Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Secretary Finds Opportunity to Guide Others

(FORT BEND) – Damacia “Dee” Maldonado from Wharton retired from the only profession she had ever known to pursue an education and a new career. She now finds herself at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County, where she has been the Department Secretary since August 2015.

Before coming to TSTC, Maldonado worked for grocery retailer Kroger. She worked every department and held positions including assistant manager. After 22 years with the company, she made the decision to retire in 2012.

“I had three kids and one baby at home, so 60 to70-hour weeks were no longer feasible,” said Maldonado.

Immediately after retirement, Maldonado found herself enrolling at Wharton County Junior College to pursue an associate degree in Psychology.

“I’m a firm believer in junior and technical colleges, especially going back after two decades, I was intimidated,” said Maldonado. “But I don’t think there’s any age that’s too old to go back to school.”

Unfortunately, only two semesters away from graduating, Maldonado found herself in a single- mother role, solely living off of her retirement. So in the spring of 2015, she had to make the difficult decision of putting her education on hold.

“It’s my faith that has really guided me in how I should live life and handle situations,” said Maldonado. “I really prayed for this job at TSTC and for the opportunity to go back to college. My prayers were answered.”

Now in her second semester, the single-mother is a full-time student at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston studying counseling in hopes of helping others through faith-based counseling.

As for her position at TSTC, Maldonado is glad it still allows her to work in an educational setting as a guide for students.

“With a lot of these students there’s a lot of fear of the unknown and uncertainty about making big career decisions,” said Maldonado. “My position has allowed me to build relationships with these students and really learn TSTC’s mission and foundation so I can guide these students in the right direction.”

In addition to being able to do what she loves, Maldonado said TSTC gives her the opportunity of being a mom and a volunteer. In her free time, she volunteers with a children’s ministry and a life pathway program for adolescents. She also works closely with women struggling with divorce, addiction and sobriety.

Ultimately, Maldonado said she hopes there will be counseling opportunities with TSTC in the near future because she wants to be a part of TSTC’s new chapter in Fort Bend County.

“TSTC is moving in the right direction with its new campus and it’s going to be a big help for our community,” said Maldonado. “We’re definitely going to leave footprints.”

TSTC’s new campus in Fort Bend County opens August 2016. Registration for summer and fall 2016 is in progress. For more information call 281-239-1548.

TSTC Arts and Humanities Receives Grant, Hosts Humanities Symposium

(HARLINGEN) – The Education and Humanities Division at Texas State Technical College received a $3,000 Latino Americans: 500 Years of History Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association, which will be used to promote Mexican-American culture during the first week of April (4-7) with a series of events that are open to students, faculty, staff and the public.

TSTC was one of 203 grant recipients from across the country and the only institution of higher learning in South Texas to get the award. TSTC will host a public film screening from the Latino American series, discussion groups, oral history initiatives, local history exhibitions and performances that promote Latino history and culture.

“Latino Americans are the country’s largest minority group, with more than 50 million people, and still many people are unaware of their rich and varied history and culture,” said Sociology and Psychology professor Dr. Richard Kirk. “The awarding of this grant provides TSTC the opportunity to explore this topic in our community.”

For more information on the Latino American screening or accompanying events, call Monica Villarreal at 364-4967 or Richard Kirk at 364-4758.

Calendar of Events:

Monday:

Documentary Screening: The Chicano Collection La Colleccion Chicana by Melissa Richardson Banks 10:10 a.m. – 11:05 p.m. Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

Guest Speaker Lecture on Chicano Civil Rights Music 11:15 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

Tuesday:

Artist’s Forum – Chicano Themes in Writing/Art/Music 9:35 – 11 a.m. Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

Exclusive Screening of Latino Episode 5: Prejudice and Pride 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Representative Irma Rangel Science and Technology Building (W-135)

Wednesday: (Evening Movie is for TSTC students, staff & faculty only)

Manuel Medrano Presentation on Americo Paredes (Two Presentations) 9:05 – 10 a.m. &

10:10 – 11:05 a.m. Representative Irma Rangel Science and Technology Building (W-135A)

Insight Poetry Reading 12 – 1 p.m. Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

Evening Movie: Cesar Chavez 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

Thursday:

TSTC Talks – Students/Faculty presentations on Chicano Influences Learning Resource Center Orientation Room

8 – 9:25 a.m. Digital Stories on Religion and Culture

9:35 – 11 a.m. Chicano Leaders

11:10 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. Stencil Workshop

TSTC Trains Gerdau Employees for Potential Advancement

(RED OAK) – It’s important to have a trained, well-versed workforce, and Texas State Technical College in North Texas knows that. That’s why Gerdau Ameristeel in Midlothian sent 13 of their employees to further their training at the campus in Red Oak.

The students are working towards completing an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance.

“The Industrial Maintenance curriculum at TSTC is aligned with the knowledge and skills Gerdau requires for an employee who is interested in pursuing a maintenance role at the mill,” said Kaley Infield, a Communications & Public Affairs Specialist at Gerdau.

The program helps provide employees with opportunities to advance within the company.

“The program helps them gain the qualifications necessary to be considered for future maintenance positions at the Midlothian Mill,” Infield said. “Gerdau encourages employees to improve their performance and strives to provide employees with a various career progression opportunities.”

Infield said Gerdau sees the training as an investment.

“The program allows employees to invest in their own development and career growth which enhances employee engagement and develops a pipeline of maintenance talent for future openings,” Infield said.

Scotty Caughron, a lead millwright who has worked at Gerdau for nearly 17 years, said he jumped at the opportunity to participate in the program because this was his best chance to go to college.

“Gerdau is working with our schedules to allow us to go to college,” Caughron said. “Education is power. I actually joined the military to go to college; it just took me 20 years to get here. I have a daughter that’s a freshman and a son in sixth grade. I tell them ‘Always go to school.’ Well, here I have the chance to go to school. If I don’t take it, how can I preach to them, if I’m not going?”

Kevin Liptak, an Industrial Maintenance instructor, said the students have varying degrees of knowledge.

“One of the students is actually their lead electrician, but there’s a couple who are entry-level techs,” Liptak said.

The employees who may have less know-how in the field benefit from having experienced instructors partnered with co-workers who know the company.

“Those with previous knowledge are almost helping teach the class,” Liptak laughed. “Some, like Jeremy Crowder, one of Gerdau’s lead electricians, have taken initiative. After we teach something, he’ll elaborate on the Gerdau-specific processes and parts.”

Crowder, who celebrates 20 years at Gerdau this year, said he helps elaborate because it makes things easier to understand for the other students.

“As good as the instructors are, they don’t know all that we deal with every day at Gerdau,” Crowder said. “I’ve had the benefit of working in all the different areas over 20 years, so I can relate to the others a little differently than a teacher can. And it makes my job easier if they’re better at their jobs, too.”

Manuel Herrera, the youngest of the group at 22, has been at Gerdau for a year and a half. Herrera looks forward to getting his degree.

“I want to keep progressing,” Herrera said. “Hopefully my next step is to be an electrician or millwright, and then continue going to school for a Bachelor’s.”

Caughron said the training gives them a glimpse into the work others do at the plant.

“At Gerdau, you’re either an electrician or a millwright,” Caughron said. “We took an electrical class last semester. It benefitted me, because I’m all mechanical. It helped me to see how to troubleshoot and how they do things versus how we do them.”

Gerdau chose to train their employees at TSTC for their reputation, and so far, are happy with the outcome.

“By having employees attend TSTC, we’re ensuring they are receiving top-notch training,” Infield said. “We value our partnership with TSTC, and we’re proud of our employees who are taking this important next step in securing their future with Gerdau.”

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TSTC Student Discovers the Joy of Welding

(HUTTO) – Mike Angerstein’s career as an infantryman in the U.S. Army took him from Kentucky to Alaska and two deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

But he would not trade the experiences for anything.

Angerstein, 27, of Hutto enjoyed the brotherhood of being involved in the military. And, being in the Army has enabled him to use veterans benefits and transition into becoming a Welding Technology major at Texas State Technical College attending the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

“The hardest part is getting the paperwork together for the VA (Veterans Administration) and back to school,” he said. “It’s a lot of leg work but well worth it. Research your potential degree program and career opportunities.”

Brooke Williams, an instructor in the Welding Technology program, said she admired Angerstein’s interest in wanting to learn more about welding.

“The military experience lends itself to the welding industry,” she said. “They are similar in work ethic and leadership. Welding is very independent.”

Angerstein has had a long time fascination with welding.

“It’s one of those fields you can study for 60 years and still not learn everything,” he said.

He discovered TSTC’s Welding Technology program by searching online. Once he began taking classes, he joined the student chapter of the American Welding Society.

He has enjoyed seeing the science of how metals react to each other in his welding classes.

Angerstein has learned about stick welding, a method using a short circuited rod that is melted at one end and creates molten droplets. He has also used a CNC plasma cutting machine for making metal cut outs.

Angerstein’s plans for graduation in December are wide open. He is saving money to work on a certification for non-destructive testing, an analysis method used to determine properties without causing damage.

“I’ll go where the money is,” he said. “Pipeline work would be good.”

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.

TSTC Instructor Leaves Behind a Business to Pass On His Knowledge

(FORT BEND) – Gary Voelkel, a seasoned professional in the field of diesel technology, has been with Texas State Technical College since 2003 as the Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization instructor. However, this is not Voelkel’s first time at the college.

Voelkel graduated from Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco in 1978 with a certificate in heavy truck mechanics. TSTI was renamed TSTC in 1991 and in 2006, Voelkel graduated from TSTC in Waco with an associate degree in Heavy Truck Specialization.

Prior to coming to TSTC, Voelkel worked for Halliburton in the marine division traveling around the world and maintaining vessels out at sea, and Coca-Cola as a lead mechanic, before opening his own shop in El Campo working on heavy equipment such as tractors and trucks for a decade.

“At or around 10 years, one of my suppliers told me TSTC was needing help,” said Voelkel. “It was perfect timing for me to make a change. So I took the opportunity. I just waited for my employees to find jobs elsewhere before closing.”

Voelkel said he does not regret the decision he made. He was excited to share the extent of his knowledge with others to help build successful careers. Voelkel describes his first year of teaching as an “experience of a lifetime.”

“It’s impossible to learn everything there is to know about diesel mechanics, but my job is to teach the basic concepts and functions and give them the hands-on training they need,” said Voelkel. “I teach them everything the truck industry needs and the skills the truck industry is looking for, so when they leave TSTC they get hired.”

Students in Voelkel’s class have the opportunity of graduating and landing positions with big companies in the industry such as Walmart, Holt Caterpillar, Peterbilt and Kenworth.

“Mechanics is not a trend that will not die any time soon. We’ll always need clothes, food and other supplies transported,” said Voelkel. “The trucking industry is here to stay.”

Voelkel said his overall goal in the classroom is to teach students all of the latest technologies, since trends are always changing.

“With our new campus opening this fall, I hope to see my program grow,” said Voelkel. “I want to remind students to make sure when choosing a major they choose something they love. This isn’t just a job, it’s a career and future.”

Diesel Equipment Technology is also offered at the Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.

For more information on Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucking at TSTC in Fort Bend County call Voelkel at 281-239-1588.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. Apply or register anytime online at tstc.edu.

Gary Voelkel has been with TSTC since 2003 as the Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization instructor.

TSTC Making a Texas-Sized Difference

(HARLINGEN) – According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, almost half of all students who attend college drop out before ever getting a degree. Texas State Technical College is making sure its students do not become part of that grim statistic.

The TSTC Foundation has kicked off an innovative fundraising effort challenging supporters and alumni to Make a Texas-Sized Difference by donating to the Texan Success Scholarship.

“The goal is to grow TSTC, get our students in school and on track to complete a program and eventually enter the Texas workforce, explained Beth Wooten, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “This is bigger than just TSTC, this is about filling the skills gap in Texas and providing industry with the skilled workers desperately needed.”

All monies raised in the Make a Texas-Sized Difference Campaign will go to help students get a technical education. Those struggling through family or financial hardships might benefit most from this effort. For a student already on a tight budget, dreams of an education can easily be derailed by unexpected expenses brought on by a car accident, illness, a death in the family or other tragedy.

Last year, TSTC student Damian Salinas of Harlingen, Texas found himself homeless after his father lost his job and subsequently the family apartment. Thanks to a TSTC scholarship established by a generous donor, TSTC was able to help Salinas continue his studies.

“I was able to move into the dorms and stay in classes. Without the help given to me, I would literally have been on the streets,” explained Salinas. “I was about to drop out and instead because of a generous donor I was motivated to keep going. It changed the course of my life.”

Robinson, Texas native Casey Fitzgerald found himself in financial trouble when he had to cut his work hours by half in order to attend the required classes. Fitzgerald says the scholarship money he received from TSTC was a godsend.

“The money went to pay for tools needed for the program and everyday expenses like fuel to get to school,” said Fitzgerald. “I hope to get a good job when I graduate and be able to give back and help a future student who may be struggling like I was.”

TSTC is so committed to making sure students like Salinas and Fitzgerald have every opportunity to complete their studies, that administration leaders have announced every donation will be matched dollar per dollar. It’s an investment TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser believes will pay off big for the state of Texas.

“A large number of well-paying jobs go unfilled in Texas because employers cannot find workers with the right blend of technical skills,” said Reeser. “At TSTC we teach those skills needed for these great jobs. We hope more students will be encouraged to consider the benefits of a technical education and the great jobs that result from them.”

To promote the statewide fundraising campaign, The TSTC Foundation has turned to industry leaders, long-time supporters, and alumni for support, especially in the ten communities that are home to TSTC campuses – Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend, Harlingen, North Texas, Red Oak, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County.

“Community and business leaders are very involved in soliciting pledges in their prospective communities,” said Wooten. “And, industry, has been very supportive of our efforts. We are confident of getting major commitments and pledges from the very companies that hire many of our well trained graduates.”

To make a donation to the Make a Texas-Sized Difference Campaign, learn more about TSTC or giving opportunities to the college, go online at http://www.tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/annualscholarship/ or call 254-867-3900.

TSTC Student Hopes to Carry Out Dad’s Dream

(FORT BEND) – Houston native Salman “Sal” Maredia is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County studying Precision Machining Technology, a field his father inspired him to pursue.

“My dad always had a dream of opening his own automotive engineering shop,” said Maredia. “But he was our family’s provider so he needed to work and needed something with a quick turnaround. He went into real estate instead.”

Now, Maredia, who holds an impressive 3.8 grade-point average is working toward graduating in Fall 2016 with an associate degree, with hopes of transferring to a local university to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“My dad has always told me that there is no such thing as impossible as long as I work hard and push myself,” said Maredia. “I’ll take this with me as I carry on with my dad’s dream.”

After graduating in the fall, the 25 year-old has his eye on a few companies he hopes to work for. He said he would like to improve his skills and gain experiences at places such as Schlumberger, Halliburton or General Electric.

But ultimately, Maredia’s dream job is to own an automotive engineering company, where he can manufacture parts for the automotive industry.

At the moment, Maredia said his greatest accomplishment has been being able to quickly learn the different types of machines he will be using in the field someday.

“The more I learn, the more skills I gain needed to build my career,” said Maredia.

The greatest lesson Maredia said he has learned is that he can do anything as long as he applies himself.

“There’s always going to be people who try to discourage you,” said Maredia. “But I just need to work hard to prove myself and remember my worthiness.”

In addition to his dad, who has always pushed him to do his best, Michael Barnes, Maredia’s Precision Machining Technology instructor, is another great influence in his current success as a student.
“He (Barnes) always pushes me, us, to do better,” said Maredia. “He really helps us hone our skills so we become all-around learners.”

Maredia said he hopes one day he can become an inspiration to others, as Barnes has been for him and his classmates, but for now he has some advice to share.

“Ask a lot of questions,” Maredia advises. “When I first enrolled I was a bit shy, but as time went on I learned it’s better to ask questions, it helps me understand everything so much better. Getting help is nothing to be ashamed of. There are no stupid questions.”

Precision Machining Technology is also offered at the North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses. For more information on Precision Machining Technology at Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548.

Registration begins April 4. Apply or register anytime online at tstc.edu.

Houston native Salman “Sal” Maredia is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County studying Precision Machining Technology. He will be graduating Fall 2016 with his associate degree.

TSTC Student Pursues Interest in Global Communications

(HUTTO) – Marc Marzan has already gotten a taste of the telecommunications world during his first semester at Texas State Technical College.

Marzan, 23, of Hutto moved a telephone jack in a computer lab at the college’s East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. The work was good practice for the certificate he is working on. TSTC began the Global Communications System Installer certificate this semester.

“It has to do with transferring data to servers and how everything in the world connects with the data,” he said about the growing job field.

Claude Dyson, an instructor in the certificate program, said Marzan should not have a problem with his job hunting because there are not enough networking and fiber optics technicians in the country. Dyson said certificate holders can earn up to $35 per hour. The 2014 median pay for telecommunications equipment installers was $55,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dyson is teaching Marzan in his classes.

“It one of a kind because I don’t think there is anyone that can get this kind of teaching,” Marzan said. “We go through the syllabus and once I understand and pick up something quickly, we move on. If there is anything I’m struggling on, I stop the instructor and make sure I understand and he clears it up for me.”

Marzan has enjoyed the hands-on work in the electronics and telecommunication classes he is taking.

“We are ahead in our syllabi so there is free time to do cool projects,” he said. “Right now I’m building a radio with the transistors, resistors, capacitors and circuit board.”

Marzan is originally from central Florida and joined his parents in Texas after visiting them. Before enrolling at TSTC, Marzan installed fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels and rebuilt fire extinguishers. He learned about TSTC and the certificate program after a relative told him about the Hutto campus.

Marzan has already interviewed with Austin-area businesses in the fiber optics field. But, he has bigger plans for his future.

“I want to work for somebody for now to figure out how the world works and the global communications terminology,” he said. “I look forward to one day starting my own company installing new phone systems, fiber optics and having contracts.”

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters began Monday, April 4.

TSTC Uses the Latest Technology to Train Students

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College continuously aims at providing all of its students with training that includes the latest technologies being used in the industries. Recently, two programs at TSTC have made big investments for their students to prepare them for the workforce after graduation.

Telecommunications Technology and Architecture Design and Engineering Graphics have purchased drones that are the same ones used by companies their students have the possibility of working for after graduating from their programs.

“Having the opportunity of making this purchase and investment for our students in invaluable,” said David Sanchez, instructor for telecommunication technology. “This allows us to expose them and get them familiar with equipment they will use when they enter the workforce.”

The classes within telecommunications currently incorporating the drone into curriculum is Wireless Fundamentals and Introduction to Telecommunications. Students are given step by step instructions on how to properly handle the drone. This latest technology is then used to teach students how to complete aerial inspections of sub towers, compile the photos taken during flight and translate them into inspector reports.

“These drones are already being used by prominent companies such as AT&T, which hires a large number of our students,” said Sanchez. “This not only makes an inspector’s job easier, but it also reduces accidents out in the field.”

Sanchez said his department is also using the drone for research and recruitment purposes, to attract more students to the program.

“Everything is telecommunications, we use it every day,” said Sanchez. “And it’s not going anywhere as long as we all want to stay connected.”

With similar use, but under a different concept, Architecture Design and Engineering department chair David Campos has also included a drone in a couple of his classes.

Currently, the students in his Civil Design and Surveying courses use a drone to study land patterns and elevations. Students design the program that will control the drone and the readings it provides for their reports. Because this drone is designed to break apart at landing, they also learn how to assemble it.

“This is new technology in the Valley in terms of industry,” said Campos. “Our job is to expose our students to the changing technology.”

Campos said the drones cut the surveying workload in half, but he still makes it a point to train students on the traditional surveying systems.

“In order for students to truly appreciate the advantages of technology, they need to know traditional systems also,” said Campos. “It’s important that they become well-rounded in all aspects of surveying equipment.”

Francisco Gallegos, a student in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, said the training he received in this program has prepared him for the workforce. He expects to graduate in August 2016.

“Everything we’re learning how to use, like the drone, definitely opens doors for us,” said Gallegos. “Not a lot of programs have this type of opportunity, but here at TSTC we have every option available to us.”

For more information on Telecommunications Technology call 956-364-4732.

For more information on Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics call 956-364-4694.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

Student Success Story – Chris Calmes

(FORT BEND) – Chris Calmes, a Needville native, began his college career at a four-year university. He soon realized that he had made the wrong decision for himself. Calmes has always considered his learning style as hands-on, which helps him better understand the material he is studying, but he was not receiving that at a university level.

After much consideration, Calmes made the decision to enroll at Texas State Technical College, where he is currently studying Precision Machining Technology. He is slated to graduate this fall with an associate degree. Calmes said TSTC has been his best decision and looks forward to his future.

“I’ve always considered myself a hands-on learner,” said Calmes. “I tried pursuing a four-year degree, but it wasn’t for me and that’s ok, I know it’s not for everybody. I hope through my experience, others can see that a technical education is just as good, if not better.”

After graduating from TSTC, Calmes hopes to find a position in his field, where he can use his skills as a machinist to become a machine operator for a major manufacturing company. He said his ultimate goal is to become a mechanical engineer to take his career to the next level.

“Going back to a university may be an option for me in the near future,” said Calmes. “I love machining and I would like to grow within my field.”

Calmes said he is proud of his accomplishment this far. He has been receiving A’s and B’s and holds a 3.6 grade-point average.

“It hasn’t always been easy, especially constantly learning new material,” said Calmes. “But I’ve pushed through and realized just how important an education is.”

Calmes said he has learned that it is his education that will him support himself and live a good life.

“As long as I continue doing what I’m doing, I know I’ll be able to move up in life. No one can take this education away from me,” said Calmes.

Calmes’ biggest influence in his success at TSTC has been his instructor Michael Barnes. He said Barnes, from what he has seen, is a big influence for many and his program has led to success for numerous students.

“Mr. Barnes is the man with the knowledge,” said Calmes. “He’s always willing to lend a hand and he has a solution for everything. I couldn’t ask for a better instructor or better college experience.”

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

For more information on Precision Machining Technology in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration begins April 4. To apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

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