Maryland man reflects on surviving 9/11 attacks in World Trade Center 24 years ago

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Adam Thompson

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    BALTIMORE COUNTY, Maryland (WJZ) — Steve Peck, who now lives in Baltimore County, was working on the 63rd floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in New York City 24 years ago when the building shook violently.

At that moment, he had no idea the impact it would have on the United States.

Peck was one of the lucky ones who survived the terror attack on Sept. 1, 2001. More than 3,000 people in the two towers died.

“I’m sure everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news,” Peck said. “I just happened to be 20 to 30 floors below where the building was hit in World Trade Center One.”

“A plane hit the building”

Peck said that he and his colleagues were preparing for a 9 a.m. meeting when he thought a bomb had gone off.

They went to the stairwell, focused on running as fast as they could down 63 flights of stairs.

“We went to the stairs and figured out how fast we could run, and what we were going to run into when we got down there.” Peck remembers.

Peck said the traffic on the stairs picked up as they reached the 37th floor, which was compared to leaving a stadium event.

A work colleague looked at his Blackberry and saw the news that a plane had just struck the World Trade Center.

“The lights were on, there was smoke, and we were trying to figure out what was happening. At this time, one of the colleagues in the area had a Blackberry…and he said a plane hit the building,” Peck said. “Then, right around the 30th floor, it rocked again. We said, ‘What was that?’ and the Blackberry said a plane hit the other building.”

Peck said that everyone in the stairwell had to find a way to make it out of the building without panicking. They had to work together to escape.

“Once we knew that had happened, we knew we were kind of sitting ducks, and we were going to make our way down, no panic,” Peck said. “People were obviously scared, but everybody was sticking together, and our hope was to get out.”

Once he got out of the World Trade Center, Peck said he looked up and saw where the plane had collided with the side of the building.

“A lot of people were standing in the park and looking. When we got out, I had a chance to look up at the gaping holes,” Peck said. “Then, my thoughts were if there was anything we could do to help. It was chaos.”

“Never forget”

The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, still stick with Peck, who was fortunately able to walk away on that tragic morning.

“There were so many things that day,” Peck said. “It was a horrible act, just cowardly, that caused this to happen, 3,000 lives just lost. That was very brutal.”

However, Peck said the biggest thing he took away from that day was everyone working together, from citizens to emergency responders.

“We were aligned in that stairwell, aligned when we got out,” Peck said. “Nobody cared what race you were, nobody cared what preferences you had, nobody cared about anything but helping each other out.”

Peck spoke about the firefighters who went into the building and the tens of thousands who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

“We just have to never forget those who gave their lives,” Peck said. “My memory of that day was, in the midst of horrible loss, that 30,000 of us got out alive thanks to the firefighters and the police officers who made sure we got out.”

Peck continued, “The firefighters were putting their lives on the line, and I will never forget them, and I will never forget what it was like to be a country on Sept. 12, the day after.”

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Michigan Sen. Jeremy Moss says his home was targeted by bomb threat

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Paula Wethington

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    OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan (WWJ) — A high-ranking elected Michigan Democrat says his home was targeted by a bomb threat Thursday, the second such incident to become public this week.

Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss of Oakland County, president pro tempore of the Michigan Senate, said the threat made to his house is an example of an “untenable” political environment. It happened the same day that Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said a “credible bomb threat” was directed at his home. Gilchrist, a Democrat, is serving with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in this term and has announced intentions to run in 2026 for governor.

Moss represents Michigan’s Seventh State Senate District, which includes parts of Oakland and Wayne counties. He announced in May that he is running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional seat in the 2026 election cycle.

Moss said that “a detailed and specific message” had threatened a bomb at his home. Local and state police, accompanied by a bomb-sniffing K-9, checked the area and ensured there was no immediate danger.

“This current political environment is untenable. In the past few days, I’ve experienced a noticeable influx of bigoted, aggressive messages directed at my office and social media inboxes. We must reject this as the norm in our politics, especially after recent acts of political violence have claimed lives in Minnesota and Utah,” Moss said.

“Democracy relies on the freedom to speak, debate, and disagree without fear of violent retribution. I won’t be intimidated from standing up and speaking out on behalf of Michiganders. Our voice and our vote are the most effective tools to end this toxicity in our politics.”

The Utah reference was to the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Authorities announced an arrest in that shooting Friday morning.

The Minnesota reference was to the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in politically motivated shootings in June. Vance Boelter, 58, faces federal and state murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the deaths of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

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Student earns perfect score on LEAP test

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Brenda Teele

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    COUSHATTA, Louisiana (KTBS) — A young student from Red River Parish is being recognized for a remarkable academic achievement. Aaron Hester, who completed the third grade last school year, earned a perfect score on the LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) test in both reading and writing.

The results were recently released, and Hester’s performance places him among the top-performing students in the state.

When asked about his approach to the test, Hester shared thoughtful advice for other students.

“So first, you’re going to have to pay attention in class. Second, you have to believe in yourself and feel confident. And third, you have to put all the worry aside,” he said.

Hester’s mother, Chrissy Ryland, recalled the moment she learned of his perfect score.

“His principal called and said he made a perfect score. And I was like, wait a minute. What? And I went back and looked—850 is the highest you can get. And I was like, wow. Mind blown,” she said.

Hester’s hard work and dedication will be formally recognized at the next Red River Parish School Board meeting. His achievement is not only a proud moment for his family, but also a shining example of academic excellence within the community.

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‘I don’t know how it’s going to be enough’: Flood victims react to disaster relief funds

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Jacob Murphy

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    WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (WDJT) — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, Sept. 11, that he has approved $29.8 million in disaster relief funds for the state of Wisconsin. Events to help flooding victims connect with resources are continuing throughout southeast Wisconsin over a month after the flooding.

Sonya Janicki was at a Waukesha County event on Thursday looking to get extra help in her recovery process.

“My husband had to tap into his retirement,” Janicki said. “He had to take money out of the money that we’ve spent years building up.”

Janicki is thankful for the potential funds but has questions about where it will go.

“I’ve just been looking around at what everybody lost, and that amount of money will dwindle really quickly,” Janicki said. “I don’t know how it’s going to be enough to take care of everything that’s been lost.”

Waukesha County Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Freeman talked about the next steps.

“We’re waiting to find out more, we know that this is a step in the right direction,” Freeman said. “We’re very thankful that the president’s taken a look at our recovery needs here in Waukesha County and across the state of Wisconsin.”

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‘I’m very disappointed’: Farmers shocked by low reimbursement checks for Helene crop loss

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Kimberly King

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    HENDERSON & RUTHERFORD COUNTIES, North Carolina (WLOS) — Farmers in western North Carolina are speaking out, shocked at what they describe as tiny state Agriculture Department reimbursement checks to cover massive Hurricane Helene crop damage.

The checks are from the legislature’s Helene recovery appropriation of $478 million in Ag Disaster Crop Loss funds appropriated by the General Assembly.

“This is a check for disaster relief from the state,” said Randy Edmundson, a farmer in Henderson County. “The check is for $5,151. I’m very disappointed.”

Edmundson showed News 13 the application he sent in for coverage of his losses. He estimates his loss on bean crops alone was $125,000.

“I just want some clarity,” he added.

Edmundson said in a 2018 hurricane reimbursement, he received a much larger amount for crop loss that was exponentially smaller than the losses he had with Helene.

Stuart Beam, a farmer in Rutherford County, said he suffered around $240,000 in Helene crop losses with flooded acres, including land he leases and farms.

“The check was a little over $3,000,” Beam said.

Beam said he called the state’s hotline for the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (866-747-9823), and learned that more crop checks would come. But, Beam said, he expects them to total pennies on the dollar.

“For a program that was sold to the farmers and sold to the legislature as being a meaningful difference, it’s a pretty tough blow,” he added.

“If someone gets a check they don’t feel is accurate, they can call their toll-free number,” said Dr. Terry Kelley, director for Henderson County’s Ag Extension office. “This round of payment is coming from money allocated by the North Carolina legislature.”

Farmers believe a different $221 million federal program just announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture won’t cover crops.

North Carolina’s Department of Agriculture estimated almost $5 billion in losses from Helene and other severe weather events in 2024.

“We have been hearing from farmers, so we know the initial group of checks that have been sent are getting out to them. Overwhelmingly, we have been hearing positive reports back from farmers, plus genuine relief that this money will help them pay last year’s bills and help with recovery expenses,” wrote Andrea Ashby, spokesperson for the state’s Agriculture Department.

“The disaster relief money is being sent out in categories, so depending on what a farmer applied for and if he farms in multiple counties, he may receive a number of checks. Checks will be sent for each category, so if a farmer had verified crop and infrastructure losses, for example, he would expect to receive two checks. If he farmed in two counties and applied for losses in both, he would receive a check for losses in each county, which also would be category-based,” Ashby continued.

Approximately 800 checks have gone out, according to Ashby, with more going out every week.

“These funds can never cover everything farmers have lost from this devastating storm, but we hope it will be a bridge to help with recovery. We are grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly for their continued support of our farmers and for funding this state’s [agriculture] disaster relief program. To our knowledge, North Carolina is the only state doing direct ag loss payments to farmers separate from federal funds,” she continued.

Any farmer with questions about checks can reach out to agdisaster@ncagr.gov.

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1 child killed, 2 others injured in domestic shooting at apartment; father arrested

CNN Newsource on September 12, 2025

By Kellen Voss, Ruta Ulcinaite

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    PORT HURON, Michigan (WXYZ) — A 17-year-old boy was killed, and a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were injured after a shooting at an apartment in Port Huron early Thursday morning.

According to the Port Huron Police Department, a 44-year-old suspect, the father of the victims, is in custody without incident.

The 13-year-old and 12-year-old were taken to Detroit-area hospitals and remain in critical condition. Their names have not been released.

The 17-year-old boy who was killed has been identified as Kayleb Smerer by family members.

Jennifer Goddard, a neighbor who helped one of the kids after the shooting, spoke to 7 News Detroit Reporter Ruta Ulcinaite.

She said the 12-year-old came out of the house covered in blood, and encouraged medical personnel to check on his brother and sister.

“He said, ‘My dad shot my brother and sister. My dad shot my brother and sister,'” Goddard told us.

Goodard told us that the suspect eventually came out of the house and surrendered to police, saying, “It was me, I shot him. I shot him.”

The shooting happened early Thursday morning at Glenview Gardens Apartments, located in the 2000 block of Glenview Court.

Police said they were called to the apartment complex around 6:10 a.m. on a report of a shooting.

According to police, the father has provided investigators with details of the incident and remains in police custody. Police say they will be seeking criminal charges.

Police say that a 20-year-old son and the kids’ mother were able to wrestle with the father and get the gun away from him, preventing anything further from happening.

In a letter addressed to families of Port Huron Schools, Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas and Holland Woods Middle School Principal Jillian Bertich said the following:

Early this morning, the Port Huron Police Department informed our District of an active domestic shooting incident near Holland Woods Middle School. They assured us that schools could safely open on schedule, as the suspect was already in custody.

We are deeply saddened to share that three of our students were injured during the incident. Tragically, one has passed (17 year old male) and the other two (13 and 12) are currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition. We will not release names until the police do.

School will remain in session today. We know many students would otherwise be home alone, and we believe it is best to keep them in an environment where we can provide support and care. We have the district social work and counseling teams on site to support our students. That said, families are welcome to sign their children out if they are able to and feel it is is best.

Later today, we will share guidance and resources to help families talk with their children during this difficult time.

Please keep our students and school community in your thoughts and prayers.

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Jeffrey L. Boney Launches “Next Level” Campaign for Missouri City Mayor

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 10, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Missouri City, Texas — Councilman Jeffrey L. Boney isn’t just entering the mayoral race—he’s stepping in to break up the status quo with purpose, urgency, and a track record that speaks volumes. Known for turning community concerns into concrete solutions, Boney is running on a promise to deliver bold, collaborative leadership that transforms neighborhood ideas into citywide progress.

“Nothing just happens in city government,” Boney says. “Change takes vision, commitment, and action. Missouri City deserves a leader who won’t settle for the status quo—and who’s ready to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

His “Next Level” agenda is more than a slogan, it’s philosophy in action. Over the years, Boney has championed reforms that prioritize transparency, equity, and accessibility, always with everyday residents at the center. From tax relief to public safety, his work reflects a deep belief that good governance starts with listening—and ends with action.

Take, for example, his push to ease the financial burden on homeowners. Boney authored and passed Missouri City’s first-ever citywide Homestead Exemption, expanding it further to include seniors and residents with disabilities. It was a move that kept more money in neighbors’ pockets—and signaled a new era of people-first policymaking.

He didn’t stop there. To raise the bar on ethics and trust, Boney established the city’s first Ethics Commission, setting new standards for openness and accountability. And when residents called for a way to reclaim their streets and stories, he reformed the renaming process—making it easier to retire offensive or outdated names.

Boney’s vision for revitalization is equally tangible. Along the Texas Parkway/Cartwright corridor, he spearheaded programs to refresh aging business facades and attract sit-down dining. His efforts helped transform a vacant Sonic into a thriving retail strip, brought Family Dollar back to a long-empty Walgreens site, and supported local entrepreneurs like Mystros Barber Academy in breathing new life into neglected properties.

Infrastructure and resilience have also been front and center. As a member of the H-GAC Water Resources Committee, Boney helped direct over $5 million in flood mitigation funding to Missouri City. He partnered with METRO to secure a $60 million Park & Ride facility—connecting residents to opportunity while easing congestion.

Public spaces have flourished under his leadership. Freedom Tree Park underwent a full renovation, honoring its historic roots while expanding recreational access. Along Texas Parkway, xeriscape beautification projects brought smart, sustainable curb appeal to the heart of the city.

Boney has also worked to protect neighborhoods through oversight and safety initiatives, including a group home study to ensure compatibility and accountability. On the Community Development Advisory Committee, he helped steer millions in federal dollars toward housing rehab, elderly nutrition, student scholarships, park enhancements, and more—always with an eye toward impact.

Economic development has surged, but not at the expense of transparency. Boney worked directly with NewQuest Properties to secure development agreements for Fort Bend Town Center II & III. He helped bring the Amazon Fulfillment Center to Missouri City—adding over 1,500 jobs without offering tax abatements. Under his watch, his council district saw the largest economic growth in the city.

“We need a future where ideas aren’t just talked about—they’re delivered,” Boney says. “That’s what Next Level leadership means.”

His campaign isn’t just about policy—it’s about presence. Through the “Boney Around the City” tour, he’s meeting voters where they live, work, and worship, driving an economic boost to small businesses. From school supply giveaways to Sundae Sundays, the campaign is rooted in connection and care. The next leg of the campaign” Boney Around the City will kick off the week of September

15th, please see contact information below to include your business in this city wide event.

As Missouri City grows, Boney believes the path forward must be intentional. His platform calls for planned infrastructure, targeted development in underserved corridors, youth engagement, senior support, and transparent, community-led policymaking. It’s a blueprint for a city that reflects the best of its people: diverse, dynamic, and ambitious.

If elected, Boney’s top priorities include:

• Strengthening public safety and emergency readiness

• Expanding senior services that honor dignity and independence

• Building year-round youth advocacy and recreation

• Deepening partnerships between city, business, and nonprofits

• Opening data, doors, and dialogue at City Hall

Looking to get involved?

            · Volunteer / Donate / Learn more

:BoneyForMayor.com          

            · Follow the campaign:@BoneyForMyCommunity

(Facebook) | @BoneyForMayor (IG)

            · General contact: team@boneyformayor.com

Paid for by the Jeffrey L. Boney Campaign, Sharwin Boney, Treasurer.

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Evolve Houston and METRO: Driving a Cleaner, Smarter, More Connected Future

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 10, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — When you see a sleek all-electric shuttle zipping through Houston’s Second Ward, Third Ward, Downtown, Near Northside, or the Heights, you’re not just witnessing a ride—you’re witnessing history in the making. Evolve Houston, a membership-based nonprofit founded in 2019 by CenterPoint Energy, the City of Houston, Shell, NRG Energy, and the University of Houston, is reshaping the way our city thinks about transportation and clean air for all Houstonians.

From Pilot to Powerhouse: The Community Connector

What began in June 2023 with only two electric vehicles has now grown into a fleet of 19, serving thousands of riders monthly. Known as the Community Connector, this all-electric microtransit service is more than just free rides—it’s a lifeline. Nearly half of all trips (46%) start or end at or near METRO transit stations, bridging vital gaps for seniors, families, and low-income residents.

The collaboration with Houston METRO has been instrumental. When Evolve shared trip data showing how heavily riders connected to METRO bus stops and rail stations, METRO immediately saw the potential. By mid-2024, METRO began directly funding the City of Houston to continue and expand the program, ensuring it aligned with the METRONow strategy of creating seamless, first-and-last-mile solutions.

“Partnerships like this are the future of Houston transit,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Chair of the METRO Board of Directors. “By connecting Evolve’s Community Connector with our bus and rail system, we’re not just providing rides—we’re creating freedom of movement for Houstonians who need it most.”

Fueling Houston’s Clean Transportation Future

Transportation accounts for nearly half (47%) of Houston’s greenhouse gas emissions. Evolve Houston is on a mission to change that. Through its Community Grant Program, Evolve invests directly into underserved communities, funding projects that expand access to electric mobility, reduce emissions, and foster economic opportunity. Applications for the next round of grants open on September 15th, furthering Houston’s path toward an inclusive, sustainable future.

“Our grants are about more than clean transportation,” explained Casey Brown, CEO of Evolve Houston. “They’re about ensuring every Houstonian—no matter their zip code—has access to mobility that improves their quality of life.”

Casey Brown: From Football Fields to Future Thinking

Evolve Houston’s leader, Casey Brown, brings a story as compelling as the mission he champions. A former quarterback turned physicist, Brown’s career journey spans Halliburton in North Dakota, an MBA from Rice University, and an executive role in the energy sector before leading Evolve’s rebrand in 2022.

“Community college and football were foundational for me,” Brown reflected. “They instilled the problem-solving mindset and confidence I bring to every challenge. Now at Evolve Houston, I’m honored to work alongside a team of problem-solvers committed to positioning Houston as a leader in the global energy transition.”

Brown believes Houston is uniquely positioned to stay at the forefront of global energy innovation, leveraging skills from the hydrocarbon era into a cleaner, more resilient economy.

Innovation Backed by Partnerships

Evolve’s success thrives because of bold partnerships with the City of Houston, Houston METRO, and private contractors. METRO’s funding support transformed the Community Connector from a grassroots pilot into a sustainable, multi-zone pilot service that not only complements METRO’s existing bus and rail routes but also amplifies their accessibility.

“Houston is a city that embraces innovation,” said Meredith Johnson, Executive Vice President of Communications of Houston METRO. “Working with Evolve allows us to expand mobility options, reduce emissions, and serve our neighborhoods in smarter, more inclusive ways.”

Brown agreed, adding: “We could not have done this without METRO and the City. They saw the vision and had the courage to test it, innovate it, and expand it.”

Why It Matters

The Community Connector isn’t just a pilot project; it’s a promise—a promise that Houston can be a global leader in mobility equity, clean energy, and community-driven solutions.

Or, as one rider from the Third Ward recently said: “This ride means freedom for me. Freedom to move, freedom to connect, and freedom to breathe cleaner air.”

With Evolve Houston and Houston METRO working hand-in-hand, the city’s transportation future is not just electric—it’s unstoppable.

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611

Houston City College – Northwest: Building Pathways, Shaping Futures in West Houston

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    September 10, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston City College – Northwest (formerly Houston Community College Northwest) is more than just a campus—it’s a living testament to Houston’s forward-thinking spirit, serving as a launchpad for dreams, innovation, and community growth. As one of six colleges in the Houston City College District, the Northwest campuses empower students across Alief, Katy, Spring Branch, and parts of HISD, creating an educational hub that balances affordability, accessibility, and excellence.

A Legacy of Accessible Education

For over 30 years under the visionary leadership of Dr. Zachary Hodges, HCC Northwest has transformed lives with a philosophy rooted in opportunity. The college offers associate degrees that seamlessly transfer to universities and certificate programs tailored to Houston’s fast-evolving industries, ensuring that students not only learn but are prepared to thrive. Its mission has always been simple yet profound: to provide accessible, high-quality education that aligns with community needs and workforce demands.

Centers of Excellence: Where Innovation Meets Aspiration

Northwest is home to two standout Centers of Excellence that underscore Houston’s reputation as a city of builders and creators:

Engineering Center of Excellence – In collaboration with Texas A&M, University of Houston, and UT Tyler, this academy equips students with cutting-edge skills to design, problem-solve, and innovate for tomorrow’s economy.

Media, Visual & Performing Arts Center of Excellence – A creative hub where aspiring artists, designers, and performers find the tools and mentorship needed to transform passion into profession.

At the Katy campus, the Agricultural Sciences Academy—in partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University—brings agricultural innovation into focus, blending tradition with modern sustainability practices to prepare future leaders in agri-science.

Education That Works for Houston

In true Houston fashion, HCC Northwest is a place where practicality meets possibility. Whether it’s career placement services, academic advising, or specialized programs like the VAST Academy for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the college emphasizes inclusivity and student success. The result? A diverse and dynamic student body whose graduates fuel Houston’s economy while uplifting their communities.

As Dr. Hodges proudly shares, “At Northwest, teaching and learning come first, but so does your success as a student. We are not just shaping scholars—we are shaping Houstonians who will make an impact.”

A Hub for the Community

Northwest is not an isolated campus; it is a community connector. By embedding itself within Alief, Katy, and Spring Branch, HCC Northwest has become a vital partner for families, employers, and local leaders. Its presence ensures that quality education is never out of reach, whether you are a first-generation college student, a professional seeking new skills, or an artist chasing your vision.

Why Houston Style Magazine Supports HCC Northwest

Houston thrives when its people thrive. Institutions like Houston City College – Northwest provide the foundation for equitable growth, preparing generations of innovators, educators, and leaders. With its blend of academic rigor, workforce training, and holistic support, HCC Northwest continues to prove that education is not just about classrooms—it’s about building futures.

As Houston looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities, one thing is certain: HCC Northwest will remain a beacon of progress, helping our city rise, learn, and lead.

Quick Facts about Houston City College – Northwest

Founded: Part of the Houston City College District, serving West Houston.

President: Dr. Zachary Hodges (over 30 years of leadership).

Communities Served: Alief, Katy, Spring Branch, and HISD areas.

Centers of Excellence: Engineering, Media, Visual & Performing Arts, Agricultural Sciences.

Special Programs: VAST Academy, career placement, financial aid support.

Website: Houston City College – Northwest

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Seamless Pathway to Healthcare Leadership: HCC and ACE Open Doors to Master’s Degrees

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    September 11, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX (Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 10:00 AM CT) – In a moment that will be remembered as a turning point for Houston’s healthcare education pipeline, Houston City College (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences and the American College of Education (ACE) officially inked a partnership designed to catapult students from bachelor’s programs straight into graduate and doctoral studies—all at an unprecedented level of affordability.

Inside the heart of the Texas Medical Center, leaders gathered at HCC Coleman for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, a symbolic handshake between two institutions with one shared mission: empowering Houston’s future healthcare leaders today.

Education with Momentum

Imagine graduating with your Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management from HCC and already having 12 graduate credits in your pocket—credits that transfer seamlessly into ACE’s master’s program in Healthcare Administration. That’s more than momentum; it’s a fast-track rocket toward career advancement.

Better yet, students can complete their entire master’s program for under $9,000, positioning it as one of the most affordable graduate-level opportunities in the nation. And because ACE’s programs are 100% online, students won’t have to choose between work, family, or advancing their education—they can have it all.

“This partnership reflects our mission to support our students beyond graduation,” shared Dr. Lutricia Harrison, DNP, president of HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences. “By building strategic pathways with institutions like ACE, we help our students achieve long-term career success through advanced education, upward mobility, and skills designed for today’s evolving healthcare industry.”

Leaders Speak Out

The excitement was echoed by Geordie Hyland, MBA, president and CEO of ACE:

“We believe HCC students will embrace this master’s pathway because it allows them to work, attend college, and finish faster. And for those with bigger dreams, ACE also provides a stackable route to a doctorate degree in Leadership or Public Health Education.”

Also in attendance were Stephanie Nellons-Paige, ACE trustee member and wife of former HISD Superintendent and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige, alongside HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., whose leadership continues to elevate Houston City College into a national model for innovation in higher education.

A Future That Scales Up

Here’s where the story gets even more powerful: those 18 credits earned during the master’s program can be applied directly to ACE’s doctoral tracks, reducing both time and cost for ambitious students who want to rise to the very top.

This isn’t just about earning degrees. This is about producing the next generation of healthcare executives, hospital administrators, and public health leaders who will shape policy and patient care across Houston, Texas, and beyond.

Community Meets Ceremony

The signing ceremony wasn’t simply a formality—it was a celebration of Houston’s investment in its own. With the Texas Medical Center as the backdrop, the agreement underscored HCC’s role as Houston’s healthcare education powerhouse and ACE’s mission to make graduate-level education accessible and affordable.

The message was clear: when Houston educates boldly, Houston leads globally.

For more details about the HCC-ACE partnership, call 713-718-7366 or visit hccs.edu/Coleman.

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611