SAC Honors Academy Program

1. The Honors Academy offers students an additional academic credential on top of their Associate's Degree. Students who complete our Program at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels are recognized as a "SAC Honors Academy Graduate" at SAC Commencement and on their official transcripts.

2. Our learning environment facilitates, motivates, and nurtures a drive for academic challenge through a sense of belonging.

3. Honors students receive personalized mentorship, experiential learning, undergraduate research, and Honors assignments similar to a four-year college/university experience for a fraction of the cost of attending such an institution.

4. Honors Academy courses are not harder, do not include more exams, and are not designed to negatively impact a student's GPA. Our courses provide students with enhanced learning of course content.

5. There is no cost to participate.

What happens after I apply?

1. Once you receive an email that you qualify for the Honors Academy Program, we will send you information on your next steps.
2. You will have an opportunity to learn more about our Program, complete your final admission requirements, and ask questions.
3. Space is limited. Once Honors fall classes fill, you will have to wait until the next regular semester to officially join the program.
   
   

Alumni Voices

"The Honors Academy is full of friendly professors who instill confidence in their students and staff who are knowledgeable and helpful. A major perk is the Honors Center that provides a comfortable environment where we can study and relax before, after, or in between classes and meet other students. It is a convenient place to meet professors during office hours. My favorite part of the center is having access to a kitchen that makes staying on campus all day much more tolerable." – Samantha

“The Honors Academy classes are more engaging and the professors are more understanding and helpful. The fact that we also have an Honors Academy Lounge area on campus makes it easier to ask for help and meet like-minded peers.”-- Okhai

“The Honors Academy has been the best part of my academic and personal experience at SAC. I have taken classes with the most passionate, dedicated, and caring professors who creatively teach the course curriculum while promoting experiential learning and projects that build marketable skills. The program provides excellent one-on-one advising. My advisor helped me navigate my career options and degree plan that fit my life goals. She updated me on important events and registration deadlines. Workshops, field trips, and other activities also give us the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships. I am proud and grateful to be a part of the Honors Academy at SAC.”-- Carmen

History

San Antonio College English Professor Emeritus Raul S. Murguia founded what was then called the SAC High Technology High School in 1983. High school juniors and seniors who were college-bound from Edgewood, 

Harlendale, Northside, South San, Southside, and San Antonio ISD school districts were enrolled in college preparatory courses such as computer science, math, logic, technical writing, and natural sciences that were taught by SAC faculty. 

Graduates of the High Technology High School went on to transfer to prestigious four-year schools such as UT Austin, Rice University, MIT, and Texas A & M University. The program would go on to be named the SAC Presidential Honors Program. 

English Professor Gilliam “Mike” Burton was the first coordinator of the San Antonio College Presidential Honors  Program – later renamed the Raul S, Murguia Presidential Honors Program – and held that position from 1989 to 2011. 

Graduates of the Program under his supervision were accepted to upper-division and graduate institutions such as Amherst College, Boston College, Boston University, Columbia, Cornell, U.C. at Berkeley, SMU, Notre Dame, the College of Santa Fe, NYU, Stanford University, The University of Central Oklahoma, The University of Turabo in Puerto Rico, and most public and private Texas universities. Many of these graduates have acknowledged their indebtedness to the Honors Program, especially Professor Burton. 

In 2011, under the supervision of History Professor Dr. Jon Lee the Program was renamed the Honors Academy Program. Dr. Lee held that position until 2016. Psychology Professor Dehlia Wallis served as coordinator from 2016-2018. Professor Wallis and History Professor Dr. Erik Anderson served as co-coordinators from 2018-2019. English Professor Laurie Lopez Coleman serves as the current Director of the Program.

The SAC Honors Academy Program offers college courses in core subjects that every student will need for a bachelor's degree in Texas. Dedicated professors and an embedded advisor work one-on-one with students and guide them through academic, transfer, and career goals. Honors Academy Program students receive a first-rate college experience during their first two years at a fraction of the cost of a four-year college or university.

Recognitions

The San Antonio College Honors Academy was selected as a finalist for the 2020 Examples of Excelencia award, an honor bestowed by Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Every year, Examples of Excelencia begins with a national call for nominations encouraging individuals and programs to share initiatives accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Excelencia in Education reviews all program profiles of those intentionally serving Latino students and, this year, identified 20 finalists using rigorous criteria. Finalists identified in each of four categories—associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations—are presented to a national selection committee composed of higher education leaders, grantmakers, and stakeholders. The committee assesses the strength of innovative, intentional, culturally relevant, and effective high-impact practices tailored to Latino students and their communities to select the four Examples of Excelencia.  

Honors Academy Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate active engagement in the Honors Academy.

2. Students will complete one of the three levels of the Honors Academy experience: Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

3. Students will graduate and/or transfer and earn a degree.

Honors Academy Student Learning Outcomes

Our student Elliot Watt will attend Princeton University as a sophomore this fall with an all-expenses-paid scholarship to study neuroscience.

Read more about his story here. 

Two of our recent Honors Academy graduates Estevon "Von" Dehoyos and Cody Flores were accepted to Columbia University for the Fall of 2023. 

Von has been admitted into the School of General Studies and pursuing a bachelor's in Business Administration. We are so proud of his service to our country and his work in the Academy. Read more about his story here.

Cody Flores has also been admitted into the School of General Studies and pursuing a bachelor's in History. Cody is considering serving in public office or returning to the classroom as a college History professor. We know he can do whatever he sets his mind to. Read more about his story here. 

After competing against 400 other students throughout the summer in the NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE), our current Honors Academy student Emilia Gaither was part of a winning team in a national contest that won a $10,000 award! 

Emilia's team developed a proposal for new technology to improve carbon dioxide removal and oxygen reproduction on the International Space Station. The project can also be adapted for planetary use, including possible applications on Mars and to reduce greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Read more about her story at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/news-events/news/2022/september/emilia-gaither-nasa-competition/

Congratulations, Emilia, for your extraordinary accomplishment. Stay SAC Proud!

Our recent Honors Academy graduate Allis Orzonia was accepted to Yale University for Fall 2021. She received a financial award that covers all tuition for her degree with a housing stipend. She has been admitted into the Eli Whitney Nontraditional Students Program and will be studying in the History of Science, Medicine and Public Health Program with the intention of pursuing a (+1) Master's in Public Health. Read more about her story at alamo.edu/sac/allis-ozornia .
Congratulations, Allis! We are all so proud of you and the influential leader you are becoming. We know that you have much more success in your future. Remember, it all started at SAC!

Honors student’s project reveals past Chicano activism at SAC

Read more about our Honors Academy alumni student Nati Roman's Capstone work in this SAC News article. Nati developed her research in the  Honors Humanities 1305: Intro to Mexican-American Studies course with Dr. Marianne Bueno. Nati is working on her bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Austin in Mexican American Studies.

Nati Roman

____________________________________________________________

Christian Villarreal

 "My journey to the Honors Academy was non-traditional. I had received my GED from Restore Education and was going to SAC part-time. Despite being very silent, one day I engaged in a conversation about a topic in class with my peers. It was recommended by one of my peers that I should reach out to the Honors Academy and join. Despite many self-doubts, I got accepted into the Honors Academy and it has changed my life for the better. I was able to meet like-minded individuals, many of whom I still keep in touch to this day.

I was able to be academically challenged and pushed thanks to Professors like
Dr. Lee. I was also able to receive mentorship support from leaders like Professor Wallis. After graduating from SAC, I graduated from TAMU-SA with a Bachelor's in English. 

Then I was accepted into the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UTSA. Later I was blessed with the privilege of serving as the Academic Program Specialist for the Writing Success Center at San Antonio College. I'm currently still serving my role as an Academic Program Specialist whilst completing prerequisites for nursing school. I hope to be able to give back to my community and create an impact in people's lives by serving as an RN." 

____________________________________________________________

This initiative spotlights one of our graduates during our annual Recognition Ceremony by honoring a remarkable student, called the “Honors Academy Exceptional Graduate.”
Criteria
1) Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
2) Student must have completed the Honors Academy Program at Gold Level Distinction.
3) Student must have presented at the SA Honors Student Research Symposium.
4) If the student is currently on disciplinary probation or involved in a current investigation, they will not be eligible.
5) Student agrees to attend the annual Honors Academy Program Recognition Ceremony in May.

2024 Honors Academy Distinguished Graduate Lee Foxworthy

Lee's personal story of persistence, community engagement, leadership, and love of learning stand out as some of the key objectives we intend for students in the Honors Academy Program. We are especially grateful for Lee's service to the Academy as a club officer, specifically as Interim President. Their leadership also shaped the respect for the club among all the members. One of the times we were most proud of Lee was during the San Antonio Honors Student Research Symposium. Their talent for compelling public speaking and passion for the environment was on full display. Lee graduated in 2024 with a degree in environmental science. He’ll attend Texas State University in the Honors College this fall to study wildlife biology.  Read more about Lee's personal story here. 

DONATE TO THE HONORS ACADEMY

Every dollar donated goes directly to serve students.

Go online to giving.alamo.edu/sac
Or, make your check payable to Alamo Colleges Foundation. Write SAC Honors Academy in the memo line and mail it to
2222 N. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78215
For questions, call 210-485-0044.

The SAC Honors Academy Outstanding Alumni Award is given to an alumnus whose achievements in their profession or chosen field and/or in service to the community set a standard of excellence worthy of recognition.  Nominees must have graduated from San Antonio College with SAC Honors Academy Distinction.

• A SAC Honors Academy Graduate can nominate themselves for this award.
• All nominees will be asked to submit a personal biography (150-200 words) explaining how their experience in the Honors Academy influenced or inspired their chosen field or endeavor.
• All nominees will be asked to submit a recent headshot that will be used in publicizing the SAC Honors Academy.
• The SAC Honors Academy Outstanding Alumni awardee will be asked to sign a statement stating their willingness to participate in virtual and/or socially distant SAC Honors Academy recruiting projects that promote the program.

Application 

The deadline to submit for this year's recipient is Friday, March 29th.
Click on the link to apply or nominate someone. Or scan the QR code below.

Because our Program is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), students in our Program can experience opportunities sponsored by the NCHC. One opportunity is to serve as a student leader on the NCHC Board. Another opportunity is to participate in summer Partners in the Park travel opportunities. Visit the Students page on the NCHC website for all the benefits of this membership for students in our Program.

Our former SOHAP President Robert Gasperson, AA in Political Science, is an NCHC Board of Directors Student Representative for 2022.

Students who complete the SAC Honors Academy Program with distinction are eligible for automatic acceptance to the Texas Tech University Honors College. Students still need to apply to the 4-year school through Apply Texas. 

Below is a list of our four-year partners at public and private higher education institutions:

The University of Texas at San Antonio Honors College--Victoria Stephens, Senior Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
Information on scholarships for transfer honors students. 
UTSA Honors College website.

Texas State University Honors College--Dr. Heather Galloway, Dean 
Information provided for transfer honors students.  
Texas State application website for honors transfer students.
TSU Honors College website.

Texas A & M University, San Antonio Honors College--Dr. William Bush, Director
Apply online: tamusa.edu/honors
Transfer students who have completed an associate's degree or 60 hours and have a family AGI of $70,000 or less, are eligible for the Jaguar Promise scholarship which covers tuition and fees, plus a $300 book stipend each semester 

Texas Tech University Honors College--Dr. Jill Hernandez, Dean Honors College
Apply online: ttu:edu/honors/
Alamo Colleges Honors Program graduates' transfer scholarships are available in various amounts. 

University of North Texas Honors College--Kelli Butler, Admissions Coordinator Honors College
Information on UNT scholarships. 
UNT Honors College website.

University of the Incarnate Word Honors Program--Dr. Jakob K. Rinderknecht, Director
Apply online: uiw.edu/honors/

St. Mary's University Honors Program--Dr. Camille Langston, Director
Apply online: stmarytx.edu/Honors
Transfer Merit Scholarship. PTK members receive an additional $5,000 scholarship. Other scholarships are available. 

The Honors Academy Center is currently located in the Oppenheimer Center 308 during the Chance Academic Center renovation. The renovation completion is scheduled for early 2026. Hours of operation vary. Call the front desk at 210-486-1100 to inquire when the Center is open.

Three Dell computers are connected to a GoPrint printer. A microwave and single-serve coffee maker are available. A lounge area with comfortable chairs and a sofa is also available. Social hour from 12:30-1:30 pm is set aside for games and camaraderie, and on select days from 2-3:30 pm, invited guests to lead informational sessions on a topic of interest, such as transfer, scholarships, financial literacy, community service, or career exploration. Designated Honors Activities are hosted by the Honors Academy and take place in the Center. 

Students can experience the Program within the following levels:

Bronze--successfully complete four Honors Academy courses and submit a Student Honors Portfolio through the eLumen system.

Silver--successfully complete five or more Honors Academy courses, submit a Student Honors Portfolio through the eLumen system, complete 10 or more experiential service learning hours to the campus and/or community, and participate in 2 Designated Activities in the Honors Academy. 

Gold--successfully complete five or more Honors Academy courses, a Student Honors Portfolio through the eLumen system, complete 10 or more experiential service learning hours to the campus and/or community, participate in 4 Designated Activities in the Honors Academy and deliver a Capstone Presentation.

Students who experience the Program at the Silver and Gold levels will be recognized at an end-of-semester ceremony, receive blue Honors Academy cords to be worn at SAC Commencement, and will be recognized as a "SAC Honors Academy Graduate" at Commencement and on their official transcripts.

Experiential Learning (EL) is hands-on learning that involves a real-world-problem-solving process. EL encourages students to synthesize and analyze information through critical thinking as a result of teamwork, communication and research. Students encounter concrete experiences and develop methods or solutions to difficult problems and/or controversies. Students complete a set number of hours, document participation, and provide a reflection of their experiences in the Student Honors Portfolio. EL hours must be completed to earn Silver or Gold levels of distinction.

Designated Activities are hosted by the Honors Academy and held in the Center. These activities promote our goal to build our Academy community. Transfer / scholarship / financial aid workshops, health and wellness presentations, and guest speakers will be offered throughout the semester to support student success. In addition, volunteer opportunities are arranged to elevate student experiences. For Silver and Gold levels of distinction, students must attend a specific number of designated activities. 

Our program uses eLumen ePortfolio for students to electronically collect their work over time, reflect upon their personal and academic growth and share selected content with others, such as professors, advisors, and potential employers. To complete the Program at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels of distinction, students must maintain a Student Honors Portfolio.

Each Honors Academy faculty designs a specific Honors assignment that aligns to the Honors Student Learning Outcomes. Faculty create a task or combination of tasks for specific content that is measurably broader, deeper, and more complex than what would typically be covered in their course. The Honors Assignment is not an extra assignment in the Honors course but a learning-centered and learner-directed experience for students. The Honors Assignment is reviewed by our Curriculum Committee and Assessment Validation Committee for alignment to our Honors Student Learning Outcomes. Students who wish to complete the Honors Academy Program with Gold Distinction will be required to choose one Honors Assignment to present at the Honors Academy Capstone Presentation in their final semester. The Capstone Presentation Coach contacts students regarding their presentation at the beginning of their final semester. 

If the student is working toward Gold level of distinction, they must complete a Capstone Presentation. During one of the last two semesters before graduation a student will select, develop, and prepare an oral presentation on an Honors assignment from a course taken while in the Honors Academy. The student will deliver the presentation to a group of faculty and peers on a scheduled date during Week 12 or Week 15 of the semester.

Faculty develop their course curriculum to incorporate writing practice. Writing activities give students opportunities to both improve their compositional skills and deepen their learning through frequent writing assignments. Meaningful and timely faculty feedback support students’ writing development.

Faculty teaching the English courses select a common read non-fiction text in ENGL 1301 and a fiction text for ENGL 1302.  

In fall 2023, our ENGL 1301 students will participate in this year's Library Common Read The Moth Presents All These Wonders:True Stories about Facing the Unknown.

Previous Honors Academy common reads were the following: Tell Me Who You Are, The War for Kindness, The Moth Presents Occasional Magic: True Stories About Defying the Impossible; Hot, Flat and Crowded; Between the World and Me; The Case Against Sugar; World without Mind; A Place to Stand; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks; Merchants of Doubt; The Far Away Brothers, and The Handmaid's Tale.

Through the Student Organization for the Honors Academy Program (SOHAP), students can serve as any of the five officer positions. Students have an opportunity to exercise leadership, effective communication and interpersonal skills essential to their professional growth.

We coordinate with on and off-campus partners to arrange direct community service experiences for our students. These opportunities expose students to issues they are studying in the curriculum and with agencies doing meaningful work in the community. Some opportunities may include job placement within these agencies. Students develop a commitment to giving back to the community as an important preparation for citizenship, career and life.

Local and national authors / educators are brought into the Center for presentations as extended opportunities for thought and discussion of important issues. Some prior speakers are Lauren Markham and Gary Taubes.

Periodically, faculty will arrange for group outings to local landmarks, such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Witte Museum or the Missions National Historical Park. In addition, local university group tours are organized for interested students preparing for transfer.

Honors Academy Course Schedule

Last updated 12/2/2024
All course offerings are subject to change during the enrollment management period.
You can search the Course Schedule in ACES for Honors Courses.
Only our Certified Advisor Norma Ramirez can register an Honors student for an Honors course.

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Need to meet with the Honors Academy Certified Advisor?  

Once you have been accepted into the Program, you can schedule an appointment:
1. Log in to your ACES Account
2. Click on the “Start Here” tab
3. Select the “Alamo NAVIGATE” icon
4. Click “Login”
5. Select the “Appointments” tab on the left hand side
6. Select “Schedule an Appointment”
7. Select the Reason for your appointment and hit Next
8. Select the Location and hit Next
9. Select the Day and Time that works for you and hit Next
10. Review the selection and confirm your appointment
If you send any ACES emails to your advisor, please remember to include your student Banner ID in your correspondences.

Scheduled appointments = 30 minutes 
Walk-ins = 15 minutes

If you are receiving services from the Veterans Administration, the Empowerment Center, Student Accessibility Services, TRIO, or Ascender Program, your Honors Advisor will not appear in your Navigate account. Instead, you will need to contact an Honors Academy Peer Advisor in the Honors Community Canvas space to make an appointment.

Academy students who submit an application with the Alamo Colleges Foundational Scholarship (see below) are eligible for two Honors Academy-specific scholarships: (1) Raul Murgia Presidential Honors Scholarship and (2) Robert Zeigler Presidential Honors Scholarship.

This is a partial list of additional scholarships we have identified.

1. Alamo Colleges Foundation Scholarships
   The Alamo Foundation Scholarship is a one-time application that enables you to apply for more than 80 campus-wide scholarships for which you may qualify–including the two Honors Academy Program-related scholarships.

   The Scholarship awards are for the Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and/or Summer 2023 semesters.

   Application Opens: Jan. 10, 2022

   Application Closes: May 1, 2022

   http://www.alamo.edu/sac/scholarships/

2. UTSA Distinguished Transfer Scholarship
   Non-resident and international students are awarded the Distinguished Transfer Scholarship for a minimum of $1,000.00 for the academic year and will be granted a waiver for non-resident tuition if scholarship eligibility is maintained.
   https://onestop.utsa.edu/scholarships/distinguished-scholarships/distinguished-transfer-scholarship/
   
   
3. UTSA Honors College Scholarships
   http://honors.utsa.edu/students/scholarships
   
   
4. UT Transfer Scholarships
   If you are in the process of transferring to UT Austin, complete a scholarship application. 
   https://admissions.utexas.edu/afford/undergrad-scholarships
   
   
5. A&M Transfer Scholarships
   If you are in the process of transferring to Texas A&M, College Station, complete a scholarship application. 
   https://scholarships.tamu.edu/TRANSFER/Available-Scholarships#0-AggieTransferScholarship
   
   
6. UNT Transfer Scholarships
   https://unt.academicworks.com/opportunities?utf8=%E2%9C%93&term=transfer
7. Terry Foundation Transfer Scholarship
   The Terry Transfer Scholarship is awarded to non-traditional students who are transferring from a Texas community college or university and are working toward their first baccalaureate degree. 
   https://terryfoundation.org/future-scholars/transfer-scholarship/
   
8. Phi Theta Kappa Student Organization Transfer Scholarship
   There are many scholarship options for PTK members.
   https://www.ptk.org/scholarships.aspx
   Have questions? Ask Dr. Jim Lucchelli, faculty sponsor 
   glucchellijr@alamo.edu
   210-486-0152
   
   
9. Café College
   Many scholarships are identified on its webpage.
   http://www.cafecollege.org/useful-links
   
10. San Antonio Area Foundation
    More than 90 funds offer scholarships to students pursuing their educational dreams.
    http://saafdn.org/Scholarships/ApplyforaScholarship.aspx
    
    
11. MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide
    A useful resource, especially for DACA students.
    www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resources/
    
    Additional Scholarship Websites:
    https://www.scholarships.com
    
    https://www.chegg.com/scholarships
    
    https://www.fastweb.com
    
    https://www.scholarshippoints.com
    
    http://www.scholarshipmonkey.com
    
    https://www.cappex.com

Transfer Plans to Local Universities
Review this page to stay informed about courses that are part of your degree plan at the university.

Transfer Equivalency Tool
Compare current coursework to coursework at prospective colleges and universities.

Research Majors and Careers

ApplyTX
Begin a new ApplyTX to initiate the transfer process.

We have partnered with universities and agencies in the community who want to collaborate with our students through academic research or hands on experiences. Some academic conference participation can lead to transfer scholarships. Some community service positions can lead to internships (paid and unpaid), full-time positions or career exploration. 

UTSA Mellon Research Conference
http://mxcenter.utsa.edu/ 
mexicocenter@utsa.edu

Good Samaritan Community Services
www.goodsamtx.org
marvin.whitt@goodsamtx.org