Student Success Profile – Maria Lara

(HARLINGEN) – Maria LaraMaria Lara is pursuing a double major at Texas State Technical College. The 20-year-old expects to graduate with her first associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics this Summer 2018 and with her second degree in Spring 2019 from Precision Machining Technology.

The Progresso native recently received an award from TSTC Service Squad for completing more than 40 hours in community service and she graduated from TSTC’s Student Leadership Academy.

Lara is also active on campus as a member of the Pool Sharks, Veteran Students Alliance Club and the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on moving somewhere in North Texas to open a tiny house construction company.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become an architect to design and build houses and commercial buildings. And, I also want to design and create my own jewelry line.

What has been our greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been receiving an award for my community service and being able to help make a difference in our area and in people’s lives.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’m a very impatient person and very fast-paced. I want things done or things to go by quickly so I’ve had to learn how to be patient and pick my battles.

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

The person who has had the most influence on my success is Samuel Pizano, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics instructor. He is great at giving advice, I describe him as a therapist who doesn’t get paid for giving advice. And he always encourages me to do my best and always lends a helping hand.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future students is to jump on the horse and get things done. Just do what you want and make yourself happy.

 

TSTC Graduates 12 at First Commencement

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College celebrated its first commencement ceremony in Hutto Friday, May 11. Twelve graduates walked the stage in the presence of their family and friends.

“Today is a celebration of our graduates and recognition of all they have accomplished,” TSTC Provost Edgar Padilla said. “Tonight’s ceremony acknowledges the completion of study and dedication by our spring graduates and signifies the beginning of their professional careers.”

TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. He urged the students to keep learning.

“Technology is moving constantly,” Reeser said. “You picked the best school you can possibly attend in terms of technology, but if you want to be an outstanding employee, if you want to be someone that employers treasure and pay well and promote, here’s what you have to know: as technology moves, you must move too.”

Reeser believes that the students learned more than just technical know-how from TSTC.

“You have been taught, by these faculty, not just knowledge and skills, but how to learn,” Reeser said.

Industrial Electrical Systems graduate Eyosias Gemechu was selected for the Provost Award, an award given to a student who has demonstrated high academic performance, exceptional character and student leadership, and who has influenced their peers to strive for excellence.

“I was so excited and nervous at the same time,” Gemechu said. “I wish my mom was able to be here.”

Gemechu plans to continue his education with TSTC.

Welding graduate Cesar Carrillo, who is working as a welder for Jay-Reese Contractors, said he was happy to reach this milestone.

“It feels good,” he said. “It feels like a weight lifted off my back. I’m being shipped off to Iowa Sunday for work.”

TSTC in Williamson County graduates earned degrees in six of the programs offered at the campus — Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, Industrial Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining Technology and Welding.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Graduate Staying Local to Work

(BROWNWOOD) – Danielle Carnes had an idea early on about what she wanted to do in her life.

“Ever since I was little, I wanted my career to be in business,” she said.

Carnes, 27, of Brownwood graduated from Texas State Technical College in Brownwood with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Software and Business Accounting at the recent TSTC Spring 2018 Commencement held in Abilene. Carnes stayed in her academic plan as the program and degree name changed to Business Management Technology.

Carnes was hired during her last semester to work at Landmark Life Insurance Co. on South County Road 225 in Brownwood. She is a claims processor.

“Living in Brownwood made my degree decision easier, so I can stay in my hometown and my kids can stay living in the same town as all of their friends,” she said.

Carnes is a 2009 graduate of Zephyr High School in Zephyr.

At TSTC, she was a student ambassador, a work-study student and member of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa. She said working on campus helped bring income into her household while she was attending classes.

“She is a certified TSTC leader, having graduated from our Student Leadership Academy,” said Duston Brooks, an instructor and advisor in TSTC’s Business Management Technology program. “She set a high example as a tutor to other students and helped explain and reinforce concepts that they may not have completely understood in class. If there could be a photo illustrating the words ‘outstanding graduate,’ Danielle’s photo should be the one.”

Carnes said she would miss TSTC’s staff and attending student-oriented events.

“Always try to make a working routine where you’re not stressed and can enjoy your college experience,” she said. “Yes, the work can be hard, but the environment at TSTC makes it worthwhile and enjoyable.”

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

Liptak Earns Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College employee Kevin Liptak goes the extra mile for his students and his campus. Liptak’s initiative has earned him TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award, an honor given to TSTC faculty and staff who model excellence at the college.

Liptak, who began working at TSTC in 2015, was excited to be chosen for the award.

“Like everybody else, I try to go above and beyond what we’re asked to do,” he said. “I’ve taken on large class loads and worked on a couple of special projects for TSTC.”

Liptak oversees TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Power & Controls programs in North Texas.

“I like my job,” he said. “There are a lot of responsibilities, a lot of tasks here. I run two programs, so every day is new.”

Liptak takes pride in building relationships with his students.

“So far with every student that has graduated, there have been things we’ve helped them out with,” he said. “Whenever Red Oak had tornadoes, there were several students that lost property and we kind of became a support center for them. It’s the right thing to do.”

His favorite part of working at TSTC is the work environment.

“There are a lot of teamwork aspects here that are lacking elsewhere,” he said. “Everyone is here to move forward, and we all work together to get the job done.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001, and over the past 15 years nearly 300 TSTC employees have received the honor. Recipients are chosen based on outstanding contributions and achievements, commitment to excellence, and character. Honorees serve as agents of change in the advancement of TSTC initiatives.

Liptak will join 15 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored later this month at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin.

TSTC prides itself on being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for over 100 positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

Longtime TSTC Employees Recognized with Statewide Award

(WACO) – Three employees at Texas State Technical College were recently honored for their work and talents.

Rudy Cervantez, statewide automotive department chair; Jimmy Holecek, a supervisor for Building Maintenance and Management; and Robert Wells, a system programmer/analyst for the Office of Information Technology, have been named Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients.

Cervantez, 55, has worked at TSTC for 12 years. Some of his duties as a statewide department chair include scheduling classes, approving leave time, budget management and working with high schools on dual credit plans.

He said he was surprised when he was notified of the award.

“Serving as a statewide department chair for the automotive department here at TSTC is the ‘salsa on the taco,’” said Cervantez. “I never imagined to be in the position I am in now, and I really appreciate the opportunity offered to me by the college.”

Cervantez said he knew in high school he wanted to do two things: operate his own automotive repair business and teach. He ran such a business for 17 years before coming to TSTC.

“I knew I wanted to teach the profession after I had completed my first goal,” said Cervantez. “Goals completed!”

Holecek, 52, has worked for TSTC for 11 years. He supervises and makes assignments to seven people, logs their work time and processes paperwork for work orders.

“I also meet with staff on campus concerning the different projects they are requesting,” he said. “This can be anything from minor repairs to a major construction project.”

Like Cervantez, Holecek said he was astonished at receiving the honor.

“TSTC is a good place to work,” Holecek said. “The benefits are great, and for the most part it is like a working family atmosphere here at TSTC.”

Wells, 56, has worked at TSTC for 22 years and maintains Colleague, the technical college’s system for student and employee data.

“I want people to know about the very kind and over-the-top support the TSTC staff gives its students,” said Wells. “Being a graduate of TSTC, it was the stepping stone I needed to advance into the business world before I returned to work for TSTC.”

The men join 13 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored later this month at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin.

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to about 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

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

 

Longtime TSTC in Sweetwater Employee Recognized with Statewide Award

(SWEETWATER) – Patricia Carpio is one of the first people prospective students meet when they start the registration process at Texas State Technical College.

Carpio, 46, is a support services specialist who administers the Texas Success Initiative Assessment to determine students are ready to start regular classes. She also proctors nursing and automotive technology tests, along with midterm and final exams.

“I am the contact for all four West Texas campuses for testing issues,” Carpio said.

She also works with new student orientations and open house activities.

“I love coming to work each day because I feel like I play a small part in so many students’ lives by getting them started on their paths to their future,” Carpio said. “I get to know the students in the beginning, and when I see them at the end when they are graduating, it gives me happiness knowing that they have accomplished something so important to them.”

Carpio was recently named a TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient for her contributions to the technical college. She was the only employee from TSTC’s four West Texas campuses to receive the honor. She and 15 other TSTC employees statewide will be honored later this month at the National Institute for Staff and Organization Development awards dinner and celebration in Austin.

“I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never gotten an award like this,’” Carpio said of her first reaction to learning she was a recipient. “I was in shock. I am so blessed to work with such great people.”

Some of the people in the Sears Building where Carpio works commended her helpfulness, caring and outgoing personality.

“I need to learn pointers from her because she is so friendly with everyone,” said Irma Ortiz, TSTC’s curriculum specialist. “She gets along well with anybody. She can always strike up a conversation with any student to make them feel at home.”

Mandy Rhoades, a TSTC success coach and substitute testing administrator, said Carpio has a way with students.

“She is the best,” Rhoades said. “She is really good at talking to them. She has a great way of putting a positive spin on things when students may not have done well on the tests. She is good with positive reinforcement.”

Carpio began her work at TSTC in work-study in 2003 and was hired full-time in 2005.

“TSTC gives so many people the opportunity to further their education and to achieve a goal that some think is not within their reach, but what they don’t realize is that TSTC is the portal to their future career,” she said.

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to about 300 statewide TSTC employees. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

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

TSTC celebrates Spring 2018 graduates

(HARLINGEN) – More than 400 Texas State Technical College students recently received a certificate or associate degree during TSTC’s commencement ceremonies at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium. TSTC administration, family and friends all gathered to celebrate this occasion and welcome these graduates into an alumni network that is 100,000 strong.

TSTC CDL program receives donation from Spirit Truck Lines

TSTC CDL Check Presentation

Pictured left to right: Joziel Briones, Spirit Truck Lines recruiting supervisor and program coordination; Larry Elizondo, Spirit Truck Lines director of safety and recruiting; Cledia Hernandez, TSTC interim provost; and Adan Trevino, TSTC transportation training center coordinator.

(HARLINGEN) – On Wednesday, the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Continuing Education program at Texas State Technical College received a $3,500 donation from Spirit Truck Lines in Pharr to be used for student scholarships. Spirit Truck Lines is one of the local trucking companies that hires TSTC CDL grads. Close to 300 student have already graduated from TSTC’s continuing education program.

 

Student Success Profile – Amber Briones

(HARLINGEN) – Amber BrionesAmber Briones is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management Technology at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native is active around campus as a work study at the Wellness Sports Center, president of the Intramural Sports Club and a volunteer for Student Government Association and New Student Orientation.

The 18-year-old recently received awards at the Student Leadership Banquet for her involvement on campus and volunteer work throughout the community. She received a TSTC Service Squad award for logging more than 40 volunteer hours and winning two awards on behalf of her club: Most Active Club and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for more than 500 volunteer hours.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I plan on transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville, through TSTC’s University Center, to get a bachelor’s degree in accounting and in communication science.

What’s your dream job?

I have two dream jobs and that’s what I’m working toward. I want to become a certified public accountant so I can open up a CrossFit gym and I also hope to become a speech pathologist to help children and adults.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC so far has been my involvement on campus and in the community. I am doing things that I never expected before coming to TSTC. I used to be really shy, but my participation in different organizations has helped me grow as a communicator and a person.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that no matter how hard life gets or what challenges we face, we have to get up and keep going.

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

There are so many people here at TSTC that have influenced my success, but the person that stands out the most is my supervisor and Intramural Program Coordinator Joe Garza. He is always encouraging me and pushing me to remain active on campus and do things I never thought I could, like becoming president of our club. He gets me out of my comfort zone because he says that is where success lies.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for all students is to always look on the bright side, encourage others and remain positive.

TSTC, TEEX partnership bring low-cost training to RGV

(HARLINGEN) – Epitacio Ramirez, lead mechanic at the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, and a few members of his team had the opportunity to train at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Mobil Pump and Motor Maintenance trailer parked at Texas State Technical College for a week-long Infrastructure and Safety Summit.

“I’ve been in the field for 33 years and I still find trainings like this one invaluable,” said Ramirez. “Things are always changing so there’s always something new to learn.”

The summit organized by the Infrastructure Training and Safety Institute, a division of TEEX, the second largest Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training center in the nation and one of only 27 centers across the United States, partnered with TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department for the second consecutive year to offer low-cost training for employers.  TSTC, TEEX Summit

More than 400 people from municipalities and construction companies from Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties took advantage of the low-cost summit and the 21 different trainings offered.

“We’re able to offer these trainings at low-cost to no-cost thanks to general revenue funds from the state of Texas,” said Donna Zatopek, senior administration coordinator for TEEX. “Our job is to bring low-cost training to areas that otherwise may not have access to it.”

For Ramirez and his team, the Pump and Motor Maintenance course that usually costs $325 was offered for $75 at the summit.

Others, such as the Disaster Preparedness for Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations within the Community Infrastructure, are offered at no cost.

Also, OSHA safety trainings that generally range from $395 to $900 were offered at a discounted  $65 to $105 at the summit.

Myra Deleon, TSTC continuing education coordinator said the partnership between TEEX and TSTC has helped bring training opportunities to a centralized area of the Rio Grande Valley.

“This partnership has really allowed our local entities to take advantage of low-cost training right in their backyard,” said Deleon. “And not only is this a great opportunity for employers, but it’s also a great way to showcase TSTC and our programs.”

Deleon also added that many TSTC instructors complete their required trainings by earning certifications and co-teaching during the summit.

In the two years of this partnership, TSTC and TEEX have been able to serve close to 1,000 people.

Infrastructure Training and Safety Institute Division Director Ron Peddy, said that the impact their trainings have made in the region is thanks to the partnership with TSTC.

“The impact we have made is phenomenal and we couldn’t have done it without TSTC,” said Peddy. “Our goal is to reach as many people as we can because these trainings can save lives.”

Peddy added, “Safety is our number one priority and our mission is to make a difference through training and build, improve and make communities safer.”

TEEX is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. A member of the Texas A&M University System, TEEX served more than 173,000 people from across the United States and 75 countries last year through hands-on training and technical services.

For more information on TEEX or the services offered by TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4567.