University Park sees first 50 graduates

Lone Star College–University Park is hosting a reception April 30 to congratulate the first 50 students to receive a LSC-University Park associates degree since the campus opened in 2010.

According to University Park president Shah Ardalan, the community asked for a university park partnered with the community and local business and with an on-site four-year school in 2008 when the last LSCS bond was passed.

"We made a promise, and we delivered what we promised," Ardalan said. "When the community wants something, we listen. With their help, we make it happen."

University Park offers more than 80 degrees and certifications to students in addition to on-site training through the corporate college, which trained about 5,000 students last year.

"For us, success is not just giving a certificate or a degree," Ardalan said. "Success is when [our students] get the job that they can turn into a career."

The Lone Star College System has an enrollment of more than 90,000 students. The University Park campus, which was dedicated as the newest LSCS campus in late 2012, has an enrollment of about 6,200—a 44 percent increase compared to last semester.