Category Archives: All TSTC

Getting Ahead: TSTC Helps Veterans Maximize Course Credit

(HARLINGEN) – TSTC is taking steps to make it easier for veterans to qualify for College Credit for Heroes.

The College Credit for Heroes initiative ensures that active duty, former and retired military personnel receive credit for skills learned while serving. This will allow them to receive degrees and certificates in less than the traditional course time and expedite their entry into the workforce.

“Many times military personnel or veterans have a family to support, so getting into the workforce quickly is a priority for them,” said Edna Claus, campus lead for business management, computer science and gaming and simulation programming. “And with this program it pretty much puts them ahead by one semester.”

College Credit for Heroes gives students the option of using military skills or taking the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam for course credit.

This year, TSTC will be offering an additional one-week Quick Review Course through the College for Heroes program that will prepare students for the CLEP exam and make it less daunting.

“We’re always working on ways to help our students,” said Claus. “Through the Quick Review Course we give the student all the materials necessary to pass the CLEP exam, and in turn save time and money.”

The courses included in College Credit for Heroes this year are Business Management Technology and Computer Networking and Security Technology. Within each program there are three courses that students can receive credit for either through military experience or a CLEP exam.

“We did research and found that these two programs are the most popular among our active military and veteran students,” said Claus. “We hope many will take advantage of what this program has to offer.”

TSTC Grant and Contract Specialist Ben Capetillo added that the College Credit for Heroes grant also supplies tools and equipment for students.

“The money we get from College Credit for Heroes helps us with the foundation we need to build a long-term program,” said Capetillo. “In addition, we’re able to purchase laptops and equipment students can use in order to be successful.”

College Credit for Heroes at TSTC is in its third year. The first grant was received in 2015, focused on supporting veterans in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology and the creation of TSTC’s Veterans Center, which assists veterans and their dependents with admissions, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood Act processes.

The College Credit for Heroes grant’s second year focused on veterans in Automotive Technology.

“We’ve really established a foundation for this program,” said Claus. “Our hope is that after its initiation we can implement this toward our other technologies and be able to make this opportunity available to all TSTC students.”

The current College Credit for Heroes grant is only available at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, but once all documentation such as curriculum is reviewed, submitted and completed, the college’s other nine campuses will have the chance to follow the model and implement the program as well.

TSTC’s Harlingen campus has been named a military friendly school for the last seven years, and the TSTC System has earned the same recognition for two consecutive years.

For more information on College Credit for Heroes call 956-364-4819 or visit tstc.edu/veterans/militarycredit.

TSTC in Waco Hosts Industry Career Day for Students

(WACO) – More than 700 Texas State Technical College students attended Thursday’s Industry Career Day to learn about careers in instrumentation, welding technology, diesel equipment maintenance and other fields.

The event included companies from throughout Texas and as far away as the U.S. Virgin Islands convening to talk to students who could be future employees.

“The companies are here to talk and hire the students,” said Kacey Darnell, executive director of TSTC’s Career Services/Talent Management in Waco.

In one case, it was students talking to students.

Cody Smith, 19, of Graham and Clay Barnett, 19, of Boyd are cousins and Electrical Power and Controls majors. They take classes at TSTC during the week and work part time at Shermco Industries in Irving on weekends. They worked at Shermco’s information table at the event.

Smith and Barnett test and maintain breakers and transformers throughout North Texas.

“It is long hours and hard work but it’s worth it,” Smith said. “The flexible work schedule works for us.”

Luz Zuniga, a human resources assistant at Shermco, said the company has more than 600 employees. The company has service centers in Angleton, Cedar Park, Irving, San Antonio and Sweetwater, along with six other states and two Canadian provinces.

“We look for somebody who cares who they work for,” Zuniga said. “The more you help the company, the more the employees help you.”

Nathaniel Perez, an on-site manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. in San Antonio, said he was interested in talking to students studying Electrical Power and Controls and Electronics Technology. Perez said the company, which produces Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks, has hired Tool and Die Technology graduates in the past from TSTC in Harlingen.

“We specifically know the curriculum the college is teaching, so we know where to find quality applicants,” Perez said.

Some companies returned to the event after having success in the past hiring TSTC students.

Flint Hill Resources, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, specializes in oil and gas manufacturing and refining. The company has petrochemical plants in Corpus Christi and Port Arthur and a fuels terminal in Waco.

Kristi Truitt, a company recruiter, said interview candidates are looked at for their integrity, humility and work skills.

True North Marine in Kemah was represented for the first time at Industry Career Day. Owner and General Manager Patrick McAndrew said the business needed diesel equipment technicians and electronics technicians. The 35-employee business in Galveston County specializes in the designing, troubleshooting and repairing of yachts, along with plumbing, steering, air conditioning and electronics.

“We recently hired a graduate from TSTC,” McAndrew said. “We offer a broad range of services. Mechanics are hard to find. It’s about finding people with the proper training.”

Jerry Solis, 26, of Hewitt attended his first Industry Career Day. The Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology student said he liked the face-to-face interaction with business representatives so they could see how he and other students express themselves.

“I’d like to start out with designing residential floor and house plans and move to civil architecture and become an engineer or architect,” Solis said.

Students were encouraged to bring resumes and have questions ready to ask attendees. Some company tables had free goodies such as stress toys, pens and car chargers.

TSTC’s Career Services/Talent Management will soon begin planning an Industry Career Day for students this fall.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Homecoming: Instructor Finds His Way Back a Second Time

(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.

Student Success Profile – Jonathan Rodriguez

(HARLINGEN) – Jonathan Rodriguez is completing his General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College. The 18-year-old is expected to complete this program in Spring 2018.

The San Benito native also serves as president of the Pool Shark Club, a billiard club on campus. Rodriguez, along with club members, do community service at the Harlingen Humane Society, Harlingen Recycling Center, a homeless shelter and various nursing homes in the area.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to enlist in the Army to travel and get help paying for college. I eventually hope to attend Texas State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

What’s your dream job?

Ultimately, I would love to work for the U.S. Border Patrol to help protect the borders and have a steady and good-paying career.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC was creating the Pool Sharks Club and becoming president. We’re an active club that likes to not only play pool, but also help our community, and I’m proud of that.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself and life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that it is important to lend a hand to those in need. Since my time in ROTC during high school I have made this my mission. I like showing others that I care and the happiness I see come from the people I help makes me happy in return. Knowing you made a difference is the best feeling.

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

TSTC’s Student Government Association Vice President Rick Santos has had the biggest influence on my success here at TSTC. He always advised me to get involved on campus so I could make the best out of my college experience. So when the Pool Sharks Club opportunity came up, I listened and jumped on it thanks to him.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to share the same advice I have been given. Get involved with campus clubs, school activities and community service events. This is the best way to meet new people, help the community and have fun while doing it.

TSTC Veterans Benefit from 3rd Annual Car Show

(HARLINGEN) – The Texas State Technical College Veteran Center and Veteran Students Alliance Club (VSAC) have awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to veterans transitioning into civilian life and working toward a college degree.

To continue this effort the members of the VSAC hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year with their largest fundraising event being the Veteran Students Alliance Club Car and Truck Show being hosted March 25 at the TSTC campus. This is the third annual show.

TSTC Veteran Center Director Steve Guevara said last year’s show raised nearly $1,200, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward scholarships.

“Our mission as a center and a club is to help veterans achieve their academic goals,” said Guevara. “All money raised at the event goes a long way when you’re helping students.”

The Veterans Center and VSAC helps veterans and their families’ transition to civilian life and assists them with admissions, financial aid, Hazlewood and GI Bill processes, in addition to providing internal and external resources and an in-house computer lab.

Every semester, three students are awarded a $300 scholarship that can be used for tuition, books and supplies or room and board.

Student veterans who apply for the scholarship must have prior military service, 90 plus days, or 30 days medical discharge; be a part-time student; have a 2.0 grade-point average and complete a 300 word essay.

The car and truck show is free and open to the public, but spectators can do their part in helping raise scholarship funds by purchasing food, drinks and $1 tickets, which count as one vote for their favorite car or truck in each competition category.

There are seven categories that automobile enthusiasts can compete in such as muscle, classic, antique, truck, stock, and import and tuners. There are first and second place trophies awarded in each category, with specialty awards going to President’s Choice and People’s Choice.

The registration fee to enter a car or truck in the competition is $30 and the registration fee for “Show ‘N’ Shine” is $20. The deadline to register for both categories is March 25.

TSTC in Harlingen has been named a military friendly school for the seventh year in a row and the TSTC System has received the honor for the second year.

“This lets everyone know that we’re committed to assisting veterans and their families receive the education and career they deserve,” said Guevara. “I would like to encourage everyone to join us at our third annual car show and support the Veteran Students Alliance Club.”

For more information on the car show and how to register or donate call the TSTC Veterans Center at 956-364-4387.

Event Information

March 25

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

TSTC Student Center Parking Lot (off of Oak St.)

1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, Texas 78539

TSTC Diversity in STEM Introduces High School Girls to a New World

(HARLINGEN) – Proudly carrying her TSTC pendant, Leann Lopez walked the halls of Texas State Technical College and toured technical programs during the college’s Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event.

The 19-year-old said she is ready to begin her college career at TSTC after taking nearly a year off after high school and the birth of her first baby. Lopez hopes to pursue an associate degree in Digital Media Design beginning in August.

“Every minute spent with my baby instead of focused on school was worth it,” she said. “But I’m ready to start working toward a career and a better life for my child.”

Lopez was one of more than 40 prospective TSTC students participating in Diversity in STEM, an event hosted by the TSTC Advisement Center, to expose girls and women to careers in non-traditional fields.

TSTC Gender Equity Advocate Anna Cortez said this is TSTC’s second Diversity in STEM event, which focuses on encouraging girls and women to pursue male-dominated professions.

“Many times girls or women are interested in pursuing a career in say Chemical Environmental Technology, but they have no one to turn to,” said Cortez. “Today gives them the chance to experience the program hands-on and ask questions.”

San Benito High School students, High School Equivalency Program students and community members participating in the event had the opportunity to tour three programs offered at TSTC – Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; and Chemical Environmental Technology.

Each tour was approximately one hour and included a hands-on activity such as experimenting with design and engineering software or conducting a forensic analysis in the chemical environmental labs.

San Benito High School sophomore Jasmine Bautista said she had no idea TSTC offered opportunities in so many areas of study.

“It was fun learning how different technology fits into our everyday lives and how many programs TSTC offers,” said Bautista. “I’m now seriously considering TSTC as a college choice. I can see myself here.”

Bautista said her favorite part of the tour was the forensic analysis program which she is now considering as a career option.

Additionally, other programs such as Welding Technology, Building Construction Technology and Biomedical Technology were showcased in a mini expo where instructors spent time talking with students and answering questions.

Event keynote speaker Meg Jorn, chief executive officer and architect at Megamorphosis Architecture and Interior Design shared her experiences of working in a male-dominated field with the girls and provided some advice.

“Try hard, work hard, study hard and be better than the boys,” she said.

Cortez said she hopes Jorn acts as a role model for the girls in attendance and as an example of what can be done with hard work no matter the field.

“We introduced the girls with the tools they need to be successful in a non-traditional career,” said Cortez. “Now it’s up to them to follow the path.”

For more information on the technologies offered at TSTC call 956-364-4524 or visit tstc.edu

Registration for Summer and Fall 2017 begins April 3.

TSTC Graduate Soaring as Flight Instructor for Helicopters

(WACO) – Several of Texas State Technical College’s flight instructors are graduates of the college’s Aircraft Pilot Training Technology program.

Hiring graduates to teach and earn flight hours shows students that they can make it through the rigorous program, which includes technical tracks for airplane and helicopter piloting.

“We try to hire our own after they graduate,” said Angel Newhart, TSTC’s statewide Aerospace Division chair. “We tell them to treat their academic work like a two-year job interview.”

Ryan Schneider, 25, of Leander was hired in October as a flight instructor. He is also making technical college history in Waco. He was among the first graduates who received the Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Pilot Training Technology – Helicopter Specialization in 2016. The helicopter component of the degree began in 2014.

Schneider instructs students in the classroom and in the sky about piloting a helicopter while earning flight hours to advance in the industry. Since October, he has logged about 200 hours of flying time.

Teaching, he said, has been a new challenge.

“It’s definitely something I have to practice a lot,” Schneider said. “There are multiple ways of explaining things and everyone learns differently.”

Eventually he wants to fly workers to and from offshore platforms for the oil and gas industry and later fly for emergency medical services.

“Whenever I see a bigger and more advanced ‘bird,’ it motivates me to want to do more and do my best,” he said.

Schneider said that at a young age he was amazed at how helicopters could soar across the sky.

He graduated in 2010 from Leander High School. He studied to be a firefighter and an emergency medical technician but did not feel those careers were right for him.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do,” he said. “I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until I was 20.”

Schneider decided he wanted to be a helicopter pilot and searched online for the program right for him. He said he did not visit TSTC until the semester before he was going to enroll for classes.

TSTC’s helicopter program currently has 30 students renting and using four leased helicopters parked at the TSTC Waco Airport. Students earn at least 200 flight hours and pilot ratings by the time they graduate.

Students who can be successful in the aircraft program should have a strong desire to be a pilot, mental strength and good physical training, said Newhart.

TSTC Student Q&A with Logan Moore

(WACO) – Logan Moore, 20, of Boyd is a Culinary Arts major at Texas State Technical College and president of Texas SkillsUSA’s postsecondary division. Moore is scheduled to graduate with an associate degree in May. The Wise County resident was home-schooled.

What got you interested in Culinary Arts? “My family raised goats and we had a garden. I knew I wanted to go into culinary arts when I was in 4-H and did food and nutrition for 10 years. Both my parents like to cook. I started baking goods at the county fair when I was 8. I was going to show pigs, but they were 100 pounds overweight. I didn’t know they had a weight limit.”

Who are some of the people who inspire you? “I learned my work ethic from my dad. I can say my dad is my hero. I also look to Alton Brown on the Food Network’s “Good Eats.” I have my faith in Christ and it’s His plan for me to go into this field.”

How did you learn about TSTC? “I planned to go to college in San Antonio, but someone told me about TSTC and I started doing research. I found it was closer to home. I toured the campus in summer 2015. Chef (Mark) Schneider (statewide lead in TSTC’s Culinary Arts Division) did the tour and explained why everything is the way it was in the Culinary Arts facility. I have absolutely loved it here.”

What were some of your favorite classes? “The classes I learned the most in were American Regional Cuisine and International Cuisine. This is when we started production cooking for the first time. You go from making two servings to 20 servings. There is a lot of mathematics involved and learning quickly.”

What are your plans after graduation? “I want to try to get a job in Waco. I also want to go to McLennan Community College in Waco to study business management. Most of the chefs here recommend getting a business degree and culinary arts degree so you can know accounting and keeping books.”

Texas had more than 8,100 chefs and head cooks as of 2015, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest concentration of chefs and lead cooks in Texas was in The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land area with about 2,650 workers. The Beaumont-Port Arthur area had some of the highest salaries in the nation in 2015, according to the labor bureau.

Culinary Arts is offered at TSTC’s campuses in Abilene, Harlingen, Waco and Williamson County.

TSTC Cyber Security Students Form Campus’ First Student Club

(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.

Student Success Profile – Brandy Garza

(HARLINGEN) – Brandy Garza is a Dental Hygiene student at Texas State Technical College. This is the 46-year-old’s first time back at the college since pursuing her academic courses in 1995.

Garza already holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. She worked in the hospitality industry for 17 years. An immune deficiency diagnosis forced her to take a leave and make her health a priority, but she is now getting a second chance at a new career.

The Harlingen native holds a 3.4 grade-point average and is active with Student Government Association and the Veteran Students Alliance Club paying homage to her father who is a retired Marine and her brother and sister-in-law who are active Marines.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will focus all of my efforts on gaining more experience as a registered dental hygienist in a dental office or community clinic.

What’s your dream job?

I chose a career in dental hygiene because it allows me to provide a valuable service to my community, especially children, elderly and the disabled. I will also have the flexibility to better balance my career and personal life.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to use my life experience to motivate my classmates, especially the younger students just starting out. However, I’ve learned a lot from them as well.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that kindness matters. I have found that even the smallest expression of kindness can have an enormous impact on others. It does not take much to be kind. So I practice every day to be kinder and to make a difference in someone’s life.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My dad, who is a Building Construction Technology student at TSTC, has definitely been the biggest influence. Since graduating from the University of Houston in 1997, I have not been back in a classroom. I was apprehensive about going back to school but seeing how much my 65-year-old father enjoyed it and how well he was doing in his classes, I saw I had nothing to fear. He and my mother continue to encourage me and it is their never ending support that gets me through my toughest challenges.