Ethos - 2010 Annual Report

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ethos

2010 annual report

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TSTC firmly rooted in core values Technology changes, but TSTC’s System values have remained the same for 45 years.

Innovation

We thrive on advances in technology by promoting research and wind energy.

Responsiveness

Our University Center will empower the communities we serve and our college will grow.

Leadership

Opportunities open doors and our graduates move forward.

Excellence

Dual Enrollment courses and Associate of Science degrees increase students’ options.

Collaboration

Active business partnerships benefit everyone.

Accountability Quality education prepares future employees.

Stewardship

We welcome veterans and community par ticipation.

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Since 1965,Texas State Technical College has been meeting the needs of

Texas employers, providing the high-skill, high-tech workers that are building

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blocks for business and communities statewide.

TSTC’s core values are the solid foundation for our success, providing students with knowledge and skills on their way to rewarding careers and life-long learning.

With your support,TSTC is meeting its mission by placing more than

90 percent of its graduates. We are growing the state’s economy by

training in more than 30 technical programs, including computer

information and telecommunications, engineering, manufacturing, allied health, transportation, aviation, and agriculture.

We are expanding opportunities for our students through increased

course offerings, more flexible scheduling, and updated technology.We

are leveraging existing partnerships and reaching out to create new ones.The TSTC family is committed to using our talents and resources wisely, as good stewards of the investments of our stakeholders.

At you will see in this report, in 2010 we built upon our achievements

through continual improvement initiatives, creating an enduring platform for growth and success for our students. Upon this foundation, and embracing our system values, we will continue to meet the workforce needs of the state’s emerging technologies.

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E.

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table of contents innovation {6 14} responsiveness leadership {22 28} excellence collaboration {36 42} accountability stewardship {52

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08 } Scientists study stronger cement 10 } Master plan charts improvements 12 } Wind Energy grads energize industry 16 } G-Force educates public about college, careers 18 } TSTC, communities promote transit routes 20 } University Center utilizes energy conservation 24 } Vocational Nursing celebrates first pinning ceremony 26 } Leadership role motivates student 30 } Student graduates from TSTC before high school 32 } Honor student becomes historic grad 34 } Commencement highlights AS grads 38 } Higher degrees, more options 40 } Carrs go full throttle with TechBook power 44 } Enrollment Trends 48 } Revenue and Expenditures 54 } Veterans active in benefits initiative 56 } Scholarships add up to support students 58 } College Readiness & Advancement helps students at all levels

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innovation We thrive on advances in technology.

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Scientists study stronger cement What could make reinforced concrete stronger?

One possible answer is to use an advanced fiberreinforced polymer (FRP), a new composition made with a different set of ingredients.

Dr. Parviz Ghavami of Texas State Technical College Harlingen and

stronger thanks to FRP. Modifying building designs will ensure safe,

Kingsville are refining the development of FRP – a composite cement

are formed by embedding continuous fibers in a resin matrix that

Ghavami, on behalf of other co-authors, presented a research paper

replace steel reinforced bars in heavily reinforced concrete structures.

professors M.A. Faruqi, J. Sai and S. Bhadra fromTexas A&M University-

recipe – to improve the construction capabilities of concrete. Dr.

entitled “An Improved Modulus for Fiber Reinforced Cementious

Composites” in Baltimore at the Society of Advanced Materials & Process Engineering (SAMPE) international convention May 18-21.

“We want to introduce a new improvement, what we call a fiber reinforced polymer, on the design of concrete. The SAMPE

conference provided an excellent audience because it brings together leading scientists and companies,” Dr. Ghavami said.

The research should lead to progress in concrete formulas using FRP composites and rational design methods for structures made

economic use of the new technology, he said.The FRP composites

bonds the fibers.The stronger, lighter FRP bars that do not rust would

“Production of the FRP bars would be easier and more cost

effective than existing concrete mixtures.The reduction in material

costs for FRP composites contributes to the popularity of this

technology,” he explained.

“Our tests prove that FRP leads to less cracking in concrete and cracks

mean failure. My job as a researcher is to offer a new material. It’s up

to the manufacturers to take the idea and convert it into a new

product. Our research into FRP will continue to evolve and improve

through more tests.”

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offers opportunities for more people to work on FRP. A

SAMPE panel reviewed the paper for six months before it

decided he could present at the conference.The paper

cited work done before his group’s project and the paper

is published in the conference’s official proceedings.

For information online about SAMPE, which delves into

topics such as aerospace, nanotechnology, mechanical

and structural engineering and other cutting edge technologies, go to www.sampe.org.

Stronger, lighter steel that utilizes FRP could bring

positive results for wind energy turbines, skyscraper

designs, motor vehicle safety, and many other products.

Dr. Ghavami said that physics and mathematics faculty

encourage students to discuss and use scientific research processes whenever possible to reinforce

critical level thinking.

He taught at the University of Texas at Brownsville for

18 years as an adjunct faculty while teaching at TSTC, where he has taught engineering, pre-calculus, physics and algebra for 25 years. Dr. Ghavami said he felt like an

ambassador for TSTC as he proudly represented the college at the SAMPE conference.

“We have to tell the world where TSTC is and what we

do. Our math students should understand the

applications of the equations used to develop materials like FRP because engineers get to the point and apply their knowledge,” he concluded. I

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ve “We ha e to tell th

innovation innovation

Dr. Ghavami said that the paper he presented in Baltimore

Dr. Parviz Ghavami

innovation

“Anyone can be a scientist because they can do an original work; they do planned research, and continuous work and testing.We did not know if FRP would work, but we were willing to try.

We did not know if we would reach a final solution, but we want to see how far we can go.”

ore TrSlTdC is w whe .” e do w t a h and w

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Master plan charts improvements A crystal ball with clear images that reveal the future development of Texas State Technical College Harlingen is available thanks to the 2010-2020 master plan.

The 10-year outline and fine points build upon previous master

Adam Hutchison explained. “So, a new master plan had to reflect

faculty and administration.The rapid growth of Dual Enrollment

consolidated the information to produce the large-scale dynamics

plans; many of the building blocks came from students, staff, courses to simultaneously offer college credits and high school graduation credits to high school students and the additions of

the University Center (UC) and Early College High School

(ECHS) to the campus were among the reasons for revising the college’s long-term outlook. Previous master plans did not fully anticipate the impact of ECHS and the UC.

However, enrollment growth at the Early College High School

(operated on campus by the Harlingen Consolidated Independent

the changes. Corgan Associates of Dallas put together our ideas and and the details.

“The plan features flexibility and practicality because it's ‘do-able’

and affordable.The new master plan illustrates how we can improve

the campus by re-purposing our existing facilities to increase

efficiency and effectiveness. We anticipate funding the projects as

they move forward in phases.”

The creation of “zones” within the campus (outlined on right hand

School District) and use of the new University Center for the

page) is the most obvious change during the next 10 years. The

programs are projected to serve an estimated 30 percent to 50

personnel become more unified for easier access and

delivery of courses by four-year universities and custom job training percent of TSTC students.

“It was necessary to revisit the previous master plan because our

strategic plan changed in a relatively short time frame,” Chief of Staff

college’s main divisions will geographically shift so facilities and communication.The primary zones will include Industrial-Engineering

Technology, Allied Health Technology, General Academics, the University Center and Early College High School, and Residential.

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Five themes that propelled the development process are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Better use of existing facilities Five zones or focus areas (shown below) Improve visibility for programs Aggregate projects for best value Reinforce and extend pedestrian connections

DR. PARVIZ GHAVAMI Online Navigation to Find the Master Plan To find the Harlingen Campus 2010-2020

Master Plan online, go to the college home

Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu. Click on “Welcome” at the upper left side of the page. The “Welcome” page includes a list of

“Message from the President,” “Leadership Philosophy,” and “TSTC History.” Move the

cursor to the “Campus Master Plan” and

click to find the full plan.

– in the Student Services Building or Building SS will move to the

Advanced ManufacturingTechnology Building or Building M. The Support

Services Office will move from the Auxiliary Services Building or Building

A into the “new” Student Services Building.Access to the “new” Student

Services Building will be along Oak Street, which will become a major transportation route through campus.

Phase Two of the domino effect will take Corporate & Community Education out of its existing home in Building B into the new University

Center. The vacant space in Building B will become the new home for

College Readiness & Advancement. Additional construction and traffic

changes are planned for ECHS and that timing will determine some Physical Plant options for a fuel station.

Phase Three will involve Telecommunications Technology, Wind Energy

Technology and Mechatronics Technology programs moving into the new

Engineering Center (the former United Launch Alliance building). It also will take the Building Construction Technology and Air Conditioning &

te’ real esta e im r ‘p he to rentified t started e “We ide w , n e y on pus. Th a priorit h it on cam w s u for e camp phases e e r h align th t e ll into y and th an to fa g efficienc e b n nd we entatio r way a e d implem n u fit our ction is plans to place. A ’s n a g r the pt Co during le u will ada d e h c and s said. budget tchison u H ,” s s proce

innovation innovation

There will be several major transitions for facility use designated for

Phase One. Offices – such as Financial Aid, Admissions and Counseling

innovation

more pages such as “Strategic Goals,”

RefrigerationTechnology programs from Building H to reconstructed buildings

just south of the student dormitories.The Physical Plant will occupy Building

H so its personnel will be closer to key locations on campus. A major component in PhaseThree will be replacement of the chiller water plant,but

it will re-use some materials from the existing equipment and structure.

“The Student Center will become much more of a crossroads center

for students and employees as they walk across campus. Two important

elements that link much of the transition are pedestrian traffic and motor vehicle traffic patterns,” Hutchison said. I

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G-Force educates public about college, careers The name G-Force sounds like a band of tough crime fighters that vanquishes villains, a league of super heroes, or maybe a natural power that affects the universe.

But, G-Force is down to Earth atTexas StateTechnical College Harlingen.

One of the summer assignments for four G-Force members – Ruby

It is a group of about 20 students employed to assist with informing

Gil, Brenda Espinoza, Javier De La Rosa, Francisco Rodriguez and

the process, G-Force members gain organization and responsibility skills,

students in the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club unit at Lamar

high school students about post-secondary education and careers. In

public speaking experience, and camaraderie.The G-Force undergoes

training to become knowledgeable about college resources, it assists with New Student Orientation and performs community service.

The G-Force meets the public at movie theaters, shopping malls, college information events, local high schools, and often guides campus tours. Each G-Force member represents the first generation

of their family to attend college.They work up to 19 hours per week, including weekends and evenings when necessary.

Benjamin Robertson – connected them with about 20 high school Elementary School.

After the presentations Harlingen High School South junior

Nemesio Vidaña, age 16, said that she learned about college preparation. “I planned to attend TSTC for basic courses and then

transfer to a four-year university. The G-Force gave me a lot of

interesting facts to consider, and I feel better knowing more about

pre-admission requirements and the financial aid deadlines.”

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high school and compared it to college life.

“The college professors expect students to take the initiative to ask questions and take the responsibility to thoroughly understand the material,” Gil said.

Definitions and examples got tagged onto phrases like

“financial aid eligibility,” “major program of study,” “office hours,” “course syllabus,” “book fees,” and “tutorial labs.”

The G-Force issued advisories about the importance of

reading assignments – such as two or three hours of work outside class for every hour spent in class – and taking

lecture notes instead of reliance on review sheets. Forget

about makeup assignments, makeup exams or extra credit.

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“I was a straight ‘A’ student in high school and the workload seemed light,” Espinoza said.

“Now, I have a solid ‘B’ average and I am working harder. You really need to get your priorities straight in college.”

De La Rosa said that college students cannot pass most

exams by intensely cramming for an hour or two; there should be continual study all semester and in-depth interaction

responsiveness responsiveness

The G-Force took the youngsters’ existing knowledge about

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Other topics included specific technology programs atTSTC, credit transfer options, internships, part-time employment, and community service.The G-Force reminded the audience that technology courses at TSTC mean “hands on” experience with laboratory work that reinforces class lectures and reading.

between students and instructors about details.

The G-Force gave Vidaña much more to ponder before high school graduation as she looks ahead to college and a career. I

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responsiveness We encourage participation.

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Wind Energy grads energize industry The wind energy industry gained manpower when the first Wind Energy Technology students from TSTC Harlingen graduated December 10.

Certificate of Completion Level One diplomas went to 15 WET

graduates, who were among the 137 fall semester graduates.WET

graduates Ramsey Garcia, Antonio Gonzalez, Eliazar Gonzalez and Bill J. Warren received recognition as Board of Regents honor

graduates for earning a 4.0 grade point average – the equivalent of straight A’s.

“My father has always stressed the importance of an education,” Garcia said. “I have done the same with my children. I wanted to

to major in mechanical and electrical engineering. Garcia previously

attended East Central College in Union, Mo., and the University of

Missouri in Columbia; he enlisted in the Air Force one year after

high school and served in Iraq as a medic. He is a member of the

Air Force Reserves.

“When I found out about this program, I signed up right away. I

thought it would be all electrical and mechanical. I did not realize

there was so much hydraulics involved and it’s all integrated with

fulfill both of my roles as a student-parent and as a student-son. My

electronics. When I felt I was slacking or losing my motivation in

family expressed as I walked up the stage to get my certificate and

I started this journey – to improve our lives,” he explained.

reward came in the form of the smiles and tears of joy that my

as a Board of Regents graduate.”

He plans to earn more credits within the college’s new Engineering

Division and then transfer to the University of Texas-Pan American

classes, I would think of my family and then I would remember why

“I’m going to stay interested in wind energy because it’s the wave of the future. Our nation has got to develop energy sources to replace fossil fuels.”

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Small class sizes at TSTC enhance communication between students and instructors, he added, and the

students bonded because they worked together.

Garcia rated the quality of TSTC instructors as equal to his instructors at larger universities.

Warren said that he plans to use his diploma in two ways. He would like to find employment in the technology program at TSTC.

“I enjoyed the willingness of instructors to assist me and provide explanations to all of my questions.” the Engineering Division – including the Machining

Technology and Telecommunications Technology programs – will experience more progress in 2011.

“Those three programs have the same basic electronic components and that’s one of the reasons the new

Engineering Division is part of the college’s structural

organization.The division will evolve to become a focal

point for Computer Drafting & Design Technology, Chemical-EnvironmentalTechnology, SolarTechnology,

Engineering Technology, Welding Technology and Corrosion Technology.”

The South Texas Renewable Energy Institute based at

TSTC Harlingen is a preliminary domain for training, business partnerships and possible research involving renewable energy. The college is cooperating with

industry and Del Mar Community College to offer a Certificate of Completion Level One hybrid WET

program in a business incubator at Ingleside, Texas,

located on the northeast point of Corpus Christi Bay about 12 miles from Corpus Christi.

“We want the WET courses established at Ingleside

to mirror the Harlingen program,” Guillen said. “Plus, we are committed to expanding the curriculum to off-

Grants t o TS TC :4 Funding for Equ ipment: $2.9 mil lion Tuition As to Stud sistance ents: $60,000

“These students put a lot of faith in me and I did not want to let them down. Many faculty and administrators assisted me in making this program a success.I appreciate all their support.

I also realize that my learning process and understanding of wind energy must continue to grow with the industry as TSTC’s program expands to offer anAssociate ofApplied Science degree.” - Enrique Carrillo, WET Chairman

innovation innovation

Vice President of Student Learning Al Guillen said that

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Harlingen area and possibly enroll in another

Wind E n

shore wind energy related to Corrosion Technology –

even though it is not a renewable energy – because

the salt, humidity and abrasive factors of weather affect metal and steel.”

Plans are under way for Welding Technology to offer

students training specific to off-shore wind energy such

as commercial diving certification required for underwater welders. I

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TSTC, communities promote transit routes TSTC students have more public transportation options as the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council expands existing bus routes to directly service the college.

Historically, the campus was served only by the Harlingen Red Retail

from Harlingen, and La Feria and San Benito are huge secondary

Route originating at theValleyTransit Co. bus station on East Monroe

markets for us,” Vice President of Student Development Cathy

plan the trip to include transfer and wait time at VTC.

affordable and convenient solution to our local students with

Avenue. As a result, students wanting to take the bus to class had to New extensions to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development

Council’s bus routes through western Cameron County and San

Benito will allow students originating in La Feria, Santa Rosa and San Benito to take direct trips to theTSTC campus.The new system will

improve students’ ability to make bus connections throughout

Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.

The expanded routes could potentially benefit a large percentage of the college's student population. “Many of our students are

Maples said. “We are very pleased to be able to offer an transportation concerns.”

Students taking advantage of the route extensions will be able to

board buses on any of the six scheduled runs each day.The western

Cameron County and San Benito routes will use the new bus

shelters in front of the college’s new University Center on Loop 499.

Students who present valid college identification pay 75 cents and

transfers are free; adults pay $1.50 per ride. Riders should pay with

exact change.

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responsiveness

Frequent rider discount passes are $10 for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and veterans, and

$20 for adults. Twenty trip passes can be obtained by calling 800.574.8322, and the passes will be sold in the

TSTC Bookstore.All buses are wheelchair accessible and

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some are equipped to carry bicycles.

“We’re excited to be able to introduce this new service to our students,” Vice President of Finance and Administration Teri Zamora said.

“We pay as we go. So, many things seem to take a long time to bring to fruition.This new service will complement

our plans to tie the campus into the future hike and bike

trails around Harlingen as well as our efforts to upgrade campus streets and parking.”

Bus route maps and bus stop schedules are online at

www.lrgvdc.org/transit.html. It takes readers to the “Rio

Metro Harlingen” and the “Transit Services Brochures” sections. A large bus route map is located in the Housing Office on campus.

outes

Cost to St $.75 pe udent: r ride Savings t o S t ud ent: $2,250

Calcula ted at $ .51 per This is e mile qual to 17 cred it hour s at TSTC !

responsiveness responsiveness

Transit R

The LRGVDC phone number is 800.574.8322 and the

e-mail address to send questions to public transit is riotransitcenter@yahoo.com. I

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University Center utilizes energy conservation From solar energy to recycled building materials to online education delivery, the new University Center at TSTC Harlingen will bring together modern construction and academic components.

It’s the first higher education facility south of Austin and Houston

with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold

certification. It’s the first building in South Texas, including Corpus

Christi and Laredo, to earn LEED Gold certification.

TSTC Corporate and Community Education, TSTC Engineering

Division, Workforce Solutions Cameron and the ReUse Institute

(The Reuse People of America Inc.) cooperated to establish a 96-

hour course about deconstruction and 16 unemployed “students”

completed the training.Their “laboratory work” involved assessing

The 38,000-square-foot building will cost an estimated $7.2 million,

eight former military barracks (later used as college dormitories)

Corporation. Some courses for bachelor, master and doctorate

Air Field in 1941 at the site of what became the Rio Grande Valley

partially funded by the Harlingen Economic Development

and several other abandoned structures built for the Harlingen

degrees exist on the TSTC campus, but the University Center will

Campus of Texas State Technical Institute in 1967. The “hands-on

from more universities. Some “student workers” got involved with

barracks to preserve reusable, recyclable materials.

open the door for students to a wider variety of higher degrees

saving resources that will go directly into the structure.

application” occurred as students systematically dismantled the

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a. b. c. d.

Green constru ction.

Reconstruction .

Deconstruction .

All of the above .

All the lumber is SouthernYellow Pine and it will be used for

portions of the University Center’s interior. Roof shingles will

be converted into base material for campus parking lots.

Forty percent of the concrete from the foundations will go

to a local company for conversion into new products. A

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database is being used to compile labor and resource

statistics that could help guide future deconstruction projects.

“Our intent with the deconstruction project is to demonstrate that there is an environmentally sustainable and cost effective way to deal with structures that have reached the end of their useful life,” TSTC Engineering Director Chuck Smith said.

“There is a long-term strategy to seek more grants for more

performance training opportunities,” TSTC Corporate and

Community Education AssociateVice President Stella Garcia said.

Expansion of the reconstruction that became part of the new

University Center could mean Corporate and Community

Education would hire permanent certified instructors and partner with private companies to develop customized courses for industrial contractors.

“Besides materials recovered for the new University Center,

But, green construction is not new to TSTC. The Building

Ultimately, we hope this training program will evolve into a

construction course during fall semester 2010. The program

other materials will be recycled or sold to the public. resource for local contractors on how to utilize deconstruction and place these students into long-term employment in the construction trades.”

Construction Technology Program began its first green

responsiveness responsiveness

The most accu ra answer is “d.” te

Some of the deconstruction topics included asbestos, lead, protective equipment, safety precautions, power tools, on-site paths for hauling debris, bidding calculations, handling layered materials, and daily cleanup.

responsiveness

What is best w ay to describe a cen tr theme in the b al uil design concept? ding’s

will offer two construction management classes that focus on

green construction principles and applications to students and building professionals during summer semester 2011. I

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leadership Enrichment strengthens individuals.

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VN Program

Cost to TSTC: $194,324 annually Cost to Student: $6,660 to graduate Earning Potential per Graduate: $45,000 annually

Source: www.indeed.com

Vocational Nursing celebrates first pinning ceremony Eighteen Vocational Nursing Program students – the first graduates from the program at TSTC – received pins as they completed training April 24.

The students’ firstTSTC steps toward becoming LicensedVocational

Nurses formally occurred when they began class in the state Sen.

Eddie Lucio Health Science Technology Building on May 12, 2009.

Patty Garza of Lyford said on the first day of class she became

emotional and nervous with the excitement.“My eyes filled up with

tears as I got ready to come to class this morning just knowing that I was taking this big step toward becoming a nurse,” she said. “I’m

very excited about becoming a part of history at TSTC to know that in a few years I can look back and say,‘Wow, I got started here.’ ”

She accepted a job at Su Clinica Familiar in Raymondville two weeks

after graduation from TSTC. Push the fast forward button on a time

machine and viewers will find that Garza is a Licensed Vocational

Nurse at the clinic, and she is enrolled in a Registered Nurse program.

“I remember filling out my application to enroll in the VN Program and meeting Susann East,” Garza recalled. “I remember she asked

me,‘Can you take this on?’ And I replied ‘Yes, I can!’ I made a pledge

or a vow to myself to be the best nurse possible – not just for

patients but also for my family.”

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Patty Garza 2010 Vocational Nursing Graduate

with epilepsy. Caring for the baby presented physical

and emotional challenges through medical tests and

treatments. The experiences forced Garza to learn

terms and procedures. It also sparked her interest in a

health-related career.

“I received fantastic support from my family and the

TSTC faculty,” she said.“The knowledge and skills I gained

at TSTC will accompany me throughout my career.”

Adali Navarro of Harlingen graduated in the top 10

percent of her senior class at Harlingen High School

South in 2007, but she learned that striving toward her

medical career would require greater efforts. She rose

to the challenge and became valedictorian of the first

VN graduating class at Harlingen. She is continuing her

college work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Texas at Brownsville. Eventually, she

plans to apply at the University of Texas-Pan American

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and become a physician’s assistant.

“The VN Program course work and clinical experiences were intense.

All of the instructors were strict and they pushed us to do our best,” she said.

leadership leadership

Before she came toTSTC, her baby daughter was born

leadership

The second cohort of VN students in the Allied Health Technology Division began its training in summer semester 2010. Plans are under way to add a Registered Nurse Program to the division.

“My TSTC education has motivated me to go as far as

I want with my future education and training. It also

instilled me with an understanding of placing an emphasis on responsibility and dedication.” I

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Leadership role motivates student One name in the top category stood alone on the program for the Learning to Lead Advancement Ceremony.

It meant Fernando Alcocer became the first TSTC student to earn

“I was so shy that I did not want to ask anyone for a piece of sand

achievement involved more than attendance at workshops, more

people, too, but going to the Learning to Lead workshops probably

recognition at the platinum level as a certified student leader.The

than participation in student activities, more than volunteer work

on community service projects, and more than a boost for his college transcript.

He gained self-confidence and shared lessons with his younger brother.

Auto Collision Technology instructor Ric Serna introduced Alcocer

to the Learning to Lead workshops and opportunities. Serna and

Student Life Director Adele Clinton encouraged him to enroll in

the program to meet people. About 75 students and employees

paper in the shop,” Alcocer recalled. “I was afraid of meeting new

was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

He immediately signed up for three more workshops in the series

after he attended the first session.

He overcame a fear of answering instructors’ questions in class.

“Now, I’ll answer just to find out if I’m right or wrong, and I become involved in class discussions.” He also increased his study efforts.

“I want to show my brother that video games are not everything

applauded Alcocer’s accomplishment at the Critical Thinking:

in life,” Alcocer explained. “So, I take him with me to have him

November 24, 2010. The Learning to Lead workshop series was

possible. I know he sees the difference in my work ethic and

Learning to Lead banquet in the TSTC Cultural Arts Center on

developed in spring semester 2009 to enhance students’ leadership and organization skills for college and careers.

work with me as a volunteer for community service whenever

positive attitude.

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Fernando Alcocer Learning to Lead Platinum Level

When I first came to TSTC, I wanted to just go to

“Now, I am willing to take the initiative to organize

teams and strive toward objectives. If I see people who are isolated in class and not connecting, I will start a

conversation and get things going.”

Some of the workshop topics in the series included

“Men and Leadership,” “Leadership Styles,” “Leadership and Diversity,” and “Leadership and Community

Involvement.” Some of the guest speakers have been

state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, state Rep. J.M. Lozano,

Harlingen City Commissioner Kori Marra and college

President Dr. Cesar Maldonado. Major student projects

that Alcocer joined were the park improvements for

the LeMoyne Garden and Los Vecinos neighborhoods, cleanup at the Harlingen animal shelter, and trash bash

functions sponsored by Harlingen Proud.

Now, he assists peers with public speaking. He reminds them to seek accurate, relevant facts and practice the

presentations so they are comfortable standing in front

of an audience.

Alcocer worked as a construction laborer after he

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g to “...Goin ks hops r o w L the L2 ly p ro b a b e was th ever t a h t g t hi n me.” o t d e n happe

best

leadership leadership

classes and then go home to study. I was a ‘nobody’ and

I was ‘just here,’ ” he said.

leadership

Alcocer, who holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in AUB and will receive an Automotive Technology diploma at spring 2011 graduation, feels the difference teamwork and leadership make in his life.

graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 2005 until

he chose to pursue his main interest.

“I worked here and there in construction for a couple of

years, but I realized I had to go to college if I really

wanted to do something. As a teenager, everything revolved around having a car and I decided to follow that passion into a career.Adding the AutomotiveTechnology diploma to the AAS degree in Auto CollisionTechnology

should give me more professional options.” I

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excellence Opportunities increase achievements.

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Student graduates from TSTC before high school Stacey Lee Gonzalez of San Benito became the first student at TSTC to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree before a high school diploma when she crossed the stage April 30.

The former San Benito High School senior took dual enrollment

courses in basic studies such as the Academic Core credit transfer

By the star t of the 2008-2009 academic year, Gonzalez realized

she might be able to earn an AAS degree before finishing high

package atTSTC Harlingen during her freshman year of high school.

school. That’s when she took the initiative to formally pursue

program placed her in elementary, middle and high school settings

they were very accommodating in helping me get to where I

An internship through the San Benito district’s “Ready, Set, Teach”

to assist instructors and students with diverse backgrounds and

needs. The Dual Enrollment courses and internship propelled

Gonzalez toward the Education & Training Program major.

“The internship and classes allowed me to become well rounded in

ways to help students. I got increasingly involved and from there my natural passion for teaching took off,” she explained. “As I learned more about the Education & Training Program, I mapped out a plan for the TSTC courses I should take to earn a degree.”

the degree. “Everyone in Education & Training was excited and

am now,” she said.

She offered special thanks to several San Benito educators who

assisted her – Dolores Delafuente, chairwoman of “Ready, Set,

Teach”; Santiago Villanueva, higher education coordinator at SBHS

who now works for Harlingen schools; Jason Stern, ninth-grade instructor at Veterans Memorial Academy, and Mary Moreno, first-

grade teacher at Fred Booth Elementary School.

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excellence

{

“I learned that when you’re a teacher you want to take care of the students like they are your own sons and daughters.”

Stacey is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (early childhood through sixth grade teacher certification) via TSTC’s Joint-Enrollment Program with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Gonzalez hopes to become a school counselor after attending the University of Texas-Pan American.

Two moments proved to be especially memorable from

excellence excellence

Gonzalez’ internship opportunities.

“The fourth graders at Fred Booth during my first

internship assignment were the sweetest kids. They

always were active and busy chatting. Later, I went to an

all-inclusive first-grade classroom at Fred Booth. I had

not even introduced myself and all the little children

wanted to come hug me.”

Stacey Gonzalez 2010 Education & Training Graduate

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, president of TSTC Harlingen,

applauded the achievement during his commencement

speech and saluted the Gonzalez family for supporting Stacey's education.

“Stacey's success at gaining an AAS degree while still in high

school is the ultimate example of the value of our entire dual

enrollment program here at TSTC Harlingen, and we are very

proud of her. The excellence she attained with her grades and

experiences makes her a model educator by striving to continually improve her skills and knowledge.”

Dr. Tony Desjardins, chairman of the E&T Program added his

praise. “Stacey is a remarkable student. She developed goals at a very young age taking hold of every educational opportunity presented to her. Stacey

typifies student success and where hard work,

dedication, and motivation can take an individual.

Team members within the Education and Training Program are extremely proud of Stacey and her accomplishment.”

Other high school students who seek a college degree while pursuing a high school diploma

D ual E

n rollm

en

t Savings to Stud ent: $7,797 f o r d e 69 hour gree s @ $11 3 per ho ur Added V al Employ ue to Student: able at o Source: ver $10 www.H CISD.org 0 per d ay Value to S t a te: $12,294 a n n ually Source: 2008 Stu dy by th e

Perr ym an

Group

should be determined and ambitious about

reaching their goals. Gonzalez said,“They should not let any obstacles stand in their way.” I

ethos } 31

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Christian Aldrete

2010 Associate of Science Honor Graduate

Honor student becomes historic grad Nursing student Christian Aldrete of Harlingen came a long way in more than one way to graduate from TSTC Harlingen.

He became a Board of Regents Honor Graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade point average en route to receiving an Associate of Science

degree in Nursing Preparatory and he achieved the distinction of

“Moving from another country has probably been one of the most difficult experiences in my life,” Aldrete recalled. “It was not easy to

learn English and some children made fun of me. I would look at

being among the first group of TSTC graduates to gain recognition

children talking, but I could not understand what they said. That

was one of seven graduates who became the first to receive an AS

the U.S. society. It also forced me to push myself to strive for success.”

for completing the Academic Core package of transfer credits. He

degree from TSTC on August 20, 2010. In 2009-2010, the college

also began to offer Associate of Science diplomas in engineering,

motivated me to learn English as fast as possible and assimilate into

He earned honor roll status throughout middle school and high

math, biology, computer science, health professions and physics.

school as he became proficient in both languages. Aldrete

Aldrete’s graduation took him another step toward reaching his

Scholar with honors from Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley. He

career goal to become a physician’s assistant.

His education excellence, however, began in a humbling and challenging

environment. At age 6, his parents – Roberto and Isela Aldrete – moved the family from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to Harlingen.

graduated from Harlingen High School South in 2008 as a Texas began earning college credit at TSTC through its Dual Enrollment Program in 2007 while he was a high school junior.

Development of his interest in a medical career took time. The

technology classes at South and the Dual Enrollment courses

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The Academic Core courses allowed him to transfer about 70 credits to the University of Texas at Brownsville, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology. Next, he would like to attend the University of Texas-Pan American to seek a master’s degree in physician assistant studies.

tuition dollars and time toward college graduation by qualifying for Dual Enrollment, and he urged middle and high school

students to explore similar opportunities.

excellence excellence

maintenance, architectural drafting, and food science. He saved

serious

excellence

through TSTC allowed him to test his aptitude at computer

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“I think it is ver importa y nt for a p e r so n to be a bout t heir wo rk a nd to try to a ccom p lish everyth ing in l ife by giving a 200% effort.”

“Health science was my favorite class. So, I took all the health science and medical-related classes at South, and then I

entered the TSTC Nursing Assistant Program through Dual

Enrollment classes.”

The straight “A” average evolved from his passion for excelling

in school.“I think it is very important for a person to be serious

about their work and to try to accomplish everything in life by giving a 200% effort,” he said. I

ethos } 33

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Commencement highlights AS grads Every graduate creates an individual success story, but the first TSTC graduates to earn Associate of Science degrees made history August 20.

Associate of Science degrees in Nursing Preparatory went to

Christian Aldrete, Marcelina Bañuelos, Angelina Gonzales and

Gilbert Villarreal; Delma Jimenez received an AS degree in Biology,

and an AS degree in Mathematics went to Juan Garza and Ricardo

Hernandez. The college also offers AS degrees in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, and Health Professions.

Paul Leonard, advisor for the AS degrees in Nursing Preparatory, Biology and Allied Health Preparation, said that the new degrees

provide better career placement to prospective employees due to

higher academic achievement or the AS degrees giveTSTC graduates

better consideration as they apply to enter four-year universities.

Bañuelos, of San Benito, explained her reasons for reaching the AS goal.

“The Associate of Science degree puts me ahead of many transfer

students applying to four-year universities because it gives me more

credits. Plus,TSTC is close to home and I saved money on tuition here.”

She took a year off between her basic courses and the Nursing

Preparatory courses.“College was a big step. I was afraid I would not

make it, but I surprised myself by getting good grades. I got butterflies

in my stomach about coming to TSTC the first time and I got the

same butterflies when I returned to finish the AS degree.”

She is taking more TSTC courses to earn an AS degree in Biology.

“The Associate of Science degrees are a big thing to bring to TSTC

for students,” said Bañuelos, who would like to continue her studies

at University of Texas at Brownsville to become a registered nurse.

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excellence

to fulfill all of the pre-requisites toward the bachelor’s degree program for registered nurses at UTB and he

wants to specialize in pediatrics. He plans to complete

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the AS degrees in Biology and Health Professions atTSTC before applying at UTB.

“My TSTC advisors helped guide me through the whole process of getting the required credits that lead right into my career path at UTB,” Villarreal said.

excellence excellence

Villarreal, also from San Benito, completed the AS degree

Gonzales said the AS degree is a solid foundation to build

upon because it proved her perseverance and ambition.

“I view my AS diploma with a sense of personal

accomplishment and growth,” she explained. “It gave me

self-confidence and now I will seek an Associate Degree in Nursing at South Texas College as I work toward a

bachelor’s degree.” I

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collaboration Teamwork benefits all partners.

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Higher degrees, more options A centennial celebration for the City of Harlingen in 2010 will become an historic dividing date that also starts the community's next century as the new University Center at TSTC brings a higher education breakthrough in 2011.

Many citizens supported the establishment ofTSTC before it opened

professions, mathematics, nursing and physics about a year ago.

1967 as part of a statewide system that began at Waco in 1965.The

the most demand and the universities that propose the best options

as the Rio Grande Valley Campus of Texas State Technical Institute in

“We are going to promote courses for students that demonstrate

Harlingen campus is located on the former sites of a recreational

for students,” TSTC Harlingen President Dr. Cesar Maldonado said.

leaders were instrumental in converting the abandoned air base into

“We do not want to export our youngsters out of the Valley.The

Military Academy - including the Iwo Jima Memorial.

companies that consider a new location or expansion, and the UC

vehicle park known asTortilla Flats and a former military air base. City Valley International Airport, the two-year technical college, and Marine

The newest building atTSTC Harlingen – scheduled to open for classes to start fall semester 2011 – formally will bring “university” to the list of academic opportunities that attract prospective students toward more

higher education options. Bachelor, master and doctoral degrees from

four-year universities will gain an increasingly prominent profile atTSTC

availability of higher education opportunities is important for

will improve the quality of life for students and the community.”

Representatives from nine universities – the University of Houston,

University ofTexas at Brownsville, University ofTexas-Pan American,

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Our

Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio, Wayland Baptist

in joining the existing Associate of Science Degrees,Associate of Applied

University, Texas Tech University and LeTourneau University –

diplomas for transfer students, and Dual Enrollment.The college added

October 15, 2010. The University of Texas-San Antonio also

Science degrees, Certificate of Completion diplomas, Academic Core Associate Degrees in biology, computer science, engineering, health

attended the initial meeting at TSTC to discuss curriculum plans

expressed an interest in participation.

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University Center Cost to University Partners: $50 per semester credit hour Transportation Savings to Student: $6,120 annually

The University Center will house the Harlingen Economic

Development Corporation andTSTC Harlingen Corporate and Community Education offices. The HEDC made financial arrangements to pay much of the building’s estimated $7.2

million price tag. Some of the partners during the planning

phase included the City of Harlingen, the Harlingen 100 Task Force Education Committee andTSTC.The new facility will add

more online, distance learning and traditional class space to the

college and utilize existing resources such as the Dr. J. Gilbert

Leal Learning Resource Center, located across Loop 499.

“TSTC already offers courses and technical programs that make

seamless transitions toward bachelor degrees,” Pat Hobbs,Vice

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President University Relations said.

“The new building will make TSTC a full-service institution of higher education to meet the longterm needs of Harlingen and surrounding communities.”

Bill Martin, CEO of the Harlingen Economic Development

Corporation, said thatTSTC almost always becomes a topic when

a local business considers expansion or a new business looks at

collaboration collaboration

Calculated at $.51 per mile

collaboration

Cost to City of Harlingen: $4,200,000

moving to the area. He praised TSTC administrators for their expertise in coordinating development of the University Center.

“TSTC is on the team we (the HEDC) use to create new jobs,” he

said.“This was a tremendous response to a community need.” I

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Carrs go full throttle with TechBook power What piece of education related technology could be more useful for a student than a new TSTC TechBook?

Ask Erica, Tony and Claudia Carr of Brownsville. The three Auto

“The TechBooks work out perfectly,” Claudia added, “because we

purchased a TechBook made available by Texas State Technical

Fridays for fall semester while we had the same class schedules.”

Collision Technology students – all in the same family – each

College Harlingen in collaboration with Verizon. Erica and Tony

are sister and brother ; Tony and Claudia are husband and wife.

The three Carrs share a ride to college daily because they share the same class schedules.

They could not, however, share one TechBook due to the

excessive workload they would place on just one mini-laptop.

Besides academic uses for their TSTC TechBooks, the Carrs

independently own and operate RC Off Road & Performance to

supply accessories for truck owners.They plan to add auto-body repair services and build custom trucks after they graduate in

live together and commuted to TSTC together Mondays through

Tony pointed to the practicality. “The price comparison and billing

convenience were favorable when we shopped around before

making the purchase decision.”

Each member of the trio has a specific preference for using their separate TechBook. Tony easily records his schedule as a student worker at TSTC. Claudia looks for paint details and does business

research. Erica likes to communicate via e-mail instead of a cell phone.TheTechBooks go beyond academic purposes. Erica recently

used her mini-laptop to search for a birthday cake recipe and design.

spring 2012.

“WhenVerizon contactedTSTC to offer the netbooks and Internet

“We bought the TechBooks because it came with an Internet

agreement that would help students obtainTechBooks,” Director of

connection and a variety of services,” Erica said.

service to our students, we concentrated on how to develop an Accounting & Auxiliary Gisela Figueroa said.

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“Our job was finding a way to make the cost affordable

and convenient without credit checks, service contracts, penalties and overage charges.”

Pro system. Project Manager Gaby Garza sold 186 units

during fall semester 2010 and sales continued during spring semester 2011.

Not surprisingly, each Carr owns a separate toolbox.

“They all come in handy because there’s a toolbox in each of the two trucks and my car,” Claudia said.

Tony Carr – the father of Erica and Tony – gained a

reputation for building and racing motor vehicles.

Claudia’s father, Frank Rodriguez, also became well known

in the Rio Grande Valley for painting and racing vehicles.

The business is more than a family tradition or a dream; it’s

a reality that will grow. Erica has done office work and handled budget responsibilities on a business level.Tony has

professional experience in automotive repair and retail sales. His wife, Claudia, has sales experience and she is a

licensed notary of the public who worked as a bookkeeper.

Claudia also prepares income tax forms for customers.

“We have oil running through our veins,” Tony said.

Erica was the first of the trio to enroll at TSTC and she

started in AutomotiveTechnology. Her brother joined her in AUT and they both completed three semesters before Claudia enrolled in the AUB Program.They take their skills

and passion to a higher level in the AUB Program by preparing for SkillsUSA competition;Tony and Claudia will

enter the auto paint category and Erica will enter the

above

Tony, Claudia & Erica Carr TechBook Owners

collaboration collaboration

Each TechBook package includes one year of wireless

Internet service and a versatile Microsoft Professional

collaboration

{

They each share tools and TSTC TechBooks whenever necessary, including the knowledge and ideas they pick up along the way. It’s family teamwork at every level. “With each of us owning aTechBook and a toolbox there’s never an excuse like,‘I don’t have it,’ ” Claudia said.

“We strongly believed that TechBooks would be great tools to assist students reach their academic goals.”

auto body repair category.

“We’re very happy with our advisors and instructors,”

Claudia said. Her husband added, “It’s a very professional environment in the AUB and AUT programs.” I

ethos } 41

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accountability Graduates excel in their careers.

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Hygienist, entrepreneur become rising stars Dental hygienist Joe Vela works with ‘Kool Smiles,’ while Luis Martinez expands refrigeration and restaurant business.

Dental Hygiene majors are recognizable due to their bright smiles

not worry about downsizing for personnel. I also wanted good

and one of the brightest smiles among the May 2010 graduates

hours, good pay and a good income for my family.”

He’s also quite recognizable standing at a height of 6 feet, 7 inches.

rotations, working closely with faculty and leading community

belonged to Joe Vela, a dental hygienist at “Kool Smiles” in Laredo.

He is one of a very few students to score a perfect 100 on the

clinical exam for the Western Regional Examination Board, said Barb Bennett, co-director of the Allied Health Technology Division at TSTC Harlingen.

He said that experiencing the “real world” of dental clinics during

service projects gave him a well-rounded education.

Joe Vela

“The Harlingen program has a 97 percent passing rate for the

Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene, May 2010

prepares its graduates,” Vela said.“I wanted a career where I would

Laredo,Texas

national boards because it’s a very tough program that thoroughly

Dental Hygienist for Kool Smiles

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Luis Martinez

accountability

Associate of Applied Science, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, December 2007 Owner of Modern Refrigeration & Restaurant Service

San Benito,Texas

Business success for Luis Martinez grew after he expanded services

thanks to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning

& RefrigerationTechnology.And, his education and business success

continue to grow.

Originally, he repaired restaurant equipment, but his clients urged him to do more. “I had a lot of customers interested in air conditioning and refrigeration service,” he said, “but not being a licensed contractor I was unable to offer those services.”

The AAS degree in 2007 motivated him to gain certification from professional organizations sponsored by manufacturers.

Today, he is the only TSTC Harlingen graduate from the ACR Program to be licensed for commercial air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration. Martinez added residential A/C service to the business in spring 2010.

Along the way, he hired Billy Jack Weaver of Rio Hondo – also an ACR alumnus from TSTC – as an employee.

“My whole philosophy is to get customers and keep customers.That’s the foundation of every business,” Martinez concluded.

Joe Vela

accountability accountability

Luis Martinez

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Continued Growth for TSTC Harlingen

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accountability

accountability accountability ethos } 47

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Unrestricted Operating Revenues by Source State Appropriations/Net of Transfers HEAF Appropriations State Tuition

Designated Income/Net of Transfers

Auxiliary Enterprises/Net of Transfers

State Appropriations/Net of Transfers HEAF Appropriations

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

$20,105,181

$20,671,925

$20,905,391

$21,354,329

$6,276,775

$7,314,347

$7,461,659

$8,868,201

$1,246,630

$1,382,955

$1,780,433

$3,060,252

$1,780,433

$2,139,734

$1,735,388

$6,647,833

$4,461,931

$4,925,120

$4,927,995

$3,241,030

31,306,254

34,084,477

35,488,177

39,724,838

64.2%

60.7%

58.9%

53.8%

FY07

4.0%

FY08

5.2%

FY09

5.0%

FY10

4.4%

State Tuition

20.0%

21.5%

21.0%

22.3%

Auxiliary Enterprises/Net of Transfers

14.3%

14.4%

13.9%

8.1%

100.0%

100.0%

Designated Income/Net of Transfers Less Amounts Moved to Plant Funds

4.4%

-6.9%

100.0%

9.0%

-10.8%

6.0%

-4.8%

16.7% -5.3%

100.0%

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accountability

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Unrestricted Operating Costs by Type Instruction/Academic Support Student Services Institutional Support Operation & Maintenance of Plant Scholarships & Fellowships Auxiliary Enterprises

Instruction/Academic Support Student Services Institutional Support Operation & Maintenance of Plant Scholarships & Fellowships Auxiliary Enterprises

FY07

16,384,393 3,281,048 3,271,886 4,236,964 953,712 2,696,011

FY08

17,287,950 3,601,111 3,569,707 4,409,057 2,005,644 2,889,259

FY09

17,685,194 3,921,605 3,353,977 4,828,732 1,921,900 2,860,164

FY10

18,187,584 3,772,015 3,569,911 4,647,581 2,610,398 2,903,820

30,824,014

33,762,728

34,571,572

35,691,309

53% 11% 10% 14% 3% 9% 100%

51% 11% 11% 13% 6% 8% 100%

51% 11% 10% 14% 6% 8% 100%

51% 11% 10% 13% 7% 8% 100%

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

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Instruction/Academic Support Student Services Institutional Support Operation & Maintenance of Plant Scholarships & Fellowships Auxiliary Enterprises

FY09

FY10

Cost per Instructional Hour

Cost per Instructional Hour

Cost per Instructional Hour

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

$6.66 $1.33 $1.33 $1.72 $0.39 $1.10 $12.53

Cost per Full-Time Equivalent

$2006.91 $401.89 $400.77 $518.98 $116.82 $330.23 $3,775.60

$6.54 $1.36 $1.35 $1.67 $0.76 $1.09 $12.77

Cost per Full-Time Equivalent

$1,926.88 $401.77 $397.87 $491.42 $223.54 $322.03 $3,763.11

$6.21 $1.38 $1.18 $1.70 $0.68 $1.00 $12.15

Cost per Full-Time Equivalent

$1,817.22 $402.96 $344.63 $496.17 $197.48 $293.89 $3,552.35

$5.90 $1.22 $1.16 $1.51 $0.85 $0.94 $11.58

Cost per Full-Time Equivalent

$1,687.47 $349.97 $331.22 $431.21 $242.20 $269.42 $3,311.49

accountability accountability

Instruction/Academic Support Student Services Institutional Support Operation & Maintenance of Plant Scholarships & Fellowships Auxiliary Enterprises

FY08

Cost per Instructional Hour

accountability

FY07

ethos } 51

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stewardship Our community brings people together.

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Veterans active in benefits initiative Sailing the seas aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington expanded perspectives about life and other cultures for Roberto Cruz II of Harlingen.

The military duty gave him time to ponder his future and he chose

Reyes also holds the position of TSTC Harlingen Campus Advisory

he became active on the Veterans Advisory Council and the new

System Veteran Services Advisory Committee.

students, faculty, support staff and administrators – contact students

More than a dozen employees and administrators from the

earning a diploma en route to a civilian career.

Services Division participated in a workshop on campus led by

higher education at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, where

Veteran Students Alliance Club. The organizations – made up of

who are veterans with information about services related to Liz Silva, director of Counseling,Advisement andTesting atTSTC, said

Committee chairman and he’s a student representative on theTSTC

Student Development Division and Financial & Administrative

a VA representative September 14. The meeting covered the

latest information about student benefits for veterans and

that veterans enrolled at TSTC are welcome to apply for GI Bill

addressed answers to questions from TSTC personnel.

certifying official.The veterans programs on campus are provided at

Cruz advises veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan

month to lead a support group of veterans and counseling for

suggests that veterans save discharge papers (form DD214) for

benefits from the Veterans Administration through the college’s no cost. A licensed counselor, who is a veteran, visits TSTC twice a families of veterans is available once a month.TheVeterans Advisory Council offers suggestions and facilitates better services. The new

Veteran Students Alliance Club elected Adam Reyes as its president.

about college financial aid and medical services benefits. He employment purposes, immediately register with the Veterans

Administration for health-care coverage, and carefully store copies of all military and government documents.

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must adjust from the military world into the real world.That includes

translating military experience into civilian language suitable for a

{

resume and job application,” he explained.

“Being a veteran gets you to the door of opportunity, but then you have to sell yourself to get a job.”

Cruz thanked TSTC Veterans Certifying Official Steve Guevara, who

also is a veteran, and faculty for supporting him during a smooth

transition from the Navy to college.“Going to college here is the best step toward going to a university because TSTC helps students understand what they need to achieve a higher degree,” Cruz added.

The son of Harlingen resident Linda Cruz graduated from Harlingen

High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Navy and served for four years

before enrolling at TSTC, where he took Academic Core credits transferable toward a four-year degree. He is the first veteran to earn

the title of Mr. TSTC and serve as an ambassador for the college.

Some of his boatswain mate duties included ship repairs, security, data management, navigation control and special ceremonies. He served

Robert Cruz II

TSTC Student and US Navy Veteran

stewardship stewardship

“Many people find that the discharge process is stressful because they

.

stewardship

helped Cruz A TSTC job fair employment find part-time arden. He also with the Olive G experience gained teaching and Santa Rosa with Harlingen He completed band students.

TSTC in fall his credits at and enrolled at semester 2010 semester 2011 UTB for spring or’s degree in to seek a bachel He continues music education. tion in the US to serve his na Navy Reserves.

ns a r e t e v The on s m a r g pro s are u p m a c at d e d i v o pr

three tours of duty in Iraq and the aircraft carrier stopped in the Middle

East, Italy, France, Argentina, Chile, Guam, Japan, Korea and China.

“I developed a good sense of accepting responsibility and acting independently during the six-month deployments,” Cruz said. “I learned the fundamentals of being a good sailor by applying rigorous

detail to every assignment. I appreciate the fact that everyone can learn new lessons daily.” I

ethos } 55

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F Y201

0 Dona tions

Scholar sh $100,80 ip Contributio ns: 0 Matchin g Lozano Revenues from Lo $100,00 ng Foundation 0 : Income t o S t ud en $2,000 annually t: per stud ent

Scholarships add up to support students Frank Boggus shared the spotlight as honoree of the 2010 Noche de Gala student scholarship fundraiser for TSTC with several dignitaries – including three scholarship recipients.

Most of the guests that dined December 4 in the TSTC Cultural

Arts Center came to publicly thank Boggus for his years of successful

The owner of Boggus Motor Co. in Harlingen and McAllen

expressed his sentiments about TSTC. He was among local leaders

leadership in academic, business and community service projects.

who convinced the state to establish the campus in 1967 as a part

on the TSTC System Board of Regents, applauded Boggus’s

opened in Waco in 1965.

Former Harlingen mayor Connie de la Garza, who served 12 years involvement in helping to found TSTC Harlingen and Boggus’s role

in persuading state legislators to maintain the college’s budget when

elected representatives considered drastic funding cutbacks to the campus and the TSTC System.

of Texas State Technical Institute after the original TSTI campus

“My dealerships owe a debt of gratitude toTSTC because it has almost

become mandatory for our service technicians to earn a diploma.

Sixteen of our 50 service department employees in Harlingen are

TSTC graduates. It’s obvious to see what this college does for our

“It’s because of people like Frank Boggus, Mr. and Mrs. Joe andTeresa

community and what the college means to our community.”

here to provide education for people who seek quality careers,” de

Jose Lara, who plans to earn an Associate of Science degree in health

grant to theTSTC scholarship account and the Eversons established

possible by the TSTC scholarship fund. He cared for his 2-year-old

Lozano Long, and Mr. and Mrs. Art and Leona Everson that TSTC is

la Garza said. The Long Foundation provides an annual matching

a charitable trust of $500,000 in 2006 to assist futureTSTC students.

professions, told the audience about his family’s progress made son and 4-year-old daughter while his wife served in the Navy.

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“At times it seemed easier to quit school rather than hold

on to a distant dream.This year was different thanks to

your encouragement,” Lara said.“Life is a little easier when one has individuals such as you all who believe in people

such as us. Thanks to events such as this and faithful

contributors I realize I can make something of myself.”

for a scholarship to offset the cost of college supplies and

fuel for traveling to campus.At first sight, she guessed that

the scholarship approval letter was a billing statement or

“I struggled through two other colleges before I figured out that what I went out to look for in other places I could find here.”

Nicolas Flores, an Aviation Maintenance Technology major, said he always has enjoyed working on motors.

“I love going fast and what goes faster than an airplane or a jet?” he said.“It’s funny how I have never flown on a commercial aircraft, but I am learning to fix them.” I

About Noche de Gala

The Lozano Long Promise Opportunity Scholarship annual pledge of $100,000 is made by The Long Foundation, led by Teresa and Joe Long, and its challenge to TSTC to raise a matching amount each year.The Long Foundation and the South Texas Academic Rising Scholars organization donated to the 2010 scholarship event at the Diamond level.

Platinum contributors included Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and United LaunchAlliance.The Gold level donors were Boggus Motor Co., Chevron, Shell Exploration & Production, H-E-B, and TSTC employees.

The Silver level donors were Card Investment Group Inc., Valley International Airport, Dr. & Mrs. Cesar Maldonado, Valley Baptist Health System, First Community Bank, Matt and Patty Gorges, SpawGlass, and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Farris and Mr. and Mrs. Tudor Ulhorn. The Bronze level contributions came from Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Mr. and Mrs. Luis Lopez, CTO Inc. and Bahnman Realty Inc.

The Star supporters included Mr. and Mrs. Jim Solis, Marine Military Academy, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Reagan, Chaplain and Mrs. Leo J. McDonald, Norbert and Ruthie Ewers, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Denison on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Vittitoe, Dr. Bill and Linda McKenna, Ned and Dee Davis, Blanca S.Vela, Dr. Nolan E. Perez, Joy and Jim Cocke,Technical Laboratory Systems Inc., Texas Gas Service, Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Frost Bank, and Ray and Regena Rushing.

The sixth Noche de Gala also recognized past honorees, who include 2005, Honorable Judge Filemon Vela (accepted by Blanca Vela); 2006, Joe and Teresa Long; 2007, Honorable Jim Solis; 2008, Connie de la Garza, and 2009, Col.William “Bill” Card (accepted by Bill Card Jr.).

Jose Lara

2010 Lozano Long Scholarship Recipient

stewardship stewardship

{

a notice to enroll for another semester.

stewardship

Monica Cantu, a Culinary Arts major, said that she applied

Major donors are recognized at the banquet.

More than 100 students benefited from over $200,000 in scholarship funds in 2010. The Noche de Gala has raised approximately $1.2 million in scholarship funds for TSTC Harlingen during its six years.

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College Readiness & Advancement helps students at all levels A strip of lawn in front of Building K resembled a miniature playground to amuse college students with games for about an hour the morning of October 28.

Students and instructors engaged in team relay races. There were

blind-folded contestants seeking objects scattered on the ground. It

Another point impressed Liliana Vazquez. “We needed to listen

carefully to follow directions and we had to listen to each other as we

got a bit noisy as students shouted encouragement to their peers.

tried to succeed, especially when the teams tried to work together.”

A pause for reflection after the events, however, revealed serious

Values like critical thinking, empathy, cooperation, leadership, respect,

lessons as the outcomes from what seemed like an organized

birthday party.The new High School Equivalency Program students

and experienced HEP students got to know each other better –

and perhaps they learned something about themselves as individuals – through the interaction.

“I saw that the first groups to try each event made errors, but the

following groups paid attention and learned from the mistakes,” Isabel Martinez said. “At first, I was not too interested in the

challenges or competition, but I said to myself ‘If it’s teamwork, I can do this because I am used to teamwork.’ ”

problem solving, tolerance and trust are part of “adventure education” for HEP students. Other fall semester adventures included

a cultural enrichment field trip to the museum in Weslaco,

community service at the Ronald McDonald House in Harlingen for

baking and cleanup duty, construction of solar-powered vehicles, hand-made ice cream, and other project-based learning exercises for math, language arts, science, geography and technology.

“Many of our activities transfer students out of the traditional

classroom to engage them physically, emotionally and intellectually,”

HEP Counselor Claudia Arnold said.

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Grant Funding

Newly Awarded $2,061,066 $2,222,381

services.There are employment opportunities, scholarships, supplies, meals and financial aid for qualifying students.

A graduation ceremony for HEP andTEAM held July 31 at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center celebrated the progress

for students who completed the programs. Sandy Michelle

Puga of Harlingen and Silverio Casares of La Feria

addressed the crowd full of relatives and friends.

High School Equivalency (HEP) Funding Source: US Dept of Education

Puga, a mother of four, worked for three years with her

Adult Basic Education-G1 Funding Source:THECB

“If I had stayed in high school and graduated with my class

$500,000 $150,000

Pending $1,100,000

Educational Talent Search (Cameron) Funding Source: US Dept of Education

$1,100,000

Educational Talent Search (Hidalgo) Funding Source: US Dept of Education

$1,000,000

Education Opportunity Center (EOC) Funding Source: US Dept of Education

$300,000

Comprehensive Student Success Program Funding Source:THECB

$17,000,000

21st Century Grant Funding Source:Texas Education Agency

The HEP field day and its use of hands-on, team-building

activities with the Challenge Master Kit provided a snapshot of

the College Readiness & Advancement department. The

department’s administrators and instructors initiate,coordinate and implement more than 14 outreach and intervention

programs that serve thousands of students, parents and

educators in the Rio GrandeValley.The education levels vary from elementary schools to college preparation.

Programs within College Readiness & Advancement combine efforts and curriculum toward the Texas goal of “closing the

gaps” to increase traditionally under-served and underrepresented students such as migrants and dropouts in the

corn detasseling seven days a week while she was pregnant.

I probably did not have to go through all that hard work.

One day, I saw that my life was going nowhere and it was then that I decided to get my GED,” said Puga, who planned to enter the Medical Information Specialist / Transcriptionist Program.

{

“I got into the HEP program at TSTC and in a matter of weeks I got my GED.”

Pipeline Prog rams

Elementary

• Mustang Kids College • College for a Day

Junior High/M

iddle School

• TexPrep • Mathwor ks • Student Succ ess Office/Title V • College for a Day

High School

• Dual Enrollm

ent Equivalency Pr ogram • Upward Boun d • College Boun d • Student Succ ess Office/Title V • Educational O ppor tunity Cen ter • College Con nexión • High School

stewardship stewardship

Dropout Recovery Program Funding Source:Texas Education Agency

husband as migrant laborers. One of the challenges included

stewardship

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Funding Source: US Dept of Education

college pipeline.There are counseling, tutorial and mentoring

College

• Student Succ ess Office/Title V • Adult Basic Sk ills Education D ept.

• College Assist ance Migr ant Pr ogram

ethos } 59

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Rolf R. Haberecht

CHAIR OF THE BOARD Dallas,Texas 2006-2011

Dr. Rolf R. Haberecht, began his service to the TSTC Board of Regents in 2006.

Haberecht is the chairman of the board and co-founder of VLSIP Technologies Inc. in Dallas.

8:39 AM

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Mike Reeser

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E.

Chancellor,TSTC System

President,TSTC Harlingen

Board

James Virgil (JV) Martin

Penny Forrest

JV Martin was appointed originally to the Board in 2004. Martin most recently served as the CEO of First Financial Bank in Sweetwater, where he is the Chairman of the bank board.

Regents

Linda McKenna

Mike Northcutt Longview,Texas 2002-2013

EXEC. COMMITTEE PLACE 2 Waco,Texas 2009-2015

Harlingen,Texas 2009-2015

Penny Forrest, of Waco is the librarian and museum curator of The Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and pursued graduate classes in library and information studies from Texas Woman’s University.

Linda McKenna currently serves as president of the Rio Grande Valley Chamber Partnership. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas - Brownsville in government and a master’s degree in public admin-istration from UT-Pan American.

Mike Northcutt, a resident of Longview, has been a Regent since 2002.Northcutt is president of the Longview Branch of Southside Bank -Tyler.

Gene Seaman

Ellis M. Skinner II

Joe M. Gurecky

Joe K. Hearne

Gene Seaman of Corpus Christi served the State of Texas as a state representative from 1996 to 2006 for District 32. He has devoted much of his career to the insurance industry, first for Prudential and then for Mutual of New York.

Ellis M. Skinner II, of Spicewood, is president of Ellis M. Skinner Company, Inc., a construction services company in Dallas.

Joe M. Gurecky, currently serves as the mayor of Rosenberg, a position he has held since 1999. Gurecky is the owner/founder of Gurecky Manufacturing Services.

Joe K. Hearne of Dallas is a retired quality assurance engineering and supply chain manager from ELCAN OpticalTechnologies –Texas, a division of Raytheon Systems. He presently is serving as a substitute teacher for the Dallas Independent School District.

Sweetwater,Texas 2004-2015

EXEC. COMMITTEE PLACE 1 Corpus Christi,Texas 2008-2013

Spicewood,Texas 2009-2013

VICE CHAIR Rosenberg,Texas 2006-2011

Dallas,Texas 2006-2011

The TSTC System is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents and operated under the direction of a system wide chancellor. These Regents, who provide a statewide perspective, are appointed by the governor to six-year terms.The Board meets quarterly to provide leadership and enact policies for the successful management and operation of the system.