Top Stories Printer Friendly Friday, February 10, 2012
Former Regent Dies: Leaves Lasting Legacy
TSTC Offers Free Financial Aid Workshop
High School Welders Compete, Learn at TSTC
About 50 students from a total of six high schools competed in the FFA / Pre-SkillsUSA Competition at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen. The event held January 31 tested the knowledge and abilities of the high school students, and it tested six Welding Technology (WLT) Program college students who served as judges.
Machining Grad Donates Tools as Legacy
Valley Metro’s New Route Links Los Fresnos Residents to TSTC
LOS FRESNOS – Valley Metro (VM) Route 45 quickly gained passengers before its recent kickoff ceremony at Los Fresnos Memorial Park, one of the stops for roundtrip bus service between Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC) and the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB).
TSTC Signs Articulation Agreement with Universities
Correction of previous press release The Associate of Science in Engineering Science degree at Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC) has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board (THECB). Representatives from TSTC, the University of Texas-Tyler, UT-Pan American, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and South Texas College recently signed an articulation agreement symbolizing the engineering partnership between the institutions.
Cell Phone Recycling Brings 'Green' Results
The TSTC Student Government Association (SGA) and the TSTC Learning Resource Center (LRC) have teamed up to help Med High students reach their fundraising goals in order to participate in educational and technology based activities.
TSTC Instructor Passes On Valuable Knowledge
A diploma in Wind Energy Technology (WET) means more than additional knowledge and skills for Hugo Ortega because he will share his education with his students.
New Bus Route Links Los Fresnos with TSTC
Texas State Technical College students in the Los Fresnos area could select “ride public transit to save money” as a New Year’s resolution.
Former Regent Donates $150,000 to TSTC
Thanks to a $150,000 contribution to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) from former TSTC Regent and Chairman, Dr. Rolf Haberecht and his wife, Ute, many students will be helped in achieving success through education and training. Dr. and Mrs. Haberecht have pledged $75,000 to fund scholarships for approximately 15 students as they obtain certificates and associate’s degrees in allied health areas leading to careers such as Biomedical Equipment Technician, Surgical Technician, LVN, ADN and Medical Assistant.
University Center Receives Third Industry Award
Speakers Urge Grads to Pursue Challenges
College President Dr. Cesar Maldonado and Judge David A. Sanchez urged graduates at the 2011 fall semester commencement to celebrate their achievements and continually pursue new challenges.
Scholarship Fundraiser Honors Congressman
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa received a special tribute and two standing ovations for his longtime support of education at the seventh annual Noche de Gala scholarship fundraiser event.
District One Forum
SGA to Sponsor Candidates’ Forum
Awards Salute Students for Leadership, Values
Counselor Specializes in Student Services
BEST Robotics Competition
EMT Program Receives Aircraft Medical Donation
Emergency Medical Technology students at Texas State Technical College Harlingen recently received the first McGrath portable video laryngoscope donated to a college by Aircraft Medical.
Judge Comments on Impact of Drugs
Few youngsters who choose to experiment with drugs consider the possible negative consequences.
District 440th Judge David Sanchez also told students during a presentation at Texas State Technical College Harlingen that drug users usually do not take time to understand why they start involvement with drugs. He spoke to students as part of Red Ribbon Week activities on campus October 24-28 to encourage students to stay drug free. He cited research that drug use - including alcohol consumption - in the United States has an annual social-criminal impact estimated at about one-half trillion dollars and more than 100,000 people die as the result of drug-related incidents.
HCISD Counselors Take Close-up TSTC Tour
Why would elementary school and middle school guidance counselors tour a college?
More than 50 guidance counselors at all levels - elementary, middle and high school - from Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District are qualified to answer the question because they received the latest program and career information October 25 at Texas State Technical College. They also took close-up tours of campus facilities like the new University Center that offers advanced degrees from eight universities and TSTC laboratories for robotics, telecommunications, and computer gaming and simulation.
SpawGlass Earns Award for University Center
Students Volunteer for Air Disaster Drill
Robotics Teams Prepare for RGV Competition
Bus Route to Link Los Fresnos, TSTC
Green Construction Class Features Saving Energy
Tribute Recalls Domestic Violence Victims
Students Build Rover to Push Tech Frontier
High School Counselors Review TSTC Options
Priest Leads Service for Academic Strength
A communion mass in the Student Center Cafeteria VIP Room is like most religious services.
There is music. There are final preparations for the ceremony as late-comers arrive. And, members of congregation – in this case, members of the Catholic Campus Ministry – like to chat before and after the formalities. The Rev. Rigobert Poulang Mot of St. Helen Catholic Church in Rio Hondo conducted the Blessing of the Backpacks at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on September 14 to celebrate the start of fall semester and reflect on education challenges.A communion mass in the Student Center Cafeteria VIP Room is like most religious services.
There is music. There are final preparations for the ceremony as late-comers arrive. And, members of congregation – in this case, members of the Catholic Campus Ministry – like to chat before and after the formalities. The Rev. Rigobert Poulang Mot of St. Helen Catholic Church in Rio Hondo conducted the Blessing of the Backpacks at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on September 14 to celebrate the start of fall semester and reflect on education challenges.
Governor Appoints Trio to System Board of Regents
Universities, TSTC Celebrate New Center
Regents Honor Grads Reflect on Lessons
Knowledge based on applied skills is a central theme in technical education.
Four students – one from the Computer Networking & Security, Wind Energy, Business / Office, and Nursing Preparatory programs – to earn straight “A’s” in all their courses received gold medallions symbolic of their designation as Board of Regents Honor Graduates at commencement August 19. They agreed that lessons they learned at Texas State Technical College Harlingen went beyond curriculum, lectures and textbooks.
Graduation Highlights Success Stories
Almost 250 Texas State Technical College Harlingen students became graduates at the end of summer semester August 19.
Among the graduates to receive a diploma and a handshake from President Dr. Cesar Maldonado was Patrick Davila of Harlingen, who became the first TSTC graduate to earn an Associate of Science degree in physics. It represented his third AS degree from TSTC to go with AS degrees in biology and health professional. He will transfer the credits to the University of Texas-Pan American, where he plans to work toward a career in family medicine or anesthesiology.
Commencement Speakers: 'The World Is Yours'
Ribbon Ceremony Unites Renewable Energy Partners
Ingleside Wind Center Hosts Student Tours
Family Follows Father Toward HEP Diplomas
Freezer Caramel Drizzle Tops Pie Contest
Universities Showcase Degrees at TSTC
Eight universities promoted bachelor, master and doctoral programs they will offer fall semester in the University Center at Harlingen during two information sessions June 29.
Wind Energy Grad Earns Management Title
ABE Commencement a First for TSTC
Many Adult Basic Education graduates – in the program’s first commencement at Texas State Technical College Harlingen – started college courses before commencement June 24.
Most of the graduates completed college credits while simultaneously preparing for the ABE exams and 11 finished phlebotomy training while attaining a General Equivalency Diploma.
Accountability Energizes Step Forward
Speaker John G. Miller focused on personal accountability to increase employees’ commitment to students’ success at the Step Forward celebration May 25.
Hinojosa Accepts Honor From TSTC
The special guest of honor for the seventh annual student scholarship fundraiser set for December 3, 2011 at Texas State Technical College Harlingen will be U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa of Mercedes.
Early College Grads Bask in Spotlight
Tree Dedication Symbolizes TSTC Values
TSTC Students Announce Awards
An awards banquet and dance capped a highly successful year that included more than 1,310 hours of volunteer service for the Student Government Association and student clubs April 21.
Campus Improvement Projects Build Skills
Silent Walk
A silent walk at Texas State Technical College Harlingen to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month also brought support to victims of abuse.
“Joining this walk makes me stronger,” a female victim of sexual assault and abuse by her ex-husband said after the event April 7. “We need to tell other victims that there is help out there; the victims should speak up and break their silence.” She pushed her 1-year-old daughter in a stroller as the estimated 50 walkers quietly strolled from the Learning Resource Center, through the Student Center, into the lobby of the state Rep. Irma Rangel Science & Technology Building, and along the main mall in the center of campus.
TSTC Thanks Eversons for Trust Fund
A surprise 85th birthday party for Leona Wilcox Everson of Laguna Vista served a second purpose at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
Her husband, Arthur, said his wife likes surprises as they arrived for the festivities. The birthday was one reason TSTC set up a special luncheon March 21 in the Board Room of the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center. The other reason for the party was special thanks to the Eversons because they made the largest single donation of its kind to TSTC in December 2006 when they established a Charitable Remainder Trust worth 500,000 dollars for future student scholarships.
Her husband, Arthur, said his wife likes surprises as they arrived for the festivities. The birthday was one reason TSTC set up a special luncheon March 21 in the Board Room of the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center. The other reason for the party was special thanks to the Eversons because they made the largest single donation of its kind to TSTC in December 2006 when they established a Charitable Remainder Trust worth $500,000 for future student scholarships.
Wind Energy Program Expands to Ingleside
Generating a workforce to power the wind energy industry will bring growth for the Wind Energy Technology Program at Texas State Technical College Harlingen when it expands to a training center near Corpus Christi.
College Pays Tribute to Dr. Abraham Cano
Family and close friends of Dr. Abraham Cano, who oversaw student health services as consulting physician for more than 20 years at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, recently gathered to remember his service to the college. The Harlingen native passed away August 21, 2010, after practicing family medicine for more than 30 years in the community. The TSTC System Board of Regents adopted a special resolution at its February meeting in Harlingen commending Dr. Cano for his unselfish assistance to the college and its students. He never charged a fee for his professional support to the College Nurse Office.
Corporate Center Tests Employees' Skills
Many prospective employees face the first big test involving possible employment sitting at a computer in the Corporate Testing Center at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
The center – a part of the college’s Corporate & Community Education Department – works with individuals who must pass tests for licenses or certification. The center also coordinates tests with vendors that regularly offer personnel tests for government agencies and private companies.
Seniors Tour TSTC On TECH Day
The fourth trip to Texas State Technical College Harlingen turned into a charm for Samantha Waite, a senior at La Feria High School.
She was among more than 600 seniors from 15 high schools to tour the campus during TECH Day on March 1. Waite had been to the campus on three other school-related trips, but she did not get to see the program that interested her most – Automotive Technology – until TECH Day. She has taken some tuition-free language arts courses through the college’s Dual Enrollment program. The credits count toward high school graduation and go onto a student’s college transcript.
Are You Ready to Ride Valley Metro?
Learn how to stretch your transportation dollars by utilizing low-cost bus fares, convenient routes and student-friendly schedules! Students are invited to a Valley Metro information session in the LRC Orientation Room at 12 PM Monday, February 28, or stop by the Valley Metro public transit booth in the Student Center between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. February 28.
Author Donates to TSTC Student Causes
Search for TSTC West Texas President Announced
Congress Makes Security Plans After Shooting
Lawmakers should not retreat from direct contact with constituents after U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was seriously wounded by a gunman January 7 in Tucson, Ariz.
Boggus, Students Share Scholarship Spotlight
Frank Boggus shared the spotlight as honoree of the 2010 Noche de Gala student scholarship fundraiser for Texas State Technical College with several dignitaries – including three scholarship recipients.
TSTC Thanks Gala Scholarship Sponsors
Besides hundreds of private individuals that contribute to student scholarship funds at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, there are major donors recognized at the annual Noche de Gala banquet. The 2010 banquet honored Frank Boggus – owner of the Boggus Motor Co. in Harlingen and McAllen – for his community service, partnership with Automotive Technology and Auto Collision Technology programs at TSTC, and his support for the college’s continual growth.
Navy Veteran Advises Veterans at TSTC
Sailing the seas as a boatswain mate aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington expanded perspectives about life and other cultures for Roberto Cruz II of Harlingen.
Michael L. Reeser named Chancellor
Public Safety Career Expo Set for TSTC
Men and women interested in seeking law enforcement, firefighter and emergency response positions are invited to the Public Safety Career Expo at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on November 9.
Health Fair Offers Screenings . . . and More
Texas State Technical College Harlingen will sponsor the 2010 Wealth of Health Fair at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 18.
USDA Urges Local Action on Nutrition
Improving cooperation between consumers, food processors and food producers will help combat hunger, malnourishment and obesity, according to Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Victor Vasquez.
TSTC Creates Two Autumn Celebrations
What could be more fun than an autumn festival? How about two autumn festivals?
To better accommodate large crowds anticipated for its annual autumn bash, Texas State Technical College Harlingen will split its traditional fall celebration into two, separate events.
Wind Energy Committee Chair Elected
TSTC, Counties Promote Transit Routes
Dance Expresses Darkness of Abuse
Haircut Becomes Donation and Makeover
Environmental Summit Highlights Valley Issues
Aviation Maintenance Adds Cessna to Program
Housing Orientation Cites Services and Policies
Residential life isn’t what it used to be at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
It’s much better.
Students Lose Weight to Win Prizes
A weight loss program offered at the TSTC Wellness & Sports Center provides prizes to students who trim off weight.
The incentives are based upon the amount of pounds an individual student loses. There’s a free water bottle for losing only three pounds. By losing five pounds a student qualifies for a free T-shirt. Drop seven pounds to earn a drawstring bag. It’s cumulative, so by the time a participant loses seven pounds he or she will collect the water bottle, T-shirt and drawstring bag.
Student's Poster Wins CineSol Contest
The image representing the 17th annual CineSol Film Festival came from Elisama Navarro, a Texas State Technical College student.
The recent graduate of Harlingen High School South learned about CineSol’s third annual poster contest from her graphic arts instructor, Priscilla Martinez. Entries arrived from near and far, such as Florida, Rhode Island and Greece. The winning design incorporated a representation of sun rays – symbolic of the “sol” in Spanish – with popcorn and film festival information.
Green Energy Growth Could Boost Economy
Honor Graduates Covet Gold Medals
Like Olympic Games victors, Board of Regents Honor Graduates at commencement displayed smiles as bright as the gold medals around their necks.
Four Texas State Technical College Harlingen students earned the distinction August 20. Christina Flores of Brownsville got a 4.0 grade point average – the equivalent of straight A’s – to attain a Certificate of Completion diploma in Dental Assisting. Edwardo Guerra and Noe N. Silva each attained medals with Certificates of Completion in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, and Christian Aldrete received the distinction for an Associate of Science degree in Nursing Preparatory.
Commencement Highlights Associate of Science Grads
Comptroller Applauds Texas Education Funds
TSTC Gains $4.4 Million in Grants
Chancellor Segura Announces Retirement
City Centennial Honors TSTC President Emeritus
Wind Energy Students Start Online Lessons
Cameron County Urges Hurricane Preparedness
Successful implementation of safety plans to reduce possible injuries and property damage during a hurricane hinge on public cooperation.
Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos and Emergency Management Coordinator Johnny Cavazos emphasized these types of public education points at a hurricane preparedness session May 13 in the Learning Resource Center Orientation Room at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
Presidents Positive About Grads' Futures
Graduates Recall Lessons That Led to Success
Wind Energy Technology Program Opens
The only in-depth college level Wind Energy Technology Program of its kind in South Texas is enrolling students at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
A $238,678 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through its office in Golden, Colo., is funding the first phase of program development. It includes $75,000 in free tuition for qualifying students who enroll in the new program. Studies will start with online courses before the program expands.
Employment Market Brisk at Job Fair
Business recovery is well under way if activity at the Job Fair in the TSTC Cultural Arts Center on March 11 served as an economic indicator.
A large crowd – 709 students, including 78 graduates – swarmed between the booths that represented 38 businesses. Besides shaking hands, learning about careers from professionals and discussing interview prospects, many students filled out job applications. Susan Holmes, director of Career Placement & Cooperative Education at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, said the event symbolized two very positive points.
Conference Examines Spring Break Risks
Presentations about the hazards connected to Spring Break left lasting impressions on Migdalia Banda.
The major in Computer Drafting and Design Technology was among more than 350 students at Texas State Technical College Harlingen who attended three presentations – the dangers of travel in Mexico, the risks of drunk driving and date rape drugs – during the Spring Break Conference on campus. Lt. Robert Rodriguez of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, Sexual Assault Program Director Veronica Casas of the Family Crisis Center and Department of Public Safety Sgt. Johnny Hernandez caught students’ attention March 10.
Mobile Memorial Shows Danger of Drunk Driving
TSTC Honors Volunteer Nurse
TSTC, City Break Ground on University Center
Four-year university degrees available in Harlingen and their economic impact took a giant leap forward at a ground-breaking ceremony for the new University Articulation & Career Center.
TSTC to Break Ground for University Building
Robotics Game Becomes Serious Business
Robotics competition at Texas State Technical College Harlingen looked like a fun game from the sidelines.
But the Mechatronics Technology and Biomedical Equipment Technology students built the robots and refined the computerized control systems to gain knowledge and skills in preparation for future jobs. Industry people like Lynne Daniels, operating recruiting supervisor with the Mid-Continent/Alaska Business Unit of Chevron North America Exploration and Production, took a special interest in the students’ progress.
Veterans Ceremony Emphasizes Patriotism
Military veterans and those who serve in the military possess a deeper meaning of patriotism.
Just ask Automotive Technology major Guadalupe Sanchez of San Benito, a Marine Corps veteran, who attended the Veterans Day ceremony at the Student Quad on November 11. He listened to Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Al Guillen urge each American to honestly assess his or her patriotic character and accept the responsibility of performing military service. Sanchez served as a lance corporal in grave registration with a combat unit in Iraq during his tour of duty from 2001 to 2005.
Speakers Focus on Breast Cancer Issues
Two speakers emotionally shared their intimate stories about breast cancer on National Mammography Day.
About 50 women gathered in the LRC Orientation Room on October 16 heard Abby Vela, health awareness director for the Women’s Clinic of South Texas and independent health consultant, and Sandy Ann Padilla, a TSTC student majoring in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, urge them to perform monthly self-examinations and consult physicians at the first sign of an abnormality.
Officer Recalls Surviving Family Violence
Law enforcement agents frequently become the targets of aggression during domestic disturbances, according to statistics, and Harlingen Police Officer Carlos Ramos almost became a fatality.
He shared his story with a crowd of almost 200 people October 1 in the TSTC Cultural Arts Center at the Candlelight Vigil: Ni Una Mas to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event paid special tribute to the role of law enforcement personnel in trying to peacefully resolve family violence incidents and law enforcement agents killed or wounded performing those duties.
Clothesline Sends Anti-violence Message
Control is not love.
If you love someone, you wouldn’t hurt them.
Real men don’t hit. Don’t be afraid to let someone know. Stop abuse, it affects us, too, Mommy and Daddy.
Lawmakers Cite Importance of Education
Higher education repeatedly became a prominent theme in speeches by State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst at a “State of the District” event.
More than 200 people gathered in the Cultural Arts Center at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on September 23 to hear lawmakers from the Rio Grande Valley and Dewhurst report about the 81st legislative session. In an interview, Lucio emphasized the importance of new Associate of Science degrees offered at TSTC. The seven categories for AS degrees include computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, nurse preparatory, health professions and biology. These degrees fulfill about two years of study toward bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.
EXPO Touts College, Careers
More than 1,000 students representing 28 high schools from Brownsville to Zapata took home information about post-secondary education and career options after the Education & Career EXPO at TSTC.
Students toured the campus September 17 and in the Cultural Arts Center mingled with representatives from a diverse group of about 50 agencies, businesses and occupations such as Best Buy, H&R Block, Magic Valley Electric Coop, Harlingen Family Dentistry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Su Clinica Familiar, the U.S. Border Patrol and military services. Several colleges and universities met with students in the TSTC Wellness & Sports Center throughout the event.
University Courses to Enhance TSTC
Construction of the University Articulation & Career Center at Texas State Technical College will make TSTC more than a stepping-stone for its academic students who transfer to four-year universities.
Planning is under way for the 30,000 square foot building that will cost an estimated $4.2 million, funded by the Harlingen Economic Development Corp. Vice President of Academic Affairs Pat Hobbs has been at the hub of the cooperative venture that will combine the city’s interests, TSTC resources, and courses offered by four-year universities at the TSTC campus. Some articulation agreements between TSTC and four-year universities already give students the option to start work on bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees without leaving Harlingen.
Associate of Science Degrees Arrive at TSTC
Associate of Science degrees in seven categories are in the implementation phases at TSTC after final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The new AS degrees for Texas State Technical College Harlingen in biology, computer science, engineering, health professions, mathematics, nursing preparatory and physics create more options for graduates and those who earn an AS degree with plans to transfer to a four-year university for work toward bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Some existing TSTC students will apply their credits to an AS that could fulfill two years of the four years it often takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, Director of General Education Frank Lewis said.
TSTC, Green Mountain Turn On Solar Energy Project
A shiny new solar array at Texas State Technical College Harlingen will empower future graduates in modern careers thanks to a donation from Green Mountain Energy Company.
Professor Dr. Sarah Merrill, who submitted the grant application to Green Mountain, pulled the switch that enabled electricity gathered by an 861-square-foot solar array to supply up about 13,000 kilowatt hours per year to the college’s Autobody Collision Technology Building. With “Let the Sunshine In” by The Fifth Dimension as a musical theme, the 60 large photovoltaic solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity became the focus of studies and research at TSTC.
Handyman retires with memories
Thirty-three years of TSTC memories – employees, students, buildings, programs and more – will accompany carpenter Billy England during his retirement.
The longtime college icon spent his last paid day on the job August 31. The college president, known by the official title of “general manager,” was Archie Rosales when England joined the Physical Plant staff on June 17, 1976, and he served as carpenter, plumber, painter and locksmith during his tenure.
Scientists Study Stronger Cement
ACT Program Welcomes Business Officials
The Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology program held an open house to give business and industry representatives a close look at its instruction methods and equipment.
The ACT Advisory Board supported the event August 19 sponsored by Johnstone Supply. Several ACT students took advantage of the occasion to discuss training issues and the employment market with contractors and business officials. Cindy Aguilar, a TSTC alumna and manager of the Johnstone Supply office in Brownsville who serves as president of the ACT Advisory Board, said that industry participants gained greater awareness of the ACT program and classes that employees might take to improve their skills.
Commencement Launches Grads Toward Future
State District 43 Rep. Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, urged TSTC graduates to courageously pursue their dreams during her commencement address August 22.
"Follow your plans," she told the audience at Christian Fellowship Church. "Do not just dream of your goals; go for it. Remember that learning comes in all shapes and sizes."
Everyone occasionally faces difficult decisions about whether to follow rules or take a risk by breaking barriers to create new rules, Rep. Rios Ybarra said. Those decisions could lead to mistakes, but an error should become a learning opportunity. She told graduates to persevere and quoted former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, "Success is the ability to move from one failure to the next with enthusiasm."
Surgical Technologists Earn Pins
Seventeen Surgical Technology graduates received their pins symbolizing college graduation and the start of their professional careers at the Cultural Arts Center before a large crowd of family and friends.
The class valedictorian, Alejandra Rubio, led the achievers and she led her family as the first generation to obtain a college diploma. “I gave my six brothers and sisters the example of continuing beyond high school and graduating from college,” she said. “I showed them it’s possible to do it because without an education life becomes more difficult.”
TSTC And UT Dallas To Streamline Admission Process
An agreement between Texas State Technical College Harlingen and The University of Texas at Dallas will streamline admission for TSTC students who plan to further their education at UT Dallas.
Officials will meet for separate signing ceremonies with the TSTC event scheduled for the Board Room of the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center at 11 a.m. July 29. Dr. Nathan Ivey, special assistant to the vice president for Enrollment Management at UT Dallas, will represent UT Dallas President Dr. David Daniel. In an interview, Dr. Ivey said that the pre-admissions understanding should attract TSTC students pursuing bachelor degrees.
Parents Absorb College Basics
Parents of Early College High School students who will enroll in TSTC courses recently learned about their youngsters’ transition to college at a special orientation session.
A combined total of about 300 freshmen, sophomores and juniors will attend ECHS on the TSTC campus this fall thanks to grants received by the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. It’s the third year for ECHS and most ECHS juniors will participate in Dual Enrollment schedules – receiving high school and college credits that are tuition free – largely composed of college courses. The orientation for parents covered the TSTC learning environment, policies and resources.
Admissions Office Aces Audit
Admissions & Records Office personnel expecting a normal staff meeting July 13 at TSTC got treated to a congratulatory celebration for passing an in-depth internal audit.
College President Dr. Cesar Maldonado thanked each employee as he handed them certificates of excellence for the achievement. He said department’s performance will set a high standard for other colleges in the Texas State Technical College System to match because it is very rare that an audit occurs without finding a single recommendation.
TSTC, A&M Kingsville Sign Education Accord
TSTC President Dr. Cesar Maldonado and A&M-Kingsville President Dr. Steven H. Tallant signed the pact in the Orientation Room of the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center at TSTC on July 10. State District 43 Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra of South Padre Island joined about 100 educators, students and business officials at the event.
Cook-off Pits TSTC Versus STC
The hot pad gloves will come off when Culinary Arts teams from Texas State Technical College and South Texas College knuckle down for Iron Chef-style competition at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 24.
The clash of the colleges will be a preliminary promotion for the Appetite For Education Cook-off, sanctioned by the International Bar-B-Que Cookers Association, designed to raise scholarship funds for STC students. The main event will be held July 25 at Dodge Arena. Several professional and amateur teams from across Texas are expected to sign up for the Appetite For Education Cook-off.
Ag Students Observe Sorghum Harvest
Agricultural Technology students reaped harvest lessons as they watched a 36-foot-wide John Deere 9750 STS combine crank in swaths of sorghum on a 38.7-acre test plot at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
An Agricultural Technology program alumnus, Chris Sparks of C&J Farms, directed the harvest crew as about a dozen students observed from the side of the field July 7. AGT Chairman Armando Duarte, Instructor Matthew Mire and Lab Assistant Steve Chavez worked with Rick Alfaro, sales representative for Wilbur-Ellis Co., to measure yields for 11 varieties of sorghum. Some of the varieties provided by Wilber-Ellis Co. were planted as experimental hybrids to test yields for comparison purposes.
Teacher Certification Options Expand
A new articulation agreement between Texas State Technical College Harlingen and Texas A&M University-Kingsville will allow more TSTC students easier access to teacher certification.
The Teacher Assistant program at TSTC will switch its title this coming fall semester to Education and Training to symbolize the progress. A ceremony to sign the articulation documents will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, in the Orientation Room of the Learning Resource Center. The public is welcome to attend.
Computer Grad Rises To Doctorate
“There’s never a dull moment and there are no routines. Everyday it’s a whole new world filled with challenges and opportunities,” she said. She’s also chairwoman for the Computer Systems Management Technology, Computer Science Software Development and Gaming & Simulation Programming departments.
Teacher Assistants Aid Abused Children
TA Club President Pauline Dymond said that students and employees donated nine boxes of clothes, toys, books and supplies for distribution to the Rainbow Room, Blue Sunday and Buckner’s Home for Children. The non-profit organizations offer counseling, housing, clothing, and numerous services to abused or neglected children. Officials from the three groups made presentations describing their missions to about 75 college students in the auditorium of the state Rep. Irma Rangel Science & Technology Building on April 7.
Wellness Walk Promotes Health, Fitness
Thirty students and employees braved heat and wind June 16 at the college’s first ever “Wellness Walk” on the track around the Athletic Field.
Participants set their own pace for three laps – a total of one mile – and earned free water, snacks and T-shirts. They also will receive e-mails with health-related information and updates about fitness opportunities available at the Fieldhouse. The next Wellness Walk is scheduled for September 15. Intramurals Supervisor Armando “Brany” Dominguez plans to make the walks a regular attraction to promote health issues campus-wide, including Student Government Association points for clubs whose members step forward and exercise at the events
Library’s New Name Honors Dr. Leal
More than 100 students, employees, friends and relatives attended the unveiling of a new showcase in the LRC front lobby honoring Dr. Leal for 39 years of service at the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center on May 28. The two-story building – with more than 90 computer stations, study rooms, a meeting room for college and community events, the Board of Regents meeting room, and an Instructional Media Center – first opened in 2003, and offers numerous resources and services.
Parent Volunteer Award Goes To TSTC Student
An extension of Elena Ramirez’s maternal instincts earned her the title of “most outstanding volunteer” with NINOS HeadStart for 2008-2009 in Cameron and Willacy counties.
Between classes at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, she devoted many hours of assistance to children and staff at TSTC Early HeadStart. Parent volunteers from more than 30 centers were considered for the annual award presented April 23. Her daughter, Elyse, recently graduated from Early HeadStart to the TSTC HeadStart program next door for children ages 3 to 5. While not volunteering, Ramirez completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Office Technology.
Memorial Day Tribute Salutes Fallen Troops
Small U.S. flags that represent each U.S. soldier killed during the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan dot the ground on a section of the mall at TSTC.
The 5,320 flags provide a somber reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by military personnel (4,630 fatalities in Iraq and 690 in Afghanistan since 2001) to pedestrians and a group of Texas State Technical College Harlingen students and employees at the Memorial Day Tribute held May 26. The brief ceremony fit between dark clouds that brought intermittent showers.
Disaster Relief Grant To Aid 58 Students
A special grant from the U.S. Department of Education means free tuition for 58 TSTC students.
The Department of Education, as part of its Higher Education Disaster Relief Program, awarded the college an $87,057 grant, which will be divided into scholarships of approximately $1,500 per student, college Chief of Staff Adam Hutchison said. Grants from the Higher Education Disaster Relief Program went to schools forced to close or relocate as a result of natural disasters, in Texas State Technical College Harlingen’s case, Hurricane Dolly.
Students Hook Up Computers For Autism School
A pre-school designed to educate children affected by autism will open with a computer network that assists its youngsters, their families, instructors and volunteers thanks to the helping hands of TSTC students.
About a dozen Computer Systems Management Technology majors who participate in the college’s SkillsUSA chapter visited Grace Pre-School Academy for the Autistic Child to install and connect 10 PCs donated by Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen on April 4. TSTC Instructor Eddie Cavazos took a special interest in the project because one of his daughters, Brianna, has Down syndrome. Pre-school Coordinator Cris Porras provided a tour of the facility for the volunteers and explained the computer network’s roles.
TSTC Starts New Vocational Nursing Program
Twenty-six students stepped into history as the first cohort of the new Vocational Nursing program at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
The historic steps as they entered Room 202 of the state Sen. Eddie Lucio Health Science Technology Building before 8 a.m. May 11 occurred thanks to the efforts of numerous people. In her opening remarks, VN Chairwoman Susann Garza thanked college President Dr. Cesar Maldonado, college Provost Pat Hobbs, Allied Health Technology Co-Directors Barb Bennett and Bob Bennett, and Harlingen resident Rachel Gomez – a member of the Texas Board of Nursing – for their assistance in establishing the program.
TSTC To Honor H. Wm. "Bill" Card, Jr. At Gala
In observing the first 100 years of Harlingen, historians could place the name of H. Wm. “Bill” Card Jr. on the list of the city’s most important citizens close to founder Lon C. Hill.
The longtime mayor and retired U.S. Marine Corps commander will be saluted as honoree of the fifth annual Noche de Gala student scholarship fund-raiser banquet at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on May 1. “I am truly honored to receive this recognition from TSTC. I was surprised when I learned about it from Dr. Cesar Maldonado, college president,” Card said.
Companies meet future employees at Job Fair
Representatives from the companies and government entities expressed interest in seeking Texas State Technical College students and graduates. The human resources recruiters represented a diverse group ranging from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to medical facilities to multi-national corporations like General Electric Co. An estimated 1,000 students filed through the Cultural Arts Center learning about career details.
Cancer Winner Studies Toward Her Career
Padilla received the diagnosis on June 21, 2007. The tone of her voice reflects a date etched in her memory. Chemotherapy was not an option due to the condition of her blood platelets, so surgery and medication are the medical weapons. Meanwhile, cancer gave her new outlook on life. “A friend of mine opened my eyes that I needed to go to school. I did not want to sit at home; I wanted to do something to help out people,” she recalled.
Two Ladies Step Up Big In Basketball
The duo did not watch much of the televised contest because they do not like to sit on the sidelines. The two former high school athletes in recent years were members of playoff teams – Sias from the Lady Cardinals of Harlingen and Garcia with the Lady Bearkats of Raymondville – and they were the only two women in the intramural basketball league at TSTC during the spring semester season. Garcia played for the Cougars and Sias played with the undefeated (10 wins) championship team, The Legends.
Basic Self-defense Prevents Possible Assaults
A person protecting themselves from sexual assault or physical violence requires minimal familiarity and practice with effective techniques instead of building the strength and skills of a martial arts expert.
Delia Leal, a Business Office Technology instructor at TSTC who’s trained in self-defense techniques, shared her knowledge with about 75 students and employees at the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kickoff event at the Student Center on April 2.
Brothers' Game Scores Industry Victory
Mario and Alberto Huerta combined their Gaming & Simulation Programming technology education and initiative to reach the cyberspace marketplace with their Micro Invasion game available to millions of players worldwide.
The brothers commute from Palmview to Texas State Technical College Harlingen and worked together to attain professional status before they graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in December 2009. Micro Invasion withstood in-depth scrutiny from the elite XNA Creators Club, a worldwide network of avid gamers, to become one of only about 200 games approved by the creators’ club community since November 2008.
Combs Sees Economic Turnaround Ahead
She told about 100 government officials, business leaders, and college students and faculty that the states diverse economic base, the state budgets rainy day fund for emergencies and the state constitutional guarantee that prevents deficit spending spared Texas from serious economic damage affecting much of the nation. Her assistants invited local governments, businesses and taxpayers to call upon the comptrollers office for resources during the presentation in the Learning Resource Center at TSTC Harlingen on March 27.
TSTC Opens Door for Dual Enrollment Transition
TSTCs mission is to help bring you closer to your dreams, College President Dr. Cesar Maldonado, PE, told dozens of parents and high school seniors in his welcome remarks. We offer you many pathways to reach success. We are not a very big institution compared to some four-year universities, but we are a very caring institution. You will find that our faculty and our staff will get to know you.
HEP Graduates Offer Encouragement
Graduates of the High School Equivalency Program returned to TSTC and their former classrooms to encourage current students with advice.
Graduate Valarey Atkinson reminded students about the services provided by HEP. “Take advantage of all the mentor and tutorial services that the program offers. Study hard and you will make it.” The Health Information Technology student added, “The HEP has helped me achieve my goal of going to college. I wanted it and my teachers believed in me.”
City Leaders Honor TSTC President
“This is my dream job. It’s really where I want to be,” he said during his remarks. “It’s been exciting to come to a college that has so many people full of energy with so many ideas.” Dr. Maldonado became the college’s third president October 16 following the retirement of Dr. J. Gilbert Leal, who held the position for 30 years.
Mexico Shootouts Threaten Spring Break Fun
“There is no safety in Mexico during Spring Break and that is the bottom line. Security and safety are non-existent there in many places.”
The opening comment by Cameron County Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Rodriguez set a serious tone for his presentation about travel into Mexico during the Spring Break Conference held in the auditorium of the state Rep. Irma Rangel Science & Technology Building at TSTC on March 11. Students also enjoyed the lighter side of their upcoming one-week vacation with games, food and safety information during the Spring Break Hook-up in the mall area.
Non-traditional Expo Highlights Gender Issues
“A woman has got to fix what a man breaks,” Sandy Padilla of Harlingen said with a broad smile on her face at the ACT booth during the Calling All Rosies / Non-traditional Expo held at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on March 4. “It’s not just a man’s world; it’s a woman’s world, too.”
Numerous technical programs featured opportunities for non-traditional students at the event and the college presented Inspirational Awards to two students for their accomplishments in scholarship, citizenship and kindness. Those honors went to Milagros Garcia, a Chemical-Environmental Technology major from La Feria, and Jesus Perez, an ACT major from Harlingen.
Seniors Glimpse Technical Education Options
A group of 14 students from Juarez Lincoln High School in La Joya spent extra time in the Welding Technology Department because most of the group is interested in pursuing welding as an occupation, said Eleazar Ibarra, a welding instructor at the high school.
TSTC Crowns 2009 Student Ambassadors
The crowning moment after weeks of rehearsals and preparation for the Mr. and Ms. TSTC Scholarship Competition belonged to Carlos Martinez of Harlingen and Belinda Palomino of San Benito.
Honors as first runners-up went to Matthew Larkin and Adali Navarro, both of Harlingen. Joe Vela of Harlingen and Shannon Williams of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, received the second runners-up titles. The scholarship prizes toward tuition and books included $1,500 for Mr. and Ms. TSTC, $1,000 for the first runners-up and $500 for the second runners-up.
Financial Aid Assistance Available
Dozens of prospective college students and their family members gained fast, free assistance with filing online financial aid applications at College Goal Sunday.
An enthusiastic group of Financial Aid Office personnel, Counseling / Advisement Center employees and G Force students welcomed guests to the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. February 22. In most cases, the financial aid applicants completed the online input process in less than 30 minutes.
SkillsUSA Could Turn Dreams Into Realities
The owner of a wireless Internet provider told more than 1,500 District XIII SkillsUSA students that they should become dream makers during his speech at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
Richard Galvan, the head of Orbit Broadband in Harlingen and the main speaker for the District XIII SkillsUSA competition opening ceremony February 20, said that SkillsUSA members should not become couch potatoes endlessly playing video or computer games. As young and future leaders, you should know that there is a difference between those of you who are dreamers and those of you who are dream makers. Your generation must become inspired to dream and go beyond dreams to head toward new frontiers.
Harlingen Officially Opens Lemoyne Garden Park
A new garden for the LeMoyne Garden neighborhood on the north side of Harlingen served as the site for a ribbon-cutting celebration attended by residents, representatives from Texas State Technical College, community leaders and project donors.
A group of more than 50 people participated in the official unveiling of the public area developed on National Make A Difference Day last year with the combined efforts of college volunteers, private citizens, civic organizations, government officials, and business contributions. A new sign, located on north Morgan Boulevard / Farm-to-Market Road 508 across its intersection with Iwo Jima Memorial Drive, welcomes motorists leaving Valley International Airport as they pass Marine Military Academy and enter the city.
Admission Test Required For Vocational Nursing
A Vocational Nursing program at Texas State Technical College Harlingen is planned to open in May following certification – expected in April – from the Texas State Board of Nursing.
For admission, students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Test times, dates and locations are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 21, in Student Center Room 127, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 2, in Room W-124 of the state Rep. Irma Rangel Science & Technology Building (Building W). Students may register for the TEAS at the college Web site (www.harlingen.tstc.edu) and go to the Counseling Web page under "Other Testing Services" or go to the Vocational Nursing Web page
Legislative tour visits TSTC
A group of almost 40 Texas legislators began a three-day tour of Cameron County at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on January 22.
College administrators, local government leaders and business officials mingled at the Cultural Arts Center and received in-depth reports from Vice President for Student Learning Pat Hobbs and Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley Executive Director Pat Bubb. Tour participants learned about TSTC and Tech Prep achievements and the challenges educators face in preparing students to meet the state’s workforce needs.
“Technical education has come to the forefront of our leaders in the state,” Hobbs said, citing a state comptroller’s report, “and the TSTC System is thee technical college for the state.”
TSTC Students Gain, Share Leadership Concepts
TSTC Honors Faculty, Staff At Annual Event
The recipient of the Presidential Award for 2008 at Texas State Technical College Harlingen played a key role in the college’s recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dolly.
Physical Plant Director Juan Lopez accepted the trophy from President Dr. Cesar Maldonado during the Faculty & Staff Annual Awards Luncheon in the Cultural Arts Center on December 10. A graduate of TSTC Harlingen who has worked in various capacities for the college during the past 16 years, Lopez and his staff continue to coordinate ongoing hurricane damage assessments and repairs. The budget to restore buildings and facilities is estimated at approximately $3 million.
EMT Students Take Close-up Look at Disaster Practice as Victims
‘The Big Read’ Promotes Mexican Culture
Robotics Competition Sparks Interest In Technology
Small-scale robots built by, programmed by and controlled by Mechatronics Technology and Biomedical Engineering Technology students competed in basketball agility and wrestling at a special demonstration November 21.
Speakers Salute Veterans And Their Civilian Roles
TSTC Seeks Mentors For College, Middle Schools
TSTC, VBMC Receive $1 Million For Training
TSTC Harlingen President Announced
Fund-raiser Puts Heart Into Her Career
Victoria Salazar of Harlingen puts her heart into her job as corporate market director for the American Heart Association.
The fact that she has experienced the sorrow of losing family members to heart disease is part of what fuels her enthusiasm to organize events – like the Wes Lepard Harlingen Heart Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 11 – to raise funds for research and education that lead to the prevention of heart disease. She left the Rio Grande Valley after graduating from Port Isabel High School, but Salazar’s career path brought her home. Her parents, Rafael and Patricia Salazar, reside in Port Isabel.
Vista Promotes Service Learning At TSTC Harlingen
Community leaders seeking volunteer manpower from Texas State Technical College Harlingen students should get to know Justin Storrs.
Working as Americorps VISTA service learning coordinator at TSTC, he strives to enhance students’ learning experiences through their involvement in community service projects. The college’s clubs and organizations seek participation community service activities to fulfill their missions and non-profit groups frequently seek to tap the resources associated with student manpower. Storrs would like to bring everyone together to produce happy endings.
High School Students Eye Options At EXPO
Freshman Robert Cantu of Lasara High School received a big dose of potential college and job options during the Education and Career EXPO at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on Sept. 18.
He listened to presentations involving Surgical Technology, Nurse Assistant, Computer Drafting & Design Technology, and the Academic Core for transfer students. It wasn’t enough for him; he wanted to visit the Welding Technology Department. So, his 23 peers – plus three instructors – added welding to the itinerary before visiting with career experts at 45 exhibit booths in the Cultural Arts Center.
TSTC Student Peddles Fuel Efficient Bicycles
Few energy efficient inventions and products vying for the attention of consumers concerned about rising gas costs match the Texas Moon Dog Bikes.
The motor-powered bicycles cruise at speeds over 30 mph while averaging a whopping 120 miles per gallon and most models sell for under $600. Besides the excellent fuel economy, Texas State Technical College student J.D. Smith finds that he draws attention with waves from motorists and pedestrians as he test drives the merchandise. Some occasionally chase after him and get him to stop to learn more.
Student leaders shine at the 'Oscars'
Paparazzi camera flashes popped as the top student leaders of Texas State Technical College Harlingen strolled into the second annual recognition banquet titled “TSTC Night at the Oscars.” The Student Government Association handed out “Oscars” during the soiree July 19.
G Force: Advice from students for students
Tech Day matched new G Force members and college volunteers from TSTC with an estimated 600 students from nine high schools visiting the campus. Three G Force members said they are excited about providing information and perspectives for potential students of all ages.
Valley ready for high-tech renaissance
Texas State Technical College Harlingen offers the Rio Grande Valley opportunities to launch a technological and cultural Renaissance in the 21st century, according to the research and conclusions of two experts.
