Featured Stories
Most SFSU students now eligible for monthly food and groceries assistance
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Nov. 2 -- California State University San Francisco State University posted the following news:
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Most SFSU students now eligible for monthly food and groceries assistance
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New rule expands CalFresh program to all undergraduates enrolled in degree programs at public colleges in California
Keeping the fridge stocked with healthy, nutritious food just got easier for San Francisco State University students. A new rule implemented by the California Department of Social Services allows all undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at a California State
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Nov. 2 -- California State University San Francisco State University posted the following news:
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Most SFSU students now eligible for monthly food and groceries assistance
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New rule expands CalFresh program to all undergraduates enrolled in degree programs at public colleges in California
Keeping the fridge stocked with healthy, nutritious food just got easier for San Francisco State University students. A new rule implemented by the California Department of Social Services allows all undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at a California StateUniversity, community college or University of California campus to meet the initial application requirements for CalFresh.
CalFresh is the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for California residents. It provides up to $306 or more for larger households for food and groceries each month. Visit the CalFresh website to apply and for more information.
"Knowing that I have my groceries covered, it's a huge weight off my chest," SFSU student Emma Galvez said just after registering successfully for CalFresh in September. "Balancing all my responsibilities as a student can be very difficult, especially having to manage my money and ensure that I can pay my bills on time and also go out to get groceries."
SFSU's Basic Needs Center offers additional free resources to help you remain nourished in a healthful, affordable fashion, including a CalFresh Help Clinic and vouchers for emergency meals. The Associated Students Food Pantry and Gator Groceries program, in partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, provides free produce, protein, specialty items and more to our students every week.
"Access to affordable, nutritious food [can be] a challenge for many, including SFSU students," said Mariven Rendon, the CalFresh outreach coordinator in SFSU's Basic Needs Center. "SFSU students deserve access to healthy food options that truly support their individual needs and lifestyles, and CalFresh is another tool that they can use to help get through the SFSU experience a little easier and cheaper."
Removing barriers
The new rule, in effect since June 1, removes barriers that kept financially eligible students from applying for CalFresh. Now, financially eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in an associate or bachelor's degree program can begin qualifying -- simply by being enrolled in any degree program at a CSU, UC or community college campus. Previously, student eligibility was dependent on working 20 hours a week, verification of Cal Grant status, securing a work-study job or enrolling in certain programs.
California officials expect the new rule will result in an additional 200,000 college students enrolling in CalFresh, helping them access over $250 million in additional food assistance. Rendon notes that SFSU's CalFresh Help Clinic has assisted over 400 students living on campus this fall to apply for CalFresh benefits and reduce their meal plan.
"Because more students are able to qualify for CalFresh, more students are also able to change their meal plan to a 10-swipe plan, reducing their overall cost of attendance at SFSU," Rendon said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the new rule at an Oct. 9 event at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank also attended by SFSU students and SFSU President Lynn Mahoney.
"We can't expect students to learn if they're hungry, and in California, there is no reason for them to be, whether they're in kindergarten, high school or college," Newsom said in a news release. "You shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get the food benefits you're entitled to, and now you don't have to. Go apply now -- you might be leaving money on the table."
Get support at SFSU for your basic needs, including help signing up for CalFresh.
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Original text here: https://news.sfsu.edu/news/most-sfsu-students-now-eligible-monthly-food-and-groceries-assistance
Flagler College-Commissioned Documentary "Preserving the Ponce" Earns a 2026 Suncoast Emmy(r) Award Nomination
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, Nov. 2 -- Flagler College posted the following news:
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Flagler College-Commissioned Documentary "Preserving the Ponce" Earns a 2026 Suncoast Emmy(r) Award Nomination
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Built in 1888 by industrialist Henry Flagler, the Ponce was a marvel of its time, boasting electricity installed by Thomas Edison, dazzling Tiffany-stained glass, and Spanish Renaissance architecture that helped establish St. Augustine as a premier destination of the Gilded Age. Today, the building stands as the architectural and cultural heart of Flagler College.
"Preserving the Ponce" traces the
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ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, Nov. 2 -- Flagler College posted the following news:
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Flagler College-Commissioned Documentary "Preserving the Ponce" Earns a 2026 Suncoast Emmy(r) Award Nomination
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Built in 1888 by industrialist Henry Flagler, the Ponce was a marvel of its time, boasting electricity installed by Thomas Edison, dazzling Tiffany-stained glass, and Spanish Renaissance architecture that helped establish St. Augustine as a premier destination of the Gilded Age. Today, the building stands as the architectural and cultural heart of Flagler College.
"Preserving the Ponce" traces thelandmark's evolution from luxury hotel to National Historic Landmark and home to generations of Flagler students. Through archival materials, expert interviews, and immersive visual storytelling, the documentary explores the care, craftsmanship and vision behind preserving its legacy for future generations.
The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) presents the annual Suncoast Regional Emmy(r) Awards, recognizing excellence in television across Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Puerto Rico. The 2026 awards ceremony will take place Dec. 5 in Hollywood, Florida.
The Emmy(r) nomination brings additional recognition to the collaborative effort behind the documentary and to the importance of preserving one of St. Augustine's most recognizable historic landmarks.
Watch "Preserving the Ponce" at www.flagler.edu/PreservingThePonce.
About Flagler College
Flagler College is a private liberal arts college located in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Known for its distinctive campus, close-knit community and commitment to student learning, the College offers an education shaped by its historic setting and opportunities for hands-on experiences.
About Kennetic Productions, Inc.
Kennetic Productions is a documentary production company focused on story-driven films that capture people, places and ideas. The company partners with brands, nonprofits, organizations and communities to create films that connect with audiences and advance meaningful storytelling. Learn more at kenneticproductions.com.
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Original text here: https://www.flagler.edu/news-events/news/flagler-college-commissioned-documentary-preserving-ponce-earns-2026-suncoast
Climate-vulnerable Africa faces significant gaps in early warning systems, leaving millions at risk from extreme weather
BRISTOL, England, Nov. 2 -- The University of Bristol posted the following news release:
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Climate-vulnerable Africa faces significant gaps in early warning systems, leaving millions at risk from extreme weather
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Climate-related events affected at least 13 million people across Africa in 2025. Over the last decade alone extreme weather has affected populations in Africa disproportionately. Tropical Cyclone Freddy (Feb 2023) caused widespread flooding and led to over 1,500 deaths, and in 2015/16 a drought in southern Africa led to widespread crop failure and food insecurity for 40 million
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BRISTOL, England, Nov. 2 -- The University of Bristol posted the following news release:
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Climate-vulnerable Africa faces significant gaps in early warning systems, leaving millions at risk from extreme weather
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Climate-related events affected at least 13 million people across Africa in 2025. Over the last decade alone extreme weather has affected populations in Africa disproportionately. Tropical Cyclone Freddy (Feb 2023) caused widespread flooding and led to over 1,500 deaths, and in 2015/16 a drought in southern Africa led to widespread crop failure and food insecurity for 40 millionpeople.
Despite advances in forecasting, millions of people remain at risk because warnings do not always reach them in time, are not trusted or do not provide the support needed to take protective action. Household surveys carried out in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique found that, although most people (90% in Madagascar, 80% in Malawi and 77% in Mozambique) received warnings about approaching tropical cyclones, fewer than half evacuated after receiving an alert.
In this new study, researchers from the University of Bristol's Cabot Institute for the Environment, working with academics from the UK, Europe and southern Africa, investigated why early warnings do not always reach people in time or prompt them to take protective action. They outline six priorities to strengthen early warning systems and help ensure warnings reach everyone.
Findings from this study show that many of the barriers to uptake, of these often life-saving warnings, were not receiving warnings in sufficient time, scepticism about their content, and involuntary immobility or limited resources to evacuate.
Lizzie Kendon, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Bristol's Cabot Institute for the Environment, and the study's lead author, said: "Africa is hugely vulnerable to the devastating impacts of severe weather events. Early warning systems require more than accurate forecasts. We must ensure that warnings reach everyone, communicate risks clearly and support people to take appropriate protective action. This includes being prepared for unprecedented events of the future. Achieving this requires collaboration between governments, scientists, emergency services, communication providers and local communities."
The research team outline six priority intervention actions to tackle issues around lack of trust in forecasts, involving the affected communities towards achieving local ownership of climate information and response actions. These are:
* Understanding risks of unprecedented events
* Stress-testing of Early Warning Systems (EWS)
* Equipping national hydrometeorological services
* Community participation toward resilience-building and vulnerability-focused EWS
* Integrating local and scientific knowledge into EWS
* Strengthening coordination across agencies
Professor Kendon added: "As the United Nations' Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative approaches its 2027 deadline, which aims to ensure everyone worldwide is protected by early warning systems for natural hazards, our recommendations support a shift, from the provision of warnings to enabling action, essential for EWS to save lives at scale.
"The reality is that climate change will bring unprecedented extremes, well outside the scope of the historical record, and likely out of the coping range of local and indigenous methods. Therefore, it is critical we understand these risks and, for anticipatory action, we need to think far ahead and not just rely on past experiences."
The study is funded by REPRESA supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK and the International Development Research Council (IDRC) in Canada under the CLARE program.
Paper
'Opportunities for increasing resilience to changing severe weather in southern Africa: 'Early Action and Enhanced Adaptive Capacity for All' by Elizabeth J. Kendon et al. in Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS).
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Original text here: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2026/november/climate-vulnerable-africa.html
Air Force veteran finds next mission at San Jac
PASADENA, Texas, Nov. 2 -- San Jacinto College posted the following news:
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Air Force veteran finds next mission at San Jac
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As Tonie Marshall crossed San Jacinto College's commencement stage wearing a veteran stole and honors cord, a golden Labrador padded beside her in a miniature mortarboard.
Rocco has helped the veteran navigate public spaces since she left a rehabilitation center eight years ago. Back then, Marshall couldn't have imagined that the next chapter of her life would involve returning to school.
But her military service has taught her to keep moving forward, and at San
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PASADENA, Texas, Nov. 2 -- San Jacinto College posted the following news:
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Air Force veteran finds next mission at San Jac
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As Tonie Marshall crossed San Jacinto College's commencement stage wearing a veteran stole and honors cord, a golden Labrador padded beside her in a miniature mortarboard.
Rocco has helped the veteran navigate public spaces since she left a rehabilitation center eight years ago. Back then, Marshall couldn't have imagined that the next chapter of her life would involve returning to school.
But her military service has taught her to keep moving forward, and at SanJac, she's preparing to turn that experience into a career helping others face their own struggles.
Though her uncle served in Vietnam, Marshall enlisted in the Air Force not for family reasons but for the education benefits.
"I joined because of education, but I stayed because of the camaraderie and the mission," she said. "I developed a deep sense of patriotism."
Deployed just weeks after 9/11, Marshall served throughout both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Working in tactical communications, she helped set up radio and computer systems that connected aircraft, ground teams, and commanders.
"What I'm most proud of was working with different people from different walks of life," she said. "We came together to complete one mission. We found the pieces where we connected: Where I'm weak, you're strong."
While that work strengthened her commitment to serve, serious complications from a chronic inflammatory medical condition changed the course of her life.
"It was bad enough that I had to go to a physical rehab center and learn how to walk again," she said.
My journey -- pain, healing -- that's how I got into behavioral health. I could help other people realize you can get through it.
In 2018, her service dog trotted into her life. Rocco helps her balance, navigate crowds, and even remember medication.
"He's been connected to me at the hip since he was 8 weeks old," she said.
As her health stabilized, Marshall began asking how her experiences could help someone else. That question launched a new mission.
"My journey -- pain, healing -- that's how I got into behavioral health," she said. "I could help other people realize you can get through it."
After retiring from the Air Force, Marshall enrolled at San Jac in 2024.
Although she had attended college on and off throughout her military service, she had never completed a degree. Now, determined to finish, she was unsure whether she could attend classes regularly.
"I didn't think it was possible because of my disabilities," she said.
Marshall started with two classes at a time, Rocco at her side. Veteran services staff helped her understand her benefits and build her schedule. She also leaned on accessibility services, tutors, and professors who stayed with her until the material clicked.
"It doesn't have to be perfect," one English professor told her. "Just keep writing. Never take a zero."
Psychology and sociology courses triggered memories and connections.
"I was able to connect the dots with the stuff I had experienced," she said. "I had a lot of aha moments -- it ignited my zeal to learn."
In fall 2025, she earned her associate degree in social and behavioral sciences. Today, she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake while completing San Jac's mental health and addiction studies certificate program.
"I did transfer, but I found my way back," she said. "I just love this school."
Marshall's long-term goal is to counsel veterans, women, children, and other communities that may struggle to find support. She also hopes to expand her nonprofit organization Gertrude's Table, which provides lunchkits to people experiencing homelessness, into a place where everyone can access mental health support, animal-assisted therapy, and the arts.
Those plans might seem daunting, but college once seemed impossible too. Although Marshall has modified how she navigates the world, she doesn't let her disability define her.
"I'm capable, even with my barriers," she said. "The military taught me to make it happen."
Marshall wants to make room for other veterans who are wondering whether college is still possible. They don't have to wait until every fear or uncertainty resolves before taking the first step.
"Do it afraid," she said.
Learn more about veteran support
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor's and Aa2 by Moody's. San Jacinto College is accredited by the The Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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Original text here: https://www.sanjac.edu/about/news/2026/air-force-veteran-finds-next-mission-san-jac.php
Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame Ready for the Eternal City Tip-Off
VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania, Nov. 1 -- Villanova University posted the following news release:
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Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame Ready for the Eternal City Tip-Off
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The NCAA college basketball season tips off on an international stage, as Villanova and Notre Dame meet in an unprecedented college basketball showdown on November 1, 2026, at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. The men's matchup will air live on FOX at 3:30 PM CST (9:30 AM ET), followed by the women's game on FS1 at 6:00 PM CST (12:00 PM ET).
Inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born
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VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania, Nov. 1 -- Villanova University posted the following news release:
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Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame Ready for the Eternal City Tip-Off
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The NCAA college basketball season tips off on an international stage, as Villanova and Notre Dame meet in an unprecedented college basketball showdown on November 1, 2026, at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. The men's matchup will air live on FOX at 3:30 PM CST (9:30 AM ET), followed by the women's game on FS1 at 6:00 PM CST (12:00 PM ET).
Inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-bornPope and a Villanova graduate, student-athletes from some of the United States' top Catholic universities will travel to Rome and Vatican City for a one-of-a-kind international experience to begin their college hoops season.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, OCT. 30
VILLANOVA FANS ARRIVE IN ROME
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM CET | Villa Miani
Welcome Reception
If not included in your package, we cannot add you to any events.
All events are for ticketed guests only and are at capacity.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31
9:00 AM CET | St. Peter's Basilica
Private Mass
Celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Perez
Following Mass | St. Paul VI Audience Hall
Audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV
Subject to Papal availability
3:00 PM CET | Augustinianum
Sports & Spirituality Session
If not included in your package, we cannot add you to any events.
All events are for ticketed guests only and are at capacity.
SUNDAY, NOV. 1
Morning Mass | Solemnity of All Saints
There are several options for morning Mass in English throughout Rome.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CET | Pre-Game Receptions
On Location Pre-Game Reception - Spazio Novecento
Student Pre-Game Reception - Hilton Rome Eur La Lama
03:30 PM CET | Palazzo dello Sport (PalaEur)
Men's Basketball vs. Notre Dame
Doors open for PalaEur at 1:30 PM CET
6:00 PM CET | Palazzo dello Sport (PalaEur)
Women's Basketball vs. Notre Dame
If not included in your package, we cannot add you to any events.
All events are for ticketed guests only and are at capacity.
Notice of Consent for Media Recording
Please be advised that Villanova University may be taking photographs, videos or audio recordings of guests at Eternal City Tip-Off events. If attendees do not wish to have their likeness or voice made public, they must advise the photographer/recorder at the time the picture is being taken or the recording is being made. Attendees at this event who do not inform the photographer/recorder of their intention not to have their likeness or voice made public, have by their actions and omissions, authorized Villanova University to publish, perform and distribute in any format, and use for any purposes, commercial or otherwise, their name, image, likeness, voice and affiliation, and any photographs, video footage or audio recordings taken of them at the Event.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
OUR AUGUSTINIAN HERITAGE
PEOPLE TO KNOW
PLACES TO VISIT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MASS & PAPAL AUDIENCE
Official packages include coordinated group access to exclusive Vatican experiences, including a private Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and a planned audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
These experiences are arranged through official Vatican and event channels. However, all Vatican events, including the Papal Audience, remain subject to the Holy See's liturgical calendar, security protocols, and papal schedule and availability.
Vatican and basilica dress codes are strictly enforced. For all guests, shoulders and knees must be covered. Sleeveless shirts, short skirts, and shorts are not permitted. Hats should be removed when entering churches and other sacred spaces.
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended due to cobblestone streets and security screening areas. Guests are encouraged to wear modest attire in black, navy, charcoal, or other subdued colors.
Guests attending the Private Mass at St. Peter's Basilica must arrive by 8:30 a.m. to complete security screening. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., close promptly at 8:30 a.m., and Mass begins at 9:00 a.m. Guests arriving after 8:30 a.m. will not be admitted.
Guests attending only the Papal Audience should arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. for security screening. The anticipated audience is currently scheduled to begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Vatican City.
TRAVEL
Transportation varies by package. Many hotel-inclusive packages include motorcoach transportation between participating hotels and the Palazzo dello Sport on game day, while some ticket-only or base-level packages do not.
For questions, contact the On Location guest services.
The games will be played at the Palazzo dello Sport (PalaEUR) in Rome's EUR district.
Metro (Recommended): Take Metro Line B to the EUR Palasport station. The arena is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station.
Taxi or Rideshare: Official taxis and rideshare services are widely available. Due to expected game-day traffic, guests should allow additional travel time when departing from central Rome.
Rome's ATAC transit system includes buses, trams, and the metro. Single-ride tickets are valid for 100 minutes and may be purchased at metro stations, kiosks, and tabacchi shops.
Guests may also use contactless credit or debit cards directly at metro turnstiles through Rome's Tap & Go system.
Airport transfers are not included with most packages.
Guests may arrange private transfers through On Location, take an official taxi from the airport, or use the Leonardo Express train between Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Roma Termini Station.
BASKETBALL GAMES
The Eternal City Tip-Off will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Palazzo dello Sport (PalaEUR) in Rome. The men's matchup starts at 3:30 PM CST (9:30 AM ET), followed by the women's game at 6:00 PM CST (12:00 PM ET).
The event features a doubleheader between Villanova and Notre Dame, with both the men's and women's basketball teams competing.
Game tickets are available through select Official Experience Packages offered by On Location. Package options and availability may vary.
Visit the Official Experience Packages page for the latest ticket and hospitality offerings.
Tickets will be delivered digitally closer to the event date, typically one to two weeks before tip-off.
Detailed instructions will be sent to the primary email address associated with your order.
Doors to Palazzo dello Sport (PalaEur) will open at 1:30 PM (13:30) CET. Arrive early to get settled and enjoy the excitement ahead of the game.
Package and seating upgrades may be available based on inventory.
Guests interested in upgrading should contact On Location Guest Services for available options.
STUDENTS
Villanova students were invited to apply for the opportunity to purchase tickets and were selected through a random lottery process.
Unfortunately, registration has closed, and the waitlist is full, so we are unable to accommodate additional students at this time.
Yes. Villanova will host a dedicated pre-game reception for students who have purchased game tickets.
The reception will take place at the Hilton Rome Eur La Lama. Additional details will be shared directly with registered students.
Because of space limitations, only students with confirmed game tickets may attend.
EVENTS
Guests with Hotel-Inclusive Packages: Guests who purchased a hotel-inclusive package will receive their credentials from On Location Entertainment staff at their designated hotel. Each guest will receive an envelope containing their package credential, Vatican credentials, and any applicable wristbands for the Villanova Tailgate Party or in-arena hospitality, if purchased. Guests must present the QR code in their Wiz app to collect their credentials.
Events Only and Essentials Only Guests: Guests who purchased an Events Only or Essentials Only package will pick up their credentials at the designated distribution center:
Grand Hotel Palace Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto 70
00187 Rome, Italy
Guests must present the QR code in their Wiz app to collect their credentials at the distribution center.
The Villanova Welcome Reception will be held at Villa Miani on Friday, October 30.
This official kickoff event will bring Villanovans together for an evening of food, beverages, and remarks from University and Athletics leadership.
Attendance is limited to guests whose packages include admission to the reception. Suggested attire is smart casual.
If a package, hotel option, or event is sold out, we encourage you to join the official On Location waitlist.
Guests will be contacted if inventory becomes available due to cancellations or additional capacity.
No. Access to the Private Mass, Papal Audience, Villanova receptions, and other official events is non-transferable.
Guests should avoid purchasing access through third-party sellers, as unauthorized tickets and credentials will not be honored.
PREGAME RECEPTION
The official pre-game reception will be held at Spazio Novecento in Rome's EUR district on Sunday, November 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The reception concludes in time for guests to walk to the arena before doors open for the games.
Yes. The walk from Spazio Novecento to the Palazzo dello Sport is approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) and takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
Walking is recommended, as traffic around the arena is expected to be heavy before tip-off.
No. The pre-game reception is sold out.
Because of venue capacity limits, on-site ticket sales and walk-up admissions are not available.
Guests can enjoy:
* Traditional Italian lunch offerings and regional specialties
* Beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages
* A festive Villanova atmosphere featuring music and entertainment
* Appearances by University leadership, special guests, and Villanova spirit groups
NEWSLETTERS
CONTACT US
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT TICKET PACKAGES AND HOTELS?
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Original text here: https://www.villanova.edu/university/media/press-releases/2026/ecto.html
Preparing tomorrow's long-term care leaders for small acts, big impact
PASADENA, Texas, Nov. 1 -- San Jacinto College posted the following news:
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Preparing tomorrow's long-term care leaders for small acts, big impact
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When an Alzheimer's resident kept asking for a burger, Barry Goldstein knew what to do. He swung by McDonald's, then hand-delivered a cheeseburger to the man.
"He was so happy he almost started crying," Goldstein said.
That turned into a tradition, with Goldstein bringing the man a burger, fries, and shake every week for a year.
An adjunct faculty member in San Jacinto College's long-term care administration program, Goldstein teaches from
... Show Full Article
PASADENA, Texas, Nov. 1 -- San Jacinto College posted the following news:
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Preparing tomorrow's long-term care leaders for small acts, big impact
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When an Alzheimer's resident kept asking for a burger, Barry Goldstein knew what to do. He swung by McDonald's, then hand-delivered a cheeseburger to the man.
"He was so happy he almost started crying," Goldstein said.
That turned into a tradition, with Goldstein bringing the man a burger, fries, and shake every week for a year.
An adjunct faculty member in San Jacinto College's long-term care administration program, Goldstein teaches fromexperience. For three decades, he has worked in nursing and assisted/independent living facilities and now serves as the executive director of a Galveston retirement community.
Though many people misunderstand a long-term care career, Goldstein believes that's because they see only the caregiving side. The profession is so much more.
In the 1980s, Goldstein stumbled across an evening unit manager role in a nursing home. Loving the work, he decided to grow his skills and impact by pursuing San Jac's long-term care administration program in 1995. He has been working and teaching in the field ever since.
According to Goldstein, the role is not for you if you want to stay behind a desk or silence your cellphone after 5 p.m. On call 24/7, he has a hand in everything from budgeting, staffing, and marketing to maintaining compliance, preparing for emergencies, and building community relationships.
"What it's not is just providing care," he said. "It's more complex. It's meeting the financial obligations as well as regulatory obligations."
San Jac's three-semester advanced technical certificate program ensures you grasp those daily operations.
While taking classes online, you'll also complete 1,000 internship hours at a long-term care facility -- firsthand experience in operations, staffing challenges, regulatory compliance, and resident care that a textbook can't replicate.
After completing the program and national licensing exam, you can become an assistant or lead administrator in a long-term care setting.
Currently pursuing the program is Angela Contreras, a San Jac alumna and longtime nurse who wanted a broader view of healthcare and deeper relationship with patients.
"In a hospital, you see the patient, they get better, and they go home," Contreras said. "But in a long-term facility, I'm able to be with my residents on a daily basis, get to know them, and along with that see how the other side works."
As an intern, she witnesses the operations side and builds relationships.
"I absolutely love it -- working with the residents, getting to play bingo with them, getting to know each of them," she said.
Recently, she joined an impromptu domino game in the activity hall. Expecting to show her how to play, the senior men watched amazed as she blocked each of their moves.
"Whenever you want to play, just let us know," they said, chuckling.
Whether she's chatting with residents or advocating for them behind the scenes, Contreras hopes, above all, to preserve their dignity.
"What they think, how they feel, and how important they are ... that really matters more to me than anything else," she said.
As healthcare faces growing demand for senior services, the need increases for long-term care leaders who understand both resident care and facility operations.
Who's right for this field? You must balance critical thinking skills with empathy. At one moment, you could be dealing with a facility power outage and at another helping a spouse or child navigate a family member's devastating diagnosis.
"Alzheimer's is one of the most challenging disease processes for a family to get through because it's cumulative and a long process," Goldstein said. "Through education, empathy, support, and creating a team to help out and follow up, you can give families resources that make things easier."
While the job can pay well, Goldstein says money isn't the primary motivator. For him, success is measured not by budgets, inspections, or occupancy rates but in moments, like delivering a burger to a resident who asked for one.
"Something so small meant the world to this guy," he said.
Learn more about the long-term care administration program
Bachelor's degree in business, healthcare administration, nursing, or related field
26 credit hours (1.5 years or three terms)
San Jac Online
$124,203 (Texas Wages)
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor's and Aa2 by Moody's. San Jacinto College is accredited by the The Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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Original text here: https://www.sanjac.edu/about/news/2026/preparing-tomorrow-long-term-care-leaders-small-acts-big-impact.php
Ozarks' Kremers Caps Distinguished 31-Year Military Career
CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas, Nov. 1 -- The University of the Ozarks posted the following news:
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Ozarks' Kremers Caps Distinguished 31-Year Military Career
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After more than three decades of military service, including deployments overseas, leadership roles in the Arkansas National Guard and a history-making promotion, Col. Eric T. Kremers is preparing to close a distinguished chapter of his life.
Kremers, who serves as science lab manager for the Wilson Science Center at University of the Ozarks and as an instructor in the University's health science promotion and exercise science programs,
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CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas, Nov. 1 -- The University of the Ozarks posted the following news:
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Ozarks' Kremers Caps Distinguished 31-Year Military Career
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After more than three decades of military service, including deployments overseas, leadership roles in the Arkansas National Guard and a history-making promotion, Col. Eric T. Kremers is preparing to close a distinguished chapter of his life.
Kremers, who serves as science lab manager for the Wilson Science Center at University of the Ozarks and as an instructor in the University's health science promotion and exercise science programs,will officially retire from the military on Nov. 1, 2026, concluding a 31-year career marked by service, leadership and achievement.
His military career was celebrated Oct. 18 during a special retirement ceremony hosted by the Arkansas Medical Readiness Detachment at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. More than 200 people attended the event, including family members, friends and numerous soldiers who had served under his command.
"It was pretty special to have so many friends and families and people there I served with," Kremers said. "What made it even more special was having two of my three children there, including Clara, who is in the National Guard. To have her there in her uniform was especially meaningful."
The ceremony also brought an unexpected honor for Kremers, who spent much of his military career as a Medical Service Corps officer. He was presented with the prestigious Order of Military Medical Merit, an award bestowed by the U.S. Army Medical Department on individuals who demonstrate "high integrity, moral character, and sustained contributions to Army Medicine."
"To receive the Order of Military Medical Merit was really quite an honor," Kremers said. "To know that they give out only a few of those each year, across all of the military branches of service, was pretty significant. I'd always heard about that award, but it's not something you even dream about receiving. To get that honor as I'm wrapping up my military career just made it even more special."
The recognition was a fitting tribute to a career that included breaking new ground within the National Guard. In 2021, Kremers became the first science officer in National Guard history to be promoted to the rank of colonel. The historic promotion followed his return to active duty in 2020 and 2021, when he helped lead the state's Covid testing and vaccination distribution operations.
Kremers' efforts during the Covid crisis helped the state at the time receive the top ranking in health equity by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
"Governor [Asa] Hutchinson wanted to handle the vaccination distribution as equitable as possible and that's what we tried to do," Kremers said. "We tried to have even distribution across all counties and to not play favorites to certain parts of the state, even though there was some pressure to do that. I was fortunate to have a good team working under me and we were able to accomplish the governor's intent."
For Kremers, the journey to earning colonel began decades earlier, when he was a ninth-grade student in Clarksville with aspirations of serving his country.
"I knew I wanted to serve in the military from a pretty young age," Kremers said. "There was no doubt that that was going to be something I would do."
A 1995 graduate of Clarksville High School, Kremers enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a combat engineer just a month after his 18th birthday. He earned his commission as a Medical Service Corps officer in 2000, and three years later found himself serving as a platoon leader during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Kremers continued on active duty until 2013, when he transitioned back to the National Guard, beginning another chapter of military service that would ultimately culminate in his historic promotion and retirement as a colonel.
Kremers has a doctorate in public health with a specialized track in disaster response from the Uniformed Services University in Washington, D.C.
He previously served as the chief of health physics and installation radiation safety officer at Ft. Hood, Texas. In 2005 he was assigned to the 72nd Civil Support Team (WMD) in the Nebraska Army National Guard as the science officer and subsequent deputy commander. While there, his operational missions included presidential inaugurations, Olympic swim trials, Hurricanes Ike and Katrina, Super Bowls, College World Series, and the Great Plains Flood of 2010.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
"I've been very fortunate in my career," Kremers said. "I've worked with and around a lot of great people and the stars aligned just right for me. I leave the service with a lot of gratitude and appreciation."
Kremers has three children--Clara, Genevieve and George-- and his parents, Tom and Coleen Kremers, reside in Clarksville.
Topics: Faculty Spotlights
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Original text here: https://ozarks.edu/news/ozarks-kremers-caps-distinguished-31-year-military-career/
