TSTC Alumna Keeps Construction Projects on Track

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(WACO) – The white board in Vivian Bourque’s office at Lake Air Interiors keeps her organized with the prices, contract statuses and commercial projects she juggles daily.

People driving throughout Waco will notice construction cranes, steel structures and new hotels and restaurants under construction.

“Waco is booming,” Bourque said. “Waco is such a hot spot. If you are in construction, this is the place to be.”

Bourque, 28, is Lake Air’s project estimator/manager. Her work involves project architects and interpreting blueprints to determine interior costs and labor. Many times she is the only female at work sites.

Bourque graduated in 2010 from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology. She was the only female in most of her classes.

“I felt I had to prove myself constantly,” she said. “I felt I had to out perform everyone else.”

She will soon complete the membership process to join the Waco Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.

“I encourage more females to get in the field,” she said. “There is a definite need.”

Bourque said people interested in the field should have good organizational skills along with a comfort in mathematics and accounting.

Michael Hubbard, assistant chair and instructor in the Industrial Systems Technology program, taught Bourque when she was a student. She admired his encouragement in fostering her career.

“He’s the one who told me you should go to school to be an estimator,” Bourque said. “This was at my first year at TSTC.”

Hubbard described Bourque as a serious student.

“She asked a lot of questions and was focused and inquisitive,” he said.

Bob Howard, co-owner of Lake Air Interiors on Lake Air Drive, said he has been impressed with Bourque’s knowledge.

“I have not met someone in the construction industry that knows from designing to project completion, pricing and installation,” he said. “This is a male dominated industry. It needs the detail and I would say class of more females.”

Bourque is a Robinson native and is a graduate of Robinson High School. In high school her plans were much different. She said she was not good at mathematics and considered nursing as a potential career. After high school Bourque earned a real estate license before attending TSTC but determined she enjoyed the construction-side better.

She also received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2013.

For more information on the TSTC Alumni Network, contact The TSTC Foundation at 254-867-3900 or tstc.alumni@tstc.edu.

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.

 

TSTC Receives $1,000 Donation from Breckenridge Rotary Club

(​BRECKENRIDGE) – ​The Breckenridge Rotary Club presented Texas State Technical​ College with a check for $1,000 Tuesday at their rotary luncheon.

The money will go towards scholarships to help students with tuition and supplies.

Les Strickland, president of the Rotary Club said they gave the money to TSTC because they like to help the students.

“We believe in TSTC,” Strickland said. “We like having the campus here and we want to see it grow.”

TSTC will begin registering new students for the summer and fall semesters Monday, April 4. For more information on the college, visit www.tstc.edu.

Breck Rotary Scholarship

TSTC Alumnus Makes TSTC a Career

(FORT BEND) – From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001. Klix was first introduced to TSTC as a student in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning pursuing a certificate and associate degree.

Prior to graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and earning his certificate in 2002, and his associate degree in 2004, Klix worked in food service and retail management.

“Let’s just say I haven’t been unemployed since the age of 13,” said Klix.

As a young teenager, Klix started working at his family’s butcher shop “Village Food Lockers,” located at University Village in Houston. He has been unstoppable since then. He went on to work in the foodservice industry as a supervisor in restaurant maintenance and service, and in food retail management.

“Working in food retail management required such long hours and traveling between stores. It definitely wasn’t suited for a man with a family,” said Klix. “After five years, I needed a change. I always liked HVAC and working in restaurant maintenance, but I needed an education.”

Klix had attempted college during his working years. He attended San Angelo State University where he studied math, photojournalism and computer science, but couldn’t find the right fit.

“I never earned a degree,” said Klix. “I got three quarters of the way in each major, but I knew a four-year degree wasn’t for me and I had to work. I have a wife and a son.”

So when Klix decided to return to college, he found TSTC which had just opened its doors in the county.

“I went to school fulltime and worked part-time, never regretting my decision,” said Klix. “And when I graduated with my associate degree I got called back by TSTC to teach the night classes offered for HVAC associate degree.”

Klix’s teaching stint at TSTC started in the spring of 2006, and in the spring of 2007 he officially took over the program full-time.

“I love teaching,” said Klix. “I teach all of the time. I love helping people better their career/life and improve or learn new skills.”

When Klix is not at TSTC, he can be found teaching remote control airplane flying. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pilot Registration Certification. Klix is also an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor with the Boys Scouts of America.

With TSTC’s new campus opening in Fort Bend County in Fall 2016, Klix is looking forward to the opportunity of being able to increase the number of students he teaches.

“We’re going to have so much more space, new equipment and more visibility” said Klix. “This is definitely a new chapter for the program.”

For information on the HVAC program at TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. HVAC is also offered at the Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

TSTC registration begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu

Keith Klix is the HVAC instructor at the TSTC Fort Bend County campus. From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001.

Student Success Story – Colt Rutledge

(FORT BEND) – Ganado, Texas native Colt Rutledge dreams of owning his own business one day after graduating from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County where he is currently studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his certificate and knows this achievement will help make his dream a reality.

Rutledge first became interested in diesel mechanics when he worked on a farm rebuilding tractor engines prior to enrolling in college. This experience and the education he is receiving at TSTC is helping him get closer to his dream of owning a diesel performance shop where he can use his skills to rebuild engines and handle all types of repairs.

“After graduation I want to open up a diesel shop with a friend of mine who will be studying diesel mechanics at TSTC in Waco starting this summer,” said Rutledge. “We want to focus on automotive and heavy truck maintenance and repair.”

Rutledge said his greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being able to turn around his grades.

“Classes have been a challenge, but with hard work and by asking questions I am doing very well now,” said Rutledge. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication pays off. They make all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a goal.”

Rutledge added that the person at TSTC who has most influenced his success is his instructor Gary Voelkel.

“He has so much experience in the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge,” said Rutledge. “He has already taught me so much and I know everything I am learning is getting me closer to making my dream of owning my own shop come true.

There are two things Rutledge would like future TSTC students to remember.

“Try your best,” said Rutledge. “And make sure you choose a career you are really interested in and will make you happy.”

Colt Rutledge is a student in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program specializing in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate with a certificate in August 2016.

TSTC Students Learn the Lines at Oncor

(RED OAK) – Four of Texas State Technical College’s brightest High Voltage Electrical students have been brought on as interns at Oncor Electric for the spring 2016 semester. The students, Ricardo Perez, Nicholas Garus, Jesse Vasquez and Caleb Santos, began their internships in January.
The program, now called Electrical Power & Controls, teaches students about automatic and programmable controls, alternating and direct current circuits, details of electrical power distribution centers and how to design commercial and residential electrical systems.
Program Chair Leroy White said he believes his students were chosen because of their familiarity with the equipment used.
“The ABB metal clad medium voltage switchgear that we use in our lab is the same type of equipment they have at Oncor,” said White. They were impressed with that because the students were learning on a major piece of equipment they will work with at Oncor on a daily basis.”
But according to White, an even more important aspect the students learn is safety.
“The electrical field is very dangerous, so safety is number one,” White said. “We teach them to be safe by themselves, and to be safe working in a group. They learn to have a respect for electricity, the proper use of tools and testing equipment, and we give them an excellent foundation of electrical principles.”
Jerry Pierce, Oncor‘s Maintenance and Construction Supervisor at Fort Worth Transmission, oversaw the process of hiring the students. He said Oncor chose to recruit at TSTC because the college is respected by industry.
“Their High Voltage Electrical degree plan prepares students for real-life experiences,” Pierce said. “TSTC offers degree plans that prepares their students in electrical theory, high voltage electrical equipment, microprocessor relays, programmable logic controllers and instrumentation. These skills are highly desired in today’s electrical utility business.”
Each of the students is working in a different area of north Texas, including Grand Prairie, Forney, north Dallas and Fort Worth.
Jesse Vasquez works in Fort Worth under Jerry Pierce. Pierce said Vasquez is doing a good job.
“He’s motivated to learn our business and wants to make the most of this opportunity,” Pierce said. “I really appreciate his efforts.”
Ricardo Perez, who is working in the Grand Prairie area, said he is helping with whatever tasks are thrown at him.
“Right now we’re repairing a load tap changer. We’re taking out the old parts and putting in new ones,” Perez said. “We’ve also been working on a Mitsubishi breaker. One of the phases had actually failed, so we had to take it out, clean it and replace it.”
His schooling has helped prepare him for what he’s seeing on the job.
“Because of the classes I took at TSTC I’m able to understand what my supervisors are explaining,” Perez said. “I understand the language and I’m able to grasp what’s going on.”
Nicholas Garus, who is working in Irving, said he is learning a lot from his mentors.
“I’m only an intern right now, so I’m learning a lot of new things,” Garus said. “I’m not an expert like these guys are. It’s good information to know, because there’s a lot to learn.”
The students will graduate in August.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $66,090 for Electrical and Electronics Repairers in Texas. With a 22 percent increase in jobs expected through 2022, its career outlook is bright.

TSTC offers the Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Power & Controls at the North Texas and Waco campuses. The college will begin registering for summer and fall classes on April 4. For more information on the college, or the Electrical Power & Controls program, visit www.tstc.edu.

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TSTC Employee Dedicates His Life to Service

(FORT BEND) – Meet John C. Kennedy, field development officer for Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. Kennedy, a hospitality professional, ordained Deacon, husband and father, came to TSTC in 2014 and is excited to tell the college’s story.

“TSTC’s story is so easy to talk about,” said Kennedy. “And in my position I have the great opportunity to help develop something special for Fort Bend County that will be here for generations to come.”

Kennedy’s hospitality and golf career spanned 24 years before he came to TSTC. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in communications and immediately after graduation landed a job as an assistant golf pro.

“I enjoyed playing golf with my dad growing up and unfortunately he passed away before he could see me graduate from college,” said Kennedy. “Every time I play I have such fond memories of him, so I took it on as a career endeavor.”

Working his way up the ladder, Kennedy eventually became a general manager, working in country clubs from Texas to California, managing properties, staff, memberships and providing excellent customer service and experiences for members and guests.

However, Kennedy felJohn Kennedy, TSTC Field Development Officert he was being called for something bigger. In 2013, he received his Masters of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas and became an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon.

“This was my calling,” said Kennedy. “The formation process was nearly seven years, but I kept an open mind. It’s a life of service.”

Kennedy just celebrated his three-year anniversary serving as a deacon. He is assigned to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Sugarland, and the Office of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Galveston and Houston.

In the summer of 2014, Kennedy was still working in the golf industry, but was introduced to an opportunity with TSTC that peaked his interest.  After a tour of TSTC’s Waco campus, he knew this was his chance to help create a college that would help his community become a better place. So, in October 2014, Kennedy left his career in golf and hospitality behind for a new adventure with TSTC.

“Having a place like TSTC in our own backyard is something that is going to changes people’s lives,” said Kennedy. “This opens up the opportunity of education. It’s a game changer for many, even the industry. Our job is to close the skills gap.”

Kennedy said he is ready to focus on the task at hand and that is to establish partnerships between the college and community entities, enroll students for the fall semester and find scholarship money to help students.

“The faculty and staff we already have in place here at Fort Bend are ready to welcome in new employees and get into our new building,” said Kennedy. “We all have the same goal and that is to increase the footprint of TSTC in the county and place more Texans in great paying jobs.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus is set to open in August. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

For more information regarding donating to scholarships funds or partnership opportunities, you can reach Kennedy at 832-447-1473.

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TSTC Students Reach for the Stars at ULA

(HARLINGEN) – In a recent tour of United Launch Alliance, Texas State Technical College students were introduced to ULA employee and TSTC alumna Brittany Campbell.

Campbell, 21, graduated from TSTC in August 2015 with her associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. The Los Fresnos native said she first became interested in the aviation industry at a young age.

After graduating from Los Fresnos High School in 2013, her plan was to enlist in the United States Air Force. However, when her plans fell through, TSTC was there to give her a future.

“Things happened and I couldn’t take off,” said Campbell. “I found TSTC and the aviation program and decided to give it a try. I ended up enjoying every bit of it Brittany Campbelland found a job I love.”

Campbell began working with ULA the Monday after she received her degree, although she had officially been hired a few months before graduation. She became familiar with the company at a TSTC job fair and through ULA representative visits on campus.

“TSTC prepared me for this job, there were no surprises,” said Campbell. “The hands-on approach from the instructors trained me for the field. Their help was invaluable to my experience and the skills I gained.”

Tim Pillar, ULA site lead said it is Campbell’s understanding of the industry and abilities that set her apart from other candidates.

“TSTC gives students like Campbell the starting point to take off from when they get to ULA,” said Pillar. “They have an understanding of process and discipline required in the industry.”

During the recent tour at ULA, Pillar told students that ULA’s history with TSTC dates back to 1987 when they opened their doors in Harlingen. The first technicians they hired were trained at TSTC and many more have been hired since then. Pillar added that TSTC is the first place they look for new employees when a position becomes available at their site.

“We see TSTC students as a cut above other candidates,” said Pillar. “By pursuing post high school education these students are already demonstrating they want more earning potential than that from a high school degree.”

More than 70 students who are preparing to graduate within the next two semesters from Aviation Maintenance, Precision Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Telecommunications and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration were invited for the tour.

“The significance of them touring our facility gives students a unique insight into aerospace manufacturing,” said Pillar. “They get a sense for high standards set in the work environment and the importance of our product to mankind and society.”

Viviana Espinosa, interim director of Talent Management/Career Services at TSTC, said the ULA tour was a part of the Employee Spotlight series, a presentation requested by an employer when they are looking to hire TSTC graduates.

“This tour was a little different, usually employers come to campus to talk to our students,” said Espinosa. “But ULA invited us this time and they’re ready to meet and hire our students. We couldn’t be more appreciative of this opportunity.”

To learn more about the services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management/Career Services department call 956-364-4940.

Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

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Student Success Profile – Roel Gonzalez

(HARLINGEN) – Roel Gonzalez from Los Fresnos is pursuing an associate degree in Equipment Technology at Texas State Technical College. He expects to graduate Summer 2017 and currently has a 3.0 grade point-average. Gonzalez said he first became interested in the biomedical equipment field when a family friend who owns a business in the industry introduced him to the field. When Gonzalez is not studying he is busy with the Intramural Sport Club, where he serves as the club’s treasurer.

What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to move to Corpus Christi and continue my education in business. I would also like to work in a hospital as a biomedical technician to help pay for school and get experience.

What’s your dreamStudent Profile Roel Gonzalez job? My dream job is to work as a level-three technician in a research hospital and become the head technician in dialysis.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? My greatest accomplishment as of right now is simply attending college. There were days I felt college was not for me, but I have stuck with it, When I finally earn my diploma I will be able to call that my greatest accomplishment at TSTC.

What is the greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I have learned that if I actually try and put my mind to something then there is nothing I cannot do. Nothing in life is handed to you and if you want something you must put the time and effort to get it. The most important thing that life has taught me is that family is everything and they will always be there for me.

Name a TSTC person who has most influenced your success?  Daisy Bujanos, my girlfriend who I met here at TSTC, is someone that has influenced me in a very powerful way. The times I felt like quitting she was there to calm me down and help me get through my tough time. She is someone that I admire and love so much, and because of her I am still here working on my associate degree to become a biomedical technician.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? My advice to future TSTC students is to take advantage of all TSTC has to offer. It’s a great college to attend and I highly recommend it. I also want to advise students to not quit and keep pushing through because the outcome will be rewarding and worth it.

TSTC Car Show to Benefit Student Veterans

(HARLINGEN) – Nearly 30 student veterans at Texas State Technical College have been awarded veteran scholarships by the Veteran Students Alliance Club, a student-run organization that helps veterans and their families with the transition to civilian life and assists them with getting the veteran benefits available to attend TSTC.

To continue awarding scholarships, a tradition started by the club in 2013, the Veteran Students Alliance Club will host a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show on March 26 at the TSTC campus.

This is the second annual show. The club’s president Maria Rincon, said last year’s show was a success, earning approximately $2,100 and having more than 60 car show contestants.

“Our goal for this year is to get more car show participants,” said Rincon. “With more contestants, we raise more money and increase the number of students we help. This is our way of giving thanks to the veterans for their service.”Veteran Students Alliance Club Car Show 2015

All proceeds from the car show go toward veteran student scholarships. Every semester, three students receive a $300 scholarship that can be used to cover tuition, books and supplies, or room and board.

Student veterans who apply for the scholarship must have prior military service, 90 plus days, or 30 days medical discharge; be a part-time student; have a 2.0 grade-point average and complete a 300 word essay.

There are 12 competitive categories car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts can compete in such as muscle, classic and work in progress. There are first and second place awards for every category including three specialty awards: President’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Club Affiliation.

The show is free and open to the public, but for those wanting to contribute to the club’s mission, tickets can be purchased for $1. Each tickets counts as one vote for their favorite car, truck or motorcycle in each competition category.

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

“All money raised from competitors, spectators and vendors goes a long way when you’re helping students pursue an education,” said Steve Guevara, Veterans Center director.

Any vendors interested in advertising their services at the show can purchase a table for $50. Sponsorships for gift cards or discounts are also welcomed. Gift cards and discounts will be used as door prizes for car show contestants.

To enter a car, truck or motorcycle in the “Show ‘N’ Shine category preregistration is $10 and ends March 18. The registration price after March 18 is $20. Any vehicle in this category is only eligible for specialty awards.

The “Competition” registration fee is $20 preregistration until March 18 and $30 after that. This category is eligible for specialty awards and first and second place trophies all competition categories.

Registration for “Competition” and “Show ‘N’ Shine” ends March 26.

For more information or to request a registration form contact Jose Villegas at 956-364-4387.

 Event Information:

March 26

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

TSTC Student Center Parking Lot (off Oak St.)

1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, Texas 78550

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Student Success Profile – Billy Ruiz

(FORT BEND) – Billy Ruiz, 37, from Rosenberg is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County working toward a certificate in Precision Machining Technology. He expects to graduate in August 2016.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to find a job in the machining industry as an operator. I would like to work for Schlumberger, but I know there are also a lot of opportunities outside of the oil industry. We’ll see whaStudent Success Profile Billy Ruizt the future holds.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to be a machine programmer. I want to be able to produce a blue print and install the program onto a machine to create a part.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Everything I’m learning is so new to me. I’ve never done anything like this before, so being able to handle the workload and becoming familiar with the equipment in machining is a huge accomplishment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that if I stay focused on my classes that I can get through them. Being focused can get you through a number of challenges.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

The person with the most influence in my success at TSTC is Mr. Michael Barnes. He is the man who took the time to explain the program to me, he introduced me to everything. He is full of great advice and always looking for bigger and better opportunities for his students.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

There are several things I would like to tell future TSTC students. First, do a lot of research on the field you want to study and see if it is right for you. You don’t want to end up picking a field you are not going to be happy with. Second, stay strong, focused and inspired.