(HARLINGEN) – Last night, The TSTC Foundation of Texas State Technical College hosted its 13^th Annual Noche de Gala, the college’s largest fundraiser of the year, with at least 200 in attendance.

It was a night of celebration honoring one of Harlingen’s leaders in higher education, Bob Shepard. He joins a long line of prestigious higher education supporters who have had this honor in past years.

“As I go around town telling people that Mr. Shepard is this year’s honoree, I always get the same reaction, ‘It’s about time,’” TSTC Interim Provost Cledia Hernandez told the audience. “Bob Shepard has single-handedly done more for higher education in South Texas than any other Valley resident. TSTC students past and present owe much to the dedicated work of this very special man.”

Shepard was born and raised in Harlingen and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Business Administration.

Shepard currently serves as president of Shepard Walton King Insurance Group and has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, but he also has dedicated most of his life to ensuring that Valley students have the same opportunities as students in other parts of the United States.

Shepard’s message is this: “An educational institution like TSTC gives students and members of our community an opportunity for an education that is vitally important in our world today.”

The Harlingen native is active in the area of higher education both locally and statewide. He has served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), appointed by Gov. George Bush in 1996 and again by Gov. Rick Perry in 2004.

He served as chairman of the THECB from 2005 to 2008 and was instrumental in helping to establish higher education opportunities such as new degree programs for the RGV. In that capacity, he was able to work closely with policymakers and education stakeholders to develop and implement a higher education framework, including strategic planning for community programs and technical colleges.

“Bob’s role in Austin was one of a guardian angel,” said Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, who presented Shepard with a proclamation at the gala. “He has always known that the Valley needed to have more opportunity of higher education. Bob played an important role throughout the development of Texas State Technical College and has done a tremendous job in advancing higher education not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but throughout the state of Texas.”

Others who spoke on Shepard’s work and commitment to higher education included Texas Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes, former Harlingen Chamber of Commerce President David Allex, TSTC President Emeritus Gilbert Leal, former TSTC Regent and former Harlingen Mayor Connie de la Garza, and former Harlingen Mayor Randy Whittington.

“Bob, congratulations on being recognized by TSTC for your leadership in higher education,” said Paredes. “Bob always wants to ensure that all children in Texas have the opportunity to receive a full education in whatever field they want to pursue. He’s a man who practices what he preaches and is always committed to working for higher education.”

Shepard’s work has touched countless TSTC students, including three who were in attendance to tell the audience that if not for the work of people such as Shepard and his wife, Ann, and other donors at the event, a higher education would not have been a possibility.

All proceeds from Noche de Gala go to fund the Lozano Long Promise Scholarship which was established in 1999, and the TSTC Texan Success Scholarship.

Both scholarships have helped thousands of students like vocational nursing student Julie Villarreal and building construction students Abel Garza and Susana Sierra realize their dream of a college education.

“My scholarships have motivated me toward finishing my education and paying back with good grades,” said Garza, a first-generation college student. “I am really thankful to have been granted these scholarships. Thank you to all of the donors, because every scholarship impacts students in a positive manner.”

Villarreal, who already holds an associate degree in Health Information Technology, said the scholarship has been a blessing.

“Thank you to every donor who has lifted a weight of financial burden off of our shoulders,” said Villarreal. “It’s people like you who make a difference in many lives, and I’m forever grateful. I hope one day I’ll be able to sit in your chair and make a difference in lives.”

“What makes this gala a success is hearing from the students who we have helped,” said TSTC’s Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch. “To see the impact the donations from today’s event have made and the opportunities they have provided is invaluable. And the reason so many succeed is because of the people who attend our event.”

Noche de Gala has raised more than $1.5 million and has helped more than 400 students achieve their educational dreams.

To learn more about Noche de Gala or for more information on becoming a donor, call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500 or visit tstcfoundation.com.

(HARLINGEN) – Nancy Villafranca is a single mom who knew she needed to support her son, but finding jobs was hard. Thanks to Texas State Technical College and its Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics degree, she was able to find a career she loves.

The Brownsville native graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in 2015 and is now working as a CAD technician and fabrication shop manager at Central Air and Heating Services (CAHS) in Harlingen.

“I never imagined myself doing this line of work,” said the 29-year-old. “It’s a male-dominated career path. And honestly, I was intimidated, but now I am loving it. It’s something challenging and different every day, and I have been given so many opportunities.”

Villafranca has been with CAHS for a little more than one year now, but she first started her journey as a nursing student at TSTC.

“I loved the medical field, and I was going to be a nurse,” she said. “But things changed. After a semester, I realized it wasn’t for me. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was lost.”

With a newborn in the house, Villafranca said the only thing she did know was that she had to do something.

So after getting advice from a few TSTC instructors and looking at what intrigued her about her father’s career as a toolmaker, she knew that Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics was her best choice.

“I don’t regret the career change at all. I’ve never looked back or wondered ‘what if.’ I made the best choice for me and my son, and it has worked out great,” she said.

Villafranca now designs and drafts piping and ductwork for commercial projects, oversees supplies and materials for project managers and field technicians, manages at least 13 employees at the CAHS fabrication shop, and ships out materials to job sites.

She has even worked on major design projects for TSTC, her alma mater. She drafted and designed all ductwork and piping for TSTC’s new chiller plant and a recent addition to the engineering building.

“Everyone I work with is great,” Villafranca said. “From the top down, everyone is so helpful, encouraging and always available to answer questions. They are great teachers and care about the success of their employees.”

Sean Lavergne, CAHS production manager, said Villafranca is an exceptional employee and excels in whatever she tries.

“Nancy is a self-starter, always goes above and beyond, and is willing to learn new things. And she’s respected by all,” said Lavergne. “This is what really impressed me about Nancy.”

He added that Villafranca is never afraid to challenge herself, whether it is taking on new responsibilities, or learning a new software or skill.

“With Nancy’s determination, I see her going far in her career,” he said. “I told her I won’t be a production manager forever, and I can see her taking it.”

After a layoff and a job in Corpus Christi that Villafranca deemed too far from home, she believes she ended up where she belongs.

“I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she said. “My son and I are back at home with our family. I’m doing what I love and taking life one day at a time.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for drafters who have a two-year associate degree is expected to increase seven percent from 2016 to 2026. An increase in construction is projected to drive the demand.

TSTC’s Abilene, Brownwood, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses also offer drafting and design.

For more information on TSTC’s Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics degree, visit tstc.edu.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 is in progress.

(HARLINGEN) – Luis Ramirez is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native holds an impressive 3.6 grade-point average and expects to earn his associate degree in Spring 2019.

When the busy 20-year-old is not studying, you can find him working on weekdays as a student ambassador for recruitment and on weekends coordinating parties at a local party/event center.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC, I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing and then apply for law school at the University of Texas at Austin.

What’s your dream job?

My dream jobs are to become a business and real estate lawyer either in the Valley or in San Marcos, Houston or Austin and eventually become a judge.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC has been becoming a student ambassador. Before this, I was very timid and shy and would not want to converse with anyone, but this position has made me more social and less afraid of public speaking. It has made a huge difference in my life.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is to never settle. Always reach for your highest potential and never give up on your goals and dreams.

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

The person at TSTC who has had the greatest influence on my success is my girlfriend and best friend, Fatima Fuentes. She is a biology major and has helped me out in more ways than she knows. She helped me not only pass biology with her tutoring, but she also pushes me to do the very best and is always an inspiration.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to work on campus if given the opportunity. It helps you grow as a person and a student, obtain new skills — not to mention it is also pretty convenient.

(HARLINGEN) – For nearly two decades, Chemical Technology Lead Instructor Robert Hernandez has put his students first, introducing them to the world of chemistry and an industry that is growing. It is this commitment that has earned him a 2018 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“I am honored to be included in this elite group,” said Hernandez. “This was unexpected, but it’s so great knowing that my work is acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you for the nominations.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is given by TSTC’s Chancellor Mike Reeser to select faculty and staff for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state.

“These teammates were nominated by their peers, recommended by their Provosts and Vice Chancellor’s and chosen as faculty and staff who model excellence in our college every day,” said Reeser. “Their caring and dedicated efforts embolden us all to make a difference in the success of our teams and the lives of our students.”

The Houston native first stepped foot in TSTC in 2000 with extensive experience as a chemist.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992 and worked nearly a decade as an analytical chemist for the Texas Department of State Health Services analyzing environmental samples of drinking and surface water and soils.

“I came from a modest home, didn’t have a lot of money, yet I was introduced to many opportunities,” said Hernandez. “I want to do the same for my students and incoming students. I want to introduce them to the possibilities that are out there.”

Hernandez was first introduced to the field of chemistry during high school while attending a magnet school that specialized on the subject and he wants to provide that same inspiration through TSTC’s Chemical Technology program, the only program of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I never imagined myself as a teacher, but now almost 20 years later I can’t think of doing anything else,” he said. “This is the most rewarding job. It was the perfect fit for me back then and I can see myself doing this for many more years to come.”

He said his favorite part of the job is helping students who were once told they would never succeed because they were poor or did not have the perfect grades, but have the motivation and work ethic to better their lives.

“I have seen so many students who match this description come through our program or TSTC in general and make it,” he said. “I love seeing them succeed and grow. That’s what it’s all about and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

David Campos, division director for Architectural, Science and Engineering at TSTC and Hernandez’s supervisor said this award was long overdue for Hernandez.

“Robert is a very talented man in his field. He cares a lot about his students and is always willing to go above and beyond for them,” said Campos. “He’s a great leader and tremendous asset to our team and it’s about time he received this recognition.”

Hernandez said he hopes to continue making a difference and changing people’s lives alongside his team and administration.

“I’m so grateful for the team I get to work with every day and for an administration that fully supports our efforts and work,” he said. “We all have a common goal and that is to change lives and provide careers and that’s why our students are so successful.”

Hernandez will be attending the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin next month and will join the other 16 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses to be recognized and receive their award.

(HARLINGEN) – With the skills gap growing in Texas for technically trained employees, industries are turning to Texas State Technical College to fill in-demand jobs, making this year’s Industry Job Fair one of the largest for the college.

More than 70 employers representing an array of industries including aviation, computer and information technology, engineering and manufacturing, health science, transportation, construction and maintenance and business office technology were on hand to discuss job opportunities, accept resumés and conduct on-site interviews.

“We’re are so excited to be hosting our largest job fair yet,” said Director of Talent Management and Career Services Viviana Espinosa. “Industry representatives here today are looking to fill positions with skilled employees and many look at our students first because of the training they receive in the classroom. They’re ready to work.”

With more than 500 TSTC students and alumni in attendance, Dane Hayton, human resources manager for Tenaris, the world’s leader and manufacturer in tubular products, received job applications from nearly everyone who stopped at their booth.

“The oil and gas industry is turning around and we need to fill positions across the state,” said Hayton. “We’re growing and we have had great experience with the graduates we hire from TSTC, so we keep a close relationship with the college.”

Hayton hires TSTC students and graduates to fill various positions in areas such as welding, information systems, mechatronics and power electric and controls.

Two of Tenaris’ most recent hires, Aaron Guajardo and Nicholas Rosales, who graduated from TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology and Industrial Systems Technology, respectively, were also recruiting.

Hayton said they enjoy attending the job fairs and returning to the college throughout the year to recruit and interview applicants. He also added he is beginning to work closely and build a relationship with TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus to begin recruiting graduates there.

Students and alumni who applied to Tenaris should be receiving notification next week. But, for many students like Miguel Zamarripa, industry demand is working in their favor.

Zamarripa, who graduated last semester with an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and is currently adding to his skill set by taking introduction to drafting and engineering graphics courses, was hired at the job fair by LaRue Tactics as a computer numerical control (CNC) machinist.

LaRue Tactical is known worldwide for manufacturing rifle systems and targets.

“I didn’t expect to receive an interview or job offer today,” said Zamarripa. “I had applied a couple of weeks back, but this came as a surprise. I’m excited, it’s going to be a new adventure.”

Within the next month, Zamarripa will move to Austin to enter the industry, in a job, he has been hoping for since beginning college.

“As students we are lucky that TSTC gives us the opportunity to network and speak face-to-face with industry recruiters and professionals,” said Zamarripa. “It makes it easier for us to find jobs and success.”

Espinosa said she is looking forward to building relationships with new industry partners and growing those already in place. She also hopes to see future Industry Job Fairs continue to grow so that TSTC students and alumni can continue to be introduced to new job opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see our students leaving with jobs or job leads, that makes for a successful event,” she said. “It’s all about helping our students connect and network with industry recruiters.”

For more information on the services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services for students, alumni and industry, call 956-364-4940.

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

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Mariela Aguirre is expecting to earn her associate degree in Education and Training and Mathematics by Summer 2019.

While the Mexico City native maintains a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, the 26-year-old also participates as an active member of the TSTC Association for Future Educators, SkillsUSA, TSTC’s Leadership Academy and is the incoming Student Government Association (SGA) Secretary.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will transfer to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education. I will also hopefully work as a substitute teacher to begin gaining classroom experience and to pay for college.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become not only a math teacher, but to open a Ron Clark Academy, a non-profit, model school with the vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques.

I am also interested in someday teaching math or English as a Second Language overseas in Spain or the Middle East.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments while at TSTC have been getting inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, advancing to SkillsUSA state competitions and becoming secretary of the SGA. All of these experiences have taken me out of my comfort zone and I have grown as person because of it.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that with great perseverance I can overcome any challenge in life. It’s determination and perseverance that will help me accomplish my goals and dreams.

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

My instructors Myriam Aguila, Tony Desjardins, Mary Hollmann and actually everyone in that department have influenced my success. They are great leaders who have led me down a positive path and have motivated me to become a great educator.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to stay positive, find your perseverance and use it and challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone because that is where success lives and take the time to explore new skills and adventures. . Remember, we can all learn from each other.

(HARLINGEN) – The graduating class from Texas State Technical College Health Information Technology recently presented to the Rio Grande Valley Health Information Management Association (RGVHIMA) at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.

At least 15 students make up the class who will graduate next month and who worked diligently for the past two months to prepare and complete their presentation that focuses on the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management, the organization that accredits TSTC’s program, and the Registered Health Information Technician national exam and certification.

“I’m so proud and honored to call myself these students’ instructor,” said TSTC Health Information Instructor Ana Gonzales. “They have worked so hard to be where they are today and I know they all have bright futures ahead.”

Gonzales said these presentations were first started six years ago as a way to bring the students together, teach them skills important for their future such as communication, research and management and to give the students the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

“The people they are meeting and presenting to are the people who will hire them when they graduate,” said Gonzales. “It’s important that we showcase their skills and capabilities and introduce them to an organization that they will become members of and will be their guidance once out in the field.”

Health Information Technology student and class facilitator Ruth Trevino said their goal as a class is to spread awareness on the various certifications that can be obtained as a professional in the health information and records industry and said they have worked hard at researching and ensuring that they present the best information possible.

“This is a topic that is very important to most, if not all of us,” said Trevino. “In doing our research we found that many graduate from a health information program, but never take their national certifying exam and we’re trying to change that. It can be a career changer.”

Trevino added that becoming a Registered Health Information Technician makes someone more marketable in a competitive market and can lead to higher salaries in the long run.

“It’s never too late to take this exam or go back to school,” she added. “If anything, I hope this is what people took away from our presentation.”

Melissa Perez, also a TSTC Health Information Technology student said they also wanted to spread awareness about TSTC’s program and what it has to offer.

“A degree or certification can take someone’s career to the next level,” she said. “Maybe someone has been thinking of returning to school or has a family member interested in the field, we want them to know that TSTC is here to help them.”

For more information on Health Information Technology at TSTC visit, tstc.edu. The program is also now offered 100 percent online.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Christopher Briones has become a local celebrity with his first-place win during the Texas Music Café PBS TV Show and TSTC’s Talent Search, bringing the award home to Harlingen for the third year in row.

Briones, who started singing five years ago in high school and currently sings at a local church, was awarded a $2,500 recording contract with E-Cleff Productions, Inc. after his award-winning performance during Wednesday night’s finals held at TSTC’s Waco campus.

It was there where the 19-year-old belted out the notes to “Resurrecting,” by Elevated Worship.

“My worst fear during this contest was rejection. Rejection because of my choice of songs,” he said. “But my love for the gospel and worship ended up being received well and led me to a new chapter in my music career.”

The San Benito native first auditioned for his spot at finals during Harlingen’s Texas Music Café and Talent Search regional competition event last month, singing “Reckless” by Cory Asbury.

To earn a spot at finals, Briones had to be in the top five among 33 performers from TSTC’s campuses across the state.

Briones earned more than 300 “Likes” on YouTube and qualified to join Brooke Baily from TSTC Abilene, Caroline Herman from TSTC Marshall, Samuel Self from TSTC Waco and Brandon Felts and John Ward from TSTC Fort Bend County at the competition’s finals.

“I never expected to make it this far, much less win first place,” said Briones. “There was so much talent in one room. I was shocked, surprised and excited when I heard the judges call my name. I couldn’t believe it.”

In the coming months, Briones will travel back to Waco for his session in the recording studio with an assigned producer. He will record two original songs, one titled, “The One,” an ode to God for never leaving his side and a second one that is still a work in progress.

“I started working on these songs immediately after arriving from Waco, same night actually,” he said. “I’m excited to share my songs with the world and I hope they can make an impact in someone’s life.”

Briones’ tracks will be featured on the Texas Music Café website, radio program and PBS. He will also have the opportunity to perform as the opening act for a live taping of Texas Music Café.

“This is about to take my music career to a new level,” said Briones. “I hope this opens up other performance and recording opportunities. This is a dream come true.”

Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino said she is proud of every contestant who participated this year.

“Every year I am amazed at the amount of talent we have on campus and across the state,” she said. “I would seriously hate to be a judge. It’s a hard decision for them every time.”

She said the partnership between TSTC, Texas Music Café and its executive producer Chris Ermoian is invaluable because of the opportunities it presents to students. They have been working together since 2016.

“As a technical school many think we have no musical talent, but this lets us showcase what we have and get our students’ names out there and expose them to a world they may not get the chance to see in the classroom or outside of these walls.”

Palomino said she is excited to see the partnership continue to flourish and she hopes someday every TSTC campus can host a show and that the number of participants continues to grow.

As for Briones, he said he is thankful to TSTC and Texas Music Café for this opportunity, but even more thankful to his family and friends who pushed him to do it in the first place.

(HARLINGEN) – Trading in flip-flops for hammers and drills, four Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology students volunteered with Eight Days of Hope over spring break to help rebuild for those displaced by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Yaquelin Gonzalez, Kristen Perales, Lidia Hernandez and Susana Sierra jumped in a car, packed their tents and bags and headed northeast to Houston for three days to join more than 4,000 other volunteers from across the United States during the organization’s two-week event.

“It’s so sad to see that after seven months there are still people trying to pick up the pieces after such a devastating storm,” said Sierra. “Helping at such a large scale event was something we’ve been wanting to do for a while now and I’m so glad we got this opportunity.”

Eight Days of Hope is a Christian, non-profit organization in Houston that serves communities affected by natural disasters by assisting with rapid response and disaster relief. The organization operates with the help of volunteers and donations.

Volunteers, like TSTC’s building construction students, have restored or rebuilt close to 2,000 homes since 2005. To date, the organization has completed more than $30 million dollars of work for free.

Gonzalez, Perales, Hernandez and Sierra were assigned to assist with kitchen and bathroom cabinet assembly and worked closely with the homeowners, who were also helping the volunteers.

“The experience was great. On top of getting field experience, we also got to spend time with and speak to the victims of the flooding,” said Sierra. “To see hope and gratitude in their eyes was the best feeling ever.”

The sentiment was shared across the board.

“We had families telling us that we were their sign of hope,” said Gonzalez. “That’s so touching. They’ve been through so much and I’m glad I took the opportunity to help.”

Hernandez added, “The experience was worthwhile. Our contribution was making a difference and that in itself was rewarding.”

TSTC’s Building Construction Technology Instructor Rolando Cuellar said he is proud of his students for taking the initiative to help out a community in need.

“It was spring break and they could have gone anywhere and done anything,” he said. “But instead they made the choice to work and go where their help was needed. They really went above and beyond their call of duty.”

The women’s three-day adventure went beyond assembling cabinets. They bonded as a group while sleeping outside of a church in tents and were rewarded with a live concert featuring gospel singer Ryan Stevenson.

The students all agree that the next time they get a call for help they will be there. They said there is no greater feeling than knowing you made a difference in someone’s life.

To learn more about Building Construction Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.