SAN ANTONIO - Northwest Vista College (NVC) alum 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

The Alamo Colleges District’s upgraded ACES Portal is now available for you to preview. The new portal features a modernized design and improved functionality to give students, faculty, and staff more straightforward access to key tools, resources, and helpful information.    The new ACES portal will be the default portal option in mid-March.  ACES Upgrade Video FM Cards Format: Content is arranged into a ‘card’ format. Each card may represent a single tool or resource or could contain a group of related items in one card. Streamlined Navigation: ACES cards are organized into five main categories: Academics, Enrollment, Paying for College, Resources, and My ACES Profile. The menu is located on the left side of the screen.  Search Functionality: Looking for something specific? Use the "Discover” option to locate relevant cards across all menu categories. Type a search term or select from suggested topics.  Personalization: Customize your portal home screen by bookmarking and organizing your most-used cards.  Aces FWC We’re dedicated to improving ACES to better serve you. Use the 'Report ACES Feedback & Issues' card on your home screen to share any suggestions or concerns, and we’ll make enhancements based on your input.

During Hands-on Workshop led by faculty from the University of Texas at Arlington Northwest Vista College (NVC) students recently took part in a unique training session focused on analyzing environmental data. On Feb. 7, students converged on campus for a workshop led by faculty from the University of Texas at Arlington. The event, supported by the National Science Foundation, equipped students with valuable, marketable skills in the rapidly growing field of environmental science and data analysis. The workshop required no prior experience, making it accessible to students from a variety of academic backgrounds. The session focused on how to analyze large datasets related to pressing environmental concerns, including climate change, water resources, and sustainability. Students were empowered to not only understand the complex challenges facing our planet but also to contribute to finding data-driven solutions. Beyond the opportunity to learn from leading experts, the training also offered several added benefits. Participants received a $50 student stipend and a certificate of completion, recognizing their newly acquired skills. The certificate is particularly valuable in today's competitive job market, providing students with tangible credentials to showcase their expertise. This collaboration with UT-Arlington marked an exciting opportunity for NVC students to gain hands-on experience in a critical and evolving field. The workshop provided a significant step for preparing the next generation of environmental stewards and data analysts.       

Palo Alto College's Student Health Advocacy Resource Engagement (S.H.A.R.E.) Center has received a $748,566 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch 'Project Necesidades' or Project Basic Needs, directly addressing students who may otherwise go without essential resources. This funding will expand the reach of the S.H.A.R.E. Center, providing critical services to students both at the main campus and satellite location, the Southside Education and Training Center (SETC). Many students face challenges that go beyond the classroom, such as food insecurity, mental health struggles, financial stress, and limited access to transportation. The S.H.A.R.E. Center exists to fill these gaps, ensuring students have the support they need to focus on their education and well-being. "As the Director of the Advocacy Center at Palo Alto College, I am grateful to have received this grant from the Department of Education to launch Project Necesidades. Over the next three years, this funding will enable us to enhance our existing services and expand outreach," shared Director of Student Advocacy Carmen Velasquez. One of the primary goals of the grant is to bring the full range of S.H.A.R.E. Center services to SETC by Fall 2025. This expansion will include establishing a fully functional S.H.A.R.E. Center at SETC, offering the same critical resources provided at the main campus. Students at SETC will gain on-site access to counseling, financial assistance, and mental health support that might otherwise be out of reach. To meet the basic requirements of attendance and accessibility, no-cost internet hotspots and transportation support will be provided through Lyft vouchers and gift cards, allowing qualifying students to access campus services. One of the primary goals of the grant is to bring the full range of S.H.A.R.E. Center services to SETC by Fall 2025. This expansion will include establishing a fully functional S.H.A.R.E. Center at SETC, offering the same critical resources provided at the main campus. Students at SETC will gain on-site access to counseling, financial assistance, and mental health support that might otherwise be out of reach. To meet the basic requirements of attendance and accessibility, no-cost internet hotspots and transportation support will be provided through Lyft vouchers and gift cards, allowing qualifying students to access campus services. Access to mental health will be enhanced by expanding services to include: Student support groups Specialized therapy sessions Additional "sound bath" sessions, a beloved campus wellness initiative that offers relaxation and stress relief. New mental health series for staff titled "Masterclass." Human trafficking awareness training for students and professionals in the Helping Professions Programs(Nursing and Dental Hygiene). To meet this growing need, the S.H.A.R.E. Center will contract a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or LPC associate and improve its facilities, including comfortable furniture for counseling sessions at the main campus and satellite locations. Grant funds will also be used to expand the "Grab and Go" lunch program to serve the veteran student population, provide additional part-time staff to support the Food Pantry at both campuses, and implement a new assistance program offering students housing kits that include essential items for setting up new living spaces. "This grant allows us to build on and enhance the support we offer students," said Velasquez. "By addressing basic needs and ensuring accessibility across campuses, we are helping students overcome barriers and stay on track toward graduation." With these new resources, the S.H.A.R.E. Center is poised to make an even greater impact on the Palo Alto College community, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed academically and personally.  

Pictured: Leslie Odom Jr. and Dr. Eric Castillo Last week, the Alamo Colleges District hosted the 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor, and songwriter Leslie Odom Jr. The theme, "The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity," brought together the community for a powerful evening of reflection, culture, and connection at the Carver Community Cultural Center. The event was emceed by Erika Prosper, the First Lady of San Antonio, and opened with a blessing and land acknowledgment by Destiny Hernández of the Payaya Clan of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with the center's Executive Director, Cassandra Parker-Nowicki. Chancellor Dr. Flores also spoke about the power of art and education in healing. Following the speeches, the audience was captivated by a dragon dance performed by the San Antonio Chinese Alliance and a Native American hoop dance by Eric Michael Hernández of the Lumbee Tribe. The evening continued with a conversation between Dr. Eric Castillo, Associate Vice Chancellor for Arts, Culture, and Community Impact, and Leslie Odom Jr. about finding compassion within ourselves. Leslie emphasized, “It’s how we treat one another and how we treat ourselves. We can express that compassion in how we speak to our students, employees, and children. The healing work that you're doing—that is your 'change is going to come.' We all can contribute to it.”View Event Photos View the Event Video

  (SAN ANTONIO, Texas) – Jan. 28, 2025 – The Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees has called for a $987 million bond to acquire, improve, construct, equip, and renovate facilities and sites throughout the District. 'This bond will appear on the May 3, 2025, election ballot and is intended to address the region's growing educational and workforce demands. Following the planning and recommendations of the Citizen’s Bond Advisory Committee, the board called for the bond election during its meeting on Jan. 28, 2025.  Details of the bond include the following preliminary allocations: $535 million for new programs and facilities expansion. $247 million for infrastructure improvements. $205 million for multi-sector investments in areas such as engineering, healthcare, IT and cybersecurity, emerging technologies, applied technology and construction trades, automotive technology, and transportation. Bexar County's population projections show an expected rise of over 29%, reaching nearly 2.5 million residents by 2040. Surrounding counties are also anticipated to experience significant growth during this period. If voters approve the bond at the May 3, 2025, election, the Alamo Colleges District anticipates issuing the voter-approved bonds in multiple installments over several years, projected to result in no tax rate increase for Alamo Colleges District taxpayers. Election Day is May 3, 2025. Early voting will run from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, through Tuesday, April 29, 2025. To learn more about the bond proposal or to request a bond information presentation visit alamo.edu/cip View CIP Bond Page

Blessing of the Peacemakers 2025 Northwest Vista College (NVC) hosted the 20th annual Blessing of the Peacemakers on Jan. 26, a community event celebrating those who work for peace in San Antonio. This year's theme was "Who is my neighbor?" and focused on interconnectedness and shared humanity. The event, held at the NVC campus, recognized individuals dedicated to peace, justice, and compassion. It emphasized that being a good neighbor extends beyond physical proximity and requires active care and support for others. Organizers stressed the importance of mending broken relationships and building bridges of understanding. The ceremony featured a performance by the Raindrop Ensemble, whose mission, as described by Director Aaron Michael, is to promote understanding and peace through music. The ensemble's performance underscored the event's message of unity and collaboration. San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega read a special poem celebrating San Antonio. Dr. Amy Bosley, president of Northwest Vista College, welcomed attendees and highlighted the college's recent achievements. NVC is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has reached a student enrollment of over 20,000, making it the largest college in the Alamo Colleges District. Dr. Bosley also noted that NVC launched its first Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Cloud Computing this past fall. San Antonio Peace Center Director Migdalia Garcia emphasized NVC's commitment to fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff work together to create positive change. She further acknowledged the importance of the work of mutual thriving and "Golden Rule living," expressing gratitude for the peace laureates and all attendees and stating that San Antonio is a better place because of their collective efforts. The 2025 Peace Laureates are: Larry Hufford: With more than 50 years of teaching experience, Hufford is a community organizer and social justice activist. Raindrop Foundation San Antonio: RFSA serves the greater San Antonio community through events and programs that cultivate cross-cultural friendships, promote interfaith dialogue, and build bridges between groups. Catholic Worker House: CWH’s mission is to assist people needing food, shelter, and help.