TSTC Alumni Savor Business Success

(WACO) – If you have never seen pigs fly, double-check next time you are at a local HEB.

Waco Beef and Pork Processors’ Holy Smoked Sausage is a local savory treat that will send your tastebuds to hog heaven.

Founded by Wallace Wright in 1995, the company started as a small butcher and meat processing plant that served restaurants in the Waco area. Now the family business is continued by friends Michael Landsfeld and Mike Linder, both of whom earned associate degrees and taught in Texas State Technical College’s Meat Processing and Marketing program before it was discontinued.

“I started in this industry when I was 11 years old with my father. Sausage making and the meat industry is something I’ve just always enjoyed, and you should enjoy what you do,” said Landsfeld, the company’s managing partner.

Recently, the Waco company donated sausage to feed students competing at the Area 5 and Area 8 FFA Tractor Technician Competition hosted by TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program.

“I’ve always kept in contact with my old teacher friends and old students who come by and see me,” said Landsfeld. “And anytime TSTC comes calling, I try to help.”

In 1978, Landsfeld graduated from Ennis High School in Ellis County, and around that time he heard about TSTC at a local trade show.

After graduating from TSTC, he continued practicing his skills in Dallas before returning to teach at TSTC.

“I came back to TSTC in ’89 and was asked to teach in the Meat Processing and Marketing program, and that’s when I first got to work with my friend Mike Linder,” said Landsfeld.

Landsfeld and Linder were both TSTC graduates who returned to teach and always talked about working together in a business environment.

“Linder and I have been friends for 30 years. We never thought we’d get to work together, but we dreamed about it back in the office days,” said Landsfeld.

After teaching for some time, Linder left to work at Waco Meat Service and Landsfeld started his career at Waco B&PP.

“Waco B&PP has been here for 23 years, and our main business is sausage making,” said Landsfeld. “We serve mainly HRI — hotels, restaurants and industry, but you can find us in small grocery stores too.”

Linder later joined Landsfeld and the Waco B&PP team as sales manager and now says he truly enjoys his workday.

Waco B&PP has expanded beyond Waco and now serves multiple businesses within a 120-mile radius.

“You know we’re growing, and it’s a good feeling to have when you’re with a company that’s continuing to grow,” said Linder.

The two friends attribute their success to their time spent at TSTC.

“TSTC made a good impact on me, and it was due to the teachers,” said Linder. “They were really good, knew their stuff and were well-driven. TSTC helped me to learn and be ready to continue learning.”

As with many trades, meat processing technology continues to change, encouraging the industry to adapt along with it.

“The technology has evolved quite a lot, and the emphasis is on the science as opposed to the art, both in sausage making and the meat preparation,” said Landsfeld.

Since the friends’ time at TSTC, parts of the Meat Processing and Marketing program have been integrated into the Culinary Arts program.

“We teach basic butchery skills, and meat fabrication is taught in all savory classes, where students learn the codes and regulations,” said TSTC Culinary Arts Department Chair and Chef Mark Schneider.

As Landsfeld and Linder continue their time together, they encourage the younger workforce to consider meat processing and the affiliated fields.

“We need younger workers; this business is very hands-on, and these young people are wonderful. And we do hire TSTC graduates,” said Landsfeld.

Landsfeld and Linder agreed that in a time when jobs are not guaranteed after a four-year education, TSTC serves as a viable alternative.

“Our time at TSTC was valuable for both of us. I’ve always been a hands-on type person,” said Linder. “I like working with my hands, and I worked in construction before I went to TSTC. But we went to TSTC to step up our education.”

There is evidence of the company’s success in the numerous awards and prizes received from the Texas Association of Meat Processing and other organizations.

“I think TSTC opened the doors to a lot of people, and I can vouch for them — I’m one of them,” said Landsfeld.

Waco B&PP specializes in sausage making but also provides specialty meets, spices and cheeses. These can be purchased directly through Waco B&PP or through local grocery stores.

For more information on Waco Beef and Pork Processors, go to holysmokedsausage.com.

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

TSTC Alumnus, Instructor Receives Conference Scholarship

(WACO) – A Texas State Technical College instructor in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program recently received a nationwide scholarship to attend a professional development conference later this spring.

David Brannen, lead instructor of the Waco campus program, was one of two recipients of the D. Brian Baker Memorial Scholarship, which covers travel, lodging and registration for the 2018 National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference on March 26-28 at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. The scholarship is sponsored by the Council for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators and HVAC Excellence.

This will be the first time Brannen has attended the conference, the largest gathering of HVAC instructors in the nation.

“I want to talk to educators and see what we are doing well and what we need to do better on,” he said.

Brannen said he would use the trip to tell as many conference attendees as possible about TSTC’s mission of strengthening the Texas workforce. The HVAC program on TSTC’s Waco campus has more than 100 students, with 25 of them starting their first semester in the program this spring.

“We always have more jobs than students,” Brannen said. “We have to figure out how to get them in here.”

The scholarship also covers a one-year membership in the Council for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators.

The other recipient of the scholarship was a Delaware high school teacher.

Lance Lucas, TSTC’s statewide HVAC program chair, said he was proud of Brannen’s selection.

“We want to learn from David how HVAC teachers are teaching throughout the nation,” Lucas said.

Brannen, 39, grew up on farm in Axtell and is a graduate of Axtell High School. During his junior and senior years of high school, he took automotive technology classes at Connally High School. He worked for several years and graduated in 2010 from TSTC with an associate degree in refrigeration technology, which is now part of the HVAC program.

Brannen has taught at TSTC for four years and is also a licensed HVAC contractor and certified master electrician.

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

 

TSTC to Host Annual Talent Competition

(ABILENE) – Texas State Technical College and “Texas Music Cafe” will host the third annual TSTC Talent Search from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at TSTC Student Central in Abilene.

TSTC student contestants will perform as soloists, musicians or groups, and the performances will be posted to YouTube, where the winner will be chosen based on the number of likes on their video.

Holly Tucker (runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice”) will host the competition, which is taking place at TSTC’s four legacy campuses: Harlingen, Marshall, Waco and West Texas. The winner from each location will compete in the finals on Tuesday, March 20, in Waco.

Belinda Palomino, TSTC’s coordinator of Student Life and Engagement, said the event should be fun for those attending.

“Holly Tucker will be there, hosting and performing,” Palomino said. “There will be music and food, so dinner will be provided for anyone attending.”

There is no admission charge to attend.

“I’m just happy I’m not a judge,” Palomino laughed. “The competition is very hard each year because the students are so talented.”

The grand prize is a $2,500 recording contract and a chance to perform in a live taping of “Texas Music Cafe.” Runner-up contestants can receive recording gear, a single recording package or a ukulele package.

“Texas Music Cafe” is an hourlong, magazine-style PBS program that is recorded all over the state of Texas in front of live audiences and broadcast nationally on radio, TV and the internet.

Contestants must be currently enrolled as a full- or part-time student at any TSTC location. For more information, visit tstc.edu/texasmusiccafe/tstctalentsearch.

Preschoolers get visit from TSTC ‘tooth fairies’

(HARLINGEN) – For two decades the Dental Assistant program at Texas State Technical College has organized a community service event at a local Head Start program or preschool to teach children about good oral health care and nutrition.

This semester the 27 students from the program’s Dental Prevention class gathered at the Wesley United Methodist Church Preschool dressed as tooth fairies and a tooth mascot to host child-friendly activities.

“Our program is about community service. We work with the community every day,” said Dental Assistant lead instructor Jean Lashbrook.

Lashbrook added that the goal of this event is to familiarize children with dental care so they’re not afraid of going to the dentist.

“We want to encourage these children to practice good oral care, while giving our students the opportunity to practice patient education and interaction,” she said.TSTC Dental Assistant Community Service

Students like Amanda Garcia, who is in the last semester of the program and vice president of the Dental Explorers Club, taught the preschoolers about brushing, flossing, “good” and “bad” foods, and how to make healthy snacks to try to prevent cavities. There were also coloring stations and games for the children.

“It was a great experience being able to teach these children about brushing and flossing,” said Garcia. “This event helped me better understand the importance of communication and how different it has to be, depending on the patient.”

Every child went home with goodie bags filled with floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste and everyone’s favorite, stickers.

Dental Explorers Club President Clarisa Chapa agreed that it was great getting to apply what she learned in class to a real-world scenario.

“Introducing oral health and healthy foods at this age is beneficial toward their future,” said Chapa. “I enjoyed it so much that after graduating I’m thinking about specializing in pediatric dentistry.”

Dental Assistant instructor and 2005 program alumna Kristen Deleon said this project is a requirement for anyone pursuing a certificate in Dental Assistant, but it is also what everyone looks forward to.

“This is everyone’s favorite project. It’s not only a great community service event, but also a positive TSTC memory,” said Deleon. “This is the thing alumni reminisce about the most.”

After completing the nine-month program, students will earn a certificate and have the skills they need to work as a dental assistant or dental laboratory technician. Many find employment almost immediately at area dental clinics.

“The experience this project gives our students is invaluable,” added Deleon. “It prepares them to enter the field.”

Dental Assistant is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus.

 

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC, local agencies partner for Operation Big Rig

(HARLINGEN) – The fourth annual Operation Big Rig was recently hosted by the Continuing Education Department at Texas State Technical College.

More than 50 people attended the half-day awareness event that covered topics such as human and drug smuggling, human trafficking, and recent revisions to federal transportation laws and regulations.

“Overall, the event was a success,” said TSTC’s Continuing Education transportation coordinator Adan Trevino. “It’s important that we spread awareness on issues that affect our industry and those who work in it every day.”

TSTC partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security to make the event possible.

Federal transportation officers and agents in attendance at the event emphasized that if something doesn’t look right, then give them a call.

“We want our students to understand that we are all on the same page and here to work together to make their career journey as safe as can be,” said Trevino.TSTC Operation Big Rig

Trevino added that every year the event focuses on different topics, depending on the pressing issues at the time, but its primary goal is to teach students and industry professionals how to keep the community safe and save lives.

“Recent events are showing a rise in human smuggling and trafficking and how unsafe and sometimes deadly conditions are,” said Trevino. “We’re creating well-rounded professionals, and we want them to be smart and make the best decisions once they’re out in the field and know how to spot dangerous situations.”

Daniel Deleon, a TSTC Continuing Education Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) student, said Operation Big Rig is a great opportunity, especially for someone like him who is new to the industry.

“What TSTC does with Operation Big Rig is great,” he said. “It has really increased my awareness of the dangers we face out in the field and how our quick thinking and actions can save lives.”

Ernie Garcia, a recent TSTC CDL graduate who already has a job lined up with Spirit Truck Lines in San Juan, said he will take what he learned to help make the roads safer for all drivers and bystanders.

“I will be an advocate for safety in my career,” said Garcia. “I learned numerous tips on how to be safe and keep others safe and report suspicious activity.”

Operation Big Rig has also teamed up with local truck stops to help spread awareness of human and drug smuggling and human trafficking.

“At TSTC, safety is our No. 1 priority for our students and community,” said Trevino. “Together, we can make an impact and keep our streets safe.”

For more information on TSTC’s Continuing Education Transportation Services courses, visit tstc.edu.

Student Profile – Daniel Reyes

(HARLINGEN) – Daniel Reyes, Student Success ProfileHarlingen native Daniel Reyes is a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to earn his third associate degree this semester.

His other associate degrees were earned in Auto Collision Technology and Automotive Technology in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

When the 26-year-old isn’t in the classroom, he is an active member of several TSTC student organizations, such as Advanced Leadership Academy, Intramural Sports Club, SkillsUSA, Veteran Students Alliance Club and Catholic Campus Ministries. Reyes is also the SGA senator for the Industrial Manufacturing division.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate this spring, I hope to get a job in the automotive industry and gain some experience in my field and save money to open a business. Eventually I want to return to TSTC to get an associate degree in Business Management Technology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to open a business in Harlingen that will include automotive and welding services.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is, honestly, getting this far and being able to earn multiple degrees. For me, school is fun and I love learning the skills I need to be successful one day. My goal is to leave TSTC as well-rounded as possible in my field.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned may sound cliche, but it’s to never give up. Life has a way of knocking you down sometimes. For me, I never had enough money to eat, so I would literally go days without food. But thanks to the TSTC Student Center food pantry, I was able to pick myself up each time and keep pushing forward and working toward my goals.

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

The people who have had the greatest influence on my success are Library Technician Gamaliel Sauceda, New Student Orientation Coordinator Larissa Moreno and Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. Each one of these people has touched my life in different ways with encouragement, advice and support.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is that when you take your first step into TSTC, choose a major you are passionate about and focus on everything the instructors are teaching you because all of it is going to lead to a successful career someday.

 

Annual TSTC Open House a Success

(BROWNWOOD) – Texas State Technical College in Brownwood held its annual open house Friday, opening its campus for tours and to meet with faculty. The event, designed for prospective students who want to learn more about the college, hosted han 50 visitors.

 

Jeannette Gist, TSTC director of Student Recruitment in West Texas, said they changed some things around this year and it was a success.

 

“This year we moved everything up and had it a little more condensed,” Gist said. “I wasn’t sure how that would flow, but I love it. I think it’s so fun. People walk right into the party instead of having to walk down the hall to find the party.”

 

Six people applied after visiting with employees.

 

“We have people who are genuinely interested in TSTC,” said Devin Crenshaw, TSTC outreach representative. “That many applicants isn’t common for this type of event.  We’ve also had a lot of people who have already applied and also want to go to the open house in Sweetwater.”

 

Gist said all of the programs saw traffic.

 

“I saw people at every station,” she said. “I think everybody had visitors today. Sometimes everyone is there to see one program, but there was a good mix. The more hands-on our programs can be, the better it is for the prospective student and also the faculty because it draws students. It’s a richer experience for both.”

 

Programs such as Diesel Equipment Technology and Environmental Science from TSTC’s other West Texas campuses also met with students at the event. Visitors also got to learn about Electrical Power & Controls, Industrial Maintenance Technology and Welding Technology, which will begin in Abilene in the fall with the opening of TSTC’s new Industrial Technology Center.

 

TSTC will hold open houses from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its campuses in Breckenridge and Sweetwater on March 2 and March 23, respectively.

 

For more information on open houses, visit tstc.edu/openhouse. To learn more about the college and its programs, visit tstc.edu.

Ag Mechanics Winners Receive TSTC Scholarships

(WACO) – Several Bosqueville High School students received scholarships to Texas State Technical College at the recent McLennan County Junior Livestock Show’s Ag Mechanics Competition.

Bosqueville FFA students were the contest’s overall grand champions with team members receiving $1,000 scholarships and reserve grand champion winners getting $500 scholarships.

“This is an awesome opportunity for the students in our county, as well as those from Bosqueville High School,” said Charles Prause, a Bosqueville agricultural science teacher and superintendent of the agricultural mechanics show. “Many of our students might not have the financial resources to attend college after graduation to pursue a career in a desired trade skill. TSTC has made that possible by awarding scholarships. We appreciate the partnerships we have established with TSTC.”

Division grand winners received $500 scholarships and division reserve winners were given $250 scholarships. Students from Bosqueville, Gholson, Lorena, Midway and Robinson high schools and the University of Texas – University Charter School at the Methodist Children’s Home placed in these divisions.

All of the scholarships are only for use at TSTC.

“We want to support local McLennan County agriculture programs, student projects and the agriculture industry,” said Trey Pearson, a TSTC recruitment coordinator.

The event was held Friday, Feb. 9, at the Extraco Events Center in Waco. More than 120 students from several county high schools entered 47 projects for outdoor cooking, livestock, farm machinery and other areas of agriculture. All students who attended the event received TSTC bags, and all counselors received an upscale TSTC bag.

This is the third year the mechanics show has been held, though the junior livestock show has operated since the early 1980s.

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

Student Profile – Carlos Gamboa

(HARLINGEN) – Carlos GamboaCarlos Gamboa is an Education and Training student at Texas State Technical College. The La Feria native expects to graduate Spring 2019 with his associate degree.

When the 19-year-old is not busying studying he can be found at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center volunteering with the Intramural Sports Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio to get my bachelor’s degree in education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to teach history and coach high school tennis. I played tennis in high school and earned a most-valuable-player award for the district and was a four-time district champ. I want to help other students succeed at the sport also.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far was passing my first semester of college. I was intimidated and had doubts, but I did it. It gave me confidence and made me realize that I could do it. It was a proud moment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’ve learned not to give up. Sometimes I’ll fail or lose, but the key is to keep going and keep trying to grow.

Who has had the most influence on your success?

The people who have had the most influence on my success are my parents and my friends. They are all my biggest supporters and are always cheering me on and motivating me to do the best I can.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to always work toward your goals. It’s going to be a challenging path, but so worth it in the end.

TSTC’S Decade Old Event “Tech Day” Fast Approaching

(HARLINGEN) – For more than a decade Texas State Technical College has been hosting Tech Day, an event focused on high school seniors and their interest in attending TSTC.

On March 1, TSTC will host approximately 1,000 high school seniors from across the Rio Grande Valley for program tours, admission and financial aid advisement, lunch and door prizes.

“Every year we’re so excited to host this event. It continues to grow,” said TSTC Director of Student Recruitment Dora Colvin.

TSTC Tech Day

More than 15 school districts have already confirmed attendance, some coming as far away as Laredo.

The four-hour event will showcase the campus and its technical programs such as Mechatronics, Computer Science, Engineering, Allied Health and Culinary Arts and help students better understand what TSTC is all about and what it offers.

“Tech Day is a tradition for us and those we invite,” said Colvin. “Educators and counselors look forward to sending their students to this event every year and we look forward to welcoming them on campus. It gives us the opportunity to teach them about TSTC and introduce them to our staff and faculty.”

Also readily available to answer questions or give students advice during the event are admissions, financial aid, campus housing representatives and current TSTC students.

“Meeting TSTC students first-hand gives these seniors a glimpse into college life and what it would be like to attend TSTC,” Colvin added.TSTC Tech Day

Students who attend Tech Day, a statewide event also known as TSTC Open House, have already shown interest in a technical education and/or applied to TSTC.

In addition to tours and enrollment and financial advice, all high school seniors will be treated to a lunch, door prizes and scholarship drawings at TSTC’s Wellness and Sports Center.

“We hope we can encourage these students to complete the admissions process and become TSTC students,” said Colvin. “Our job is to get them into a program they love and open doors of opportunity for them into high-paying jobs with a two-year degree.”

Colvin added that every year Tech Day not only serves as a chance to pump up students about college and TSTC, but to also celebrate every senior who is about to become a high school graduate.

For more information on programs at TSTC or campus tours, visit tstc.edu.