Event - Speakers Series - Fentanyl Speakers Series - About Stacey R. Johnson

Event - Speakers Series - Mia Speakers Series - About Stacey R. Johnson

Northwest Vista College (NVC) is proud to announce that student Lindsey Botello's design has been selected to represent the college as a finalist in the competition to create the official Fiesta 2026 poster. The competition issued a call to all students across the five Alamo Colleges, requesting submissions based on the 2026 theme, "Fiesta Together." Botello, who is a nursing student, shared the inspiration behind his winning submission: “My design for the Fiesta poster was inspired by the wildcat, a symbol of strength, pride, and community spirit. I wanted the bold energy of the wildcat to capture the excitement of our Fiesta celebration here in San Antonio, while also representing resilience, which is something I value as a nursing student preparing for a career of care and dedication.” The Selection Process Botello's design was unveiled alongside finalists from the four Alamo Colleges at the Fiesta San Antonio Commission's '5 to 1' Unveiling Event at the SA Garden Center on Sept. 25. Members of the Fiesta Commission met to choose their favorite design as the next official poster for Fiesta 2026. The poster winner and the unveiling of the final poster will take place on Jan. 29, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the 2026 Official Fiesta Poster Unveiling and Miss Fiesta San Antonio Selection Event at The Rosenberg Skyroom at the University of the Incarnate Word. The NVC Fine and Performing Arts department also recognized four other NVC students who submitted top entries: Clarissa Tovar, Christine Teran, Laith Halum, and Rebecca Garcia. 2026 - Fiesta Poster Finalists

When Michael Longoria began attending Northwest Vista College (NVC) in 2014, he knew he wanted a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Longoria’s enthusiasm for STEM led to what could be described as a light-bulb moment that changed his life. That monumental moment occurred when he was walking to class one day and spotted a poster for NVC’s nanotechnology program. Nanotechnology, a field of science and engineering that focuses on the design and manufacture of extremely small devices and structures, had piqued his interest in a big way. Longoria would go on to earn a Certificate in Nanotechnology in 2017. “I instantly fell in love with nanotechnology and all its applications across multiple fields: medical, automotive, cell phones, and computers,” he said. “I want to work with novel materials and hopefully change the world in some way, from new types of medicines to 3D-printed homes.” Longoria said attending Northwest Vista College has impacted his life immensely. Some of his best memories of campus life include witnessing the passion his professors had for their subjects and going on class trips where he watched Ph.D. students conduct lab work. He added that the labs, class projects, and instrumentation classes at NVC gave him the foundation, hands-on experience, and essential skills required to acquire jobs in the STEM field. Since earning his Technical Certificate in Nanotechnology, Longoria has worked as a laboratory and chemical technician. He’s now a particle technician at Southwest Research Institute in a particle science and technology group that runs emissions testing and soot analysis on commercial vehicles. “We can do various tests with anything that has to do with particulate matter,” he said. “During COVID, for example, clients reached out to us to test N95 masks for their efficacy on filtering particulate matter.” In the spring, he plans to head back to the classroom to earn a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering/material science at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Michael Longoria is among the graduates whose stories are being highlighted as part of NVC’s 30th anniversary celebration. If you have a story to share, please email NVC-News@alamo.edu VISIT NVC'S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION WEBPAGE

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

Navigating the start of a college journey can be challenging for any student — but especially for former service members transitioning to civilian life, like Gilberto Miramontes, a former combat medic in the United States Air Force. “When I separated from the military, I felt like I wasn't in control of my career. I didn’t have many resources to help me choose a specific career path or determine where to go next.”Gilberto knew he wanted to continue working in the medical field, so he began researching highly rated nursing programs recommended by other veterans. He also needed a program that would accommodate his work schedule and his responsibilities as a father of his 9-year-old son, Santiago.  His research led him to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Antonio College (SAC).  “I was looking for the perfect college that would consider my prior experience. It became clear to me that the Alamo Colleges was where I needed to put my energy and pursue my education,” Gilberto said.  As he began the enrollment process with the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Gilberto felt anxious but discovered a robust network of support systems ready to help him.  “I’m not a traditional student. Starting college after nearly 20 years was very scary, but everyone was so welcoming. The Student Advocacy Center and the Victory Center (San Antonio College Veterans Affairs Office) provided me with all the necessary tools and support,” Gilberto said.  While in the program, Gilberto discovered that SAC's BSN program offers students a comprehensive, hands-on education, essential leadership skills, and valuable medical experience in various settings.  “We visited various sites across San Antonio, which helped me identify the specialty I wanted to pursue in my career. They offered great advice on how to build professional relationships with hospitals,” Gilberto said.  As the program progressed, the demands of Gilberto's life started to weigh heavily on him. During his second semester, he struggled to balance academics, fatherhood, and a full-time job. However, he credits his professors for their proactive support; they made a point to check in on him and offered encouragement and understanding. “The faculty were always available and ready to help. If I had a question, I could reach out to them in multiple ways, and they would meet with me one-on-one to answer my questions or provide resources.”Gilberto maintained his focus and motivation, ultimately graduating from the program in Spring 2025. He passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and is now a registered nurse with University Health.  “The Alamo Colleges really helped me believe in myself and my ability to complete my degree,” said Gilberto. “The support I received was crucial in helping me grow and develop into the nurse I am today.”    Watch Gilberto's Story: