FBI Seeking TSTC Graduates

(HARLINGEN) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has its sight set on students from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

The FBI is in pursuit of new candidates, and members spoke with several soon-to-be graduates about how they can become part of this exciting organization.

The informative presentation began with a recruitment video which featured the day-to-day life of an FBI recruit in Quantico, Virginia.

“It’s been 20 years since I’ve been at the academy,” said Training Coordinator Adolfo Baesa. “I was an undercover agent for seven years, and now we’re looking for the new generation of FBI agents.”

There are countless opportunities within the organization, and the agents made sure that students were aware of the many options available to them.

The audience consisted of students from different technologies including Computer Networking and Security Technology, Biology and Chemical Technology; many of whom were eager to know where their degrees would place them in the FBI.

Nora Galvan, a student in Chemical Technology, shared her excitement about having the agents visit the campus.

“It’s really neat to see the job opportunities available to everybody after college,” she said. “I’m glad they took the time to come and speak with all of us today.”

As the inquiring students raised their hands to ask questions, Baesa reassured the inquisitive individuals that the FBI is always looking for determined and focused graduates to add to their top notch teams.

“I enjoy when students have intelligent questions. It’s very inspirational seeing that curiosity from them, and I love that they’re considering a career with us,” he said. “We will help you find what best fits your skills, and guide you through the process. The first step is applying.”

For more information on careers within the FBI, visit www.FBIJobs.com.

For additional information about TSTC Career Services, visit http://www.tstc.edu/student_life/careerservices.

TSTC Alum’s Life Began with TSTC

(HARLINGEN) – Dr. Jesus Rodriguez is a Rio Grande Valley native who left to follow his dream, but now is back to help the community he calls home.

Rodriguez graduated from Harlingen High School South in 2002. He recalls not giving much thought about his grades in high school. In fact, Rodriguez said he never aspired to be a doctor.

“At the time I didn’t know what options I had in terms of college or careers,” said Rodriguez. “I was that student who just wanted to get in and out. No honors or extracurricular activities. Yet I somehow graduated.”

The 33-year-old only attended Texas State Technical College after high school because he had a couple of cousins who were graduates from the college and they encouraged him to apply.

He graduated with an associate degree in Computer Science Technology in 2004 and from Chemical Environmental Technology in 2006.

“TSTC was a major turning point in my life,” said Rodriguez. “I really grew up there and began to realize my potential. After each graduation I felt, and knew, I could do more. I didn’t want to stop growing.”

During his time at TSTC, Rodriguez was actively involved in Student Government Association and served as an intern for the Attorney General’s Office in Austin. It was through these experiences that his love for serving others was sparked.

“I ultimately knew I wanted to serve my community, but I didn’t know how,” he said.

Rodriguez remembers things turning around for him because of what one stranger told him.

“I was sitting in a Starbucks studying for my chemical environmental test and a man I had never met began talking with me and before leaving he told me, ‘You should be a doctor,’” said Rodriguez. “I’ll never forget that moment. It was a big leap, but it kick-started my medical school research.”

He attended the University of Texas at Brownsville and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology and transitioned to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Today, the husband and father of two, is back home and completing his third and last year of residency at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Clinic in Harlingen.

“Everything that happened since that day at Starbucks was so surreal,” said Rodriguez. “It was one door after another opening for me. I’m thankful to God, there’s no other way to explain my experience.”

Unfortunately, Rodriguez never got the opportunity to share his success with his father. On the day he was accepted to medical school his father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away not too long after.

“At times it was difficult for my dad to accept my decisions because I was so far away from home,” said Rodriguez. “But he tried to be as supportive as he could and now I get to help others.”

Dr. Bruce Liebert, founder and program director of Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Clinic said Rodriguez is the future of the Valley.

“Dr. Rodriguez is upbeat, energetic and loves what he does. He has a bright future ahead,” said Liebert. “We work together every day and I can say he takes what he does seriously and he loves his neighbors, always working hard to give them medical access for a healthy life. If I could clone him I would. We need more guys like him.”

Rodriguez does not know what he wants to do or where he wants to go after his residency is complete, but he does know wherever he ends up practicing he wants it to be in the Valley.

He currently serves as a mentor for high school students in his hometown. Each summer he arranges job shadowing for them at various medical clinics in the RGV and he hopes to share his knowledge with TSTC students in the near future.

“I’m working right now in becoming a mentor for students from TSTC,” he said. “If it wasn’t’ for this college I don’t know where I would be. The college and its instructors gave me the foundation I needed to be confident in my abilities and improve my study skills. And here I am, a doctor who aims to serve others and be hope for those who need it.”

“If I can do it, they can do it,” he said.

TSTC and Partners Provide Hi-Tech Equipment to Students

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County and its newest industry partners are bringing the latest technology to student classrooms and labs on campus.

Recently, TSTC partnered with Kyrish Truck Center, DMG Mori and Miller Electric, all which have supplied items for Diesel Equipment Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology respectively.

“They have invested in TSTC’s mission of providing a highly trained, skilled workforce in the state of Texas,” said John Kennedy, TSTC field development officer. “This allows us to use the dollars we would have spent on this equipment, on the students’ learning experiences, which allows our college, to better train our students.”

Owner of Kyrish Truck Center, Duane Kyrish, supplied the students in Diesel Equipment Technology with four diesel trucks and one refrigeration truck that can be used for hands-on training.

“We always look at the type of techs we would hire and we want them to be knowledgeable in the latest technology,” said Kyrish. “Every truck we supplied is a new generation truck.”

Kyrish said he was blown away by the TSTC Industrial Technology campus in Fort Bend and the training it provides. He hopes to not only maintain his relationship with the college, but he wants it to grow.

“Trucks and the need for diesel techs is never going to go away,” said Kyrish. “We would love the opportunity of hiring TSTC students when they graduate. Therefore, we want to give them the items they need to get the max amount of training necessary to be successful.”

Students in Precision Machining Technology were also gifted with 13 state-of-the-art Computer Numeric Control machines.

Bret Settle, regional director for DMG Mori, said TSTC has been a customer for a number years, so when they were approached about machines for the new campus, they knew they had to contribute somehow.

“The machines we set up for them give students a higher level of hands-on training and education in machinery,” said Settle. “They will receive the type of training on machinery that will eventually see in the industry and workplace.”

The opening of TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus not only gained attention from Kyrish Truck Center and DMG Mori, but also from world-renown welding company Miller Electric.

Regional Sales Manager for South Central Texas Miguel Fernandez said he is proud to be partnered with TSTC and felt compelled to help because he was impressed with the college’s new facility in Rosenberg and because of the long-standing relationship between the company and the college.

Miller Electric has helped TSTC with 40 new welding systems in addition to the software needed to run each machine.

“We (Miller Electric) just started a program to support educational systems and its students,” said Fernandez. “And we believe we have a long-term partnership with TSTC and that it will help students train with the most advanced technologies and be competitive out in the field.”

TSTC’s Field Development Officer John Kennedy said that together, the in-kind gifts from all three partners totals nearly $1.6 million.

“These in-kind gifts are state-of-the-art and all allow our students to be better equipped for high-paying jobs,” said Kennedy. “Each partnership has supplied us with the most relevant products that each company offers better preparing our students for what they can expect in the industry.”

In addition to Precision Machining Technology, Welding Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology, TSTC’s Fort Bend Campus also offers Cyber Security Technology, HVAC Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology and Telecommunications Convergence Technology.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. For more information call 346-239-3413, or register and apply anytime at tstc.edu.

TSTC in Waco Alumni Light Up Central Texas

(WACO) – Two employees at Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative Inc. are on different ends of their careers.

Ron Poston, 59, grew up in Bellmead and worked his way up from being an electrical lineman to serve as the cooperative’s director of member services.

Hunter Pitts, 19, grew up in Clifton and began work in late August as an electrical lineman apprentice.

Both are graduates of Texas State Technical College and earned Electrical Lineworker Technology certificates. Poston graduated in 1986 and Pitts graduated in August.

The Heart of Texas Electric Co-op services more than 15,000 member-customers in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, McLennan and Milam counties. Poston said the company has experienced up to 5 percent growth each year in members during the last three decades. A majority of the company’s accounts are residential.

The cooperative has at least 50 employees in operations, administration and member services divided between offices in McGregor and Rosebud. TSTC alumni also work in information technology and surveying.

Cooperative directors said potential employees need to have common sense, work knowledge, dependability and for some, mechanical abilities. Many employees also have Class A commercial driver’s licenses. The cooperative’s apprenticeship program allows new employees to learn from experienced linemen and lasts up to four years, said Poston.

“These guys do a little of everything,” said Poston. “Everyone learns how to run the digger and do the underground wiring.”

Poston has family in Valley Mills and graduated in 1975 from La Vega High School in Waco. He worked in production facilities and was laid off in the 1980s, at which time he decided to give electrical line work a try because of the job security.

“I miss being outside sometimes,” Poston said. “I knew when I turned 60 that I would not be climbing poles and being on call.”

Pitts did not decide until his senior year at Clifton High School, where he graduated in 2015, to study the field. He was convinced to pursue it while growing up watching his father work as a lineman. He said his other career option was to be a coach since he grew up playing baseball.

“It’s a good industry to go into,” Pitts said about line work. “I’m an outside guy. I like to hunt and fish.”

The Electrical Lineman Technology program at TSTC currently has more than 70 students studying for the one-year certificate and five-semester associate degree.

Bryan Chandler, the cooperative’s operations manager, is a member of the program’s advisory board.

“Through the years we have helped the college with materials, poles and wires,” he said. “Line work is a hard trade. For the most part, it’s something you have to do to learn.”

Bobby Mitchell, a program instructor, said students who are willing to relocate and work hard yield a high job placement rate upon graduation.

TSTC Hosts Veterans Day Breakfast

(FORT BEND) – The Veterans Center at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County hosted a Veterans Day breakfast serving up pancakes as a way to say thank you. TSTC employee and student veterans gathered at the newly opened Industrial Technology Center to remember and honor those who have served and have made the ultimate sacrifice.

TSTC students and employees also wore red shirts to commemorate RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday.

TSTC prides itself in being a military friendly school that serves more than 1,000 veteran students and their dependents statewide. The Veterans Center at the TSTC Fort Bend campus is a centralized, one-stop-shop for veterans and their dependents, assisting with admission, financial aid, and GI Bill and Hazlewood applications.

TSTC also offers competency-based learning, targeting veterans who have gained skills through their service in the military. For more information on the Veterans Center, call 346-239-3425 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

Student Success Profile – Courtney Huerta

(HARLINGEN) – Courtney Huerta is a student at Texas State Technical College majoring in Biology. She boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and is expected to graduate with an associate degree in 2018. Following her graduation, the Harlingen native hopes to pursue the Licensed Vocational Nursing program at TSTC.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC, I want to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What’s your dream job?

I currently work at a nursing home and I’m loving the experience; because of that my dream job is to continue on my path and someday become a director of nursing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC has been passing all of my classes, being active in Student Government Association and volunteering at TSTC events hosted for students and our community.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson life has taught me and I have learned is to be humble and compassionate.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success?

It’s really hard to name just one person. All of my instructors have greatly influenced me with their advice and encouragement. Each of them has found it important to give us daily pep talks, which serve as reminders of why we are here and why we need to keep going.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want students to know that it’s important to believe in their dreams; they were given for a reason. Also, college is what you make of it. Put in the time and effort, and take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom such as student organizations and clubs. They help you in so many ways and make your college experience that much more rewarding.

TSTC Ag Students See Growth through Donation

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology students were able to use a $2,000 donation gifted to their department by the Harlingen Cotton Committee to create and maintain vegetable tower gardens in the program’s greenhouse.

As part of the Horticulture course in the associate degree track, students use the towers to grow cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos without soil, using only air and water in a method called hydroponics.

Harlingen Cotton Committee members pictured with the TSTC Agricultural Technology students are Brady Taubert, chairman; Sally Ross, committee member; and Steve Krenek, former chairman.

TSTC Will Host Spring 2017 Registration Rally

(HARLINGEN) – With registration for Spring 2017 underway, Texas State Technical College will be hosting a Registration Rally Thursday, November 17 to give new and returning students the resources they need to complete the registration process.

Registration Rallies are a new initiative at TSTC that started for the Fall 2016 semester. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

“This is one-stop shop for our students,” said Dora Colvin, director of Recruitment. “We want to help students by providing the resources and opportunities they need to finish the application and registration processes for the next semester.”

Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services, the Veterans Center and Student Life will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” said Colvin. “They’ll have a chance to learn about the services we offer and get the help they need.”

To complete the registration process students must bring their completed admissions application, GED scores if applicable, recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

“We want to encourage students to register early,” said Colvin. “The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need before they fill up and a schedule they are happy with. Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime.”

TSTC’s registration rally will be from 1-6 p.m. at the Student Services Building (EK Building). Registration ends January 3. Spring 2017 classes begin January 9.

To apply or register visit tstc.edu or call the TSTC Student Recruitment Office at 956-364-4118.

TSTC Honors Veterans with Celebration

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Agricultural Technology student Kahalid Shakur Johnson watched proudly as his mother, retired U.S. Army Major Noemi Hernandez, spoke to dozens of veterans during TSTC’s annual Veterans Day Celebration.

“It truly is an honor to have my mom as a guest speaker on campus. I’m touched that she was selected,” said Johnson. “This is definitely a memorable experience.”

Johnson said his mother has been one of his greatest inspirations for completing a college degree. Hernandez herself holds associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is working to start her doctorate. Johnson said he wants to make his mother proud.

“My mom has definitely set the bar high in terms of what you’re capable of with dedication and persistence,” said Johnson. “I now have an idea what my potential can be if I work hard. I am beyond proud of my mom and proud of everything she does and continues to do.”

Hernandez told the audience that her military career began in 1989 when she enlisted in the Army in the Adjutant General Corps as an administrative specialist. Throughout her career she has been stationed in South Korea, Puerto Rico, Panama and across the United States, but that she is proud to be at TSTC honoring her fellow veterans.

“Being here today is a great honor and privilege. I am truly humbled to stand before you,” said Hernandez.

Her message reflected on the sacrifices and contributions of veterans past, present and future.

“I hope this gives you a thought or two about those that continue to give for our nation’s security, freedoms and our way of life,” said Hernandez. “I was privy to this throughout my military career. To me, every day is Veterans Day.”

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia quoted an email sent to TSTC faculty and staff from Chancellor Mike Reeser to show how truly appreciative TSTC is of its veterans.

“TSTC is blessed to have many veterans who serve in our ranks. Likewise, we have students who served too. Thanks to their service, we enjoy freedoms that are the envy of the world. We owe all the privileges of American citizenship to your willingness to serve,” she quoted.

Garcia also echoed his thoughts by personally thanking the veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“Thank you, veterans–not just today, but every day,” Garcia said.

During the ceremony, the Harlingen High School Junior ROTC presented the colors and flag folding, Veteran Students Alliance Club (VSAC) President Brian Rodriguez served as master of ceremonies, while VSAC Vice President Nancy Fontana led the Pledge of Allegiance and the American Legion 15^th District Drill Team paid tribute to the Prisoners of War and those missing in action. Many TSTC faculty, staff and students also wore red shirts to commemorate RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday.

TSTC Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said the college makes honoring and helping veterans one of its top priorities.

TSTC is recognized to be a military-friendly school that serves more than 1,000 veterans and their dependents statewide. In Harlingen alone the college serves nearly 300.

“I hope TSTC veterans take away a sense of pride knowing that we (TSTC) truly do appreciate the sacrifices they have given during their service in the United States Armed Forces,” said Guevara. “It’s important for everyone to observe and honor the men and women who have served our military and fought for the liberties and rights we enjoy today.”

The TSTC Veterans Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current veterans and their dependents. The center assists with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications. There is also a variety of services, such as internal and external referrals, that veteran students can benefit from.

In addition to the Veterans Center, TSTC also offers competency-based learning, targeting veterans who have gained skills through their service in the military.

For more information on the Veterans Center, call 956-364-4387 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

TSTC in Waco Alumna Helps Valley Mills ISD Ascend to Technology Heights

(WACO) – A job layoff in the medical field three years ago convinced DiAnna Richardson of Lorena that she needed to make a drastic change.

“I looked at what I could physically do and what I would enjoy doing,” Richardson, 48, said. “I’ve worked with computers since I can remember.”

Her new career flourished when she began work in early August as the computer technician at Valley Mills Independent School District in Bosque County. But the transformation began when she attended classes full-time at Texas State Technical College and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Maintenance Technology in late August.

Richardson said she enjoys the more than 60-mile-round-trip commute because of the country roads and rolling hills. She considers it a time to plan her day.

“I enjoy working here,” she said. “It is like a big family. From day one they were welcoming and appreciative, and I think on a smaller scale the district is more personable.”

Richardson keeps the school district’s technology functioning, from replacing computer screens to maintaining wireless connections and cyber security. She looks at what items can be recycled due to age and functionality and studies what technology could be useful to the district.

She also maintains the iPads that Valley Mills Elementary School students use and the Dell Chromebooks that Valley Mills Junior High School and Valley Mills High School students use in class and doing for homework. The school district has more than 620 students.

Eric Halfmann, the junior high school and high school’s assistant principal for curriculum and technology, is learning alongside Richardson. He also is in his first year at Valley Mills ISD and said he has been impressed with her quick understanding of the district’s needs.

“She gets on it and is coming and going,” Halfmann said. “She has had a big challenge recently – a hard drive crashed for a woman in our district who keeps important data and she dealt with it.”

Richardson learned at TSTC about technical support, electronics, networking techniques and troubleshooting.

“With her years of experience in the working world, she was very focused and serious about her coursework,” said David Macik, an instructor in the Computer Maintenance Technology program on the Waco campus. “She was an outstanding student who always made the other students better by setting a great example and providing great input for class discussions.”

Richardson said job hunting in the computer field was a scary time.

“I have been working nonstop since I was 13 years old,” she said. “Not everyone wants to hire an older individual.”

She credited Macik with helping her discover Valley Mills ISD, as well as the support the school board and community give.

“When her current position became available, I knew she would be a great fit and I was happy to recommend her for the job,” said Macik. “I know that she will be successful in her new position because not only does she have great technical skills but, also great soft skills due to her prior experience.”

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