The Northwest Vista College Psychology Department attended the meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) from March 28 to March 30 in Little Rock, Ark. NVC Professor of Psychology, Dr. Don Lucas, along with seven NVC Psychology students, attended workshops, invited talks, research symposia, poster sessions, and research paper sessions. NVC students presented two original research studies to standing-room-only audiences. NVC students Suzzie Olvera, Christopher Sauceda, Robin Pritchard, Mel Cordero, Jax Silva, and Abril Martinez presented two studies. One study was titled, “Is Neurodivergence Associated with ‘Failing’ Tests of Reliability and Validity on Scientific Surveys?” The second study was titled “Prevalence of ADHD and Autism in Community Colleges.” Dr. Lucas chaired a session on Health Psychology, and, with the help of NVC student, Eriq Gomez, presented a theory paper titled, “A ‘Happy’ Part of Life: Wonderments.” Dr. Lucas said the SWPA audiences were particularly interested in the “Prevalence of ADHD and Autism in Community Colleges” study as its results directly relate to ‘implicit’ causes of less-than-ideal graduation rates in community colleges. The study found that few community colleges know exactly how many neurodivergent students are on their campuses because they rely on general statistics about neurodivergent populations. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control, in the U.S. population, the rate of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is 6%, and the rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 2%. Instead, the NVC study measured the prevalence of students with ADHD and ASD and scientifically found that between 4% and 33% of students enrolled in community colleges had ADHD traits, while 19% of these students were diagnosed with ADHD. Between 17% and 40% of community college students had ASD traits, while 3% of these students were diagnosed with ASD. Dr. Lucas added that finding that a third or more of higher education students have neurodivergent traits can have vast ramifications on learning and staying in college. Christopher Sauceda and Robin Pritchard will be attending The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas at Austin, respectively, in the fall, where they plan on continuing their studies of neurodivergent student populations. NVC students have been attending and presenting at the annual meetings of the SWPA with Dr. Lucas since 2005.  

A Triumph of Talent: NVC Repertory Dance Ensemble Shines at ACDA South-Central The Northwest Vista College community felt a surge of pride as the NVC Repertory Dance Ensemble returned from the American College Dance Association (ACDA) South-Central regional conference. Over the Spring Break, these dedicated dancers committed to an intensive experience, traveling to the national festival that brings together premier dance programs from institutions across the nation. This annual event, encompassing 11 regions, provides a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and artistic exchange. Northwest Vista College, San Antonio's only participating community college and one of the few in Texas, consistently attends this large national dance event. While the NVC dancers have always gained valuable experience, this year's achievements are exceptional. NVC Repertory Dance’s performance of "TECHTOPIA," a captivating piece choreographed by NVC instructor and former NVC Dance student, Brittany Lopez, was selected for the coveted Gala Concert. Performing in the Gala Concert is a historic milestone for NVC, as it is believed to be the NVC team’s first-ever selection for the Gala Concert. Out of nearly 60 dances presented throughout the conference, "TECHTOPIA" was chosen as one of the 12 standout performances. This achievement is particularly significant as NVC was the only community college represented in the Gala Concert, sharing the stage with renowned dance programs from institutions such as the University of Texas - Austin, Texas A&M University, and many more. Congratulations to our NVC dancers. Their achievement is a shining example of the talent and dedication thriving within Northwest Vista College.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting education and fighting hunger, H-E-B announced a $400,000 donation to the Alamo Colleges District and its Student Advocacy Center Network during an event at St. Philip’s College on Wednesday, March 26. The donation will support scholarships and strengthening resources available to students across the district who face food insecurity and other critical needs. The contribution from H-E-B, through its Hunger Relief program, also included a refrigerated truck that will enhance food collection and delivery in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, along with pantry equipment, food supplies, and emergency assistance to help students at all five Alamo Colleges. “Across the Alamo Colleges District, we know that supporting our students’ basic needs is essential to their success inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “Thanks to H-E-B’s generous investment, we’re expanding the capacity to support our students and our Advocacy Centers to ensure that food insecurity and other barriers don’t stand in the way of our students achieving their academic and career goals.” Each advocacy center across the district serves as a one-stop hub where students can access food pantries, benefits navigators, and emergency aid. Through partnerships, the centers host pop-up markets and maintain fully stocked campus food pantries, providing fresh, healthy food, and supplies directly to students and their families. “At H-E-B, we’re committed to helping our partners in education provide opportunities to the next generation of leaders who will shape the workforce in San Antonio and Texas,” said Monica Garza, H-E-B Senior Manager of Public Affairs. “Hunger impacts so many across our communities, and this gift will help give students access to food and other necessities, so they can focus on their academics and not where their next meal will come from.” According to a national study, nearly 40% of community college students experience food insecurity, which can impact their ability to stay enrolled and complete their education. H-E-B has more than a 30-year history of supporting the Alamo Colleges District and investing in initiatives and scholarships that make a difference in the lives of students. In 2024, H-E-B announced a $1 million donation to St. Philip’s College for the construction of the H-E-B Black Box Theater, further providing opportunities that drive creativity and innovation. For more information about the Alamo Colleges District Advocacy Centers, visit alamo.edu/advocacy.  ### About H-E-B H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

SAN ANTONIO - Northwest Vista College (NVC) graduate Noah Hernandez is the winner of this year’s Fiesta Medal Design contest. Hernandez, who graduated in 2024, attended NVC from the fall of 2022 until the spring of 2024 and earned two degrees — an Associate of Science and an Associate of Arts. Before immersing himself in biology/pre-nursing courses at NVC, the San Antonio native had enrolled in dual credit courses while a student at Health Careers High School. This spring semester, Hernandez transferred to UT Health San Antonio where he’s pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.  “I have a passion for helping those in need. I plan to work as a nurse as well as continue my education to become a nurse practitioner or a CRNA,” he said via email.  The former Wildcat said he and his family always look forward to Fiesta San Antonio which usually occurs during his birthday in April. Attending the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades have become a family tradition, so winning the Fiesta Medal Design contest will make this year’s festivities extra special.  Hernandez said this was his first time entering a Fiesta medal contest, but he always had an appreciation for art including the student artwork displayed across the NVC campus. So, when the Fiesta Medal Design contest was announced at NVC, he took the opportunity to see what he could create. “For this design, I had the inspiration of creating a modern championship look for the medal,” he said. “Realizing that this was the 30th anniversary, I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate a "sports medal" type of design which represents all the accomplishments this campus has made so far in creating futures for our students.”  It took only four days of work for him to come up with the winning design. Hernandez acknowledges his friend, Sebastian Rodriguez, played a role in helping to brainstorm ideas for the design. He also credits his nieces for inspiring him in this and other endeavors.  “I believe the day I started the project one of my nieces was over at our house and she was learning to draw, so I decided to try and see what I could come up with,” said Hernandez. “I think many of the things I do are to set an example of what's possible for my nieces.”  This past winter break, Hernandez had the opportunity to travel to Japan from Nagasaki to Tokyo. He said immersing himself in a different culture was an amazing experience, one he hopes everyone can have.  “I consider myself a person who isn't afraid to try new things.

SAN ANTONIO - Northwest Vista College (NVC) welcomes Dr. Sara Lozano as its new Vice President for Academic Success. Dr. Lozano brings 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as Dean of the Division of Business, Public Safety, and Technology at South Texas College in McAllen, Texas. Dr. Lozano’s expertise in assessment of learning outcomes, scheduling, and workforce development aligns perfectly with NVC’s strategic focus on student achievement and career readiness. We are excited to have her leadership as we grow our programs, expand our partnerships, and create more student success pathways,” said Northwest Vista College President Dr. Amy Bosley. In her previous role as a Dean at South Texas College, Dr. Lozano led 20 academic and workforce programs, aligned them with industry standards and enhanced academic transfer opportunities. Her focus was on promoting initiatives that meet both community and workforce needs. Her accomplishments at South Texas College include launching new programs in surveying, cosmetology, and architecture. Also last year, her leadership culminated in the approval of a police academy license through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, elevating the training for students. She also spearheaded capital improvement projects to update campus facilities across several of their campuses. Before this role, Dr. Lozano served as Department Chair for the Architectural and Engineering Design Technology Program and as a faculty member. Now, as NVC’s Vice President for Academic Success, she will oversee programs for more than 20,000 students. “I am honored to join Northwest Vista College and work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and students. I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to achieve their academic and professional goals,” said Dr. Lozano. “I stand ready to foster and cultivate an environment of success, support, and love of learning for our entire Northwest Vista College community,” she added. Dr. Lozano has also served on state and national advisory boards, securing significant grant funding for workforce development and championing the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Among the newest developments at NVC, she will provide leadership for the Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Cloud Computing, and a planned School of Emerging Technologies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Yale University, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Adams State University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

The Northwest Vista College Library participated in Library Palooza, a dynamic event hosted by the Northside Independent School District (NISD), where middle and high school students had the exciting opportunity to meet six popular Young Adult (YA) authors. This festival allowed students to connect with authors who write for teens and reinforced the library’s belief in the power of reading for both learning and leisure. “At the NVC Library, we understand how crucial it is for students to develop a love for reading, not just for academic success, but also for personal enjoyment. Leisure reading is vital in helping students build empathy, improve language skills, and expand their imaginations,” said NVC Public Services Librarian Angela Bilbe. The NVC Library is sharing many of the titles featured at Library Palooza in the newly established Leisure Reading Collection. This collection is specifically designed to inspire and support students in exploring entertaining and thought-provoking books, helping to create a lifelong love of reading. The NVC Library's participation in Library Palooza underscores the importance of libraries as spaces for learning, connection, and exploration. Working closely with NISD schools helps the NVC Library bridge the gap between education and the wider community, showing students the many ways reading can enrich their lives. “Our participation in Library Palooza is a small but meaningful part of our commitment to supporting students in their journey to becoming lifelong readers,” said Bilbe. Library Palooza 3/7