(FORT BEND) – Deogratias Nizigiyimana, or Deo, as many refer to him, is an African immigrant happy to call Fort Bend County and Texas State Technical College home.

He is a Precision Machining Technology instructor at Texas State Technical College and brings to the table a vast background of experience in his field.

Nizigiyimana is a graduate from North Central Texas College. He earned an associate degree in machining in 2005 and immediately landed his first job, an achievement that he once thought was out of reach.

Nizigiyimana finished high school in his hometown of Burundi in East Africa and traveled to Congo for college, but when the war started his education was put on hold.

“We couldn’t stay in the country and my only other choice was the United States,” he said. “I was scared, I didn’t want to come to the U.S. because I didn’t know any English.”

With help from the United Nations, Nizigiyimana made the journey to the U.S. in 2000 and struggled to get an education while working odd jobs. “I had to pay for college by myself, I had no help,” said Nizigiyimana. “I was an international student and I didn’t get any financial aid or scholarships. It was hard, but I wanted an education more than anything.”

Fast forward to the present and Nizigiyimana is a college graduate hoping to inspire those he now teaches.

He gained his experience working at several machines shops, including National Oilwell Varco, but he finally found his passion at General Electric.

“I started as a trainee at GE,” he said. “But because I had so much field experience I was always helping others. Many suggested I should become a teacher. I thought they were crazy.”

After giving it some thought Nizigiyimana said he actually began considering the career change, and when he got laid off in 2014 he pursued higher education and became a machining instructor at a local Houston college.

“I told myself I would only teach until I found another machine shop to work at,” he said. “That’s obviously not the case. It turns out I love to teach.”

When Nizigiyimana heard about the new campus TSTC was building in Rosenberg he knew it was sign.

“I was looking for a full-time instructor job and there was TSTC with open doors,” said Nizigiyimana. “I saw the opportunity and I took it.”

Nizigiyimana said he hopes to use his experiences, good and bad, as teachable moments for his students. He added that he will train each student so that they are ready for the workforce and give them a solid foundation.

“I hope to teach my classes everything I have learned,” he said. “They will learn how to be great, professional machinists and be able to jump into the workforce and be an asset to their company.”

Nizigiyimana said he eventually wants to go back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. In the meantime, he is enjoying watching his two children grow, spending time with his wife, visiting family and friends and exploring Houston.

For more information on Precision Machining Technology call 346-239-3444 or visit tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND) – After five years away from Texas State Technical College, Artemio Olivares is back as the Precision Machining Technology instructor at the college’s newest campus in Fort Bend County.

As an alumnus and instructor, Olivares knows the many facets of the college. He was first introduced to TSTC when it was Texas State Technical Institute in the 80s as a student in Machine Shop Operations. He graduated with a certificate in 1985.

“TSTC set me up for success,” said Olivares. “I had a family to support and with the training I received I was able to provide.”

Immediately after leaving TSTC he landed a job with National Oilwell in the oil and gas industry as a machinist earning several promotions through the years and an opportunity to continue his education with the company reimbursing his tuition.

While working full time, he attended Southwest Texas State University part-time, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology Manufacturing in 1995.

“It took me nearly 10 years to finish my degree,” he said. “It was hard work, but it was worth it.”

Olivares was no stranger to hard work, he served in the Army from 1977-1980 as a Specialist Fourth Class based in Germany.

“I’ve done a little bit of everything and that’s why teaching always seemed right,” Olivares said. “I want to share every single one of my experiences with students who are looking for a path or working toward a goal.”

In 1996 and for 14 years thereafter Olivares was the Precision Machining Technology instructor at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

“The students I taught were so ambitious to be successful,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better job or students, but there came a time when I was ready for a change.”

Olivares ended up returning to National Oilwell Varco (NOV) for five years before the slowdown in the oil and gas industry led to his layoff.

“It’s like they say timing is everything,” said Olivares. “The job at TSTC couldn’t have come at a better time.”

When the opportunity at TSTC presented itself Olivares was on campus for a job training with NOV. Olivares said one thing led to another and he is glad to be back.

“I left TSTC to catch up on industry and the advancements in technology in my field,” he said. “I’m glad to be back though and I’m excited for the opportunity of teaching students the foundations they need to be successful.”

When Olivares is not in the classroom motivating students to reach their goals he is spending time with family, fishing or off-roading.

“I’m at a great place in my life right now,” he said. “And I’m glad I’m back.”

For more information on Precision Machining Technology, call 346-239-3444 or visit tstc.edu.

Precision Machining Technology is also offered at TSTC’s North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

(FORT BEND) – Inspired by the most common computer error, the 404 Computer Club was formed making it the first official student club at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County.

The 404 Computer Club was founded by four Cyber Security Technology students placing it under the program’s umbrella.

“We wanted a creative name but something (computer code) everyone is familiar with,” said Isaias Martinez, club president. “And the 404 error is the most common and recognized.”

The 404 Error Page is the page displayed when someone is browsing a website and a page cannot be found.

Martinez and the club’s executive board; Vice President Brett McFee, Treasurer Westin Chauvin and Historian Michael Leung said they have big plans for the club.

With some community service under their belts, the club leaders hope to continue doing projects that will enhance Rosenberg and the surrounding communities in addition to combining technology with their activities and projects.

“One of our primary goals as a club is to reinforce the skills we learn in the classroom,” said McFee. “Currently we’re looking into our options and into what we can and cannot do.”

A few of the ideas the club’s officers hope to begin soon are; a computer repair program, a replica arcade game cabinet for the college in which they will perform all computer programming, and guest speakers series featuring industry leaders.

“We’re going to work hard to achieve these things,” said McFee. “And once our membership really grows, we’ll be able to reach our goals.”

McFee said this is only the club’s first active semester so they are encouraging students in Cyber Security Technology to join and get involved.

“This year we’re going to establish ourselves as an organization among our peers,” said Martinez. “Our goal is to grow membership and make it a great experience.”

Cyber Security Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Marshall, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses offering certificate and associate degree tracks.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2017 begins April 3. Register or apply anytime at tstc.edu or call 364-239-3409.

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted its first Community Resource Fair to serve the students and the residents of Fort Bend County.

The fair focused on health and wellness and finance, hosting six businesses: 24 Hour Fitness; Texana, Mental Health Agency; Frost Bank, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office; Access Health, a medical facility that provides affordable healthcare to those with or without insurance; and TSTC’s Veteran Services.

The businesses set up in the entrance of TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center, providing information and guidance for those needing or having an interest in their services.

Director of Student Services Georgeann Calzada said this event was held with the students’ needs in mind. Every business at the event is located within a 10 to 15-mile radius from the campus, also giving students the benefit of proximity.

“We want our students to be healthy and make good financial decisions,” said Calzada. “We encourage healthy lifestyles and I’m so glad all of these businesses were willing to help us.”

Calzada said she hopes students found the information they received useful and that they will take advantage of the services that were offered during one-on-one conversations between students and the company representatives.

“Many of the students and even faculty and staff on campus, can benefit from these services,” she said. “We hope to make this a yearly event and grow the partnerships we have with our local service-orientated businesses around the county.”

During the event, TSTC staff also encouraged students to register for the college’s Emergency Notification System (ENS), an alert system that utilizes phone calls, text messages and emails to send notifications in case of inclement weather or dangers around the campus.

“Safety at TSTC is our number one priority,” said Calzada. “It’s an important factor at school, work and in life.”

Calzada said students can expect a Spring Break Awareness Fair in the coming month to provide students with the information they need to stay safe during the one-week break from classes.

For more information on the services offered to TSTC students or to sign up as a business partner, call 364-239-3422.

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College has received a $10,000 donation from Houston-based Fluor Corporation, a global engineering and construction company, to fund the college’s Texan Success Scholarship campaign.

The donation is matched by TSTC dollar-for-dollar and is awarded to new, full-time students to assist with tuition, books and other expenses.

“A partnership like this significantly increases our ability to provide a high quality education for our students while increasing the TSTC brand in Fort Bend County,” said Vice Chancellor and Chief Execution Officer Randall Wooten.

Wooten said Fluor has also expressed interest in hiring TSTC graduates, participating in an intern program and placing representatives to serve on the college’s Welding Technology Advisory Committee.

“We are pleased to partner with TSTC in its efforts to provide scholarships to students. Investing in organizations that provide best-in-class student training is what’s required to prepare the next generation, to not only find jobs, but to grow into careers, “ said Callie Coester, vice president of Project Operations E&C Americas at Fluor. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with TSTC in the future.”

Wooten added that having a partnership with a large corporation like Fluor will play a huge role in supporting the college’s mission of placing more Texans in good paying jobs.

“The recruiters at Fluor will know our instructors and be able to observe the work of our students,” he said. “In essence, they will be able to hire the top performers and place them in high paying jobs which fulfills our state mandate of placing more Texans in great paying jobs.”

TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center opened in August and is expanding with its second building scheduled to open in Fall 2017. Wooten said with TSTC growing in the Fort Bend market, the partnership with Fluor could not have come at a better time.

“This partnership adds a tremendous level of credibility to TSTC in Fort Bend County as we continue to grow in the market. We appreciate Fluor’s forward thinking and support,” Wooten said. “And as we expand we will continue to look for other industry partners who will benefit from the work of our highly-trained students.”Wooten would like to encourage other large corporations to invest in TSTC.

“We feel that there will be other large companies that will be willing to invest in TSTC because of the reputation that we have earned throughout the state of Texas,” he said.

For more information on the Texan Success Scholarship and how you can do your part to help a deserving student, call 346-239-3417.

(ROSENBERG) – Texas State Technical College and Bartlett Cocke General Contractors celebrated a project milestone for the college’s second building on TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus with a “topping out” ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 22.

A long-standing tradition in the construction industry, a topping out ceremony marks the placement of the last structural beam and celebrates the progress and timely construction of a major project.

“A topping out ceremony is very important in the construction process, because it gives us a point in the progression to pause and celebrate that a lot of people have come together to make a complex thing happen,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser.

TSTC’s 57,000-square-foot Brazos Center is anticipated to be completed in July, and classes are on track to begin in the new building starting Fall 2017.

The Brazos Center will bring four new programs: Robotics Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, Environmental Technology – Compliance specialization and Electrical Lineworker Technology. The building will also provide space for various student support services, including recruiting, student accounting, veterans programs, financial aid, admissions, a bookstore and a learning resource center.

TSTC Vice Chancellor and Chief Execution Officer Randy Wooten said he expects the new offerings will increase the economic vitality of the region.

“These programs were specifically selected because of the regional employers’ needs, as well as high salaries for the graduates,” Wooten said. “TSTC is an integral part of making ‘the American Dream’ attainable to those who don’t attend a four-year university, and we’re proud of that.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend campus came with encouragement and financial support from the city of Rosenberg, city of Richmond, city of Sugarland, Fort Bend County, Sprint Waste Services, the George Foundation and the Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation. The municipalities and foundations made more than $40 million in contributions to help TSTC expand its educational opportunities in the region.

TSTC Regent Joe M. Gurecky, himself a product of technical education, said the college will help make technical education attainable for area residents.

“It’s very dear to me to see technical training brought to Fort Bend County,” Gurecky said. “Many parents feel that a four-year college is something their children must go to, but it isn’t for everybody. TSTC has no problem placing students into employment when there are a lot of people with bachelor’s degrees who are looking for work anywhere just to pay off their student debt. Here, students can attend school and be able to live at home with their parents, making it a lot more affordable for the family. Our students don’t have to get out of college with a huge debt on their shoulders.”

Mary Garza, Bartlett Cocke’s vice president of operations for East Texas Region 4, said the company couldn’t be more proud to work with TSTC to bring the vision to light.

“The completion of this building structure is a major milestone for the TSTC Fort Bend campus and a celebration of yet another success story for a bright future for the students who will emerge as successful skilled technical partners,” Garza said.

Reeser agreed and urged the importance of partnerships.

“I can’t say enough good things about the architect and the builder in this project,” he said. “They’ve done simply an outstanding job on this building and the one that preceded it. Regarding partnerships, there’s no worthy endeavor that happens when someone works alone. Partnerships are the key to making really important things happen. You can search all over Texas and you won’t find a better community to make things happen than the communities in Fort Bend County.”

Ultimately, the TSTC campus will boast six to eight buildings and be able to serve a projected enrollment of 5,000 students.

TSTC serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. TSTC has graduated more than 100,000 students into the state workforce in its 50-year history.

For more information on TSTC in Fort Bend, visit tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND) – Learning to live again, Dillon Cannon, a United States Army veteran and now a student at Texas State Technical College, just had the experience of a lifetime.

The Cyber Security Technology student recently attended the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. The invitation came from Helping Heroes, an organization that provides military and veteran support programs and donated a house to Cannon several years ago.

The Sugar Land native had the opportunity to sit nearly 30 feet from the podium where the newly elected president took his oath.

“This experience left me speechless,” said Cannon. “There is so much history in Washington, D.C., and to be a part of it was amazing. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s no other way to describe it.”

The 30-year-old and the group he was with were scheduled to have lunch with Vice President Mike Pence and attend a military ball, but because of protests they were unable to attend those events.

“I was disappointed that we had to alter our schedule,” he said. “We were really looking forward to it, but in the end I still got to experience Washington, and for that I’m fortunate.”

It was not too long ago that Cannon thought he would never get to experience anything again. His life changed forever in December 2006 during his tour of duty in Iraq. He was serving as a military police officer when a sniper shot him in the neck, shattering a portion of his spinal cord.

“In a split second everything changed,” said Cannon. “You live the first 20 years of your life being able to do everything, and suddenly you’re wheelchair-bound.”

Cannon said he had to relearn how to do simple, everyday things such as writing, driving and cooking.

“Basically, I had to learn how to live again,” he said.

This is Cannon’s second semester at TSTC, making it his first time back in school in 11 years. He said that at this point in his life he is ready to pursue a college education and a new career.

As a Cyber Security Technology student, he gets to explore his love of computers and technology while working toward his goal of finding employment with the FBI or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I’ve always loved computers, and I’m hoping to use that skill to stop hackers and reduce identity theft,” Cannon said.

Cannon is also an active volunteer with TSTC’s Veterans Center and other military and veteran organizations in Fort Bend County. He works closely with disabled veterans and children, showing them that they can live a normal life and do whatever they set their minds to.

“I see Dillon achieving anything that he focuses on in his future. He always has an infectious attitude whenever he’s around,” said Reginald Dunn, TSTC Veteran Services representative. “Dillon has honorably served our great nation, and it is a pleasure to ensure that we provide a great service to him by way of his educational benefits in return.”

TSTC’s Veterans Center is a centralized resource department that assists veterans and their dependents with admissions, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood benefits and provides support with internal and external referrals.

Cannon said if he has learned anything at all from his experiences it is that life is short and meant to be lived to its fullest.

“We all just have to get through life the best way we can,” he said. “We can’t let anything stop us. We have to go out and do it.”

He said he tries every day to follow his own advice and does everything he can to remain active because he is working toward one big goal.

“Whether on my own or with the help of technology, I will walk again,” he said.

For more on the services offered at TSTC’s Veterans Center, call 346-239-3425.

For more information on TSTC’s Cyber Security Technology, call 346-239-3449 or visit tstc.edu.

(FORT BEND) – Dien Nguyen graduated from Texas State Technical College in 2012, and is back at the college in his new role as the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instructor at TSTC’s Fort Bend County Campus.

“I have the passion to teach and help students,” said Nguyen. “I want to be their guide to a successful career and help grow TSTC’s HVAC program.”

However, HVAC was not the Richmond native’s first career choice. Nguyen spent 22 years working as a Senior Systems Analyst in the computer systems field after earning an associate degree in Computer Science from a college in Nebraska.

The 55-year-old said with a changing economy and the outsourcing of software, he eventually got laid off, forcing him to change paths.

Nguyen said it was his brother-in-law, who owns an HVAC company in Houston, who introduced him to the HVAC field and all of the career opportunities available.

“My brother-in-law opened my eyes to the HVAC field and all of its possibilities,” said Nguyen. “If you go into HVAC you can have a good-paying career that you know will not be outsourced. There’s job security.”

It was after this revelation that Nguyen enrolled at TSTC first earning a certificate, then an associate degree in HVAC Technology. Immediately after graduating as a Board of Regent graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, he got hired at a Houston area college as an HVAC Technician.

“The education and hand-on experience I got at TSTC prepared me for my new career,” said Nguyen. “I received the foundation I needed to feel confident and prepared to join the HVAC workforce and be successful. TSTC changed my life.”

Now, Nguyen said he hopes to change the lives of the newest HVAC generation.

“When I saw the job opening at TSTC I knew I had to apply,” he said. “This is such a good program and I want to be a part of its future, helping students get a good-paying career in the HVAC field.”

Nguyen said HVAC professionals are in high demand and his goal is to provide the market with knowledgeable and qualified employees, while placing his students in good-paying jobs, and keeping the program’s placement rate over 90 percent.

He said students who graduate from HVAC Technology can also work toward additional certifications that will allow them to someday own their own business.

When Nguyen is not busy teaching or learning more about the HVAC field, he is spending time with his wife and four children. He also practices photography as a hobby.

“It’s been a long road, but with commitment and dedication I was able to learn all about my field and its equipment,” said Nguyen. “I want students to know that if I did it, they can too. It just take time, patience and practice to grow in this field.”

HVAC Technology is also offered at the TSTC Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

For more information on HVAC Technology in Fort Bend County call 346-239-3435.

(FORT BEND) – There are two students from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County who made history on Friday by being the first to graduate from TSTC’s new Industrial Technology Center.

Chris Calmes and Salman Maredia both earned their associate degrees in Precision Machining Technology during the commencement ceremony held in Waco. Both students also hold a certificate in the same program.

“Honestly, the idea of graduating and being the first two from the new campus to graduate hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Calmes. “I guess we’re the big guys on campus right now. I feel kind of special.”

Calmes was raised in Needville and had tried attending a four-year university prior to enrolling at TSTC. He said he knew immediately he had not made the right decision.

“I’ve always considered myself a hands-on learner,” said Calmes. “I wasn’t getting that at the university. I tried it, but it wasn’t for me.”

The 23-year-old said he is glad he decided to pursue a technical education instead.

“TSTC and the hands-on learning has made all of the difference. And it’s been a privilege to work on the new state-of-art machinery we have at the new campus,” he said. “Going back to a university to pursue engineering may be in my future, but I’m going to concentrate on working and enhancing my skills in my field first.”

Calmes said he has received all the training and education he needs to feel confident when applying and interviewing for industry jobs. He has a couple of job opportunities, but is still seeking other options.

Calmes hopes to eventually end up at a machining or oilfield service companies such as DMG Mori, Schlumberger or Halliburton.

“I’m so excited and nervous about graduating,” said Calmes. “I needed the degree and I got it. It’s time to move forward.”

As for Maredia, a Houston native said it was his father who was inspired to pursue a Precision Machining Technology degree.

“My dad always had a dream of opening his own automotive engineering shop, and now I can carry on with his dream,” said Maredia.

On top of getting closer to realizing his dream, Maredia is also excited to be one of the first two graduates from TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus.

“Being one of the first graduates from the new campus is pretty neat. I mean we’re making history,” said Maredia.

Maredia hopes students will take advantage of a technical education and think out of the box in terms of skills needed to find a job.

“We can get the theoretical approach anywhere, but it’s the hands-on training that makes us unique,” said Maredia. “TSTC has helped me gain a set of skills that I know will set me apart from the crowd.”

Calmes and Maredia were among the 960 students who graduated and earned certificates or associate degrees at TSTC campuses statewide.

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

For more information on Precision Machining Technology call 346-239-3441.