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A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new greenhouse was held at the Houton Community College (HCC) Katy campus on March 19. The Nancy Dillon Itz Greenhouse, named after philanthropist David Itz’s late mother, will be home to plants propagated, nurtured and grown by agriculture science students.

The HCC Agriculture Horticulture program offers hands-on learning for agricultural science students, enhancing their skills in plant biology, crop production, and sustainable farming.

“It completes the science lab experience outside of the classroom, preparing students for careers in modern agriculture and environmental science,” said Chris Qualls, program manager for Horticulture. The program has been offered for many years at Northwest College and has soared to new heights with university and community partnerships and the opening of the greenhouse.

Dillon Itz worked in various branches in agriculture in San Antonio and was known as innovator in the industry. David Itz, who now is chairman of the HCC Foundation Board and the father of an alumna, values the dedication that HCC offers to the community.

“I am very impressed with HCC’s size and breath of subject matter” said Itz. “It’s not just about that but also how HCC impacts our community across Houston and in Katy."

The greenhouse will also be a resource for Texas Master Gardeners through HCC’s partnership with Texas A&M University’s AgriLife organization. “It is special to us because it’s opportunity to get back into the community,” said Jess Johnson, manager of Texas Master Gardens Harris County.

The HCC Agriculture and Horticulture program also has a partnership with Sam Houston State University where students can concurrently enroll in university courses while attending HCC.

“We would like to thank the Itz Family for their continued contribution to HCC and for making this milestone at the Katy campus possible,” said HCC Northwest College President Zachary Hodges.

The project has been in the works for more than three years and the ribbon cutting completes the first phase of the Katy campus.