(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It has been more than 10 years since J. Gilbert Leal retired as president of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. But at a recent plaque presentation ceremony hosted in his honor at the TSTC Learning Resource Center that bears his name, it was evident that his educational legacy lives on.

“He is the true legend of TSTC’s Harlingen campus,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Ray Rushing. “He started many of the strategies, programs and partnerships this college has seen. It takes a true visionary, and Gilbert Leal is the man, the myth and the legend.”

Leal served TSTC for 30 years before retiring in 2008 and being named president emeritus by the TSTC Board of Regents. The college’s library was named in his honor as the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center.

“Everything Gilbert Leal did during his service to the college had a ripple effect,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “And he continues to invest in the region’s education and continues to serve our campus wholeheartedly.”

When Leal started as an Adult Basic Education instructor in 1969 while TSTC was still Texas State Technical Institute, the campus sat on only 25 acres, had four buildings and enrolled 67 students.

“To this day we see the impact that Gilbert Leal had on our campus,” said Hernandez. “What we are today comes from taking risks and thinking big, and that is how Gilbert helped TSTC in our region grow.”

At the ceremony, Leal was presented with a commemorative plaque that reads, “In recognition of and in appreciation for your commitment and support to Texas State Technical College.”

The Texas-shaped plaque was designed and manufactured by students in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program.

“When I’m at TSTC, I am home,” said Leal. “The people here are my family.”

To put into perspective how far TSTC has come, Leal mentioned that the Learning Resource Center is situated on land once occupied by a recreational vehicle park.

“TSTC has become a respected technical college that plays a major role in the development of technical skills needed to meet industry demand,” said Leal. “And it’s important to remember why we’re here: for the students.”

Leal said his favorite thing about TSTC is how it changes lives and inspires students to greatness.

“Learning and teaching are at the forefront of everything TSTC does,” he said. “Not only is it a great place to learn, but it is also a great place to work, which is a benefit to the students who walk through this campus. So keep up the great work, TSTC, and know you have my continued support. You can’t keep me away.”

For more information about the programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After two decades of working in construction as a surveyor, Ismael Gaitan Sr. is looking forward to a new career as a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy Technology program.

The San Benito native earned his associate degree on Friday during TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies at the Harlingen Convention Center, joining more than 300 TSTC students in Harlingen and 1,000 statewide who will graduate from the college this semester.

“From the moment I decided to enroll at TSTC, I made the choice to succeed,” said the 45-year-old. “I had a lot riding on this with a family to support and counting on me. I’m excited for this new chapter.”

It was while working as a surveyor for Ambiotech Civil Engineering Group in Brownsville, building substations for electric and wind companies, that Gaitan discovered wind energy and its increasing popularity.

“All of the wind turbines popping up across the Rio Grande Valley really intrigued me,” he said. “So I began doing research and found that there were a number of career opportunities in wind energy and room for growth.”

The realization that his son, Ismael Gaitan Jr., was also interested in wind energy motivated the pair to enroll at TSTC and enter a field that would set up both for successful careers.

Gaitan Sr. said it was all about pursuing a brighter future and finding stability.

“I wanted us both to strive for better,” said Gaitan Sr. “And the rigor of the program and the training we received from our instructors and hands-on experiences really prepared us for the field.”

In fact, both men have been hired by One Wind Inc. in Harlingen as wind energy technicians.

“This is a huge achievement for both of us and our family,” said Gaitan Sr. “This makes all of the hard work and sacrifice worth it.”

Gaitan Sr. said his college experience was made more memorable by going through the program with his son.

“We had a unique experience,” said Gaitan Sr. “We were fortunate to have each other, even though he’s all grown up and has his own friends. We were still able to learn a lot from each other and be each other’s support.”

Gaitan Jr. is expected to graduate next semester with an associate degree. He will complete his last required class online while working full time with his father at One Wind.

“The number of opportunities that have been presented to my father and me stemming from this program is impressive,” said Gaitan Jr. “It feels great knowing that we came to TSTC to find success and have found it.”

Gaitan Jr. said it was never a plan to be in college with his father, but he is glad it turned out that way.

“We motivate each other, and he has taught me so much about overcoming obstacles, taking risks and starting over,” said Gaitan Jr. “He has shown me that hard work pays off, and I am proud of him and what he has been able to accomplish.”

Both men look forward to working together as they begin their new careers and know that this is not the end, but a beginning to bigger and better things.

Wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Saul Pena, 24, is a Texas State Technical College graduate of Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology. He earned his associate degree in 2018.

The Roma native has worked with Hunt Pan Am Aviation in Brownsville as an airframe and powerplant mechanic for one year.

He said mechanics has always been a part of his life. He grew up helping his father with motorcycle mechanics. After meeting a family friend who is a pilot, airplanes intrigued him, and his career choice became clear.

When did you first learn about your job offer?

My aviation maintenance instructor, Leo Guajardo, first told me about the opportunity available at Hunt Pan Am Aviation, so I went for it. I learned I had received the job offer a little after graduating, and it brought me relief knowing that I was beginning my career, no time wasted, and gave me such a huge sense of accomplishment.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC treated me really well. The instructors were experienced in the industry, which gave us an in-depth look into the field and what to expect when we graduated. The hands-on training we received also helped lay the foundation that prepared us to hit the ground running when we entered the workforce.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

My parents mostly have influenced my success. They are my biggest supporters through this journey. Then there’s my instructor, Guajardo. He really helped motivate all of his students when times got tough, and he constantly shared job opportunities with us because he genuinely wanted to see us succeed.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to successfully complete an inspection authorization course in the near future that will allow me to become a certified Federal Aviation Administration aircraft inspector.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

First and foremost, a student needs to determine their strengths, weaknesses and interests to make an informed career choice. And if a two-year degree is the best choice for them, I encourage them to explore the option and discover TSTC. For me, TSTC has been a great place to learn and find a great-paying career.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Take one day at a time and never give up. Two years seems like a long time, but in reality time moves quick, and by the time you know it, you’ll be working. Enjoy your TSTC experience.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Board of Regents honor graduates are recognized every semester for maintaining perfect grade-point averages.

Recently 10 of these students attended a dinner hosted in their honor by the TSTC Board of Regents at the college’s Cultural Arts Center in Harlingen and were awarded medallions to commemorate their outstanding achievement.

They were joined by their families along with TSTC faculty and leadership, including Provost Cledia Hernandez, Vice Chancellors Rick Herrera and Ray Rushing, and Board of Regents member Alejandro “Alex” Meade III, who also serves as Pharr’s city manager.

“You have burned the midnight oil to be where you are,” said Hernandez. “But so have your families, so I congratulation everyone.”

Among the students was Building Construction Technology graduate Emmanuel Cantu, 30, who said it took a lot of sacrifice and time management to maintain his high grades.

“I had to choose homework and studying over everything else,” he said. “It was about going to a family barbecue but being the only one with a laptop or book studying. But it was all worth it, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Cantu, also a former Marine, worked in construction while serving, which inspired his career choice.

“Choosing a career was easy; it’s been the transition to civilian life that’s been challenging,” said Cantu. “But with my experience and the training I received at TSTC, I’ll be starting a new chapter in my life really soon.”

The Brownsville native has been hired by a construction firm in his hometown.

Also part of the elite group was Katrina Esquivel. A mother of two, she earned a certificate as a dental assistant.

“As soon as I saw I got all A’s my first semester, I made it my goal to continue getting A’s,” said the 25-year-old. “And this medal is proof of my accomplishment. I really wanted to show my kids that anything is possible.”

Esquivel said her family has been supportive throughout her journey and made her feel like she can accomplish anything. And with their continued support, she hopes to return to TSTC for an associate degree in Dental Hygiene.

In his remarks to the attendees, Meade said he was proud of all the work that had to be done to earn perfect GPAs.

“The success that you have earned has a great impact on you and our region,” said Meade. “It is you, the skilled workforce that companies look for when they consider opening in the Valley. And it’s your technical skill set that you have received here at TSTC that sets you apart.”

The other Board of Regents honor graduates celebrated at the event were Emilio Acosta, Charles Colelli, Dylan Ehrlich, Janelly Garcia, Jeromy Jeffries, Hector Lima, Melchor Rivas and Gabriela Rivera.

The honor graduates received further recognition at Friday’s Commencement Ceremonies at the Harlingen Convention Center.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2019 is currently in progress.

For more information on TSTC and the programs it offers, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At an early age, Abel Garcia was responsible for supporting his mother and brother. But with his learning disorder, not many people believed he could become a college graduate and earn gainful employment.

But this Friday, the 23-year-old will prove his naysayers wrong and earn a certificate in Machining from Texas State Technical College. Additionally, he already has a job in his chosen field.

Garcia will join more than 300 other students who will earn certificates or associate degrees during TSTC’s Commencement Ceremonies at the Harlingen Convention Center tonight at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“It took me a while, but here I am. I took it one day at a time,” said the San Benito native. “I never thought I would see the day I would graduate from college. I’m ready to finish strong.”

When Garcia first enrolled, he was nervous about how he would succeed with dyslexia, a disorder that makes it difficult to read or interpret words, letters and other symbols.

“Everything I look at, letters or numbers, gets jumbled. But with determination, studying and the help of my instructors and other TSTC resources, I was able to learn and pass my classes so I could graduate,” he said.

Unfortunately for Garcia, midway through his program he had to make the difficult decision to leave school to become his mother and brother’s caretaker and to work to afford their medication.

His mother suffers from blood clotting and strokes, while his brother has bradycardia, or a slower-than-normal heart rate.

“We’ve moved from house to house. We’ve never had a place to call our own because I couldn’t afford food, medication and a place to live working small jobs,” said Garcia. “It’s been really difficult, but I keep a positive outlook and a smile on my face for my family.”

Fortunately, Atlantic Durant Technology Inc., a metal fabrication company in Harlingen, gave him his big break and hired him as a part-time employee for the experience he had already gained in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program.

He has already celebrated his one-year anniversary at Atlantic Durant and will continue working with the company upon his graduation.

“I went up and down Harlingen’s industrial park applying for jobs, hoping someone would give me a chance,” said Garcia. “Luckily, Atlantic Durant gave me an opportunity to be a part of their team.”

Garcia added that this job allowed him to support his family and keep them comfortable during their difficult time.

“This has been a long time coming. What a process,” he said. “I wanted a change for me and my family, and TSTC has given me the opportunity.”

He said his Precision Machining Technology instructors, Ricardo Limas and Isaac Gonzalez, have always stayed in touch, even while he wasn’t in the program, to check on him.

“Not many instructors or colleges care this much about their students,” said Garcia. “But at TSTC, I never felt alone. There were so many people rooting for my success and who genuinely cared about me.”

Garcia will return to TSTC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and Mechatronics, joining his brother, who also recently enrolled at TSTC after seeing how the college has changed Garcia’s life.

“My family has been my biggest support system. They never doubted me,” he said. “They have tried working to help me, but I know it’s difficult for them. So I’m glad that TSTC has led me to a successful career so they don’t have to worry. And now, it’s time for me to cheer on my brother also.”

More than 1,000 students will graduate from TSTC this month statewide.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Tracy Deadman is a Sweetwater native who transplanted to the Rio Grande Valley for the booming wind energy industry.

Deadman, who was trained on the job, has worked in wind energy for 18 years, and the last seven years have been spent as a site supervisor with E.ON, one of the world’s largest owners of renewable power projects, based outside of Raymondville.

With the company rapidly expanding its wind, solar and energy storage portfolio, Deadman knew there was a promotion around the corner, but the job advancement required a college degree. That’s where TSTC came in.

The 44-year-old will graduate this month with an associate degree and honors in Business Management Technology, which has led to his promotion as Regional Operations Manager for E.ON and a significant pay increase.

When did you first learn about your job offer?

I first learned I had received the promotion in January, way before even thinking about graduating. I knew this promotion was around the corner, so a couple of years back I started preparing for it. TSTC made it possible and now I can even call myself a college graduate. Before this I had never stepped foot inside a college classroom.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

A lot of the classes I was enrolled in already dealt with topics I’ve encountered at work as a supervisor, but what I loved about TSTC was its class flexibility. I work minimum 40 hours a week and I am a father of five, so that was very important to me. The flexibility of on-campus and online classes made it convenient and manageable.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

Fortunately for me I’m a self-motivator and self-starter, but my Business Management Technology instructor and advisor Steve Szymoniak kept me going if doubts snuck in. He pushed me, in fact all of his students, to do the work and do our best.

What are your future goals?

The next goal on my list is to pursue my project manager professional certification. This is something I have always wanted. I had the experience and work hours, but not the college degree. Now as a college graduate this is the next step in my career. TSTC has opened doors for me.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

As a site supervisor and now regional manager, one of my responsibilities is to hire. And out of the 30 people I oversee, nearly half are TSTC graduates. There are plenty of job opportunities that only require a two-year degree, and those people are the ones with the skills. They’re marketable and in demand. So I would tell them, go for it. You could be one of those making $20 or more an hour after graduating.

 What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Work hard. In college and in life you get out what you put into it.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A two-car accident, flashing emergency lights, first responders and patients with simulated traumatic injuries set the scene earlier this week at Texas State Technical College during the first mock disaster drill hosted by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program on campus.

“This drill served as a training for our students and to have them put their skills and knowledge into practice during a mass casualty incident while working with other first responders at the scene,” said TSTC EMS instructor Adriana Contreras.

Participants who brought the mock disaster drill to life included TSTC emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic students, TSTC nursing students, TSTC campus police, the Harlingen Fire Department, the Weslaco Fire Department, South Texas Emergency Care, and AirLife.

“You can never fully prepare for an emergency,” said Contreras. “But drills like this give our students a real-world experience so they are better prepared to enter the field.”

This is the first drill of this magnitude for the EMS program since transitioning from continuing education to a certificate and associate degree program within TSTC.

A similar mock disaster drill is hosted every semester by the EMS program at TSTC in Abilene, and Contreras said they played a huge role in this event’s organization.

“The instructors and students in Abilene really guided us and helped us put this together,” said Contreras. “This is something we expect to host every semester for our students. The more practice in patient care they get, the better prepared they will be for a real emergency.”

To raise awareness about distracted driving, the mock drill included a car full of distracted students “crashing” head-on into another vehicle, also causing mock injuries to area pedestrians.

TSTC nursing students acted as injured patients made up to resemble an actual mass casualty scene. Mock head, brain, face, neck and spinal injuries were a few of the “traumas” treated by TSTC EMS students and first responders on scene.

TSTC EMS student Jasper Salazar said the program and this drill have expanded his grasp of the medical field and patient care.

“This is my first rodeo,” he said. “I’ve worked in the medical field in acupuncture and other oriental medicines, but never in this capacity. This training is a good thing. It’s a great learning experience for all of us.”

He said he is grateful to TSTC for giving the students this type of opportunity because it raises awareness of the do’s and don’ts at an emergency scene.

“Our job as EMTs is to save lives and make our cities safer,” said Salazar. “And this prepares us while teaching us how to interact and communicate with other first responders and nurses at the hospital. In the real world, we all have to work together, and this is great practice.”

Contreras said drills like this expose students not only to scenarios and injuries they might face in the field, but also to the emotional aspects they might encounter from patients and other first responders.

“Emotions can run high at scenes like the one we set up,” said Contreras. “Our EMTs and paramedics need to know how to handle that as well. Sometimes we’re there to hold a hand and provide a feeling of safety; other times we need to save a life. And it’s important that, no matter what, we can build a trust with our patients.”

TSTC Police Chief Eduardo Patino said it is crucial to build relationships with other first responders, and drills like this allow the building of a cohesive team.

“Together, we are being proactive and preparing for emergencies before they occur,” said Patino. “And by building a strong working relationship with other emergency responders, we are able to respond and handle any incident accordingly.”

Contreras said she is thankful to all of the emergency responders who participated and to the students who helped make the mock disaster drill a success.

“There is a huge demand for highly skilled EMTs and paramedics throughout our region and statewide,” she said. “And we are working to ensure that our students possess the skills they need to be marketable in the field, to get hired and start working to save lives.”

She said she expects to hold mock disaster drills often to ensure that everyone is ready for any emergency that may come their way.

TSTC’s EMT and paramedic programs are currently accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2019, respectively. Information sessions are held every Tuesday.

For more information on TSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, visit tstc.edu or call 956-364-4741.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – To earn a spot at this year’s SkillsUSA national competition, Texas State Technical College Mechatronics students and teammates Ricardo Vera and Maria Lara worked diligently for six hours building, wiring and programming their programmable logic controller, or PLC, during the SkillsUSA state competition earlier this month at TSTC in Waco.

“The competition was real and tough,” said Vera. “So when we found out we had received a gold medal, we were surprised. After countless hours of studying for a 104-question test and preparing for the technical aspect of the competition, it’s a true honor and makes everything worth it.”

It’s an honor that he shares with 22 other TSTC in Harlingen students who also earned gold medals.

The gold medalists will advance to the 2019 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 24-28.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

Students in SkillsUSA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science; technology; engineering; mathematics; building construction; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said TSTC prides itself on being a leader in technical training and a vital partner in closing the skills gap in the Texas market, and that SkillsUSA, which she also calls the Olympics for technical education, is a validator of the strong impact TSTC students and their abilities have on the Texas economy.

“We are very proud of all our students and especially our gold medalists,” she said. “They not only represent TSTC well, but they are a testament of our goal of student success. This award is about them and how they have demonstrated that they are ready to enter the workforce with the highest caliber of skills for their industry.”

Also earning gold and competing for the first time this year were Digital Media Design students Matthew Rojas and Rafael Vasquez.

“I was so confused when we won. I had to be reassured we had won,” said Vasquez. “With it being our program’s first time competing and not knowing what to expect, we didn’t think we’d win gold. But it was a pleasant surprise, and we’re excited for nationals.”

Rojas and Vasquez competed in the Digital Cinem

They were then required to present their final project for judging.

“My students knocked it out of the ballpark with this win,” said their Digital Media Design instructor, Jimmy Villarreal. “Competition was strong, but we had also prepared endlessly during and after class for this competition.”

Villarreal said the preparation time for nationals will double, and because of conflicting schedules, it’s going to be a challenge — but a challenge that both students have accepted because they’re in it to win.

“I’m not going to lie; I’m a little nervous,” said Rojas. “I’ve never been out of Texas, and I hear there are thousands of students at this competition. But we’re going to get ready and go out there to do our best and make TSTC proud with another gold medal.”

Statewide, 63 TSTC students earned gold medals during the recent state competition.

For more information on TSTC and the programs offered, go to www.tstc.edu.