Mia Lopez, the McNay Art Museum's first Curator of Latinx Art, will speak about the renaissance of Latino art on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Northwest Vista College. The event will be held in the NVC Palmetto Center for the Arts Theatre from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and is co-sponsored by the Northwest Vista College Humanities Speakers Series and the Mexican American Studies (MAS) program. Lopez has received national attention for bringing to the mainstream artistic movements that have been overlooked by many and can be seen throughout the communities of San Antonio. For instance, spaces like Market Square or the restaurant Mi Tierra have a blend of eclectic art, murals, and cultural ornaments - a style coined by San Antonio artist Tomás Ybarra-Frausto as “rasquachismo.” Lopez brought that distinct perspective to the exhibit she curated, “Rasquachismo: 35 Years of Chicano Sensibility.” This garnered national praise by the art world and established the concept as part of the canon of American art - which has an array of influential artists. The Rasquachismo exhibition also made headlines in Artforum magazine, a decisive voice and tastemaker in the art world. With her recent accolades, Lopez hopes to have a conversation with students and the public about bringing visibility to the McNay. “One of the things I want to emphasize is that the McNay is a place of belonging and you can see reflections of your own culture and lived experiences,” she said. “I want to remind students not to be afraid of putting themselves out there as creatives. We have very rich and diverse art ecosystems and great nonprofits, pop-ups, and galleries.” Another project that Lopez will highlight at her NVC talk is titled “La Feria: A Celebration of Public Space,” which will be on display at the McNay in January 2026. The exhibition will bring together art from the McNay collection that captures the vibrancy of city and village life and the culture that is created in communal spaces. "This is an incredible opportunity for Northwest Vista College to welcome a leader from the McNay Art Museum to our campus," said Craig Coroneos, NVC Humanities faculty and Program Coordinator. "Mia Lopez's talk will allow our students and the community to take a fascinating look at the rich history and future of art in San Antonio." The event is open to the public. To learn more, visit Alamo.edu/NVC/Speakers. To register for the 6 p.m. discussion, go here. For questions regarding the event, please contact: Craig Coroneos at CCoroneos@alamo.edu Speakers Series - About Stacey R. Johnson

Alma Navarro, originally from Venezuela, knew she needed better career opportunities to provide a brighter future for herself and her 10-year-old son. However, she was concerned about balancing her busy life with her academic pursuits.  Palo Alto College (PAC) offered a convenient location that allowed Alma to remain an active parent while studying in the Dental Hygiene Program. “At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming because I didn't know how I was going to manage my time and schedule with my son, but I found that it was a perfect fit for me.” The Dental Hygiene Program’s faculty and staff fostered a supportive network, making Alma's sometimes challenging coursework more manageable.  “I could feel that they care about our learning and success. They were always there to support us, whether it was with a kind word,sitting with us to study or review challenging material,” said Alma.  During Alma's time in the program, Mel Treviño, a Palo Alto Dental Hygiene Instructor, witnessed the program's positive impact on Alma.  “Alma grew immensely during the two years we were together. I saw her confidence increase, particularly in patient care. It has been wonderful to see her accomplish her dreams and how much she has grown since she first started the program,” said Trevino.  In addition to the support Alma received in the classroom, she was also connected with resources that helped her overcome challenges, allowing her to focus on her family and academics.  “The Alamo Colleges District has been incredibly helpful. They provide students with various resources, from the S.H.A.R.E. Center to financial aid. They are always willing to assist, whether I was asking for help or not,” said Alma.  Having experienced the powerful impact of Alamo Colleges' quality education, affordability, and personalized support, Alma feels grateful for her journey. “Alamo Colleges is the best place for a student because they help you improve your career, enhance your life, and simultaneously support your family.”Alma is now a dental hygienist at a local dental office, but her journey at ACD is not over yet. She plans to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program later this year.    Watch Alma's Story

If someone would have told Rebecca Garcia that she would graduate from college 35 years after completing high school, she would not have believed it. She could never have imagined that in 2021, amid a worldwide pandemic, that she and her youngest daughter, Monica Garcia, would both graduate from Northwest Vista College. Cheering for them on their special day was Rebecca’s husband, Richard Garcia, and their eldest daughter, Desiree Garcia, who is also a NVC graduate. As Northwest Vista College celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we’re reconnecting with alumni and discovering how receiving a degree or certificate from NVC has impacted their lives and careers. Despite the distinct challenges that all three members of the close-knit Garcia family faced, all of them said NVC provided the motivation they needed to achieve their goals. Desiree was the first in the Garcia family to go to college and chose NVC. She graduated from NVC in 2013 with an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. In 2016, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). For Desiree, getting a degree at NVC was the first step toward fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. “If it wasn’t for Vista, I wouldn’t have gone to get my bachelor’s degree. I would not have gone into the police academy,” she said. “It all started with Vista giving me a chance.” Today, Desiree proudly serves as a police officer with the Northside Independent School District (NISD) where she's been for nearly six years. Prior to that, she served as an officer with the Live Oak Police Department. Despite her accomplishments, Desiree recalls a time when she had lost her motivation to complete her bachelor’s degree. When her great-grandfather died in 2015, she felt like giving up, but her desire to make him proud, as well as the encouragement from her father, mother and sister, helped her carry on. As it turns out, the Garcias served as a support system for each other, and about a year later, Monica decided to follow her older sister’s advice and enrolled at NVC. Not long after, their mom, Rebecca, who had started at San Antonio College after graduating from high school in 1986, also enrolled at NVC. Rebecca said going back to college after 30 years was both a humbling and eye-opening experience. “I quickly realized that math wasn’t as easy as it used to be. I had to visit the math lab more often than I liked,” Rebecca said. “But the individuals would sit with me in a huddle to make sure I understood everything. It didn’t matter if they were busy or not; they always made me feel welcome and smart, even when I doubted myself.” Rebecca and her youngest daughter, Monica, helped each other with homework and, at the suggestion of their advisor, even took a couple of classes together. Monica said going to school with her mom was a little weird at first, but because of the support they gave each other, it soon felt natural. “What I learned going to Vista is that you’re never too old or too young to go back to school,” Monica said. “There are going to be obstacles along the way, and you can always overcome those obstacles with the right people by your side.” As was the case for Desiree, Monica and Rebecca did not let obstacles stop them from completing their education — not even the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, both were among the pandemic-era, masked-wearing graduates who participated in NVC’s memorable drive-thru commencement ceremony at NISD’s Dub Farris Athletic Stadium Complex. Desiree said she cried like a baby and Richard was also filled with emotion as they watched Rebecca and Monica receive the degrees they had worked so hard to attain. Monica earned an Associate of Arts in Digital Media, and she’s currently working as an accounting clerk for IPAC Nissan in San Antonio. Rebecca received an Associate of Arts in Medical Management. She said graduating from college at 52 was something she never thought would happen, but it gave her confidence and put her on a career path that she’d dreamed of but didn’t think was possible. She’s now the office manager for the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Division for UT Health San Antonio. “It’s a position I take great pride in, and I feel I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone at Northwest Vista College.” VISIT NVC'S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION WEBPAGE

A group of students from the Alamo Colleges District recently completed a 14-day study abroad program in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Organized by the Alamo Colleges International Programs Office, the trip allowed students to complete courses while journeying through spectacular vistas, coffee farms, and rural villages. Participants were enrolled in Drawing I or Drawing II with Art Professor Rachael Bower and Zoology or an independent study with Biology Professor Jessica Heppard. The students spent a week and a half exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Central American nation, combining academic work with a firsthand appreciation for the country's natural beauty. The 11 cross-disciplinary students traveled to four field stations and the capital city of San José as they explored the incredible ecosystems of Costa Rica, which contains 5% of the biodiversity on planet Earth. The rainforests, Caribbean beaches, and cloud forests served as inspiration for students as they recorded their observations through sketches and field notes. Students didn’t just observe wildlife, although the parade of wildlife included adorable baby sloths, raucous toucans, and the spectacular yet elusive, resplendent quetzal. These burgeoning scientists and artists had the rare opportunity to use mist nets to capture and record bats (including the fuzzy Honduran white bats). Students also completed nesting surveys for leatherback sea turtles, and set camera traps to record mammals such as tapirs and jaguars. Our group even had the privilege of collaborating with Turtle Rescue Cahuita to release nine baby leatherback sea turtles. Watching these tiny, brave turtles cross the sand and enter the vast ocean was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along with an exploration of Costa Rica’s nature, students also explored the past and current artistic works of the country. The beautiful sculptures and paintings of the Teatro Nacional and contemporary works in the Museo de Arte Costarricense inspired students to fill their own sketchbooks with drawings and watercolor paintings. Beyond the academic program, students reflected on the program and later discussed how much they missed the people, the food, and the camaraderie of sharing 24 hours a day with friends. Environmental science student Alyssa Martinez said of the experience, “I miss being busy in nature!” This program was offered as a partnership between Northwest Vista College, the Alamo Colleges International Programs Office, and the Study Abroad Association. Heppard will lead a study abroad program this winter to India with a focus on sustainability and photography. Check the Alamo Colleges’ Study Abroad website at this link for details. Students’ artworks from this program will be on display starting Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the NVC Palmetto Center for the Performing Arts.

(2011-2014) By 2011, Northwest Vista College students, faculty, and staff had settled into the new buildings and often enjoyed sitting by Lago Vista, watching the wildlife. This period was marked by significant growth and recognition as the college expanded its facilities with a new parking garage and solidified its reputation as a leader in academic excellence through the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, as well as workforce development through a key partnership with Rackspace. As the student body grew, so did its spirit, with the official introduction of the Wildcat Willie mascot. This era culminated in a successful transition of leadership, setting the stage for continued progress. San Antonio-based technology services provider Rackspace hired 15 students from NVC’s Cisco Networking program in 2011, establishing a partnership that would last many years. Students enrolled in workforce programs such as Information Technology, Networking, Digital Media, and Digital Video & Cinema Production gained hands-on experience through practicums and internships with San Antonio businesses. The following year, NVC was recognized by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program for best practice in leadership and student focus. At the time, 3,000 students participated in the NVC Dual Credit Program, paving the way for current Dual Credit enrollment of over 7,300 students. In 2012, the campus increased its parking capacity with an additional 747 parking spaces in a new 250,489-square-foot Prickly Pear Parking Garage. On October 9, 2012, the NVC mascot officially became known as Wildcat Willie. The idea for the name came after a wildcat costume was rented for a campus event. At the event, the name Wildcat Willie was suggested for the mascot, and it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, solidifying the choice. The original mascot costume was soon replaced with a new design, and Wildcat Willie became a campus celebrity. A few months later, in June 2013, NVC’s Game Development & Computer program had 15 students who were among the five finalist teams recognized as the best student talent for creating their game “Time Glitch” at the Electronic Entertainment Expo College Game Competition. From the 2007-2008 to the 2012-2013 academic years, Northwest Vista College saw a remarkable 131% increase in the number of degrees and certificates awarded. This growth occurred alongside a significant rise in enrollment, which climbed from just over 10,600 in 2007 to about 16,000 by the 2013-2014 academic year. In August 2014, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch retired after 16 years of dedicated service as NVC’s president, leaving behind numerous college milestones. She was honored with the title of Administrative Emeritus for her contributions. In 2014, Dr. Ric Neal Baser then took over as president, bringing with him over 34 years of experience in higher education. That same year, NVC earned its fifth consecutive Military Friendly Schools Designation. Enrollment continued to grow, reaching 17,606 in the fall, which included students enrolled in Flex courses. Ultimately, the period from 2011 to 2014 was a transformative chapter for Northwest Vista College, solidifying its identity and paving the way for future success. Watch for next month’s Retrospective: 2015 – 2018! Do you have a 30th Anniversary 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

Actor Billy Baldwin and Former National Homelessness Expert Robert Marbut Jr. Team Up to Educate the Public Northwest Vista College will host a panel discussion and screening of the documentary, “Fentanyl: Death Incorporated,” on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Palmetto Center for the Arts. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. The 60-minute documentary is produced by NVC instructor and former White House Policy Advisor, Dr. Robert G. Marbut Jr., and narrated by actor William (Billy) Baldwin. The documentary paints a sobering picture of how the exploding fentanyl crisis is affecting communities, national public health, and global stability. Dr. Robert G. Marbut Jr. - who has worked for three different U.S. presidential administrations - serves as the film's producer, giving insight and expertise on one of the most pressing public health issues of our time and urging the need for effective solutions. Directed by Stephen Wollwerth, the documentary is a Zackito Productions Movie in partnership with 3Gates Films. “Audiences who have seen this documentary are shocked and alarmed by how dangerous fentanyl has become,” said Marbut. “It is essential that everyone in the U.S. educates themselves on fentanyl. Watching ‘Fentanyl: Death Incorporated’ is an important first step.” The documentary provides an in-depth understanding of fentanyl: how it is used, its effects on the body, and its various forms and derivatives. The documentary looks at the deaths due to fentanyl in the U.S. It also explores the shift from organic opioids to synthetic opioids, and the roles of China, Mexico, and Canada in the international drug trade. Additionally, “Fentanyl: Death Incorporated” evaluates current harm reduction strategies and the urgent need for solutions, while proposing strategies for addressing the crisis and mitigating its effects. "As an institution committed to educating our community and prioritizing well-being, this panel of experts will provide crucial information and resources, helping to raise awareness about a public health emergency that tragically impacts people of all ages and backgrounds,” said NVC President Dr. Amy Bosley. # # # Dr. Robert G. Marbut Jr. is a national expert on the fentanyl crisis and homelessness. With over four decades of experience, he has served in three presidential administrations, including as the White House Homelessness Czar. He was the founding president and CEO of Haven for Hope, one of the most comprehensive homeless centers in the U.S. As an expert on homelessness, his recent work focuses on the rise of fentanyl misuse within the homeless community. He also serves as executive producer for the film “No Address” and the documentary “Americans with No Address.” For questions regarding the event, please contact: Craig Coroneos at CCoroneos@alamo.edu Speakers Series - About Stacey R. Johnson