When Evelyn Gonzalez first came to Palo Alto College as a student, she never imagined she’d one day lead the same department that welcomed her. Originally from Eagle Pass, Evelyn moved to San Antonio in high school, graduated from McCollum High School, and enrolled at Palo Alto College. It was here on the Southside of San Antonio, in a community she still deeply connects with, where her journey in higher education began. Evelyn started as a work-study student in the Welcome Center, a role that sparked her passion for serving others.  “I thought I’d serve students by becoming a teacher,” she shared, “but I realized I could have just as much impact helping them find their way into college, and through it.” More than ten years later, Evelyn continues to serve students at PAC, now as the Enrollment Team Lead in the Student Success Division. In this role, she wears many hats, providing answers, direction, and support to students navigating not only enrollment and academics, but also life’s broader challenges. “We’re often the first stop for students, and we need to be prepared for anything,” Evelyn explained. “Sometimes students come in asking about their meningitis record, but the real issue is they don’t have internet at home or a way to get to campus. A lot of the barriers our students face are layered, financial, cultural, logistical.” As a first-generation college student, Evelyn understands the uncertainty that comes with entering higher education without a roadmap. Her parents weren’t familiar with college systems, and she had to find her own way. That’s why her favorite part of the job is helping students who think college isn’t an option. “I know what it’s like not to have anyone who can answer your questions,” she said. “So I try to be that person for our students, the one who says, ‘You can do this, and I’ll help you get there.’” That philosophy is woven into how she leads her team. The Welcome Center staff are not just guides, they’re advocates, mentors, and, as Evelyn proudly puts it, “PAC Familia.” “I know it sounds cheesy,” she laughed, “but it’s true. We care deeply about our students because we see ourselves in them. Many of our staff also grew up on the Southside. Even if our stories aren’t the same, we understand the challenges.” In her decade at the Welcome Center, Evelyn has witnessed significant growth, both in student needs and in how her team responds. The department now collaborates more closely with academic programs and other support offices, encouraging open houses and information sessions so students can explore pathways beyond enrollment. Most recently, they launched the Palomino Summer Series, a collection of virtual info sessions covering everything from academic programs to frequently asked questions. It’s a convenient, student-centered way to get the answers they need. Through it all, Evelyn’s motivation remains deeply personal. One of her most meaningful memories came during PACfest’s Unveil event, when a student in a wheelchair approached her and exclaimed, “Hey, there’s someone who looks like me!” Evelyn, who uses a wheelchair herself, was moved by the moment. “That student saw a reflection of themselves, and that mattered,” she said. “I don’t see my disability as something that limits me. It’s part of how I connect differently, and I’m proud of that.” As she looks ahead, Evelyn hopes to continue expanding the department’s reach and resources, removing barriers, creating opportunity, and helping every student feel seen and supported. She leads with empathy, dedication, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. “At Palo Alto College, we say we’re ending poverty through education,” Evelyn said. “That’s not just a mission statement, it’s what we do. And I feel very fortunate to be on the frontlines of that.” Whether you're a first-time student, returning to college, or simply unsure of where to start, Evelyn and the entire Enrollment Team are here to help. From your first question to your first class, the Welcome Center is your home base. The team is available weekdays and the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit our website alamo.edu/pac/welcome-center, reach out by phone at 210-486-3100, or stop by in-person at the Rio Grande Building, Room 105A. No matter where you're starting from, the Enrollment Team is ready to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.    

Northwest Vista College student Cybill Stephenson has always believed that a career in information technology (IT) was the right choice because of her love of computers and problem solving. Stephenson, who is a first-generation college student, began taking classes at NVC in the Fall Semester of 2023. When NVC launched the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing program in the Fall 2024 semester, Stephenson became one of its first students. “Cloud computing is a booming industry right now, especially in Texas. This program at NVC is a cutting-edge approach for receiving a formal cloud education,” Stephenson added. “NVC has an amazing partnership with Amazon Web Services that allows students to receive micro credentials and access to bootcamps for accredited certifications while pursuing their degree. There really is not any other program like it in the area, and I have been continuously impressed with the amazing professors, courses, and support I have experienced so far while in this program.” The Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing is the first bachelor’s degree program in NVC’s 30-year history. Recently, Stephenson shared her thoughts on the program and her future career plans in the field. Q: What led to your decision to enroll at NVC? A: I was born and raised in San Antonio and have always wanted to stay close to my family while pursuing my education. NVC’s affordable tuition was the obvious choice for me when I was looking for IT-oriented degree programs. When I first enrolled and set foot on campus, I immediately felt welcomed and received an abundance of support from my advisors and professors. I was initially a transfer student from a larger university, and the close-knit community at NVC was extremely refreshing for me. Q: Why did you choose to enroll in NVC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing program? A: Cybersecurity has always been an attractive career choice for me because I want to make a real difference within the IT profession. I love computers and I love problem solving, being able to use that passion to help the world and my local community be safer online was a no brainer for me when choosing a major. When I learned about the cloud program offered at NVC, I was instantly intrigued to learn more. The growing presence of cloud services within our day-to-day lives is something I have always found interesting. This field is experiencing significant growth driven by the worldwide demand for companies to shift from on-premises networking and data storage to the cloud. Cloud computing focuses on designing, building, and managing cloud-based services and infrastructure. This meant that I could now incorporate my desire to problem solve with the ability to be creative in IT as well. This opened the door to a vast amount of job opportunities that would offer me a more rewarding and impactful career. Q: How did you hear about NVC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing? A: I learned about the new cloud computing bachelor’s degree while attending a meeting for the cybersecurity club. I learned about the growing presence of data centers and cloud providers in Texas and immediately wanted to know more about cloud and what a job in that field might look like for me. Q: What did you know about this subject before starting the program? A: I knew very little about the intricacies of cloud computing before starting the program. I have always been interested in IT, but originally set out to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Q: Since enrolling, have you learned anything that surprised you about this field? A: Since pursuing cloud computing at NVC, I have learned so much about this field and its importance in our day-to-day lives. So many of us use cloud-based services without ever even realizing it. As technology is constantly advancing, being able to keep up and maintain scalability and efficiency is extremely important to businesses today. This ensures job security within the cloud sector and a vast amount of job opportunities across so many different fields and professions. Q: What would be your ideal job in this field after you graduate? A: My ideal job in this field would be either a Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect or a Cloud Network Engineer. These positions interest me due to how many different fields offer these types of positions. Having a baseline knowledge of AWS and cloud services opens so many doors within the IT field. For more information about the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing program, click here: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/cloudbat/.

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For Kayla Muzquiz, education has always been about more than earning a degree, it’s been about building a foundation for meaningful change. A former foster youth who moved often throughout San Antonio, Kayla found consistency in an unexpected place: the Alamo Colleges. “No matter where I ended up, there was always an Alamo College nearby,” she said. So when it came time to start her college journey, Palo Alto College on the Southside felt like a natural fit and ultimately, began to feel like home. After earning her Associate of Arts in Psychology from PAC, Kayla briefly enrolled in a university to continue her studies. However, she soon felt a longing for the sense of community and warmth she had come to appreciate at PAC. That’s when she discovered the college’s newest offering: the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management (B.A.T.). “I knew I wanted to start a nonprofit that connects people in need with the resources to meet those needs,” Kayla explained. “But to do that, I needed to understand the business side of things.” The B.A.T. program provided exactly that. Designed to prepare students for leadership roles across industries, the program blends business fundamentals with real-world applications in operations management. For Kayla, the program's hybrid format with flexible options for online and in-person courses was a perfect match. As an expectant mother with a busy schedule, having the ability to customize her course load was essential. “It’s rigorous. You have to be engaged and manage your time well. But the professors are so supportive, and they truly want to see you succeed.” Her coursework has already covered everything from human resources and accounting to project management and all skills she’s applying as she develops the business plan for her nonprofit. As a former work-study in the B.A.T. Department, Kayla had the unique opportunity to engage even more deeply with her professors and peers. “Working with the department gave me a chance to provide feedback, understand more about the resources available, and build connections that have helped me,” she said. She points to 24-hour online tutoring and the encouragement to build relationships with faculty as major assets to student success. What stands out most about the B.A.T. program, Kayla says, is the diversity of its students and the real-world experience they bring to the table. “Some of my classmates are returning to school after years away. Others are switching careers or trying to move up in their current jobs. The different perspectives make discussions richer and more insightful.” Now on track to graduate in Fall 2026, Kayla is well on her way to making her vision a reality. Her advice for future B.A.T. students? Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and stay organized. “If you can, try at least one in-person class. It’s a different experience, and it really helps you feel part of the community.” Looking ahead, Kayla sees limitless potential in operations management. “It’s a field with so many applications. No matter what your goals are, whether you want to run a business, lead a nonprofit, or become a leader in any field, you’ll use these skills.” Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, resilience, and community. Through the B.A.T. program at Palo Alto College, she’s proving that students can build a future that’s not only successful, but deeply rooted in purpose. To learn more about the B.A.T. program at Palo Alto College, visit alamo.edu/pac/ops-mgmt.  

To help students improve their reading skills, Steven Maison of Wanke Elementary’s Learning Tree after-school care program has partnered with Northwest Vista College (NVC) to bring fun to reading. For a service-learning project, NVC Plus+STEM students designed the “Egg-O-Matic Chicken Coop," a prize dispenser with a farm and chicken coop theme, working under the direction of NVC faculty members Mark Jurena and Thomas Pressly. The Wanke Elementary students can then use the prize dispenser to earn small rewards in the form of prize eggs for their reading (for example, receiving a book after reading a book). Maison recently visited the NVC Makerspace to receive training on the prize dispenser, speak with NVC students, and take the device back to surprise students at Wanke Elementary, which is part of the Northside Independent School District. The Makerspace is a collaborative space where students explore and design innovative projects, particularly those that bridge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with the arts. The Egg-O-Matic Chicken Coop was born in the summer of 2024. NVC student teams met with Maison and designed several small-scale options. The students used AutoCAD once Maison greenlit a specific design to create a 3D model assembly. They then created a lightweight frame, applying engineering principles of truss design, and added fascia as needed to support the electrical and mechanical systems. The students then designed the robotic mechanisms used in the dispenser (adapted to dispense plastic prize eggs, using ideas from a small candy dispenser). An Arduino controller, along with high-torque servos, was used. The students initially 3D printed the dispenser part to use rapid prototyping in their development of a final design. Then, they used a CNC mill to cut the final part out of plywood for the combination of heat resistance, strength, and durability with the plywood (over that of the printed plastic). This past spring semester, students completed and protected the wiring and programmed the controller. Additionally, a speaker was added to play farm-themed music during the power-up and dispensing functions. In the final stages of the project, students completed all final priming, painting, and applied a UV-protectant clear coat, ensuring that the aesthetic matched the farm theme. They also carefully tested the performance and worked to identify faults and errors, and made numerous minor adjustments to ensure the Egg-O-Matic Chicken Coop could withstand the use of elementary schoolchildren. All of the work was completed in the NVC Makerspace and would not have been possible without the tools, equipment, and assistance and expertise of the Makerspace staff. Items and materials were purchased with the support of the Department of Education Title III NVC Plus+STEM grant. The students and faculty were also supported through the Plus+STEM grant. The faculty, student team, and Maison express their gratitude to the Makerspace staff, Richard Crabb, James Sosso, and Marco Konradi, as well as to the NVC Plus+STEM Team, Prakash Nair, Claudia Chagoya Verdin, Thomas Pressly, Roxanne Penaloza, and Crystal Zapata. The following NVC students participated in this project: Summer 2024: Kevin Frias Fabian Hernandez Fall 2024: Tristan Cortez Brandon Diaz Lauren Fowlks Sophia Granados Anthony Morales Abraham Murillo Spring 2025: Diego Chavana Rayna Gomez Joanna Carla Purugganan Tomas Rodelo

Dr. Tafesse Borena’s journey to Palo Alto College began in 2022 when he joined as a part-time instructor in the Industrial Technology Department. A lifelong passion for manufacturing engineering and a deep belief in the power of hands-on learning brought Dr. Borena to PAC, and in 2024, he became a full-time member of the PAC Familia to assist the college in launching its experiential learning partnership with TX FAME. Originally from Ethiopia, Dr. Borena developed an interest in manufacturing early on. Fresh out of high school, he entered the trades before deciding to earn a degree in mechanical engineering and later a Ph.D. in computer-integrated engineering. Once he began teaching, Dr. Borena quickly realized his true calling was in practical, hands-on instruction that brings technical concepts to life for his students. In the Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program, Dr. Borena teaches students in a model he fully believes in: “learn by doing.” Thanks to the college’s partnership with TX FAME and Toyota, students split their time between classroom instruction and hands-on work experience at the Toyota manufacturing plant just down the road. This balance between theory and practice is central to Dr. Borena’s teaching philosophy and a cornerstone of the AMT program. “What sets our program apart,” Dr. Borena explains, “is our focus on innovation and forward-looking industry trends. Our students aren’t just learning how things work today; they’re preparing for what’s coming next.” The AMT curriculum is shaped by industry feedback and emerging technologies, ensuring students gain real-world exposure to robotics, AI, and the evolving tools of modern manufacturing. Beyond technical instruction, Dr. Borena takes pride in forming strong connections with his students. He believes that understanding a student’s strengths and weaknesses allows him to better guide their growth, not only academically, but personally. “I want my students to feel confident, even in areas where they struggle,” he says. “They should never be afraid of trying something new or embracing change. That’s how lifelong learners are made.” That love for innovation is also why Dr. Borena advocates for diversity in manufacturing. He proudly notes the growing presence of women in his classes, which are now nearly 50% female. He has seen how this shift has positively impacted classroom dynamics, encouraging creativity and collaboration. “This is one of the most important fields in our country right now,” Dr. Borena shares with students who are considering a future in AMT.  “The demand is high, the wages are strong even at the entry level, and the skills you gain here build a foundation for everything from logistics to engineering.” Dr. Borena is quick to challenge outdated assumptions about manufacturing work that might discourage any incoming students. “People think these are heavy labor jobs,” he says, “but today’s manufacturing relies on technology, innovation, and problem-solving. We don’t just need laborers; we need creative, adaptable thinkers who can lead.” Since joining Palo Alto College, Dr. Borena has made sure the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program produces students who exemplify just that. His commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education has strengthened the college’s efforts to prepare a highly skilled, innovation-ready workforce. Through his leadership, the AMT program continues to evolve with the needs of the industry, opening doors for students and advancing the college’s mission to empower every learner for success.