HOUSTON (July 23, 2026) – Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums, a historical music group comprised of Lone Star College-Montgomery students, received the President's Choice Award for the best overall representation of the parade theme and spirit at the 50th annual South County Fourth of July Parade through Market Street in The Woodlands.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Craig Livingston, Ph.D., LSC-Montgomery professor of History and director of Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums. “The students felt like rockstars with 8,000 people lining the parade route, cheering and clapping. They were thrilled that all their hard work paid off.”

The group performed “Yankee Doodle” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas” on July 4 alongside marching bands, fire trucks and floats to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Participants’ uniforms were inspired by the Fourth Independent Company of Maryland State Troops from 1776, featuring iconic purple hunting shirts, brown leather belts, cocked tricorn hats and buckled shoes. Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums was named after William Alexander, a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War and George Washington’s close confidant.

Livingston has taught American and military history at LSC-Montgomery since 1995. In 2007, he secured a grant to purchase six fifes and four traditional rope-tension drums. He has taught students to march and play traditional tunes such as “The Road to Boston” and “Hell on the Wabash” ever since.

Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums continues to maintain the musical heritage of 18th-century America, allowing students to add a unique experience to their resumes. The band has marched in about 10 Independence Day parades in The Woodlands over the past two decades and was named Most Patriotic in 2013. This year’s award came with a $250 cash prize, which will go toward ongoing uniform and equipment needs.

“Watching a fife and drum corps at George Washington’s home as a 6-year-old was my first gateway into the historical profession,” Livingston said. “I don’t think anything evokes American history better than a fife and drum corps.”

Learn more about opportunities to connect through clubs, organizations, sports, music, theater or fine arts at LoneStar.edu/Student-Life.

HOUSTON (July 22, 2026) – This July, Lone Star College-University Park leadership welcomed the Quebec Delegation in Houston for a tour of its Energy & Manufacturing Institute (EMI), where state-of-the-art classrooms and labs offer courses in artificial intelligence, energy systems, robotics, automation, computer-aided design (CAD), machining, computer programming and data analytics.

“Everything we do in this building is about innovation,” said Steven Kahla, Ph.D., LSC-University Park vice president, Instruction. “We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve and prepare students for the jobs they’re going to have when they leave here.”

Quebec Delegation in Houston representatives, including Steven Jast, delegate; Ozlem Tuncel, economic affairs director; and Eglantine Pauvarel Moss, commercial attaché, toured the facility and visited with Kahla, Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., LSC-University Park president, and Iesheia Wilson, LSCS Board of Trustees secretary.

Guests had the opportunity to see hands-on learning environments where students are trained to operate, troubleshoot and repair technology such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines. The Innovation Lab also offers access to 3D printers, laser cutting and engraving machines, poster printing, and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology that enhances educational experiences in programs across the campus.

“Lone Star College System develops programs that mirror professional settings so our students know what to expect in their future careers,” Dempsey said. “We built out a courtroom space for our criminal justice and paralegal students here at LSC-University Park; cybersecurity students attend classes in an office environment at LSC-Westway Park Technology Center; and nursing students at multiple campuses learn in simulation labs modeled after local hospitals.”

The Quebec Delegation in Houston works in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Its purpose is to facilitate exports from Quebec companies, support two-way foreign direct investment, promote the French language and culture, and advocate for or against legislation affecting Quebec interests. This is one of about 30 delegations operating worldwide under the Ministry of International Relations of Quebec.

According to Jast, Texas has a long-standing trading relationship with Quebec, with bilateral trade reaching about $15 billion annually. Several of Quebec’s interests, including artificial intelligence, robotics, technology and manufacturing, align with programs offered at LSCS. The delegation could connect LSCS leadership and students to Quebec-based companies, colleges and conferences.

“We like to meet with organizations that fit well with what we’re doing and learn about their initiatives to see where there’s any opportunity for collaboration,” Jast said.

Learn more about LSC-University Park’s Energy & Manufacturing Institute at LoneStar.edu/EMI.

HOUSTON (July 15, 2026) – With hundreds of degree and certification programs, flexible scheduling, and resources to help students from all walks of life thrive, Lone Star College System helps individuals get from where they are to where they want to be. The fall 2026 semester kicks off this August.

“What brought me to Lone Star College System is how financially friendly it is,” said Fernando Romero, LSC-Montgomery student. “It’s close to home and allowed me to truly find where I want to go, get a feel for being in a college class and build my resume before I transfer to a four-year university.”

Before attending LSC-Montgomery, Romero believed he would miss out on experiences if he didn’t go straight to a four-year school after graduating high school. Today, he says choosing LSCS was one of the best decisions he has made. His experience as a first-generation college student brought quality instruction, lasting friendships, professional connections and scholarship support. Romero plans to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree beyond LSCS and hopes to start his own business one day.

“I came to the realization that Lone Star College is more of an opening gateway where you can find out who you are and what career you want to pursue,” Romero said. “I’ve found a close group of friends here and gotten involved in clubs, organizations and sports. Lone Star College was a stepping stone to help me get where I need to be.”

LSCS provides dual-credit pathways, transfer credits, workforce certifications, associate degrees, five bachelor’s degree programs, and continuing education opportunities. As of this spring, the college system serves more than 97,000 students.

HOUSTON (July 13, 2026) – Lone Star College System is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership High School (LHS) program, a tuition-free experience that equips public high school sophomores and juniors with the skills, experiences and connections needed to succeed in school, college and future careers.

Since its inception, Leadership High School has graduated more than 2,000 students representing 11 independent school districts throughout the LSCS service area.

Through interactive workshops, real-world learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with business and community leaders, students strengthen their communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring career opportunities and expanding their professional networks.

"Leadership begins long before someone earns a title," said Kay Fitzsimons, LSCS executive director, Leadership and Economic Development. "This program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths and recognize the influence they can have on the people and communities around them."

The program begins with an orientation in October, followed by monthly experiential learning sessions featuring leadership simulations, team challenges, career exploration activities and conversations with community and industry professionals. Students apply what they learn through collaborative projects while gaining practical insight into civic engagement, workforce readiness and community leadership.

"Our goal is for every student to leave the program with greater confidence in themselves and a deeper understanding of how collaboration, service and integrity can shape both their future and the future of their communities," Fitzsimons said.

Program highlights include:

• Interactive leadership experiences
• Career exploration and college readiness
• Team-building and collaborative problem solving
• Community service and civic engagement
• Networking with business and community leaders

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 17, and participation is completely free. Eligible students must attend a public high school within the LSCS service area. Students and parents are encouraged to learn more and apply at LoneStar.edu/Leadership-HighSchool.

HOUSTON (July 8, 2026) – New grant funding administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council is increasing access to welding technology education at Lone Star College System.

LSC-Houston North has received a $188,000 grant to cover the first year of the Bridging Talent to Industry: Welding Career Pathways and Student Success project, which will ensure high-quality welding training, credential attainment and job placement.

“The Texas Talent Connection grant is designed to eliminate financial barriers while equipping students with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience and career preparation that leads directly to employment in one of Texas' high-demand workforce sectors,” said John Maynard, Ed.D., LSC-Houston North vice president, Instruction. “This grant creates a direct pathway from training to employment by fully funding student participation, providing experiential learning opportunities and connecting graduates with regional employers. At the same time, it helps address the growing demand for skilled welders, strengthens the local workforce and supports the economies of our communities.”

From August 2026 through May 2027, 30 eligible students can pursue high-demand welding certificates without financial barriers. The grant will cover all student costs, including tuition, textbooks, welding tools and equipment.

Participants will also gain valuable hands-on experience through a paid 10-hour internship in the welding lab, as well as guidance on resume development, interview preparation, and employer engagement. The program will wrap up with a career fair connecting graduates with local employers.

To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. and meet applicable U.S. Selective Service requirements.

LSC-Houston North was one of 27 entities across the state to receive a Texas Talent Connection grant this year, supporting initiatives that lead to successful job placements, increased wages and improved job retention.

“The Texas economy soars to new heights because of the hard work and dedication of our young and skilled workforce,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a recent press release. “These grants will allow more Texans to acquire the skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers. As we train our future workforce, Texas will remain the economic engine of the country."

To learn more about welding technology at LSCS, visit LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Student/Welding-Technology-AAS.

HOUSTON (July 6, 2026) – David Vogt has served on the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees longer than any other individual in the college system’s history.

Since he was first appointed to the board in January 1997, Vogt has witnessed four new campuses launch, six satellite centers open and eight Workforce Centers of Excellence bring high-quality training closer to home for thousands of local students.

“The college has grown tremendously, along with the whole metropolitan area,” Vogt said. “When I first started my firm in 1983, FM 1960 was a two-lane road.”

Vogt Engineering has helped bring notable Montgomery County landmarks to life, such as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hughes Landing and Fellowship of The Woodlands, among other projects. Vogt’s professional background includes over 40 years of experience in civil engineering, site design, environmental risk assessment, water distribution and supply, stormwater drainage, floodplain determination, and coordination of utility system approvals with local and state agencies.

Vogt has been actively involved in local organizations since the 1980s, including the Rotary Club of The Woodlands, Montgomery County United Way, and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. When his peers encouraged him to apply for a vacant LSCS board seat, he knew this would be another opportunity to serve his community.

Throughout his time on the board, Vogt has worked with his colleagues to overcome financial difficulties, ensure compliance with state and federal law, recover from natural disasters, tackle a pandemic, and make decisions in the best interest of students, faculty and staff.

“Students come to Lone Star College System for the economic benefits and the broad spectrum of programs we offer,” Vogt said. “They can get the training and teaching needed, and if they’ve got a problem, they can get help—not just with academics, but we’re also meeting financial-based needs.”

Since Vogt joined the board, LSCS has expanded its dual credit program, added bachelor’s degrees, and built out resources to assist students with food, clothing, housing, technology, transportation, mental health, employment and other practical needs to ensure their success.

Vogt’s top priorities have been supporting students and staff, responsibly allocating tax and tuition dollars, and choosing the best chancellor to lead the organization.

“We’ve managed to grow enrollment, but it’s not all about the numbers; it’s about making sure students can go where they want to go in life,” he said.

To learn more about the LSCS Board of Trustees, visit LoneStar.edu/Trustees.