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 October 10, 2026, episode of CTC This Week.
Saturday, October 10
Last Day to Vote: Best in Central Texas Readers’ Poll
Support CTC in this year’s Readers’ Poll! Nominations include:
- Colleges: Central Texas College
- Places to work: Central Texas College
- Fitness and recreation: CTC Natatorium
- Childcare facilities: CTC Child Development Center and Lab School
- Nonprofit: CTC Foundation
Cast your vote at BestInCentralTexas.com before voting closes October 10.
Monday, October 12
Campus Closure: Columbus Day
Central Texas College will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Please plan campus visits accordingly.
Tuesday, October 13
Research Ready Workshop: MLA Basics
Noon–1 p.m. | Hobby Memorial Library, Room 209
Librarian Margaret will lead a workshop on MLA formatting and citations. Bring your questions and get help preparing your next research paper.
Patio Café: Central Plains Cuisine
Noon–1:30 p.m. | Roy J. Smith Student Center
Enjoy a student-led lunch featuring Central Plains cuisine from CTC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program. The café is across from the Anderson Campus Center. Walk-ins are welcome; no reservations are required.
Massage Therapy Student Internships Begin
October 13–November 19
CTC’s Massage Therapy students will offer internship massages as they work toward completing their educational requirements.
Appointment scheduling is open now. Visit the program’s MassageBook page to explore services and available appointments.
Thursday, October 15
Patio Café: Central Plains Cuisine
Noon–1:30 p.m. | Roy J. Smith Student Center
The Central Plains menu continues with another lunch prepared and served by CTC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality students. Walk-ins are welcome; no reservations are required.
Save the Date
CTC Fall Variety Show: Oh My Gourd, That’s Talent
October 22–24 | LBJ Fine Arts Center
- Thursday, October 22: 7 p.m.
- Friday, October 23: 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 at CentralTexasTickets.com.
CTC Haunted House and Fall Festival
October 23–24 | 6–11 p.m. | Mayborn Science Theater
Enjoy two evenings of fall activities, open to the public.
Haunted house admission is $7 per person. Tickets are also required for carnival games and food, with prices varying by activity or item.
For carnival questions or information about getting a student club involved, contact Student Life at 254-526-1258.
Free Public Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, October 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Parking lot in front of the Mayborn Science Theater
Bring the family for free Trunk-or-Treat on Friday evening.
CTC departments can sign up to decorate a vehicle, hand out candy, and share information about their programs. Candy donations are also welcome for those who cannot attend. All candy must be store-bought.
Festival Weekend at the Mayborn
The Mayborn will offer laser shows and special movies during the October 23–24 festival weekend, with separate ticketing.
Visit starsatnight.org for the complete theater lineup and ticket information.
Help Us End This Party Early!
KNCT’s Fall Pledge Drive begins October 19.
Our goal is $35,000, and every early contribution brings us closer before the on-air drive begins. Giving early can help shorten the campaign, with fewer fundraising interruptions and more of your favorite Simply Beautiful Music.
Contribute at KNCT.org or call 877-533-5628. Thank you for supporting KNCT!
The Mayborn’s Schedule
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.