and the importance of amplifying diverse perspectives in today's literary landscape.

• Anthony Beachum; Facilities (7/23)

• Brian Fitzek; Continuing Education (08/14)

• Kevin Smith; Facilities (7/8)

• Christopher Vizcarrondo; Teaching and Learning Services (7/31)

Know Your Two Exits

Whatever room you spend the most time in, whether it’s your office, a classroom, or a lab, find the second way out before you ever need it. Most people know the door they came in. Far fewer know the nearest alternate, and in a real emergency the familiar door is often the one everyone else is crowding toward.

You will likely never need it, and that is exactly why it is worth doing now, while it costs you nothing.

Unplug Idle Chargers

That laptop brick, phone charger, and power strip left plugged in over a long weekend keep drawing power even with nothing attached. It’s called phantom load, and across a campus our size it adds up to real money and real energy for zero benefit. Before you leave for a break, pull the chargers and flip off the power strips at your desk.

Nothing you own is charging while you are gone, so nothing needs to stay plugged in.