More than 260 students from HCC Central, Northeast and Southwest Colleges were inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation’s largest leadership honor society, on May 3 at the Central Campus auditorium. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, expressed his confidence in the students’ abilities and success.
“I know the future is in good hands,” said Turner, who shared a poignant story of how he recognized the leadership skills in his daughter, Ashley, on their drive to her college in San Antonio. “I congratulate all of you on your future success. I am looking at America right here in front of me. A great city is made of great people and great leaders come from all walks of life. I congratulate all of you on what you have done and will do in this great city.”
About the inductees, HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado said, “make no mistake, it’s your hard work that proves you have what it takes to succeed. The HCC family is proud of each and every one of you.”
There are more than a million NSLS members nationwide in 655 chapters. Students are selected for induction based on either their academic standing or leadership potential. Inductees must attend leadership training events, attend speaker broadcasts, submit reports and perform at least five hours of community service.
Since 2013, HCC has created six NSLS chapters and has more than 4,000 student inductees. In the past year, HCC NSLS members participated in such community events as food bank service days, an early childhood education day at House of Tiny Treasures, and as volunteers at several local conferences and governmental ceremonies.
Also honored at the recent NSLS induction ceremony were Joel Levine, Executive Director for Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults, and Dr. Vernus C. Swisher, the retired CEO of Career and Recovery Resources. Excellence in Teaching recipients are HCC professors Walter Adams, Donald Parker and Arthemise Foley.
