(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A typical day for Jose Villarreal includes hopping into his car and hoping he has enough money for gas to drive 45 minutes every day from Pharr to Texas State Technical College for class, but Tuesday was anything but normal for the 22-year-old.

Villarreal and four other TSTC Auto Collision and Management Technology students were awarded Sears Craftsman toolkits valued at $360 through a grant awarded by the Collision Repair Education Foundation and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

“This was a great surprise,” said Villarreal. “There was no way I would have ever been able to afford something like this; I make just enough for tuition and gas, so this is a huge help.”

Villarreal said he has wanted to work in this field since helping his grandfather refurbish and maintain cars as a child.

“With graduation in August, this toolkit came at the right time. It will help me finish the semester strong and hit the ground running when I enter the workforce,” he said. “And I’m glad to still be able to share all of this with my grandfather.”

Villarreal, along with Andy Mendoza, Marco Castro, Brandon Martinez and Leonardo Lozano, who were also awarded toolkits, had applied for this tool grant last semester, and all agreed they had given up hope.

“So much time had passed since submitting my application; I wasn’t even thinking about it anymore,” said Mendoza. “I didn’t think I had received one, but now that I have, it’s a relief because this is going to take me far and has a huge impact on my future career.”

TSTC Auto Collision and Management lead instructor Jose Vasquez said these toolkits are motivators and an important part of a student and graduate’s success.

“Many times students are unable to afford these kits on a student budget,” he said. “And it can take a while before they can afford a full set, but now these five students have a leg up in the industry because of these kits, which was no easy task to apply for.”

To be considered for one of the Sears Craftsman Tool Kits the students had to complete an application,  write an essay and collect auto collision shop recommendations by visiting industry professionals, conducting interviews and submitting the shop’s recommendation.

“It took a lot of effort and time on our students’ part and I’m proud that despite everything, they persevered,” said Vasquez. “And thank you to I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation for their continued support of  our students and program.”

In addition to the toolkits, the Collision Repair Education Foundation and I-CAR also donated 14 Toyota Highlander back doors that will be used for training purposes in areas such as refinishing, corrosion, dent repair and painting.

Each back door is worth at least $600, a price tag that Vasquez calls a big investment for the program’s future.

“These back door donations will allow us to continue giving our students real-world, hands-on training so they’re well-rounded and highly-skilled when they enter the workforce,” he said. “This will impact our program and its students for years to come.”

The Collision Repair and Education Foundation and I-CAR annually donate essential parts, supplies and equipment to the program and have award grants to assist and support TSTC Auto Collision and Management Technology students in their journey toward a successful career in the industry.

Auto Collision and Management Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus. For more information on the program or to register for Fall 2019, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Phillip Saldana, 27, graduated with an associate degree in 2018 from the Auto Collision and Management Technology at Texas State Technical College.

The Dallas native, who moved to the Rio Grande Valley to attend TSTC and whose father is also a TSTC alumnus from the engineering program, said the move was worth it because shortly after graduating he received a job offer from Collision Stop in Harlingen, where he is still employed.

He began as a detailer and after only a few months on the job, he was promoted to the company’s estimator.

What was your reaction when you first learned about your job offer?

Every year I would travel to the Valley to visit my grandparents and what I looked forward to the most was helping my grandpa refurbish cars. This was what sparked my interest in auto body work. So when I found out my job, it was the greatest feeling and relief knowing I was beginning my career doing something I love.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC prepared me with an excellent foundation. The program was industry-focused and provided real-world, hands-on assignments and projects that allowed us to practice our skills and be ready to hit the ground running when we entered the workforce. The program exceeded my expectations.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

My greatest influences are my family. My mom, dad and my grandma and grandpa who allowed me to live with them when I moved to the Valley. All of them have been supportive about my decision to attend TSTC and throughout my educational journey.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to gain as much experience as I can in the field and become a shop foreman or manager down the line. I want to grow in this field and hopefully someday open a shop of my own.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

I would tell a student to not think twice about getting a two-year degree or a degree period. My two-year degree has been worth it and allowed me to begin my career. I would not be where I am without it. Education is the key to growth.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future TSTC students is make the most of your time at TSTC. Ask questions, stay focused and learn from your mistakes. TSTC leads to careers and growth. If I can do it, so can someone else.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Built from the ground up by Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructors and students, the program has a new pipe fitting training station for its Advanced Layout and Fabrication course.

The course, taken during a student’s third semester in the program, focuses on layout design, build and processes, blueprint reading and pipe fitting.

“This pipe fitting station takes our program and this course to the next level,” said TSTC lead Welding Technology instructor Ramiro Villarreal. “This carries our program forward, allows us to grow and produce well-rounded graduates that are in demand in our industry.”

Longtime TSTC Welding Technology instructor Kenny Moore said this new training station, which took six to eight weeks to build, allows the program to stay in the forefront of advanced welding training.

“This is a great opportunity for students looking to train with a top welding program right in their backyard,” said Moore. “It’s advancements like this that keep our program on top. And for the growth in industry that we’re seeing in our region, it’s important that our students and graduates learn the latest and greatest.”

Villarreal has been working closely with TSTC administration and leadership in creating and maintaining relationships with two industrial facilities located in the Port of Brownsville: Keppel AmFELS, a leader in mobile drilling rig, platform and container vessel construction, refurbishment and repair; and Texas LNG, a liquefied natural gas facility.

Both companies seek and hire skilled welders, solders and pipefitters for their facilities, and with major projects on the horizon their demand for these positions is expected to increase.

“While we’ve always trained in pipe welding and fitting, it’s now more important than ever that we emphasize its processes and ensure that our students have the basic knowledge they need to hit the ground running and find successful careers with either these companies or others like them,” said Villarreal.”

The Advanced Layout and Fabrication course is 15 weeks and is available to all Welding Technology students pursuing a certificate 1, certificate 2 or associate degree.

Villarreal and Moore said this new training station goes beyond technical skill training, it also provides soft skills such as teamwork, communication, quality control and leadership.

“Throughout the semester students will work in teams to complete projects using the new station,” said Moore. “And every week a new team lead is chosen to give everyone project management experience. Nowadays you need more than technical skills to get hired and we want our students to be prepared.”

With the new pipe fitting station, Villarreal said Welding Technology will be able to provide continuing education training in the future for Keppal AmFELS, Texas LNG and other companies around the Rio Grande Valley.

“What we have built not only allows us to train our students, but industry professionals who want a refresher or to learn something new,” said Villarreal. “We have built a number of opportunities for everyone.”

Last year TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Harlingen was ranked number 7 in the nation by Washington Monthly, in part because of its 96 percent job placement rate.

Graduates from the program learn the fundamentals of welding such as metal arc welding, multiple process welding, welding automation and welding codes, standards and safety, and can work as welders, cutter, solders, brazers, pipe fitters, and brazing machine setters, operators and tenders for manufacturing shops, ship building yards, oil fields, and maintenance shops.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of welders is projected to grow six percent, in response to the nation’s aging infrastructure. The 2018 median pay for a welder was more than $40,000 a year.

Welding Technology is offered at all TSTC campuses.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It was a first-of-its-kind event for Texas State Technical College as the college welcomed two high school seniors with a signing day and scholarship presentation in a ceremony at Harlingen High School (HHS) on Wednesday.

Sadat Gutierrez, 18, and Anyssa Huerta, 17, are both masonry students at HHS and next fall will begin pursuing associate degrees in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program.

“It’s an honor to celebrate these students’ great accomplishments,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “And at TSTC, our students’ success is at the forefront of everything we do. It’s exciting to see these young women lead as an example in a male-dominated field. Seeing these women excel makes me so proud.”

And excel they have. Both women recently competed in SkillsUSA and medaled in their category: masonry.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings; local, state and national competitions; leadership conferences; and other activities.

Huerta earned a bronze medal and a $1,500 scholarship, while Gutierrez was awarded gold, earning 30 points more than a male peer who has won first place in SkillsUSA every year. Gutierrez also received a $6,000 scholarship.

The scholarships, which were presented to the women by Hernandez and TSTC Building Construction Technology instructors, can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or room and board.

“These are some of my top students; they’re leaders in class,” said HHS masonry instructor Victor Santillan. “Going to TSTC is going to give them so many opportunities, and I’m glad (TSTC has) taken the time to recognize their achievements because this program (Building Construction Technology) is going to allow them to step into great careers and broaden their horizons.”

Gutierrez and Huerta both said they were placed in their masonry class by mistake their sophomore year, but said someone knew what they were doing because it literally paved the way for their future.

“I knew nothing about masonry before coming into this class. I even tried to get out. But I needed an elective, and this was the only one available,” Gutierrez reminisced. “But I ended up loving it; it ended up opening so many doors for me.”

Huerta shared the same sentiment.

“I was supposed to be pursuing a degree in engineering right now,” she said. “But when I was enrolled in this class, everything changed. I’m now looking forward to a successful career in construction, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s become a true passion.”

Both women said they are excited to start at TSTC in August and hope to continue competing in SkillsUSA at the postsecondary level. They agreed that the scholarships have brought a great relief to them and their families.

“I’m set,” said Gutierrez. “This money, along with some other scholarships and financial aid I have received, will get me through my program. I couldn’t be any more grateful to SkillsUSA and TSTC for making this possible.”

As for Huerta, she said her scholarship, along with financial aid, will allow her to earn a college degree without needing to touch student loans.

“Debt-free is how I want to graduate,” she said. “This scholarship is a huge help, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds. TSTC, here I come.”

Hernandez added that she is happy to welcome these two women into the TSTC family to earn their degrees and advance their careers.

“We’re excited to present these scholarships because it will allow them to continue finding their passion,” said Hernandez. “And we are dedicated to working to ensure that they get the skills they need to find high-paying jobs. We thank them for trusting us with their higher education.”

For more information on Building Construction Technology at TSTC, go to www.tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cristobal Davila, 41, is a two-time Texas State Technical College graduate. In 2015 he earned an associate degree in Business Management Technology and a certificate in Automotive Technology in 2018.

The single dad of two boys worked mostly as a security officer before attending TSTC, and said he finally found his dream job in February when he was hired as an inventory control technician for TSTC’s Central Receiving department.

At an early age, Davila enlisted in the U.S. Army and served eight years, never thinking college was in his future, but he said it was his boys and his desire for a better life that inspired him to enroll.

What was your reaction when you first learned about your job offer?

When I learned about my job offer it was an emotional time for me. Even being at new employee orientation was surreal. Life has been a struggle, but now I have a great paying career, benefits and a work/life balance that allows me to be home with my sons more. I still get emotional thinking about it.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC prepared me for my career in more ways than one. Yes, the training I received was invaluable, I gained and learned skills that set me up for success, but TSTC also taught me soft skills such as how to be a better communicator and leader. I was a work-study student with TSTC Procurement and this allowed me to grow as a person and professional; it provided a number of opportunities for me.

What has had the greatest influence on your success?

First, there’s my sister Rebecca Davila, who also works at TSTC as an executive assistant for Student Development. She encouraged me to enroll at TSTC and motivated me throughout my educational journey. She always has my best interest in mind. Last but not least, are Ruben Ochoa, TSTC Inventory Control supervisor and Linda Rodriguez-Guillen, executive director of Procurement, for giving me the opportunity to begin my career here at TSTC.

What are your future goals?

I hope to someday buy a home for my boys and I, something we can call our own. Also, I’ve never had a new car, so that’s something I would like to accomplish as well. And finally, I hope to just continue working hard and being a good example for my boys so that they too can establish goals and dreams they can work toward.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

From someone who regrets not attending college earlier in life, I would tell someone to take advantage of any type of education you can get. Four-year degrees are great, but a two-year degree can also get you job-ready, give you skills that will give you an edge against others applying for the same job and that will make you more marketable. A two-year degree is a great starting point.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to always have a goal that you are working toward, stay focused and don’t sell yourself short.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In a new partnership, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205 recently presented Texas State Technical College with a check for veteran student scholarships.

The check, in the amount of $1,000, is the first donation in what will become an annual gift for the college and its veteran population.

“We have seen, first-hand, the need our veterans have when they return from the military,” said Linda Correa Garcia, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205 vice president-elect. “This is our way of giving back to the men and women who have given us so much.”

Every year, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205, hosts a large fundraiser to raise funds for scholarships and other causes that benefit veterans and their families.

And after a meeting with The TSTC Foundation and TSTC Veteran Center Director Steve Guevara, and seeing the resources provided to students by the center, Garcia and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205 President-elect Elizabeth Tamayo, were compelled to use a portion of the funds raised for scholarships.

“Our goal is to give our veterans the chance at a better life,” said Tamayo. “To give them the opportunity of returning to school and obtaining a new career.”

The funds from this donation will be used for two scholarships in the amount of $500, which can be used toward tuition, books, supplies or room and board.

All veterans enrolled at least part-time with a 2.5 grade-point average or higher are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

A committee made up of TSTC employees, who are also veterans, will review the applications and essays to select the recipients of the scholarships.

Guevara said this newly-formed partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary is great and serves as a way to provide veterans with a resource for information on educational benefits.

“Donations like these really make a large impact in the lives of our veterans,” said Guevara. “Unfortunately, many veterans struggle when they return, so this allows them to make a new transition.”

He added that a large portion of the veteran population at TSTC are non-traditional students with families to support, so any assistance makes a difference for their families as well.

This is why Garcia and Tamayo are also using this first donation as a way to challenge other American Legion units and posts to also donate toward TSTC veteran scholarships.

“We are spread out throughout the Valley, from Port Isabel to Mission and we want to challenge other units to contribute to TSTC veteran scholarships and match what we’ve donated,” said Garcia. “If they are unable to match, at least contribute to a veteran’s education.”

Guevara said he sees this partnership growing in the future and with this growth the possibility of helping more veterans.

“With the support of Unit 205 and the challenge they have posed to others, I can see this growing,” said Guevara. “We appreciate all of the help American Legion Auxiliary is giving our students and we look forward to helping more veterans accomplish their dreams.”

TSTC in Harlingen has been recognized as a Military-Friendly School for eight straight years, and the college has been recognized statewide as a Military-Friendly School for four years.

The TSTC Veterans Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current students who are veterans, as well as their dependents. The center assists with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications. There is also a variety of services, such as internal and external referrals, that can benefit veteran students.

In addition to the Veterans Center, TSTC also offers self-paced, competency-based learning for veterans who have gained applicable skills through their service in the military. Veterans can receive credit for these skills to move ahead on their certificate or degree plan quicker.

For more information on the Veterans Center, call 956-364-4387 or visit tstc.edu/veterans.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Texas State Technical College Campus Police in Harlingen recently made history by swearing in the college’s first female lieutenant, Gloria Ruiz.

“She’s a pioneer. A professional in her field and one of the greatest assets to our department,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor and Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Ray Rushing. “She’s a master at taking a task that is fundamental to our department and turning it into reality.”

Ruiz, who has been with TSTC for 17 years, also made history in 2004 when she was the first female promoted to police sergeant, and although she has found success at TSTC, the journey was not always easy.

“I can’t help but think how far I’ve come,” said Ruiz. “As a high school dropout all the numbers show that I am here against all odds, but in honor of all the women who are fighting to break glass ceilings and for those who have supported and empowered me I proudly accept my new position.”

She was only 19 when she began working at the Levi’s Manufacturing Co. in Harlingen and said she dreaded going to work.

Then at 23-years-old she lost her first child, Gloria Ann, to a freak accident. By 26, she had her second child, a failing marriage and no high school diploma.

“This was when I realized I needed to get my general education diploma (GED),” said Ruiz. “I was 32-years-old, but I wanted hope of a better future.”

At 35, Ruiz attended night classes at the police academy to fulfill her dream of becoming an officer and worked 40 to 50 hours a week as a security officer for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District.

“This was a huge sacrifice for me and my kids, but look at me now,” said Ruiz proudly. “I was one of the oldest cadets in the academy and one of only a couple of women, but I never let that stop me. Now I get to serve and protect our campus and community and even give students advice, hope and inspiration.”

Not only is Ruiz celebrating her promotion, but she also recently completed her academic core at TSTC to begin working toward an associate degree in Criminal Justice.

Taking his place as TSTC Campus Police sergeant is Eduardo Becerra. He was also recently sworn into his new position.

Becerra has been with TSTC for six years, this being his first promotion within the department.

“I’m both excited and nervous for this promotion,” he said. “I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was about seven or eight years old and now I get to protect and serve my community. It’s a great deal of responsibility, but I’m proud that my hard work was recognized and that Chief Eduardo Patino has confidence in my knowledge and experience. This will help me perform to the best of my ability.”

Becerra, who as sergeant now oversees nearly 10 people within the department, served three years in the United States Army and a one-year tour in Iraq before returning to his home in Brownsville.

Once home and taking time for himself and his transition back into civilian life, Becerra enrolled in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Police Academy at TSTC.

As a cadet in the academy he worked security for TSTC events, which was when Patino noticed his commitment to the field and hard work.

“By this time I was more than ready for a new career and I’m glad that TSTC gave me a chance,” he said. “My experience at this college has been amazing, we’re like one big family, and I’m proud that I get to protect my “family” every day while doing what I love.”

He added that he looks forward to training and preparing his officers to perform their duties without hesitation while using TSTC’s core values of excellence, accountability, service and integrity as a guide.

Both Ruiz and Becerra said they credit their success to TSTC Police Commissioner Aurelio Torres, Patino and their families.

“My family has been with me every step of the way and them believing in me and being proud of me has made all of the difference,” said Becerra.

Sentiments echoed by Ruiz.

“What I have achieved could not have been done without the support and love of my family. Everything I’ve done has been for my boys and to do my best for them every single day,” said Ruiz. “And also, I owe a lot to my mentor, teacher and friend Commissioner Torres for taking me under his wing.”

Ruiz added that TSTC is promoted as a great place to work, but for someone like her, who actually looks forward to coming to work now, it’s so much more than just a line or hashtag, it’s a promise and a dream come true.

To find job opportunities at TSTC or to apply, visit tstc.jobs.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Hector Rosa graduated last week from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology.

But that’s not all. Before even putting on his cap and gown, the 40-year-old had a job offer in hand and started this week with Morton Buildings in Houston as a Level 1 carpenter.

When did you first learn about your job offer?

I learned about this job offer the week of commencement. I had other job offers leading up to this, but Morton’s made me an offer I could not refuse. Receiving these job offers, these opportunities, is exciting; it’s a new chapter for me. This just goes to show that you can accomplish anything at any age.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC’s Building Construction Technology is amazing, and not only because I graduated from the program. The majority of the training you receive is hands-on, real-world training and exposes you to nearly everything you will face out in the workforce. And of course, none of it would be possible without experienced and knowledgeable instructors who showed us the right way, gave one-on-one instruction if needed and always pushed us to do our best.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

The person with the greatest influence on my success is my wife. She has my back and supports me no matter what. When times get tough and I feel like quitting, she’s right there cheering me on and motivating me to keep going. This is a second career for me after working many years as a supervisor at a local juvenile detention center, and she always told me the sacrifice we made when I came to TSTC would be worth it.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to return to TSTC as a Building Construction Technology instructor. My instructors have made such a great impact in my life that I want to do the same for others.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

I would tell a student that a two-year degree moves you ahead and gives you benefits that a four-year degree does not. With a technical degree, you have a leg up in industry because you have the skills that are in demand, making you more marketable among companies, which in turn provides a great career with great pay.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

When the road gets tough, don’t give up. Keep your head high and your eye on the prize. I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For high school seniors, picking a college can be stressful. But for a handful of Rio Grande Valley high school students, choosing Texas State Technical College was an easy decision.

Recently several technical dual enrollment seniors signed a “Change of Major” form, marking the transition from high school student to college student, during TSTC’s first Senior Spotlight signing event at the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center on campus.

“We hosted this event to celebrate these students’ accomplishments and to welcome them to the TSTC family,” said TSTC dual enrollment recruitment representative Sarai Duran. We’re so proud of them and are excited that they chose TSTC as their college.

Technical dual enrollment provides high school students the opportunity to take college courses and earn simultaneous college and high school credit in a technical program.

College courses are available at some high school campuses through a credentialed instructor, through distance learning classes taught by a TSTC instructor, and on-site at TSTC.

The students recognized during Senior Spotlight have completed at least one semester in a technical program such as Auto Collision and Management Technology or Wind Energy Technology and will attend TSTC in Fall 2019 to pursue a certificate or associate degree.

There are currently 13 dual enrollment pathways at TSTC that high school juniors and seniors can pursue. At the end of each pathway, the student completes an average of 12 semester credit hours, or one semester of study.

“Completing four courses within a program while still in high school not only gives these students a head start, but it is also a money saver for them and their families,” said Duran.

As a dual enrollment student, each student’s tuition, books and supplies are covered by the school district they attend.

For Lyford High School senior Orlando Gonzalez, dual enrollment was a game changer, and he said he is looking forward to becoming what he calls a “full-fledged” TSTC student in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program.

He was bused in every morning from Lyford to attend classes on campus.

“To have this kind of opportunity is invaluable to me and my future,” said the 19-year-old. “I love working with my hands, and I never thought a university was for me, so I’m lucky to have found a college where I can pursue my interests while still working toward a rewarding career.”

He also said that being a dual enrollment student has made his transition from high school to college less nerve-wracking and has saved him time and money.

In fact, at the Senior Spotlight, Gonzalez’s name was drawn for a $1,000 scholarship that can be used for tuition, books or tools.

“Dual enrollment has allowed college to be less of a financial burden for my family, and this scholarship takes it to the next level,” he said. “I’m very excited to be joining the TSTC family in the fall.”

Gonzalez will be graduating from Lyford High School at the end of the month.

Representatives of several TSTC programs, along with staff from enrollment, student life and housing, were available at the event to answer questions and give parents and students more information about the college and their transition.

“Our goal with dual enrollment is to capture a student’s interest in college while still in high school and give them the opportunity to discover their interests,” said Duran.

“Many middle-skilled jobs in Texas are in demand, and those jobs make up half of the labor market. These students are going to get those jobs because most students who complete dual credit are more likely to complete their degree,” she said.

Duran added that many of TSTC’s graduates have jobs waiting for them when they graduate, and TSTC’s industry partners actively recruit them.

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC, go to www.tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It has been more than 10 years since J. Gilbert Leal retired as president of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. But at a recent plaque presentation ceremony hosted in his honor at the TSTC Learning Resource Center that bears his name, it was evident that his educational legacy lives on.

“He is the true legend of TSTC’s Harlingen campus,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Ray Rushing. “He started many of the strategies, programs and partnerships this college has seen. It takes a true visionary, and Gilbert Leal is the man, the myth and the legend.”

Leal served TSTC for 30 years before retiring in 2008 and being named president emeritus by the TSTC Board of Regents. The college’s library was named in his honor as the Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center.

“Everything Gilbert Leal did during his service to the college had a ripple effect,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “And he continues to invest in the region’s education and continues to serve our campus wholeheartedly.”

When Leal started as an Adult Basic Education instructor in 1969 while TSTC was still Texas State Technical Institute, the campus sat on only 25 acres, had four buildings and enrolled 67 students.

“To this day we see the impact that Gilbert Leal had on our campus,” said Hernandez. “What we are today comes from taking risks and thinking big, and that is how Gilbert helped TSTC in our region grow.”

At the ceremony, Leal was presented with a commemorative plaque that reads, “In recognition of and in appreciation for your commitment and support to Texas State Technical College.”

The Texas-shaped plaque was designed and manufactured by students in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program.

“When I’m at TSTC, I am home,” said Leal. “The people here are my family.”

To put into perspective how far TSTC has come, Leal mentioned that the Learning Resource Center is situated on land once occupied by a recreational vehicle park.

“TSTC has become a respected technical college that plays a major role in the development of technical skills needed to meet industry demand,” said Leal. “And it’s important to remember why we’re here: for the students.”

Leal said his favorite thing about TSTC is how it changes lives and inspires students to greatness.

“Learning and teaching are at the forefront of everything TSTC does,” he said. “Not only is it a great place to learn, but it is also a great place to work, which is a benefit to the students who walk through this campus. So keep up the great work, TSTC, and know you have my continued support. You can’t keep me away.”

For more information about the programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.