San Antonio - Northwest Vista College’s Digital Video & Cinema Production (DVCP) program presented its Student Film Showcase. The event highlighted the creative and technical skills of talented NVC students. This free event was open to the public on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Palmetto Center for the Arts. The showcase featured about 18 short films and film scenes in various genres, all under 5 minutes, written and directed by students from the Directing for Film/Video course. This end-of-semester event was one of the highlights of the DVCP program, in which NVC student filmmakers premiere their original work in front of an audience comprised of fellow students, faculty, friends, family, and the community. “The DVCP program at NVC is proud to support the growth of early filmmakers and provide them with opportunities to share their work with the community,” said Noelia Santos, DVCP program coordinator and interim chair for the Computer Science Technology and Business department. “Students will showcase films they wrote and directed, which they can then use to launch careers in the film industry.” Students enrolled in the DVCP program are learning on the same industry-standard equipment and software used by professionals. This hands-on experience prepares them for successful careers in the growing film and video industry. Recently, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture and its Film Commission announced that San Antonio has, for the sixth year in a row, been named one of MovieMaker’s Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker. Featuring 25 big U.S. cities, San Antonio joins three other Texas cities on the list (El Paso, Dallas, and Austin) and is highlighted among other film industry key locales such as Albuquerque, Atlanta, and Toronto. DVCP program graduates have gone on to work in various roles, including production manager, producer/director, video editor, sound editor, compositor, camera operator, cinematographer, and screenwriter.​ This opportunity celebrates the next generation of filmmakers. Event Details: Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6 p.m.​ Northwest Vista College Palmetto Center for the Arts 3535 North Ellison Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251 Admission: Free and open to the public  

Fourteen NVC students from the Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 2351) course conducted poster presentations of their eight-week ethnographic research projects on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in Live Oak Hall. Each student selected a specific place, organization, or group on the Northwest Vista campus and conducted eight weeks of qualitative ethnographic research at the place and/or with the people they selected. Some students also utilized quantitative research through digital surveys, archival data, and other methods of data collection. This was the first time the Cultural Anthropology course has held poster presentations outside of the classroom. Students, faculty, and staff attended this unique opportunity to engage with students and their anthropological research. “This experiential learning project gives students the opportunity to do tangible, challenging anthropological work, and not just read about it,” said NVC Associate Professor and Anthropology Discipline Coordinator Adam Aguirre. “Posters are a creative way to present sometimes complex qualitative data.” Students used ethnography to conduct participant observation and interviewing research methods to understand the culture of the chosen place, organization, or group the way that people most familiar with it understand it - as an insider. Participant observation includes active engagement with the field site while taking fieldnotes with in-depth descriptions. Aguirre explains that systematically studying and then critically analyzing the data can reveal important themes and insight and is used by industry professionals to inspire positive change and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. “Through this research, students can provide their perspectives and lived experiences to college administrators, faculty, and staff that can be obfuscated by other forms of data,” said Aguirre. The students who presented posters are studying in the cultural anthropology discipline and across other disciplines within the college. ANTH - Cultural Research 12-24 Jonathan Ayala in the class put together a video that documents reasons students gave for why students are shy with one another or don't interact.  Click Here to View the Video!

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Alamo Colleges is on a mission to break the cycle of poverty for students, but one of the stigmas often not talked about in many households is undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or autism. “The undiagnosed community is often in the Hispanic community. Our families don’t believe in going to doctors, or it’s often said if you are like this, it’s because your ‘Tio Nacho’ was like that, and look, ‘He’s fine,’” said student Chris Sauceda, who attends both Northwest Vista College (NVC) and St. Philip's College (SPC). But it’s not fine, Sauceda said. An ADHD/autistic diagnosis means students have a hard time focusing in class, the class work may be going too fast for them, or they are suffering from anxiety while in class. All these factors could mean that a student won’t get a passing grade, may not continue to the next semester, or possibly drop out. Sauceda and his student research team of Northwest Vista College students (Mel Cordero, Abril Martinez, Suzzie Olvera, Robin Pritchard, Christopher Sauceda, and Jasmine Silva) decided to do something about this. They conducted surveys at both NVC and SPC to collect data to detect how many students who attend a community college are undiagnosed with neurodevelopmental issues. The student research team surveyed 476 students. Sauceda said the study, titled, Prevalence of ADHD and Autism in Community Colleges, hasn’t been attempted on a community college population before. Once their research and key takeaways are completed, the student team hopes to go to the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees to identify resources and funding to provide holistic avenues for students to cope with ADHD/autism. Sauceda said he envisions hosting workshops on campus to help students with memorization, focus, and day-to-day strategies to increase success in the classroom. This is not Sauceda’s first time working with students on the neurodevelopmental spectrum. He received a teaching certificate in Oklahoma and worked in classrooms with an innovative approach to helping similar students. He said that the school district’s comprehensive strategies opened his eyes to what can help students succeed. Sauceda, who recently attended the Hispanic Associations of Colleges and Universities conference in Colorado, is also one of the few community college students who recently participated in the Hispanic Serving Institutions Scholars Program from the American Heart Association. This program invests in biomedical and health sciences undergraduate students enrolled at Hispanic Serving Institutions and allows them to learn about health disparities in Hispanic communities. Sauceda’s NVC mentor, Dr. Donald Lucas, who is an NVC professor of Psychology, said many of our students who likely fall on the neurodevelopmental spectrum may not have the resources to get diagnosed, and only by establishing and knowing our neurodivergent student population's rates, can educators, truly serve this population. “My students never cease to amaze me,” Lucas said. “The studies they are currently conducting for possible presentation at next year’s annual meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association will make the survey method of collecting data less discriminatory and more inclusive; and the studies will allow for the neurodivergent student population at Northwest Vista College and beyond—to be better served in higher education.”

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Aniya Ricks’ journey to success has been guided by ambition and determination to achieve her future goals.  A homeschool graduate from Liberty University Online Academy, Aniya is now studying Computer Science at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC), where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She dreams of using her skills to protect the nation from cyber threats and aspires to become an FBI agent specializing in computer science. Thanks to the support of the AlamoPROMISE program, a last-dollar scholarship that covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students, Aniya is on her way to making this dream a reality. “AlamoPROMISE has taken the financial strain of education off my family, allowing me to focus on my classes and my grades,” says Aniya. “This program has helped me and countless other students with their education.” With the burden of tuition removed, Aniya has been able to fully dedicate herself to her coursework and extracurricular activities. In addition to her studies, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success, where she continues to develop her leadership skills and expand her professional network. Outside the classroom, Aniya is passionate about giving back to the community and volunteers at several local non-profits. She also has a small bag-making business, enjoys martial arts, and takes care of her collection of twenty-two houseplants. When asked about her experience at NLC, Aniya speaks highly of the support she has received from faculty and staff. “I have been able to save money that I can use toward my transfer institution once I complete my work at NLC. I am grateful to the faculty and staff at NLC for their guidance and support, especially my advisors and professors who have helped me get to where I am today,” she says. “My experience at this campus has been outstanding.” After graduating from NLC, Aniya plans to transfer to a four-year university where she will pursue a degree in Cybersecurity with a minor in Psychology. For Aniya, AlamoPROMISE has been more than just financial support—it’s been the key to unlocking her future. Without the financial pressures of tuition, she has been able to focus on what truly matters: her education and future career goals.

History isn’t just in textbooks, but it’s a lived experience. Northwest Vista College’s Yolanda Reyes-Guevara got to experience the impact of World War II in Berlin, Germany this past fall when she traveled there as a recipient of a Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award. "This was a fun and educational journey, filled with personal reflection,” said Reyes-Guevara, who is the NVC interim dean for Academic Success. “I loved connecting with the culture and learning with other scholars. It's an experience that can't be replicated. Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars are fully funded and provide the opportunity for higher education administrators to learn about higher education systems in other countries. Fulbright U.S. Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional network, often building future partnerships between institutions. Participants in IEA are provided with an overview of Germany’s higher education system through presentations, discussions with colleagues and experts, and campus visits throughout Germany to institutions of higher education such as research universities and universities of applied sciences. Reyes-Guevara connected with scholars of different countries and multiple higher educational programs including a colleague working with a school of emerging technology in Monterey, Mexico. She believes this connection could be helpful for NVC globalization programs and international experience opportunities for students who can’t travel. One striking difference Reyes-Guevara discovered is that higher education is tuition-free in Germany and is considered a public good. Germany puts high value on an educated society considering it as a more productive society. Her colleagues in Germany could not understand why U.S. students have college loans and debt. “At the same time, in the U.S., we have more wrap-around services for students, such as advocacy and student life,” said Reyes-Guevara. “We create more opportunities for student engagement on campus to help with persistence and completion.” As part of the cross-cultural perspective, the program provided tours of historical and cultural sites around Germany. "Being in the epicenter of WWII and the Cold War was truly eye-opening. It was a powerful reminder that history isn't just a textbook; it's a lived experience,” Reyes-Guevara added. “I felt a deeper connection to the culture that endured those times. You can't truly understand it without being there." Reyes-Guevara is currently collaborating on a presentation proposal recommending more Fulbright opportunities for community college faculty and staff. She is also looking forward to sharing her experience with NVC students and exploring ways to bring more international experiences to the college. Northwest Vista College was recently named as a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2024. Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes select HSIs for their strong engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program.

NVC students, faculty, and staff gathered near the Redbud Learning Center Nov. 20 to celebrate a ribbon cutting for the Deb Morgan Reflection Station. This mosaic bench and permanent work of art honors Dr. Deb Morgan, a founding member of NVC and the late wife of NVC math professor Dr. Dennis J. Gittinger. NVC faculty and San Antonio artist Diana Kersey created the renderings for the lakeside Reflection Station. In September, several NVC faculty and staff members from across the college including the Math department, Art, Student Success, Information Technology, College Services, and the President’s Office took part in making the pottery while reflecting on the impact Deb Morgan had on the college and student success. Dr. Deb Morgan was instrumental in shaping the college's mission and vision. She established the admissions department of Student Success and led the campus's physical transformation. As district director of Strategic Initiatives and Performance Excellence, she played a key role in the Alamo Colleges' 2018 Baldrige Award. Her legacy lives on through her passion for the college's continuous improvement and the success of students.

Vista Music Fest at Northwest Vista College Palmetto Center for the Arts Brings a Variety of Genres Northwest Vista College (NVC) announces the Vista Music Fest at Palmetto Center for the Arts to be held at 7 p.m. each night Monday – Thursday, Nov. 18 – 21. “We are thrilled to announce this fall’s line-up for the Vista Music Fest,” said NVC Chair of Fine Performing Arts & Kinesiology Rachel Bower. “Genres vary for each evening and will include everything from classical opera to jazz to contemporary hits.” This event comprises performances by NVC students and faculty, including a choir and vocal soloists, a jazz ensemble, an instrumental ensemble, and the Duo Recital: Some Enchanted Evening. All performances are free and open to the public. Schedule: Monday, Nov. 18 – NVC Chamber Singers & Instrumental Ensemble Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Duo Recital: Some Enchanted Evening Wednesday, Nov. 20 – NVC Concert Choir Thursday, Nov. 21 – Vista Jazz Ensemble For event questions, contact Dr. Minkyung Lee at mlee143@alamo.edu. Also of interest is the closing weekend of When Shakespeare's Ladies Meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 - 23, and Cosmic Art Night at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. “Cosmic Art Night is a family-friendly, community event where attendees can do hands-on ceramics, drawing, and silkscreen - all under black lights,” said Bower. To learn about other fine and performing arts events, see the Palmetto Center for the Arts calendar.