TSTC Welding Technology Program Receives Robot

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College in Waco’s Welding Technology program recently received a Kuka welding robot valued at $150,000.

The gift was made by ARC Specialties in northwest Houston, a company that designs and builds automated machinery for welding, pipeline manufacturing and the oil and gas industries.

“It’s important that the students get access to the newer technology,” said Jim Walker, a welding technologist and certified welding inspector at ARC Specialties. “It doesn’t do any good if they don’t ever touch the equipment and have to learn about it once in the industry.”

Mark Watson, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor, said the robot will give students a way to learn technology they may encounter in the industry. He said a robot like the one from the company can be used in the automotive industry on assembly lines.

“I want them to be able to operate it,” Watson said. “You also have to learn how to program and repair it.”

Robots typically perform about 10 percent of tasks across the manufacturing spectrum, but this is expected to increase to 25 percent worldwide by 2025, according to the Boston Consulting Group, a private global management consulting firm specializing in business strategy.

“It’s taking over the skill level of your welders,” Watson said. “Nowadays, it’s hard to find the skilled welders. Students need to be on the global playing field with technology.”

Watson’s welding students are excited to start learning about the machine.

Rhett Fuller, 20, of Cedar Park and a 2014 graduate of Cedar Park High School, said the robot combined his interests in welding and computers. He said the donation made him glad he chose TSTC to study welding.

“A lot of the things Mark is doing is for the students,” Fuller said. “He wants to teach a new generation of welders.”

Taylor Otte, 20, of Lexington and a 2014 graduate of Lexington High School, is studying for an advanced pipe welding certificate. He said he enjoys learning how robotics and his knack for mathematics fit into the welding field.

“My aunt is the high school principal in Lexington and she told me about a tour of TSTC when I was a student,” Otte said. “I learned about other programs and took an instrumentation class here. It made me want to be in the field doing work. I want to do underwater welding.”

Walker, along with Dan Allford, the company’s owner, and Randy Ellington, project manager and process specialist, all have associate degrees in welding technology from TSTC in Waco.

“We all enjoyed going through the program at TSTC,” Walker said. “We are still involved in welding and deal with welding on a daily basis. It’s been something all three of us have loved to do.”

ARC Specialties is also represented in the Welding Technology program’s Advisory Board.

Watson envisions securing more technology through partnerships with other companies in the future so students can be more competitive for jobs.

“Good things are going to come to us in the future,” Watson said.

For more information on the Welding Technology program, log on to tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – James Washington

(HARLINGEN) – James Washington is a biology student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native is pursuing an associate degree and is expected to graduate in 2017.

When not in class, Washington can be found volunteering with the TSTC Service Squad throughout campus and in the surrounding community.

What are you plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree, I will be transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology so I can work toward a career in coaching or as an athletic trainer.

What is your dream job?

Ultimately, I would love to be a powerlifting coach. Honestly, though, a dream job for me is really just doing anything that involves me motivating and leading others.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to prove to myself that I belong in college. It hasn’t been the easiest road for me, but I haven’t given up. I plan on finishing what I started.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I learned that if I fall, I come back stronger. I have definitely had my share of failing moments which can be very overwhelming, but I always stand back up and work or study harder.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

Frank Coronado, my former psychology instructor here at TSTC, has been my greatest influence. He was always there to offer guidance, never sugar coating reality. He once said, “It’s not about how strong you start, but how strong you finish.” I will now always carry this advice with me.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Always allow yourself to adapt to things that come your way. If you adapt, you overcome and can get through anything.

TSTC Agriculture Technology Receives Generous Donation

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College in Harlingen recently received a $10,000 donation from the Harlingen Cotton Committee during the organization’s scholarship fundraiser at the Casa de Amistad.

This donation was made to support TSTC’s “Make a Texas-Size Difference” campaign. All money raised through this initiative goes to the Texan Success Scholarship, which is awarded to assist new TSTC students with tuition, books and other expenses.

“They (Cotton Committee) have been great supporters of our Agricultural Technology program and students for many years,” said Amy Lynch, TSTC’s South Texas development officer. “So many people have been able to receive an education and continue on to great careers because of this wonderful group of stewards.”

The Harlingen Cotton Committee has given this donation in an effort to support Agricultural Technology students and the program as a whole. In the past, the organization has helped purchase equipment needed for student training.

Sammy Gavito, TSTC’s Agricultural Technology state chair and instructor said this type of assistance helps drive students to begin and finish the program.

“Many times, students come to school with limited finances,” said Gavito. “Students have told me that scholarships like this make a difference in whether they continue or drop out. And our goal is to get them to graduate and into a career. This money helps us do our jobs.”

Brady Taubert, chairman of the cotton committee, said the group is always trying to help their local community and they found no better way than helping TSTC and its students.

“I don’t see how we can get any more local than partnering with TSTC,” said Taubert. “All of the money we’re raising is staying right here in the Valley. Plus, this opens doors of opportunities for those wanting a college education.”

Taubert said he looks forward to many more years of working together with TSTC, and for the college and Agricultural Technology it means continued support.

“This year, all funds, donated and matched, will be used for scholarships focused on new students to the program. In the future, donations will benefit students at any point in the program for tuition and fees,” said Lynch. “This committee has made such an impact at TSTC.”

For more information on the “Make a Texas-Sized Difference” campaign or to donate, call 956-364-4500 or visit tstc.edu/tstcfoundation.

TSTC Chancellor Honors Prestigious Award Recipients

(HARLINGEN) – Past and present Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients gathered recently at the Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts dining room for the Chancellor’s Excellence Award Honoree Luncheon.

Recipients as far back as 2001 and TSTC administration celebrated the 2016 award recipients: David Campos, department chair and instructor for Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics; Enrique Carrillo, safety, health and environmental affairs officer; Adele Clinton, executive director for Student Life; and Amy Lynch, South Texas development officer.

“Here’s what I love; once a year we get to break bread together and celebrate you,” TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser told the recipients. “We get to celebrate your natural leadership and remind ourselves that it is this feature that makes TSTC an extraordinary place to work.”

The four recipients were recognized earlier in the year for their achievements at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration in Austin.

“With more than 260 total recipients, many share this legacy,” said TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia. “We have 50 years of a long-standing history and we want to keep making history in the next 50. And these recipients are the epitome of that.”

Reeser has made it a priority to host honoree luncheons at every campus with Chancellor’s Award recipients to share with attendees the significance of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award and its importance to TSTC.

“Society is changing so fast because of the impact technology is having in our lives,” said Reeser. “But the one thing that doesn’t change is the strength of a leader and their character, and the profound impact we have on each other. And that’s why TSTC is a special place and unique player in Texas.”

He went on to mention that this award represents leadership, and the respect colleagues have amongst each other regardless of position or title.

“Everyone who has ever received the Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a leader who is setting the way,” said Reeser. “They are looked up to by their peers and are worthy of their teammates’ respect and regard.”

Chancellor’s award recipients are chosen based on nominations from their colleagues, their character and their hard work and commitment to the college and its students.

“Each of these recipients owns this award and position as a trailblazer,” said Reeser. “And on behalf of the students and the employees at TSTC, we thank them for being who they are: leaders.”

TSTC Student Success Profile – Nancy Fontanna

(HARLINGEN) – Running her own dental office and furthering her education are some of the goals that Harlingen native Nancy Fontanna has set for herself. The 28-year-old Army veteran is ready to conquer the world of dental hygiene.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan to further my education and obtain a doctoral degree in dental hygiene.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to own a dental office that caters to people in the Rio Grande Valley. I believe that a family owned and run dental business in the RGV would be greatly beneficial to the area.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is being actively involved with the college. I currently hold the role of Vice President of the Veteran Students Alliance Club, and was secretary of the club before that. I find immense gratification in helping fellow veterans and students in commonplace.

What greatest lesson have you learned about your life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to grab life by the reigns and steer in the direction that is most beneficial to me.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

Psychology Instructor, Frank Coronado has influenced my success a lot. I remember him saying something along the lines of “Never give up on your dreams and achievements, because someone is always looking up to you, even if you don’t realize it at the moment.”

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I highly suggest joining a club to broaden your network. I also suggest making a time management calendar, it will help you so much when trying to juggle the college lifestyle.

Family Tragedy Helped Inspire Student to go Back to College

(HARLINGEN) – Losing a loved one is an excruciating time for many families, but for Larissa Ramirez, losing her beloved aunt to cancer helped her make the important decision of returning to college.

“My aunt was always talking about the value of an education and she was an educator herself, so I know she’d be proud of me for taking this step,” said the 20-year-old San Benito native. “I was really close to her. It’s been a little over a year since she’s been gone, and it’s motivating me to work really hard,” she said.

Ramirez is no stranger to hard work, she has had to work multiple service industry jobs to support herself.

She previously attended another educational institution and earned a medical assistant certificate, but found herself in the wrong profession. The decision to start college wasn’t difficult for Ramirez to make, and she looks forward to what being a student will bring for her.

“I’ve learned to manage my time really well because of my work schedule, and I really think that’s going to help me get through school. Staying up late at night to study will be a piece of cake.”

She is now pursuing her Academic Core, basics, so she can go on to a 4-year university and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m excited to be back in school, meet new people and branch out. Two of my best friends attended TSTC and they spoke really highly of it. They mentioned that the instructors were very hands-on with their teaching and that’s one of the best ways that I learn.”

Despite the fact that Ramirez has a great support system between friends and family, she also mentions that she is very comfortable standing on her own two feet.

“I don’t take anything for granted and I know that success comes from pushing yourself to work hard for what you want.”

When asked what she would tell a young adult contemplating whether or not they should go back to college, she calls on the same wisdom that several mentors have told her.

“I was always told to push yourself. Not just from my mom, aunt and family, but also from teachers and coworkers. If you want to make something better for yourself, absolutely go back to college. If I can do it, they can do it.”

For more information on TSTC’s Academic Core, visit www.tstc.edu to learn more.

TSTC’s Academic Core is transferable to any 4-year university in the state of Texas.

TSTC and THECB Host Regional 60x30TX Workshop

(HARLINGEN) – Getting more young adults to graduate with a college certificate or degree was the common goal discussed during the South Texas Regional 60x30TX Workshop recently hosted by Texas State Technical College and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

“We spent 18 months developing this plan,” said Dr. David Gardner, deputy commissioner for Academic Planning and policy/chief academic officer for the THECB. “By 2020 all new jobs will require a college-level education and if we reach our goal we will be awarding 6.4 million certificates or degrees during the 15-year span of this plan.”

The 60x30TX initiative follows the previous statewide plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015, and sets forth four goals. The overarching goal states that by 2030, 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will hold a college certificate or degree.

The three other goals in this initiative include: completion, which sets a goal of at least 550,000 students in 2030 completing a certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s from a higher education institution in Texas; marketable skills emphasizing that each graduate will have identifiable skills needed for the workforce; and student debt, which focuses on undergraduate student loan debt not exceeding 60 percent of first-year wages.

While addressing a room packed with city officials, local school district representatives and higher education professionals, Gardner asked for help in pushing 60x30TX.

“We need your help. We all need to push forward aggressively with this plan,” he said. “We need you to advise us and in turn we need to make students aware of what’s available. We need to assist them and support them through higher education.”

Everyone in attendance participated in breakout sessions to brainstorm and discuss strategies on how to achieve the educational attainment and completion goals, and how to achieve the marketable skills and student debt goals of 60x30TX.

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said there is a great alignment between the THECB 60x30TX plan and TSTC’s mission to place more Texans in great paying jobs.

“This 60x30TX plan focuses on making Texas globally and nationally competitive. It focuses on the economic and future prosperity of Texas,” said Garcia. “And the legislature created TSTC in 1965 so we could serve Texas business and industry, and for the economic and workforce development of the state.”

Garcia said to help achieve 60x30TX goals, TSTC will remain focused on student completion and filling the skill gaps.

“We will continue to work towards our mission and with our current program curriculum students will receive the marketable skills 60x30TX is working toward,” said Garcia. “We will simply continue to do what we do.”

This was the fifth in a series of 60X30TX forums being held across Texas. For more information on this new statewide initiative, go online at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us.

TSTC Graduates Helping to Fill Mechanical Technician Needs in Texas

(WACO) – An Oklahoma City-based company has found a hiring pipeline for Diesel Equipment Technology majors at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. has hired 10 graduates so far this year. The alumni are all full-time service technicians at the company, specializing in sales, repairs and rentals of bulldozers, dump trucks, excavators, boom trucks, loaders and other heavy machinery.

The company has about 400 employees at its locations in Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and Odessa, as well as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, St. Louis and Kansas City, Kansas.

Ben Sitton, a technical trainer for Kirby-Smith, said TSTC in Waco’s location is strategic for filling its needs at its Texas branches. Most of the graduates work in Dallas.

“Everything is going computer-based and it is hard to find people who want to get dirty and build things,” said Sitton. “We have a lot of guys retiring in the future, so we will constantly add trainees. We want to give them some of the knowledge of the more experienced workers before they retire.”

TSTC’s graduate hires are in a two-year, on-the-job training program implemented earlier this year by Kirby-Smith that places them with experienced technicians to learn the working culture.

Victor Membreno, 20, of Brenham and an August 2016 graduate of TSTC, learned about Kirby-Smith through friends.

“You have people who have done this for 25 years,” Membreno said. “They see you as the next generation. They want to give you their knowledge.”

Some of the skills the graduates are learning include fire, water and air analysis; hydrology and failure analysis. The end result will be experienced workers certified as Komatsu technicians with a knowledge of how Kirby-Smith handles its service to customers.

“We can mold them into what we want,” Sitton said.

The company teaches safety around the machinery. Ty McCarver, 21, of White Settlement and a spring TSTC graduate, said the family-like atmosphere is also emphasized. His career goal is to get repair experience and later move into management.

“I told them when I was interviewing that I was willing to work,” McCarver said. “I did work on my grandfather’s older cars growing up.”

Rick Adam, 35, of Granbury and a spring TSTC graduate, said his job at Kirby-Smith is the best he has ever had.

Adam said the key to being successful at the company, and any job, is to listen.

“If you are willing to work and have an open mind and be willing to learn, those are the best things,” he said. “We want co-workers who are willing to take a step back and think.”

The alumni are grateful for what they learned in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program.

“At DET, they taught us the basics,” said Rodrigo Gutierrez, 21, of Ennis and a spring 2016 TSTC graduate. “Knowing your basics is important. We can grow from there.”

Gutierrez said working with engines came naturally to him because he did repairs on his father’s two tractor-trailers while growing up.

“I went to school for this, so I knew what I was getting into,” Gutierrez said as he stood beside an excavator in the searing heat on a recent afternoon.

Ciro Suaste, 21, of Italy, Texas said TSTC’s Career Services staff were helpful in him finding a job. The summer graduate said he enjoys the flow of work and the tools, particularly the sockets, he uses daily.

Sitton said the company anticipates hiring more TSTC graduates later this year.

“We like to find students with good grades who are willing to learn and have a good knowledge of hand tools and the basics going through school,” Sitton said.

TSTC Graduate Returns to Teach New Program

BROWNWOOD- Stephanie Young began working at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood at the start of August to teach the campus’ new Emergency Medical Technician program.

The Bangs, Texas, resident graduated from the Emergency Medical Services program at TSTC in Abilene in 2011. She served as a paramedic throughout the Big Country area for the last six years before teaching at TSTC.

Young was inspired to break into the industry by her brother, who is also a paramedic.

“My brother was a paramedic right out of high school,” Young said. “We’re only 14 months apart.”

But after getting married and having children at a young age, she decided to put her college plans on hold.

“I had my first child when I was 18,” Young said. “You’re kind of strapped to the kids at that point. I worked in real estate for a long time, but I always wanted to be an EMT. I just had a passion for it and for helping people.”

So once her children were able to care for themselves, she took the plunge into the emergency medical services field.

“I decided that it was time for me to do it,” Young said. “I went through the paramedic program at TSTC in Abilene and I loved it so much. I really think the education I got at TSTC is what brought me back here to teach.”

Beginning work at TSTC just a few weeks before classes began for the fall, Young was nervous.

“When I got into this, I was worried about the teaching portion of it, but I realized very quickly that it’s not just teaching,” Young said. “There’s a lot involved—recruitment, getting the kids in here and registered, following up with learning programs the EMS department uses. I’m kind of getting used to the software and everything, but I’ve found that—since I’m passionate about it and about EMS— teaching has come easy.”

So far, her favorite part has been working with the students.

“We had a class yesterday and we were going over anatomy and physiology, cells and our body’s responses to injuries,” Young said. “The students were reading it on their own and they didn’t quite understand, but then they came to class and we were able to shed light on the subject. It’s really awesome to see the students get excited. And I think that’s my favorite part—that they enjoy learning.”

The Emergency Medical Technician certificate is now offered at the Brownwood campus. For more information on the program, visit tstc.edu.

Graduate of First Environmental Class Returns to Join TSTC Team

BRECKENRIDGE – Teresa Purcell was a pioneer, studying as part of the first cohort in the Environmental Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge. Now, Purcell has come full circle to teach that same program.

The Albany, Texas resident began teaching in the Environmental Technology program at the start of the fall 2016 semester, and she said the program has grown quite a bit since its inception.

“When we started, we had one classroom and all of our equipment was in a closet,” Purcell said. “To come here now to this lab they’ve built for the students and all of the different types of equipment, the opportunities are incredible. They train at every level possible so they can be able to go out there and say, ‘hey, I’ve trained on that. I’ve learned that. I want to be part of that.’”

Purcell broke into the environmental field while working at a law office in Shreveport, La. A friend of hers joined the Environmental Technology program at TSTC and persuaded her to come along.

“I thought I would like to work toward environmental law, because I wanted to stay with the law aspect,” Purcell said. “So we joined the program together. Once I graduated and got to experience a different field, I decided I was going to stay away from the law aspect of it because I enjoyed being outside and doing things for the community.”

Purcell wanted to join the TSTC team for the camaraderie and to help guide students.

“When I went through the program, the staff and my classmates were like a second family,” she said. “They were caring, always there for you no matter what. I wanted to become part of the team because I know they help the students succeed. We guide them in the direction they need to go. I just felt like TSTC was an opportunity to be able to give back to students and share my knowledge and experience with them.”

Before working at TSTC, Purcell worked as a field chemist in Dallas, an environmental tech in Abilene, a senior environmental tech in Iraq and, most recently, a project manager in Port Arthur.

Purcell’s favorite part of teaching at TSTC is doing hands-on work with the students.

“We’ve started quite a few projects here in the classroom, and being able to show them how to do this is great,” Purcell said. “What I’ve heard is that we’re the talk of the campus because of the things we’re doing here. They’re excited about the things we’re doing. It makes me feel good. Twenty years ago I never thought I’d be here doing this.”

For more information on TSTC’s Environmental Technology program, visit tstc.edu.

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