Category Archives: All TSTC

Student Profile – Monica Garcia

(HARLINGEN) – Monica GarciaMonica Garcia is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College, maintains an impressive 3.9 grade-point average and expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2019.

When the 36-year-old is not busy studying, she can be found volunteering at the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry and Lifeline Heart of Worship church, all in interest of making her hometown of Harlingen a better place.

What are your plans after graduation?

My answer to this whenever someone asks me is, I’m not sure yet, but I will go wherever God leads me and wants me to be. I’ve done the full-time job gig before and I wasn’t happy. I’m at a place in my life now where I want to make a positive impact in lives and make a difference.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to open a bakery/deli and employ women, who have been victims of domestic violence and have left their homes, to help them get back on their feet, show them their worth and remind them that their talents are needed.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment is my GPA. Coming back to school after many years and being one of, if not the oldest student in class can be intimidating, but my GPA gives me confidence and shows me that I’m worthy of being in college.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that the only thing that can hold me back is fear, and that’s why I work hard at not letting fear enter my thoughts. Through this new journey I have learned that I am strong and courageous and fear has no hold on me.

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

All of my Business Management Technology instructors influence me every day. They encourage me and help me see that I can do anything I set my mind to and are so patient and understanding.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is: do not fear, take a chance, focus on your studies, don’t procrastinate and most importantly, take advantage of the services TSTC offers its students to ensure that you pass and reach your goals.

 

TSTC Vocational Nursing graduates celebrated

(HARLINGEN) – It was an emotional ceremony for the 20 Texas State Technical College Vocational Nursing graduates who were recently pinned and officially welcomed into the profession during the program’s annual pinning ceremony.

“We were put on Earth for something greater than any of us could ever imagine,” said TSTC Vocational Nursing alumnus Jason Rodriguez. “You belong here, you’ve earned it. Don’t quit now, continue growing your knowledge.”

Rodriguez graduated with his certificate in vocational nursing in 2015 and works with Windsor Atrium, a nursing home in Harlingen. He said it was an honor to have been invited as a guest speaker and he is hoping that some remember the wisdom he shared.

“Anything in this world worth having is worth working for,” he said. “And remember, the title does not make the nurse, the nurse makes the title.”

For Maria Cisneros, the class’ valedictorian with a 3.8 grade-point average, the wisdom was taken to heart.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a nurse,” she said. “The road has not always been easy, but today makes all of the hard work and tears worth it.”

Cisneros, a mother of two, reminisced during her valedictorian speech about her grandmother, who inspired her to be a nurse.

“She took care of me while my parents were at work. We were close,” she said. “But her health began to decline and I was helpless. This is when I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”

She first graduated from TSTC in 2015 when the certified nursing assistant program was offered. And now the TSTC vocational nursing graduate plans on returning to campus next year for the vocational nurse to registered nurse transition program.

“There have been so many days where I have to put a smile on for my kids, but I did not feel like smiling,” she said. “I wanted to show my kids there is no obstacle to big and that quitting is never an option, and it was my second family made up of instructors and peers that made the struggle easier. I’m going to miss them.”

This is a sentiment that many could relate to, making the moment bittersweet.

Through tears of relief and joy the ceremony continued with remarks from TSTC administration and faculty, the anointing and blessing of hands by Pastor Dan Anderson from The Bridge-Rio Hondo Baptist Church, a first for the program, and a candle lighting ceremony, which marks the passing of the light of knowledge.

The Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony is held twice a year during the fall and summer semesters and is described as a rite of passage by TSTC Vocational Nursing Director Heather Sauceda.

“Our students work so hard to get to this day,” said Sauceda. “Today begins another chapter in their lives and we are very proud of them.”

For more information on the Vocational Nursing program at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Alumnus Makes Dream Come True in Austin

(WACO) – A drive down one of the busiest roads in Austin gave Texas State Technical College alumnus Chris Gaydos a vision of what his future could be.

Gaydos, 31, was visiting the city to attend a wedding when he was on MoPac Expressway and saw National Instruments’ sprawling campus. He thought he could see himself there someday.

He had a job interview and two weeks later was packing his possessions in Utah to return to Texas to work at the technology company, which ranked number 235 in Forbes magazine’s 2018 list of the United States’ best midsize employers.

Gaydos is now a staff software development specialist/project manager at the company. His work involves interacting with employees throughout the world to develop software features for hardware.

“Up until two years ago, if you did not have a bachelor’s degree in science, you could not be considered for an instrumentation project,” he said. “I broke the mold. It seems like with people in technical degrees, they are more flexible and more sought after.”

Gaydos has worked at the electrical engineering, hardware, instrumentation software and semiconductor company since 2011.

“Chris brings energy and passion to all his work and challenges our team to think outside the box,” Ryan Tamblin, group manager for National Instruments’ Radio Frequency/Modular Instruments Software Services section, said in Gaydos’ promotion announcement in late July.

Gaydos was raised in Austin and is a 2003 graduate of Lake Travis High School.

He attended the University of North Texas in Denton for one year to study music.

“Everybody around me at graduation time was encouraging me to study music,” Gaydos said. “They said, ‘you are passionate about it.’ After two semesters, I didn’t want to do that for a living. That is when I stepped back.”

His career choice after that also did not involve technology. He looked at what people he knew were doing and saw they were working in the heating, air conditioning and ventilation field.

He visited TSTC and was ready to enroll, but was convinced by a faculty member to check out the college’s Electrical Power and Controls program.

“Electricity is such an intense subject and concept,” Gaydos said. “The first semester was how to wrap your head around electricity. Everything was so new and intimidating. At some point, it connected and I excelled at it.”

Gaydos graduated in 2009 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls from TSTC.

“The biggest thing I have gotten from TSTC is it gave me the confidence and ability to look at new challenges and learn things,” he said. “I learned a lot at TSTC, but I learned more about myself. It taught me I can teach myself anything.”

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

 

TSTC Graduates 37 at First Commencement

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas celebrated its first Commencement on Monday, August. 20 as graduates walked the stage in the presence of their family and friends.

“This is a special occasion,” TSTC Provost Marcus Balch told those gathered at the Waxahachie Convention Center. “Not only are we celebrating our graduates and their accomplishments, but this is the first graduating class to celebrate in a Commencement ceremony held right here at home.”

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

“You chose a technical field,” Reeser said. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but technology keeps moving on. It gets better and bigger, faster and stronger every day. You have to accept that this college event is not the end of your constant evolution, but the beginning. You’ve got to know that you have two choices: keep up with the constant changes or be obsolete.”

Diesel Equipment Technology graduate John O’Connell was selected for the Provost Award, a recognition 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.

“With everything I’ve been through, it was definitely a great honor,” O’Connell said. “I did not expect it or see it coming. I’m deeply honored that the school chose me.”

Among its summer graduates, nine Gerdau employees earned their associate degrees in Industrial Maintenance. The graduates attended classes while working full time.

Jeremy Crowder, an electrician with the company, graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He believes that the company investing in educating employees saves on-the-job training time.

“I think we’re getting guys in at a higher education level and with a better skill set when they start,” said Crowder. “Now, we don’t have to train for that skill set at the job.”

TSTC in North Texas graduates earned degrees in eight of the programs offered at the campus — Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology, Computer Networking & Systems Administration, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, HVAC Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Logistics Technology and Welding.

Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 27. For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Holds Summer Commencement Ceremony in Waco

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s summer commencement ceremony held Friday, Aug. 17, at the Waco Convention Center.

“Tonight’s ceremony acknowledges the completion of years of study and dedication by our summer graduates and signifies the beginning of their professional careers,” said TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison. “Students who earn a college degree should be proud to have reached a significant milestone in life.”

Many of the students graduating have already secured employment.

Anita Nesler is graduating with three degrees in Robotics, Electrical Power and Controls, and Instrumentation. She will work as a technician at Prime Controls in Round Rock.

“I will be handling fiber optics, PLCs and calibrations,” Nesler said.

After Nesler left the military, she was looking for a new career path. Her military education counselor recommended she look into the robotics program at TSTC, but once she started the program, she wanted more.

“I wanted to become the best technician that I possibly could,” Nesler said. “So I tried a couple of other programs so that I’m not just a technician, I’m a great technician. This program allowed me the opportunity to become that.”

Ryan Duplantier, a Cyber Security graduate, is waiting to hear back after interviews.

“I want to go down to Austin and see what they have down there for me,” Duplantier said. “I’ve interviewed a few places, but Austin is going to be my backup. It’s a really exciting opportunity.”

Duplantier enjoyed his time at the college.

“It’s been really great,” Duplantier said. “I love TSTC. I learned a lot more than what I expected here. It’s been a really fun ride.”

Elissa May, an Electrical Power and Controls graduate, will be working as a field service technician for Saber Power Services.

“I will be doing testing and maintenance on substations and preventative maintenance,” May said.

May has received multiple job offers.

Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 27. For more information on the college, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Holds Summer Commencement

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College held its summer commencement ceremony Friday evening in Marshall. More than 40 graduates walked the stage in the presence of their family and friends.

TSTC Provost Bart Day said the ceremony not only signifies an end for the graduates, but also a beginning.

“Tonight represents an end, in that each of you graduating this evening has set and reached a goal and readied yourself for the challenges of the workforce,” Day told the graduates. “But tonight’s celebration also represents a beginning because you’ve made the transition from TSTC student to TSTC graduate.”

Garrett Bradshaw, a Process Operations student, was one of the night’s honor graduates. Bradshaw is completing an extended internship with Eastman Chemical Company in Longview. He began his internship as a materials handling operator in May.

“I flow product from the storage tanks to rail cars and trailers for shipping,” Bradshaw said. “That can involve using pumps, process valves. I collect samples and have analyses run on them. For shipping, paperwork is involved. All things to get the product to the customer.”

The Longview resident is graduating from TSTC with a 4.0 GPA.. His advice for incoming and current students is that “you get what you put in.”

“You’re going to have to do work,” Bradshaw said. “If you’re willing to put in the work, you’re going to get results.”

David Golden, Human Resources manager at Norbord Inc. of Jefferson, spoke at the ceremony. He reminded graduates that they control their own journeys.

“You must plot and steer your course,” he said, “because you are ultimately in command of where your ship goes. You’ll get lots of navigation advice from other captains, but you must steer your own ship.”

TSTC in Marshall graduates earned degrees in all 12 of the programs offered at the campus — Business Management Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Cyber Security, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Industrial Controls Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining Technology, Process Operations, Software Development and Welding.

Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 27. For more information on the college, visit tstc.edu.

Waco Company Looks to TSTC for Potential Employees

(WACO) – Tucked at the end of South Industrial Drive in Waco is a company using Texas State Technical College to fill its hiring needs.

Jerry Boroff, Evans Enterprises Inc.’s plant manager and a TSTC alumnus, receives student resume books each semester from Daniel Bateman, TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program’s senior instructor and statewide department chair for Generation, Transmission and Distribution.

This summer, Boroff plans to make employment to one Electrical Power and Controls graduate.

“It is great when you get to hire guys who do what you are doing,” he said.

Evans Enterprises specializes in motor and wind turbine repair for companies and municipalities. The company also does work in crane and hoist maintenance. Besides Abilene, Waco and Wichita Falls, Evans has facilities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington.

Boroff said potential employees need to understand how to use tools and have a knowledge of mathematics. Experienced employees often teach new workers how to use micrometers.

“You need to not be afraid to sweat, come to work and earn a paycheck,” said Boroff.

Boroff grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance from Texas Tech University.

“I’ve always liked numbers,” he said.

Boroff began working at Evans in 2013 while he was a student at TSTC. He graduated in 2014 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls from TSTC.

“I was a little older and took it seriously and I loved every minute of it,” said Boroff.

Boroff credits Dylan Baugh, Evans’ chief operating officer, for encouraging him to go back to college. The two met when Boroff was a full-time Brazilian jiujitsu instructor in Waco.

“That helped me get away from stupid stuff I was doing, like riding motorcycles,” Boroff said. “There is always someone better than you. That is what drives me.”

Some of Evans’ other employees have ties to TSTC.

Michael Sullivan, a field service electrical service technician and Occupational Safety and Health Administration-certified hoist inspector, has worked at Evans for 18 years. He does a lot of on-site repairs and testing on electrical systems.

He graduated in 1980 from Texas State Technical Institute (now TSTC) in Waco with an associate degree in laser electro-optics.

“I thought lasers were cool,” said Sullivan, 64. “It was kind of new back then.”

Anthony Jentoft, 40, has worked for seven years at Evans and is a field service technician for wind turbine generators and motor testing. He said he cannot imagine doing anything else.

Jentoft graduated in 1996 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from TSTC. He said some of the concepts he learned about engines are useful to today’s work.

“I’m always learning to do new things,” he said. “I don’t mess with computers as much. I will be turning bolts the rest of my life.”

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

 

TSTC Recognizes National Aviation Day

(WACO) –  As aircrafts reach new heights, Texas State Technical College embraces its rich aviation history and looks to the future during National Aviation Day.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed August 19 to be National Aviation Day.

TSTC in Waco started its aviation program almost 50 years ago with two programs: Aviation Maintenance and Aircraft Pilot Training.

Today, TSTC offers nine associate and certifications in aviation related fields, including Air Traffic Control, Avionics Technology and Helicopter Pilot Training.

“We have always been driven by industry needs and our institution has kept pace with the evolution of the industry to ensure our name stands for quality and solidness,” said Carson Pearce, TSTC Aerospace Division director.

While there have been many changes in commercial aviation such as the implementation of GPS and electronic gauges, one of the most notable is the transition from sheet metal to carbon fiber structure.

“Carbon fiber is changing the way structural work is done and the skill set required to work on it,” said Robert Capps, lead instructor in the Aviation Maintenance program. “That, and the fact we are moving rapidly toward electronic based airplanes means everything is heavily computerized which changes how maintenance is done and how pilots operate airplanes.”   

The transition to computer-based aircrafts creates a need for pilots to be trained in both manual and electronic operated aircrafts.Coupled with the Federal Aviation Administration’s increase in required flight hours for commercial pilots from 250 to 1,500 hours, a massive demand for pilots has emerged.

“The need for pilots is absolutely insane,” Pearce said. “We marry both worlds when training our pilots so they can look out the window and fly with a stick and the steam gauges or with the electronic gauges and touch screens.”

Looking to the future, young pilots like Ryan Gauntt are leading the charge in a new generation of aviation fanatics ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

“I caught the ‘airplane bug’ when I was about four years old when my grandpa, a helicopter pilot, retired,” said Gauntt, a TSTC flight instructor.  “He bought a little plane and took my brother and me up and I was hooked. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

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

 

TSTC Holds Summer 2018 Commencement

(ABILENE) – More than 130 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2018 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 17, at the Abilene Convention Center.

Rick Denbow, provost of TSTC in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater, said the night was a time to celebrate.

“For the graduates, tonight is an achievement,” Denbow said. “The sacrifices you made to get homework and tests done and being experts at time management was all worth it.”

Guest speaker Samuel Garcia, owner and operator of Samuel Garcia State Farm Insurance and a board member at Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, said he was a fan of TSTC’s mission.

Garcia told graduates to think about others who have not experienced higher education. He told them to value the certificates and associate degrees they were receiving.

“Tonight is about you,” Garcia said. “Tomorrow is about you talking about what education can do for a person.”

Some graduates will continue on with their education.

Devan Moore, 30, of Abilene is a U.S. Army veteran who received a certificate in Wind Energy Technology from TSTC in Sweetwater.

“I want to say that it is a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “The best times were when I was up-tower in a wind turbine and applying what I learned.”

Moore will be one of the first students in the new Industrial Maintenance Technology program starting this fall at TSTC in Abilene.

Some graduates already have jobs.

Pamela Hermosillo, 21, of Breckenridge earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from TSTC in Breckenridge.

She has been hired to work at the Walker Sayle Unit, part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Hermosillo also did her practicum at the prison.

“You learn a lot from the inmates,” she said. “You understand what they are doing in their addictions to drugs and alcohol.”

Some graduates are continuing their job hunt.

Robert Wiley, 24, of Abilene received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration from TSTC in Abilene.

“I enjoyed being around other students pursuing their career goals,” he said.

Wiley had several people in attendance at the graduation ceremony, including his parents and members of his church congregation.

Luis Rueda, 20, of Colorado City received a certificate in Welding Technology from TSTC in Sweetwater. He earned dual credit through TSTC when he was a student at Colorado High School in Colorado City.

“My brother started welding a lot,” Rueda said. “When he talked to me about it and said it was cool, that caught my attention and I just got into it.”

Rueda said he wants to get a welding job in the Midland-Odessa area.

Caydon Vara, 19, of Brownwood received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Technology from TSTC in Brownwood.

“I want to go to the fire side of it,” Vara said. “It runs in the family. It’s a calling.”

Earlier in the day, the Associate Degree in Nursing Pinning Ceremony for TSTC in Sweetwater nursing graduates took place at an Abilene church.

For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

New TSTC Welding Technology Program Poised to Get Students to Work

(ABILENE) – The first group of Welding Technology students walking into the Industrial Technology Center at Texas State Technical College later this month will be in for a pleasant surprise.

The new building next to Abilene Regional Airport will have state-of-the-art equipment for automated welding and metallurgy, said Ashley Yezak, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Welding Technology. The building will open Monday, Aug. 27, for the start of the fall semester.

“Metallurgy students go to work with engineering companies or for companies with engineering departments,” said Yezak. “They can develop new welding procedures.”

The automated welding equipment is the first of its kind among TSTC’s four West Texas campuses.

Yezak said the kind of students who succeed in welding are those who are comfortable working with their hands or have relatives involved in the welding field.

Area employers are seeking welding graduates with such experience.

Mike Petty, owner of West Techs Chill Water Specialists in Abilene and a 1986 Welding Technology graduate of Texas State Technical Institute (now TSTC) in Waco, said job candidates for basic welding are readily available but those who do fitter welding are a challenge to find.

“They have to know a little trigonometry and understand how to measure and cut pipe on angles,” said Petty. “It’s more than just welding the pipe together.”

Petty said the oil and gas industry can determine the job candidate pool.

“West Texas has a lot of welders because of the oil and gas field,” he said. “The problem is when the oil prices go up, we have a shortage of welders, and when the prices go down, we have a surplus of welders. It all hinges on that oil price.”

Jeremy Bartz, human resources director at Hirschfeld Industries in San Angelo, said he has recruited Welding Technology graduates in the past from TSTC. The company has a fabrication plant in Abilene.

Bartz said a majority of the company’s work on large industrial, nuclear and structural projects throughout the world is wire welding.

“We can bring in three and four at a time to train,” he said. “We have to have experienced welders to go in and go to work. If we train somebody, we want them to come to work for us.”

Texas State Technical College will offer the Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology starting this fall in Abilene. Yezak said having the associate degree available gives certificate students at TSTC’s Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses the option to continue their welding education.

Students can also earn certificates in structural welding or structural and pipe welding for the first time this fall in Abilene.

Yezak said Abilene’s welding programs can open up opportunities for high school students seeking dual credit and for prospective students in rural areas.

Besides the Welding Technology program, the Industrial Technology Center will house new programs in Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Power and Controls and will be the new location for the Emergency Medical Services program.

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