From Black Carpet Reception

Austin Community College’s black students received star treatment Wednesday, September 17, as they stepped out and onto the Black Carpet for the fourth annual networking reception hosted by the Black Student Success Committee (BSSC).

Red velvet ropes lining the black carpet highlighted this year’s theme, ”Rolling Out the Black Carpet.” Guests were mingling and posing for photos with Beyoncé and other A-list celebrities…or at least with their cardboard likenesses.

But the real stars were the students.

More than 200 students attended the event, along with over 70 faculty and staff, making this year’s Carpet an unprecedented success.

“Our intent was to invite students to come and experience the multiple support services available at Austin Community College,” says De’borah Jones, BSSC chair. “The theme was designed to draw the students into a fun, high energy environment while providing them with relevant information beneficial to their success as students.”

With the music pumping and a buffet of scrumptious soul-food favorites, Eastview’s Multipurpose Room was transformed into a deluxe venue that placed dozens of student clubs, organizations, and academic support resources right at students’ fingertips.

“It’s like they brought everything straight to us,” says Bill Cunningham, a second-year automotive technology student. “It’s nice to be able to talk to people about some of the stuff I’m interested in.”

The flow of positive energy remained throughout the evening as students danced, networked, and listened for a chance to win a host of nice giveaways, including the evening’s grand prize of an iPod Touch.

“This has been a good way for me to connect with others students,” says Uwakima Udom, a general engineering student. “I’m having a good time just being here.”