About the Show
CTC This Week brings you a quick roundup of events, activities, important dates, and opportunities happening across the Central Texas College campus.
Join Desiree Bates from KNCT 91.3 FM and Elissa Faaloua from the Mayborn Science Theater every Saturday as they help you figure out what’s happening at CTC—and what you might want to put on your calendar.
Listen to the latest Episode
Events Mentioned in This Episode
Campus events and reminders featured in the September 26, 2026, episode of CTC This Week.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
APA Workshop
Noon–1 p.m. | Hobby Memorial Library
Librarian Margaret Handrow provides guidance on APA citations and formatting for research papers.
Patio Café: Cuisine of the South
Noon–1:30 p.m. | Roy J. Smith Student Center
Enjoy Southern cuisine prepared and served by CTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality students. Walk-ins are welcome; no reservations are required.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Free Chair Massages
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Health Sciences Building, Classroom B203
Book through MassageBook using the QR code on the event flyer. Arrive five minutes early and sign in at reception.
Rest & Recharge
Begins at 11 a.m. | Mayborn Science Theater
This free wellness event for CTC students offers practical strategies for managing stress and improving focus before midterms.
A guest speaker’s Mindful Sound Therapy session runs from 12:30–1:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 170; arrive early.
Shut Up & Write!
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. | Hobby Memorial Library
Bring your writing project for focused work alongside other writers. No critiques or required sharing. The group meets weekly on Thursdays.
Patio Café: Cuisine of the South
Noon–1:30 p.m. | Roy J. Smith Student Center
A second opportunity to enjoy this week’s Southern menu. Walk-ins are welcome; no reservations are required.
ONGOING RESOURCES & REMINDERS
Research Help at Hobby Memorial Library
Find research guides organized by subject and course. Faculty can also refer students to the Research Paper Review Service for feedback on grammar, organization, clarity, formatting, and citation style.
Trek Through Texas Challenge
September 23–November 3 | Eligible CTC employees
Work toward 50,000 steps per week while virtually exploring Texas state parks. Options are also available for logging alternative activities.
Registration remains open through the Buena Vida portal. Check employee wellness information for eligibility, activity options, and rewards.
Best in Central Texas Voting
Open through October 10
CTC’s nominations include college, place to work, the Natatorium, and the Child Development Center and Lab School.
SAVE THE DATE
Central Texas College Fall Festival
October 23–24
The Mayborn’s festival programming includes:
- Friday, October 23: Laser shows begin at 5 p.m., followed by Hocus Pocus at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24: Daytime shows begin at 11 a.m., with The Skeleton Key screening at 9:30 p.m.
More festival details will be shared as the dates approach.
Adapt and Thrive Virtual Wellness Fair
Wednesday, October 28 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Online
Eligible CTC employees can save the date and check employee wellness information for participation details.
HELP KNCT GET A HEAD START
KNCT’s Fall Pledge Drive begins October 19. Giving early helps us reach our fundraising goal and may mean fewer on-air fundraising interruptions.
Support Simply Beautiful Music and community programming at KNCT.org or call 877-533-5628. Thank you for supporting your station!
Meet Elissa Faaloua & Desiree Bates
Long before we shared a microphone, Elissa and I met as graphic design students at Central Texas College. We barely knew each other then and rarely spoke. I was shy and usually kept to my corner of the classroom. That changed when an internship brought me to the Mayborn Science Theater, where Elissa was already working.
We quickly became friends, and Elissa later recommended me for a position at the Mayborn. There, I designed graphics and assisted with planetarium shows. Today, I serve as KNCT’s News and Public Affairs Operator. A formal title for what I jokingly call “professional button pushing.” Along with operating the soundboard for programs such as Sunday Gathering, I manage KNCT’s social media presence.
Elissa brings years of Mayborn history to the microphone. She has been there long enough to remember film projectors, dark rooms, and climbing ladders to prepare a show. A wife, mother of three, longtime dog mom, crystal enthusiast, and natural people person, Elissa has a gift for making everyone feel welcome and remembered.
We are friends, former coworkers, occasional gym partners, and part of each other’s support system. That friendship is precisely why I asked Elissa to join me for CTC This Week.
Our guiding philosophy is simple: “Smile—they can hear it.” After all, it is always better to sound a little corny than a lot boring.
More from the CTC Campus: Eagle Talk
Get to know the people, programs, and opportunities that make Central Texas College special. Hosted by Mariceli Santiago, Director of Student Services, Eagle Talk features conversations with CTC faculty and staff about their departments, campus initiatives, student resources, and upcoming events.