Recent TSTC Graduate Continues Classroom Work

(BROWNWOOD) – Charles Marr still finds himself in a classroom, but not getting a grade for academic work.

Marr, 29, began work in mid-May as a campus technician at the Brownwood Independent School District. Marr graduated in late April with an associate degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood.

He troubleshoots and repairs technology issues primarily at Brownwood Intermediate School and works elsewhere in the school district when needed. As the school year ends, Marr said he and his co-workers will work on upgrades and repairs to computers throughout the summer. He will also work on a CompTIA certification.

“Stay open-minded and be optimistic, and there is nothing really you should ever consider out of your reach,” Marr said.

Marr began growing comfortable with computers when he was in elementary school.

“It was more than just figuring out how to play solitaire,” he said. “A buddy of mine and I would mess with computers at his house and tear them apart and play with them.”

Marr graduated in 2005 from Brownwood High School. He joined the U.S. Army and was a combat engineer stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also lived in Houston before returning to Brown County.

“Moving back here wasn’t in the cards initially. But in coming back and graduating, it was actually easy because Brownwood is kind of a small town, but not what it used to be,” Marr said. “Everyone knows everybody, and that makes it easier.”

Qualities he learned in the military, such as discipline and commitment, helped him succeed in college.

“At the same time, I had to develop patience with people around me,” Marr said.

Renee Blackshear, an instructor in TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program, said she was impressed with Marr’s helpfulness and graciousness.

“As a veteran, Charles is determined to be successful with any task he undertakes,” she said.

While at TSTC, Marr participated in SkillsUSA and placed third statewide in the telecommunications cabling contest.

“Charles distinguished himself by consistently demonstrating knowledge and expertise with course content, completing hands-on projects with ease, and submitting exceptionally well-researched and well-written documentation on various topics,” said Blackshear. “Charles is highly intelligent and has good analytical and communication skills.”

TSTC in Brownwood will have Registration Rally events for the fall semester from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 7, July 7 and Aug. 8.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Employee Spotlight: Melissa Villarreal

(HARLINGEN) – It has been five years and counting since Melissa Villarreal started at Texas State Technical College in the Financial Aid Office. And to commemorate the financial aid technician’s hard work and dedication to students, she has been awarded the Employee Spotlight for May.

Many who work with Villarreal, staff and students alike, say she is “the lady who is always happy.” Villarreal humbly said she is happy because she is doing what she loves to do: helping students.

“I truly love my job,” said Villarreal. “I was a student once and had no idea about financial aid. I believe God put me in this office at this campus for a reason, and that is to make students aware of what is available for them.”

The 44-year-old is an alumna of TSTC. She graduated in 2003 with her certificate in Medical Records and Transcription with the help of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through the Texas Workforce Commission, which provides workforce development activities to enhance employability.

“This was the only financial help I could find, and they paid for it all,” she said.

Going to college was not an easy process for the Harlingen native. To qualify for the WIA program and in turn to enroll, she had to qualify for food stamps. Had it not been for the $10 in food stamps she qualified for, school would not have been an option.

“There was no way I could have gone to school without this money,” said Villarreal. “Since then I knew I wanted to come back and help those going through the same thing.”

After graduating, her one-year stint at a local oral surgery clinic did not work out because TSTC was in her heart.

“This period was a challenge. I went back to school, left my job of 20 years at JCPenney, and fortunately I was hired at the college,” she said. “I took a chance and it worked out because of TSTC and those that believed in me.”

Villarreal’s Employee Spotlight award is the sentiment that says many still believe in what she does, and it is written directly on her certificate.

“It’s refreshing to hear many refer to Melissa as ‘the lady who is always smiling’ or ‘the lady who always helps me,’” one statement read.

Another said, “Ms. Villarreal always presents services in a highly motivated manner and explains services in a positive language.”

One last comment read, “Despite the long lines…she has been overheard providing students with motivating and inspiring wisdom when she is assisting them at the counter; this is beyond her scope of duty.”

Villarreal said her ultimate goal every day is to help students succeed.

“The most rewarding part of my job is working commencement and watching them (students) graduate and seeing the fulfillment and happiness in their eyes and in their family’s eyes, and knowing I had a little part in that.”

In the next couple of years, Villarreal expects to walk the TSTC commencement stage, instead of working, to receive her associate degree in Business Management Technology.

“I want to grow and retire from TSTC,” she said. “This is where I belong, as an employee and a student.”

Chancellor’s Excellence Award: Jose Villegas

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Veteran Program Officer Jose Villegas has been with the college for a short time, but has already made a difference in students’ lives earning the 2017 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

The award is given yearly to deserving faculty and staff from across TSTC’s 10 campuses for their service to the college and their community.

The San Antonio native said he was surprised when he found out he had received the award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I never think about awards, my concern is helping veterans the best I can. So you can imagine this came as a shock. I’m speechless.”

As an Army veteran who served for eight years, including a one-year tour in Iraq, the 35-year-old said he understands the difficulties veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

“My passion for helping veterans comes from personal knowledge,” he said. “I know how difficult it is to find your place after leaving the military.”

After leaving active duty in 2004 and the reserves in 2009, Villegas went back to school and received a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Composite in 2011 from the University of Texas Pan American.

Villegas went on to work at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health as a peer facilitator for veterans getting mental healthcare. He traveled across the Valley and the state conducting support groups at various colleges and universities.

Although Villegas loved working with veterans and their dependents, he was ready to leave all of the traveling and the unsteady schedule behind.

“I was ready for a change and to spend more time with my family,” said Villegas. “I wanted to continue working with veterans though, so it was great when this position at TSTC came up.”

Villegas has been at TSTC now for three years, assisting veterans and their dependents with military benefits such as the GI Bill and Hazelwood Act, and admission and financial aid processes, in addition to providing external and internal resources that help veterans and their families succeed.

“For some veterans we are their last chance for hope,” said Villegas. “I go through highs and lows with some of these students and the best part is seeing them graduate and get a job or continue with college.”

Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said that within the two years he has worked with Villegas he has seen the dedication he has for students turn lives around.

“He is always interested in how our students are doing,” said Guevara. “He takes the time to really get to know them and take care of everything he can to help them succeed. He’s their positivity.”

“If anyone deserves this award its Jose,” he added. “He’s a real asset to TSTC.”

Villegas will be traveling with his family to Austin to the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration where he will receive his Chancellor’s Excellence Award later this month.

“I truly appreciate that my colleagues think my work is making a difference. I don’t do what I do for awards. My true success is getting veterans help and giving them a second chance at life.”

Student Success Profile – Maria Araujo

(HARLINGEN) – Maria Araujo is studying Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College and expected to earn her associate degree in Fall 2017.

The Harlingen native also recently received the Most Active Club Member award at TSTC’s Student Leadership Banquet for her service as president of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

The 22-year-old said that as a shy person she has only recently come to enjoy being active on campus and throughout her community. She also serves as a community assistant for the TSTC dorms and its student residents.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I want to come back to TSTC to get a second associate degree in automotive, welding or culinary arts. I believe combining one of these with my passion for photography and design will make me a well-rounded artist.

What’s your dream job?

I ultimately want to be a photographer. Right now I photograph everything from people to landscapes. I also hope someday to serve our country as a military photographer.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been breaking out of my shell. I have always been a shy person and now, because of my job as a community assistant and as president of my club, I can carry conversations with people and express myself more.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is not to be afraid to fail. We are all going to fail at some point in our lives; I know I have. But the important thing is to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person who has influenced my success the most at TSTC is another student and my best friend, Jose Zepeda. He is a business management technology student and is my biggest inspiration. He is my encourager and keeps me going. We have been friends since high school.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is never put yourself down or compare yourself to others. We are all our own people on our own paths, and sometimes we are so busy comparing ourselves that we lose sight of our own accomplishments and our goals.

Veteran Finds Life After Military at TSTC

(FORT BEND) – Army Veteran Lupe Mendoza was looking for a career to pursue after serving six years in the military. Mission accomplished.

The Richmond native, husband and father recently graduated from Texas State Technical College, which he calls the beginning to a new life.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I just knew I needed to move on in civilian life,” said Mendoza. “So after researching I found machining and it seemed challenging, so I went for it.”

Mendoza decided to put his veteran benefits and G.I. Bill to good use and enrolled in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology in 2015.

After serving numerous tours overseas, Mendoza returned with a spinal injury being labeled as disabled by doctors.

“The work in the military is hard and over time it takes a toll on your body,” he said. “But I wasn’t going to let that stop me.”

As a veteran, Mendoza had access to TSTC’s Veterans Center for help with enrolling and benefit processes.

“I was impressed with the type of help I received as a veteran,” said Mendoza. “The veterans team from Harlingen would travel to me in Fort Bend County to assist me with everything. They played a big part in my success at TSTC.”

Another person Mendoza credits with his success was former TSTC Precision Machining Instructor Michael Barnes.

Mendoza said it was Barnes’ extensive real-world experiences that he shared with all of his students that made all of the difference.

“He treated the class like an actual machine shop and students like employees,” said Mendoza. “It was actual on-the job training and he was our biggest supporter.”

Despite the fact that Mendoza grew up around construction and working in a steel mill with his father, he said nothing compared to the foundation and hands-on experience he got at TSTC.

Mendoza became so captivated with TSTC’s teaching methods that he concurrently enrolled in Welding Technology. He is expected to earn his certificate Summer 2017, in time to graduate at TSTC’s In Fort Bend County’s first commencement ceremony in August.

“I have nothing but praise for TSTC and I’m so glad I followed this path,” said Mendoza. “I can’t thank the instructors and staff enough for all of the help they provided.”

What’s in the future for Mendoza?

He said he is considering enrolling at the University of Houston to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering but is also looking into making a move to Harlingen to do metal work for his uncle who owns two gun shops.

“TSTC has given me the skills I need to move on with my life,” he said. “My options are now endless and TSTC made that easier for me.”

For more information on Precision Machining Technology call 346-239- 3441 and for Welding Technology call 346-239-3452.

Registration for Fall 2017 is already in progress. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Student Finds More Opportunity with Night Classes

(FORT BEND) – Carlos Velasquez is described as a skilled welder by his instructors and peers at Texas State Technical College.

The Wharton native is a Welding Technology student and is expected to earn his certificate during TSTC in Fort Bend County’s first commencement ceremony in August.

The 19-year-old first discovered TSTC when college recruiters did a presentation at Wharton High School. By this time, Velasquez had already began welding with his uncle and knew it was a career he wanted to pursue.

“I’m a guy who likes to work with his hands,” said Velasquez. “So when I discovered I liked welding and was good at it, I went with it and TSTC was there for me.”

Velasquez said had it not been for TSTC, he would not even be in school. The night classes offered at TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center have helped him achieve his goal of a college education.

“Night classes are convenient especially because I have to work full-time to be able to pay for college,” said Velasquez. “TSTC has made it possible for me to get an education.”

Velasquez works at INFRA Technology, a provider of economical technologies for the production of synthetic fuels from natural gas, as a pipeline welder in Wharton. He also does welding work for side projects requested throughout his community.

“I’m working toward a stable job and future,” he said. “And TSTC is helping me fulfill those goals.”

Velasquez also credits his welding instructors and his family for his success during the program.

“My instructors give us the freedom to be creative in the shop and practice our skills,” said Velasquez. “And my parents support all of my efforts even helping me purchase a work truck complete with welders and tools.”

He also added that the state-of-the-art machines and tools available to him on campus is his favorite thing about his program.

“Everything is hands-on. We have an actual welding shop filled with new machinery and tools we can use,” he said. “Actually it was exactly this that helped me get the job I’m at right now.”

Velasquez hopes to continue his education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, but not before working and getting experience in his field. He has his eyes set on Sunland, a local pipeline company.

“The company is close to home, I can get experience, there’s room for growth and I can use my own welding truck, that’s everything I want. I’m hoping for the best,” he said. “Maybe someday I can even own a business. These dreams all started at TSTC.”

To learn more about Welding Technology call 346-239-3452 or visit tstc.edu.

HOT Fair and Rodeo and TSTC Award Scholarships

(WACO) – James Lilly will have some financial help pursuing his interest in welding this fall at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

Lilly, a senior at C.H. Yoe High School in Cameron, was one of six recipients of the Heart O’’ Texas Fair and Rodeo and Texas State Technical College Scholarship awarded Wednesday night at the organization’s annual banquet in Woodway.

“It is exciting but a little scary going to college,” said Lilly. “I have friends that have been to TSTC to study welding. I applied first then visited the campus. I thought it was awesome.”

Lilly’s mother, Tamika, is a proud mother.

“It feels great,” she said. “The scholarship is a great starter. We are happy he is going to TSTC.”

Forty students at the event were awarded $134,000 in scholarships from the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, which is held each fall in Waco.

“It is always an awesome experience in seeing the delight on those kids’ faces,” said Wes Allison, president and chief executive officer of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo. “None of them know how much they are receiving when they get to the banquet.”

Reid Terry, a senior at Robinson High School, received a $5,000 HOT Fair and Rodeo and TSTC Scholarship. He played baseball, basketball and football at Robinson and was also active in the agriculture program for one year.

He chose to study Industrial Maintenance starting this fall because of his curiosity.

“I just like knowing a lot of things,” Terry said. “I like knowing how things work.”

Other scholarship recipients attending TSTC this fall are Taylor Allen of Midway High School, Ariel Gallegos of La Vega High School, Joseph Hermann of Belton High School and Brendan Tankersley of University High School in Waco. Allen received a $5,000 scholarship and Gallegos, Hermann, Lilly and Tankersley were given $2,500 scholarships.

“TSTC is thrilled to partner with the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo to provide scholarships for these deserving students,” TSTC in Waco Provost Adam Hutchison said. “Their high school accomplishments set them apart from other applicants for the scholarships, and their goals in technical education make them a perfect fit for TSTC. I’m grateful for our wonderful community partners and supporters who make scholarships like these possible. It’s a great investment in our region and our students’ futures.”

The guest speaker was Johnny Quinn, a McKinney resident who was on the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics bobsled team for the United States. He is only the third NFL player to have participated in the Winter Olympics.

Quinn talked about his hurdles pursuing sports, from making his mark on the University of North Texas football and track teams to enduring injuries and cuts from the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers and the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. He said what got him through this period, along with training and competing in the Winter Olympics, was his mind.

“It all begins with how you think,” Quinn said. “There’s a reward at the end that is so much greater than the struggle through the process.”

The HOT Fair and Rodeo scholarships have been awarded since 1991. More than 650 Central Texas students have benefited from the more than $2.5 million that has been awarded.

For more information on the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo Scholarship, go to hotfair.com.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC, Rosenberg Police Department to Host Coffee with a Cop

(FORT BEND) – Grab a free cup of Joe at Coffee with a Cop hosted by Texas State Technical College and the Rosenberg Police Department on May 24.

The event will be hosted for the first time at TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is opened to the community.

Rosenberg’s police are the responding department for the campus and have already participated in events such as new student orientations, spring break awareness and summer safety events.

Director of Student Services Georgeann Calzada said her goal for the event is to provide the TSTC and local community with the opportunity to interact with Rosenberg’s police.

“The event is a great opportunity to build the bridge between the local police department and the community,” she said. “This will help our students build trust in their local police. I want our students, faculty and staff that stay after normal business hours to feel at ease calling the police officers for help if they need it.”

The Rosenberg Police Department will also be on hand to discuss any issues or concerns that affect Rosenberg and the surrounding communities.

Rosenberg Police Department Community Relations Officer Michael Bradley said he is looking forward to meeting those he serves.

“I want to encourage our community to come out and network with us in a relaxed atmosphere,” Bradley said. “This event is for them and it’s been great organizing this with TSTC and we hope we have many more events like this with them in the future.”

Calzada said it has been a pleasure working closely with the Rosenberg Police Department.

“I feel the partnership between Rosenberg’s police department and TSTC has grown tremendously in the last 10 months since TSTC’s new campus was built,” she said. “I know that between our two organizations, we’re making Rosenberg a better place to live and work.”

Also joining the effort is McDonald’s by providing the coffee and juice for community participants.

“McDonald’s has been so generous in their donations,” Calzada said.

Calzada added that Coffee with a Cop is also a great opportunity to highlight TSTC’s campus.

“I’m so excited to bring this event to the TSTC campus and welcoming our community members,” Calzada said. “I’m looking forward to hearing feedback from our community on how we (TSTC) can better serve their needs when it comes to education and workforce demand.”

For more information about attending Coffee with a Cop call 346-239-3422.

TSTC and Mars Chocolate North America Celebrate TWC Skills Development Grant

(WACO) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the Texas Workforce Commission and Mars Chocolate North America gathered Tuesday to commemorate a $92,203 Skills Development Fund grant aimed at improving workers’ skills at the candy manufacturer’s Waco factory.

“What Texas State Technical College provides to the community is one of the greatest tools with regard to our economic development,” said Seth Morris, vice president for economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

The grant will create six new jobs and provide technical training to more than 90 workers to better their skills for using fasteners, lubricants, components, valves and hand tools. The first training led by TSTC faculty members was in late April. The grant’s regional impact is expected to be more than $765,000, according to the state workforce commission.

TSTC in Waco Provost Adam Hutchison said the grant symbolized some of the best collaboration that can be done in the city to further develop the workforce.

Gary Mueller, training manager for Mars Chocolate in Waco, said staff were appreciative of the opportunity to grow the company in manpower and knowledge.

The grant builds on the progress that Waco and the state have made in economic development.

TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs said Waco currently has a 4.3 percent unemployment rate, while the state unemployment rate is 5 percent. Waco’s unemployment rate is on par with the Abilene, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan areas and is less than unemployment in the Beaumont-Port Arthur, Brownsville-Harlingen, Corpus Christi and McAllen-Mission-Edinburg metropolitan areas.

Hughs said CEO Magazine has named Texas the best state to do business in for the 13th consecutive year.

“The Skills Development Fund is the premier job training program with custom training and promoting employees in getting marketable skills,” Hughs said.

Mars Chocolate North America on Texas Central Parkway in Waco has more than 550 employees making the popular candies Skittles, Starburst and variations of Snickers.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

Student Profile – Marco Reyes

(HARLINGEN) – Marcos Reyes is in his third semester in Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College. He is expected to graduate with his associate degree Spring 2018.

The La Feria native served four years in the Marines as an administrator stationed in North Carolina and San Diego. The 34-year-old said he enrolled at TSTC because he was ready for a new phase in life.

The veteran now holds a 3.2 grade-point average, is a member of the Intramural Sports Club and is the newly-elected Student Government Association Treasurer

“As SGA we represent the students and I hope to be a voice for non-traditional students like me,” he said.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to find work immediately as a network engineer for a firm, private business or consultation group.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work for a fortune 500 company such as Novell or Google on their networking programs.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been receiving the treasurer position in SGA. I never expected I could do something like this, I have always been shy. This experience has taken me out of my comfort zone. It is a step in the right direction toward becoming more outgoing.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that when you want something, you just have to go for it. For a time in my life I felt like I was going nowhere, and I never thought college was in my future. And although I’m just getting started, I’ll admit I was intimidated, but overall it was the right decision for me.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

I have several people who have influenced my success. The first is Jan Nesmith, master instructor for Network Security Technology. She works hard to prepare us for our future and is always our motivator. The other two people are Joe Garza, intramural supervisor, and Efrain Villarreal, intramural assistant supervisor. These two men are the ones who have encouraged me to stay fit and get involved in SGA and in the community.