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.    

Growth & Discovery (1999-2002) Northwest Vista College (NVC) celebrated its grand opening on October 8, 1999, with the completion of the Learning Center and College Commons. The festivities, held near the bridge entrance to the Academic Building, brought together District Board members, employees, and students and featured NVC English faculty member Cluster Byars, who captivated attendees by reading a poem he had authored specifically for the occasion. (See the poem here.) These foundational facilities enabled classrooms, labs, and faculty offices to establish their permanent homes within the Academic Building. Rapid Campus and Program Growth The first floor of the Learning Center became the administrative heart of the college, housing key offices and the Student Success Center. The NVC Learning Resource Center (library) occupied the second floor, quickly gaining recognition for its extensive digital collections – a forward-thinking approach for its time. The College Commons building served as a vibrant hub, accommodating the bookstore, the college’s Kinesiology and Multimedia Technology programs, the Office of Student Engagement, and the college’s main dining hall. Building on its initial momentum, NVC rapidly expanded its academic offerings. In 1999, demonstrating early innovation, NVC launched courses in both Geology and Chemistry in the up-and-coming online format. Soon after, the college program catalog expanded to include new, specialized programs such as Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Teleservice Technology, Health Administrative Services, and Computer Information Systems. Notably, programs like Community Health Worker and Pharmacy Technology, introduced during this period, continue to be offered today, underscoring their enduring relevance. The Wildcat Mascot Emerges As the student body grew, reaching 4,056 by 2000, a unique aspect of the campus’s character began to emerge, leading to the unexpected discovery of what would become the college mascot. During the 2000-2001 academic year, employees observed large paw prints belonging to a mountain lion on campus. The area just outside the Commons Building, where the bridge and stairs now lead to Juniper Hall, was aptly named Wildcat Cove. On Graduation Day, signs proclaiming “Beware of the Wildcat!” added to a touch of campus lore. Initially, it was suggested to trap and relocate the mountain lion, which had taken up residence in the backwoods of the NVC campus, to give birth to a cub. Instead, all students and employees received training on how to react if they encountered a mountain lion, with the directive to “Look Big!” This particular she-cat became a significant part of the college’s early identity and ultimately evolved into the college mascot – The Wildcat. Accreditation and Expanding Impact A pivotal moment in NVC’s early history arrived with the achievement of initial accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 2001. This significant milestone demonstrated the college’s adherence to its mission, the quality of its programs and services, and its commitment to integrity. As a direct result, NVC gained the crucial ability to support essential student functions, including access to federal financial aid and grants, and ensured transferability of its credits by other accredited colleges and universities. In that same impactful year, NVC received its first Title V Grant, totalling $1.9 million. Concurrently, the NVC Workforce Education & Training department forged key partnerships with 15 businesses and organizations, successfully training over 2,500 individuals, further solidifying the college’s role in community development. By fall 2002, enrollment had reached 7,099. In a testament to its innovative spirit, NVC became the first community college in San Antonio to offer a CISCO Certified Networking Associate Certification. Also in 2002, NVC earned nationwide recognition as a leader in student growth from Community College Week. This distinction marked the first of many accolades NVC received throughout the years. Beyond academic and enrollment achievements, NVC fostered a deep connection with its natural surroundings, a characteristic that remains a point of enduring pride. NVC received the Texas Master Naturalist Award for preservation from the Texas Master Naturalist program, acknowledging its commitment to environmental stewardship. Thirty years later, the NVC campus continues to be celebrated for its natural beauty, a hallmark of its identity and a testament to its commitment to both education and environmental stewardship. Stay tuned for next month’s Retrospective: 2003 – 2006. Do you have a 30 Year story to share? Please send a short summary of your story idea to NVC-News@alamo.edu. We will contact you for more information. VISIT NVC'S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION WEBPAGE