Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Instructor Finds Success and Love

(FORT BEND) – Success and love is what Kalli Ford found at Texas State Technical College in Waco. The Katy native graduated in 2011 with her associate degree in Welding Technology. After leaving college for several years to pursue her career she finds herself back at the place that started it all, this time as the welding instructor for TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus.

Ford, a first generation college student, had several career options she wanted to pursue while she was in high school, until she took a welding class that changed everything.

“You could say I grew up in the garage with my dad,” said Ford. “He was a diesel mechanic and I was always helping him with something. So when I took welding in high school, it wasn’t too farfetched. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I do.”

Ford’s interest in welding grew during this time in her life. So much so, that she let go of her dreams of enlisting in the military and becoming nurse, pursuing a career in marine biology, and becoming a teacher.

Ford said besides her love for welding, the cost of a college education was also a deciding factor.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of money,” said Ford. “So to have my parents pay thousands of dollars for a university didn’t seem right to me. At TSTC, I got to study what I love and it was affordable.”

Immediately after TSTC, Ford was offered a position with Acute Technological Services, a Houston company that provides welding services to energy industries on- and-offshore. In her three years there, Ford had the opportunity to participate in a one-year NASA project working on the James Webb Space Telescope.

“If I had not studied at TSTC there’s no way I would have made it at Acute,” said Ford. “I learned all the skills I needed at TSTC and my instructors really prepared me for the workforce.”

Not only did Ford find her career at TSTC, but she also found her partner in life.. Her husband is also a welder and sat next her during class. They have been married for two years and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

As for Ford’s career, the future looks bright. She has accepted a position as the welding instructor at TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus and will officially start August 2016..

“I’ve always loved teaching and now I can combine it with welding,” said Ford. “I also have a passion for helping people and this will definitely allow me to help others build successful careers.”

Ford said this career path was unexpected, but knows it was meant to be.

“TSTC definitely changed my life for the better,” said Ford. “I’ve already seen it change other lives as well and I’m ready to be a part of that.”

Welding Technology is offered at eight TSTC locations and will be offered in Fort Bend County beginning August 2016. For more information on the program in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. You can apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

TSTC Culinary Arts Students Host First Food Festival

(HARLINGEN) – It was a full house at the Texas State Technical College Culinary Art’s first Food Festival. More than 50 people gathered at the TSTC Cultural Arts building to taste and experience cuisines from across the globe.

“I’m so impressed with what our students did here today and how they handled the crowd,” said Chef Emma Crepps, culinary arts department chair and instructor. “We didn’t expect to have this many people. The main objective was to help students learn how to showcase their food, and today’s event has made that possible.”

The food festival consisted of 14 teams made up of culinary art students who prepped and cooked dishes based on their chosen location. There were more than 40 items that attendees were able to sample. Everything from Peruvian, Indian to French and German cuisine was available.

TSTC Culinary Arts advisory board member and owner and chef of Rio Grande Grill Stefani Trimboli-Wright said she was impressed with what students had to offer.

“I make it my responsibility to get involved with these students. This is my hometown and we have a great culinary program here,” said Wright. “I’m impressed so far with a few students here and although I’ve only been able to hire one to help me with restaurant events, I can’t wait to hire and work with so many more.”

Wright called this event a perfect opportunity for the students to showcase their talents and for potential employers to see who stands out and who has real passion to take their career and food to the next level.

One team definitely made an impression with their German cuisine. Winning the People’s Choice Award, team leader Marianne Sanchez and her team Mike Meriwether and Nicolas Perez, earned the most votes from attendees to take home the medal. What did they cook?

“This win for our team today, is actually a win for all us,” said Sanchez. “I’m proud to accept this award for our team and for TSTC. Everything was well executed and all of our instructors are here today making sure we succeed while getting the experience we need.”

From Harlingen High School culinary students to Winter Texans, the feedback was positive and the food was enjoyed.

“This event was a great success,” said Crepps. “A lot of people have already approached me and asked if we’re going to do this again. This was amazing.”

For more information on Culinary Arts call 956-364-4755.

Culinary Arts is also available at our Abilene, Waco and Williamson County campuses. Registration starts April 4, apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Jerry Gallardo

(HARLINGEN) – Jerry Gallardo from San Benito is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing his associate degree in Auto Collision Technology. He is expected to graduate in Fall 2016. Gallardo recently received third place in the Auto Collision category during SkillsUSA. He earned a spot to compete at the SkillsUSA State Competition in April.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m looking forward to moving to San Antonio after I graduate. I plan on beginning my career in the auto collision industry there and getting the experience I need in the field.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to one day come back home and open my own auto collision shop in the Rio Grande Valley. I hope to build a successful business and in turn a successful life for myself and my family.

What has been your greatest accomplish at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being able to keep up my high grades. Attending class to be able to do this has not always been easy because on some days it is tough finding a ride to school, but I have managed.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I learned that without an education my life was not going to get any easier for myself, or my family. Getting an education and earning that certificate or degree is the only way we will be able to live the life we deserve.

Name a TSTC person that has influenced your success?

The person who has influenced me the most is my instructor Mr. Jose Vasquez. His support and help really motivate me to succeed and work hard to do my best for my future career.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I would like future TSTC students to know that coming to TSTC is a great opportunity to move closer to the goal that they have set for themselves to become a successful person.

TSTC Employees Recognized for their Continued Excellence

Texas State Technical College has recognized two Harlingen employees for their efforts in starting up a new campus almost 300 miles away in Fort Bend County.

“They’re perfect examples of what our Harlingen culture brings to our statewide organization and of how Harlingen is helping us lead this statewide college,” said Texas State Technical College’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Hoekstra.

Both Mary Castañon, director of instructional administration and Fort Bend County project manager; and Gisela Figueroa, associate vice chancellor for financial services were the proud recipients of the much coveted Challenge Coin.

The Challenge Coin is a tradition that started during TSTC’s 50^th celebration last year and was initiated by Chancellor Mike Reeser as a way for TSTC’s senior leadership to recognize and reward employees who demonstrate an excellence in service and dedication to their duties.

“We wanted to recognize these two employees for their remarkable and continued contributions to statewide initiatives that are of high priority for us right now,” said Hoekstra.

.Hoekstra said there are three major priorities this fiscal year for TSTC and one is the opening of the new campus in Fort Bend County. He said Castañon, who has been with TSTC for 12 years, has worked endlessly on this project with her team and felt it was time to recognize her for her tireless efforts.

“Mary is the tip of the spear for our Fort Bend project,” said Hoekstra. “I have received a lot of positive feedback from her colleagues regarding her management and leadership over this initiative.”

Castañon is distinguished for her professionalism, her work ethic and positive attitude. Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning Ray Fried has been working closely with Castañon and said she is doing an excellent job at managing the startup of the new Fort Bend campus.

“I appreciate her organization of all the subject matter constantly being presented to our experts,” said Fried. “She has the most effective time management I have witnessed and has set a new standard for effective and efficient use of time.”

Figueroa, who has worked with TSTC for 13 years, is Hoekstra’s team lead in the finance division. Hoekstra said there have recently been some major changes that are critical to TSTC’s success and Figueroa has been a constant, positive and persistent leader for her team, even while struggling though significant obstacles.

“We’ve really had to move fast to serve the changing organization in procurement and Gisela really inspired her team to move rapidly in response to the change,” said Hoekstra. “She’s very dedicated to our mission and what we need to get done. Her incredible attitude, loyalty and dedicated service to the college is invaluable.”

Both Castañon and Figueroa said they were surprised and humbled to be recognized for such a prestigious honor.

“I am honored to receive such an award and surprised nonetheless,” said Castañon. “When I was given the opportunity to work with on this project a year ago I did not hesitate, rather I asked how I could be of service for such a grand initiative. We have faced challenges, but I’m fortunate to work with great people at TSTC and am happy to see great strides we are making in opening our campus in Fall 2016.”

“When my name was called I was very surprised. I did not expect such an honor,” said Figueroa. “I got excited and could hardly believe all the nice things that were being said about my contributions to the college. I am humbled and this gives me more fuel to continue working hard for TSTC.”

For more information on TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus and the programs offered visit www.tstc.edu/campuses/fortbendco.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2016 semesters begins April 4. Apply or register online anytime at tstc.edu.

TSTC Alumna Keeps Construction Projects on Track

(WACO) – The white board in Vivian Bourque’s office at Lake Air Interiors keeps her organized with the prices, contract statuses and commercial projects she juggles daily.

People driving throughout Waco will notice construction cranes, steel structures and new hotels and restaurants under construction.

“Waco is booming,” Bourque said. “Waco is such a hot spot. If you are in construction, this is the place to be.”

Bourque, 28, is Lake Air’s project estimator/manager. Her work involves project architects and interpreting blueprints to determine interior costs and labor. Many times she is the only female at work sites.

Bourque graduated in 2010 from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology. She was the only female in most of her classes.

“I felt I had to prove myself constantly,” she said. “I felt I had to out perform everyone else.”

She will soon complete the membership process to join the Waco Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.

“I encourage more females to get in the field,” she said. “There is a definite need.”

Bourque said people interested in the field should have good organizational skills along with a comfort in mathematics and accounting.

Michael Hubbard, assistant chair and instructor in the Industrial Systems Technology program, taught Bourque when she was a student. She admired his encouragement in fostering her career.

“He’s the one who told me you should go to school to be an estimator,” Bourque said. “This was at my first year at TSTC.”

Hubbard described Bourque as a serious student.

“She asked a lot of questions and was focused and inquisitive,” he said.

Bob Howard, co-owner of Lake Air Interiors on Lake Air Drive, said he has been impressed with Bourque’s knowledge.

“I have not met someone in the construction industry that knows from designing to project completion, pricing and installation,” he said. “This is a male dominated industry. It needs the detail and I would say class of more females.”

Bourque is a Robinson native and is a graduate of Robinson High School. In high school her plans were much different. She said she was not good at mathematics and considered nursing as a potential career. After high school Bourque earned a real estate license before attending TSTC but determined she enjoyed the construction-side better.

She also received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2013.

For more information on the TSTC Alumni Network, contact The TSTC Foundation at 254-867-3900 or tstc.alumni@tstc.edu.

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

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

TSTC Receives $1,000 Donation from Breckenridge Rotary Club

(BRECKENRIDGE) – The Breckenridge Rotary Club presented Texas State Technical College with a check for $1,000 Tuesday at their rotary luncheon.

The money will go towards scholarships to help students with tuition and supplies.

Les Strickland, president of the Rotary Club said they gave the money to TSTC because they like to help the students.

“We believe in TSTC,” Strickland said. “We like having the campus here and we want to see it grow.”

TSTC will begin registering new students for the summer and fall semesters Monday, April 4. For more information on the college, visit www.tstc.edu.

TSTC Alumnus Makes TSTC a Career

(FORT BEND) – From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001. Klix was first introduced to TSTC as a student in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning pursuing a certificate and associate degree.

Prior to graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and earning his certificate in 2002, and his associate degree in 2004, Klix worked in food service and retail management.

“Let’s just say I haven’t been unemployed since the age of 13,” said Klix.

As a young teenager, Klix started working at his family’s butcher shop “Village Food Lockers,” located at University Village in Houston. He has been unstoppable since then. He went on to work in the foodservice industry as a supervisor in restaurant maintenance and service, and in food retail management.

“Working in food retail management required such long hours and traveling between stores. It definitely wasn’t suited for a man with a family,” said Klix. “After five years, I needed a change. I always liked HVAC and working in restaurant maintenance, but I needed an education.”

Klix had attempted college during his working years. He attended San Angelo State University where he studied math, photojournalism and computer science, but couldn’t find the right fit.

“I never earned a degree,” said Klix. “I got three quarters of the way in each major, but I knew a four-year degree wasn’t for me and I had to work. I have a wife and a son.”

So when Klix decided to return to college, he found TSTC which had just opened its doors in the county.

“I went to school fulltime and worked part-time, never regretting my decision,” said Klix. “And when I graduated with my associate degree I got called back by TSTC to teach the night classes offered for HVAC associate degree.”

Klix’s teaching stint at TSTC started in the spring of 2006, and in the spring of 2007 he officially took over the program full-time.

“I love teaching,” said Klix. “I teach all of the time. I love helping people better their career/life and improve or learn new skills.”

When Klix is not at TSTC, he can be found teaching remote control airplane flying. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pilot Registration Certification. Klix is also an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor with the Boys Scouts of America.

With TSTC’s new campus opening in Fort Bend County in Fall 2016, Klix is looking forward to the opportunity of being able to increase the number of students he teaches.

“We’re going to have so much more space, new equipment and more visibility” said Klix. “This is definitely a new chapter for the program.”

For information on the HVAC program at TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. HVAC is also offered at the Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

TSTC registration begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu

Keith Klix is the HVAC instructor at the TSTC Fort Bend County campus. From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001.

Student Success Story – Colt Rutledge

(FORT BEND) – Ganado, Texas native Colt Rutledge dreams of owning his own business one day after graduating from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County where he is currently studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his certificate and knows this achievement will help make his dream a reality.

Rutledge first became interested in diesel mechanics when he worked on a farm rebuilding tractor engines prior to enrolling in college. This experience and the education he is receiving at TSTC is helping him get closer to his dream of owning a diesel performance shop where he can use his skills to rebuild engines and handle all types of repairs.

“After graduation I want to open up a diesel shop with a friend of mine who will be studying diesel mechanics at TSTC in Waco starting this summer,” said Rutledge. “We want to focus on automotive and heavy truck maintenance and repair.”

Rutledge said his greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being able to turn around his grades.

“Classes have been a challenge, but with hard work and by asking questions I am doing very well now,” said Rutledge. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication pays off. They make all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a goal.”

Rutledge added that the person at TSTC who has most influenced his success is his instructor Gary Voelkel.

“He has so much experience in the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge,” said Rutledge. “He has already taught me so much and I know everything I am learning is getting me closer to making my dream of owning my own shop come true.

There are two things Rutledge would like future TSTC students to remember.

“Try your best,” said Rutledge. “And make sure you choose a career you are really interested in and will make you happy.”

Colt Rutledge is a student in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program specializing in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate with a certificate in August 2016.

TSTC Students Learn the Lines at Oncor

(RED OAK) – Four of Texas State Technical College’s brightest High Voltage Electrical students have been brought on as interns at Oncor Electric for the spring 2016 semester. The students, Ricardo Perez, Nicholas Garus, Jesse Vasquez and Caleb Santos, began their internships in January.

The program, now called Electrical Power & Controls, teaches students about automatic and programmable controls, alternating and direct current circuits, details of electrical power distribution centers and how to design commercial and residential electrical systems.

Program Chair Leroy White said he believes his students were chosen because of their familiarity with the equipment used.

“The ABB metal clad medium voltage switchgear that we use in our lab is the same type of equipment they have at Oncor,” said White. They were impressed with that because the students were learning on a major piece of equipment they will work with at Oncor on a daily basis.”

But according to White, an even more important aspect the students learn is safety.

“The electrical field is very dangerous, so safety is number one,” White said. “We teach them to be safe by themselves, and to be safe working in a group. They learn to have a respect for electricity, the proper use of tools and testing equipment, and we give them an excellent foundation of electrical principles.”

Jerry Pierce, Oncor‘s Maintenance and Construction Supervisor at Fort Worth Transmission, oversaw the process of hiring the students. He said Oncor chose to recruit at TSTC because the college is respected by industry.

“Their High Voltage Electrical degree plan prepares students for real-life experiences,” Pierce said. “TSTC offers degree plans that prepares their students in electrical theory, high voltage electrical equipment, microprocessor relays, programmable logic controllers and instrumentation. These skills are highly desired in today’s electrical utility business.”

Each of the students is working in a different area of north Texas, including Grand Prairie, Forney, north Dallas and Fort Worth.

Jesse Vasquez works in Fort Worth under Jerry Pierce. Pierce said Vasquez is doing a good job.

“He’s motivated to learn our business and wants to make the most of this opportunity,” Pierce said. “I really appreciate his efforts.”

Ricardo Perez, who is working in the Grand Prairie area, said he is helping with whatever tasks are thrown at him.

“Right now we’re repairing a load tap changer. We’re taking out the old parts and putting in new ones,” Perez said. “We’ve also been working on a Mitsubishi breaker. One of the phases had actually failed, so we had to take it out, clean it and replace it.”

His schooling has helped prepare him for what he’s seeing on the job.

“Because of the classes I took at TSTC I’m able to understand what my supervisors are explaining,” Perez said. “I understand the language and I’m able to grasp what’s going on.”

Nicholas Garus, who is working in Irving, said he is learning a lot from his mentors.

“I’m only an intern right now, so I’m learning a lot of new things,” Garus said. “I’m not an expert like these guys are. It’s good information to know, because there’s a lot to learn.”

The students will graduate in August.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $66,090 for Electrical and Electronics Repairers in Texas. With a 22 percent increase in jobs expected through 2022, its career outlook is bright.

TSTC offers the Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Power & Controls at the North Texas and Waco campuses. The college will begin registering for summer and fall classes on April 4. For more information on the college, or the Electrical Power & Controls program, visit www.tstc.edu.

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TSTC Employee Dedicates His Life to Service

(FORT BEND) – Meet John C. Kennedy, field development officer for Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. Kennedy, a hospitality professional, ordained Deacon, husband and father, came to TSTC in 2014 and is excited to tell the college’s story.

“TSTC’s story is so easy to talk about,” said Kennedy. “And in my position I have the great opportunity to help develop something special for Fort Bend County that will be here for generations to come.”

Kennedy’s hospitality and golf career spanned 24 years before he came to TSTC. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in communications and immediately after graduation landed a job as an assistant golf pro.

“I enjoyed playing golf with my dad growing up and unfortunately he passed away before he could see me graduate from college,” said Kennedy. “Every time I play I have such fond memories of him, so I took it on as a career endeavor.”

Working his way up the ladder, Kennedy eventually became a general manager, working in country clubs from Texas to California, managing properties, staff, memberships and providing excellent customer service and experiences for members and guests.

However, Kennedy felt he was being called for something bigger. In 2013, he received his Masters of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas and became an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon.

“This was my calling,” said Kennedy. “The formation process was nearly seven years, but I kept an open mind. It’s a life of service.”

Kennedy just celebrated his three-year anniversary serving as a deacon. He is assigned to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Sugarland, and the Office of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Galveston and Houston.

In the summer of 2014, Kennedy was still working in the golf industry, but was introduced to an opportunity with TSTC that peaked his interest. After a tour of TSTC’s Waco campus, he knew this was his chance to help create a college that would help his community become a better place. So, in October 2014, Kennedy left his career in golf and hospitality behind for a new adventure with TSTC.

“Having a place like TSTC in our own backyard is something that is going to changes people’s lives,” said Kennedy. “This opens up the opportunity of education. It’s a game changer for many, even the industry. Our job is to close the skills gap.”

Kennedy said he is ready to focus on the task at hand and that is to establish partnerships between the college and community entities, enroll students for the fall semester and find scholarship money to help students.

“The faculty and staff we already have in place here at Fort Bend are ready to welcome in new employees and get into our new building,” said Kennedy. “We all have the same goal and that is to increase the footprint of TSTC in the county and place more Texans in great paying jobs.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus is set to open in August. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

For more information regarding donating to scholarships funds or partnership opportunities, you can reach Kennedy at 832-447-1473.

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