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Greetings!
Welcome to the Alumni & Friends connection! Our Roots Grow Deep!
Join us as we expand our Alumni & Friends connections through service, outreach and passion for the corazón of the southside...Palo Alto College.
If you are a graduate, former student, community friend, or simply love Palo Alto College, join our Alumni and Friends group!
Our monthly newsletters will highlight our Alumni and dedicated Friends in the community, provide you with campus announcements, connect you with career services and opportunities to volunteer as a mentor or speaker for our bright students, and much more!
We look forward to bringing you the best of Palo Alto College every month! |
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Alumni Spotlight
Janie Martinez Gonzalez Began her Journey to Become a Latina CEO at Palo Alto College  By: Danielle Espinoza
Have you ever had a moment in your life when you met someone whose story inspired your life? When you walked away feeling as though you could conquer the world simply because you met an individual who helped pave the way for others? The moment you realized all it takes is just one person to plant a seed, creating roots that run so deep they can inspire a family and possibly a whole community? I experienced such a moment in July when I had the opportunity to meet one of our dedicated alumni, Janie Martinez Gonzalez, President and CEO of Webhead. Gonzalez is known for being a passionate powerhouse in the technology industry, where few women dare to work. She has received numerous awards and accolades and has an impeccable reputation for providing leading edge technology solutions and quality service through her multimillion dollar corporation, Webhead. This feat is amazing considering only three percent of women business owners generate more than $1 million in sales annually. Webhead has a national presence providing professional advisory services to Department of Defense, Intelligence, Government and Commercial clients. After being in the top 10 since the inception of the company, this year Webhead was named by the San Antonio Business Journal as the #1 Website Design Company in South Texas.
"I fought for my education and business with vigor and tenacity because I knew it would secure a future for my family and myself."
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In the News...
Dynamic Alumni open the Monte Cristo Center...
 The First Super Food Pantry & Transition Center on the Southside
Marie and Valentin Celestino, graduates of Palo Alto College and Texas A&M - San Antonio, opened the Monte Cristo Center on July 10. The center will include a student transition center, food pantry, fitness facility and more. The first phase of the MCC was the opening of the Super Food Pantry, the first of its kind on the Southside.
During its first week the pantry served over 200 people, providing over 1,700 pounds of food per day! The center is making an immediate impact on the community. Within its first month the MCC assisted over 100 families and provided 12,000 pounds of food. The need continues to grow and they need your help!
For more information on the Monte Cristo Center contact Marie or Celestino Valentin at 210-550-4171 Destination China!
Dr. Ana "Cha" Guzman toured colleges in China July 2010 Dr. Guzman traveled with the National College Board -  Chinese Bridge Delegation to the Henan Province in China for campus tours and meetings with key Chinese educators and students. The main purpose of the visit was to create relationships and build a bridge between American and Chinese colleges. The Chinese delegates welcomed the Bridge Delegation with open arms and provided them with a taste of their culture with tours, entertainment by their talented students and much more. Dr. Guzman said, "It was a trip of a lifetime! It is very far away and you feel impotent because you can't read or understand the language, but the Chinese are wonderful. China should be placed on your bucket list!" The Alamo Colleges and our Palo Alto College President, Dr. Guzman, continue to build international bridges in education. We will update you on the latest news from the Office of the President.
CPS Energy "H.O.P.E." honors Dr. Guzman
The CPS Energy Hispanic Organization of Public Employees will honor Dr. Guzman with the Education Award during their 7th Annual Tribute to Hispanic Heritage Gala on September 23, 2010. H.O.P.E honors six Hispanic community leaders for their contributions in education, business, government, entertainment, community and a special Pioneer award. Members vote on community leaders for each category, Dr. Guzman was at the top of their list for her contributions to higher education. All gala proceeds benefit scholarships for the Adelante Fund. This year H.O.P.E plans to raise over $20,000 for scholarships. CPS Energy H.O.P.E |
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Honoring a Shining Star
Rosemary Kowalski receives honorary degree from PAC for her outstanding commitment to San Antonio! 
Rosemary Kowalski, Chair Emeritus of the RK Group, was honored during PAC's spring graduation with an honorary Associate Degree for her service to the San Antonio community.
Ms. Kowalski's roots began on the west side of San Antonio with a small restaurant called Uncle Ben's Diner in 1946. After word spread of their delicious food, Kowalski began catering all over city in her 1953 Buick. Kowalski worked hard to build a solid reputation and she quickly became a household name. She was the premiere caterer during the world's fair, HemisFair, in 1968, one of the thousands of major events she went on to cater over the years. Her passion for business blossomed and from Catering by Rosemary came the RK Group, spearheaded by her son Greg Kowalski, offering catering, decorating, rentals and first class service. As the business grew, so did the RK Group's community giving and involvement.
Today, Rosemary Kowalski is an active philanthropist and still continues to provide San Antonio with the same first class service that she started with in 1946. From the humble beginnings in a small restaurant on the Westside to a national catering company, Rosemary Kowalski created an incredible establishment. Greg Kowalski runs the family business and continues to grow their culinary empire.
Kowalski is one of the most beloved women in the community, at 85 years old she has amazing energy and passion for San Antonio. We are honored to have Rosemary Kowalski as our official Alumni; she is truly a shining star. The RK Group |
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Congratulations, Class of 2010!
Record-breaking numbers for PAC Graduation  Congratulations to our newest alumni! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and thank you for allowing Palo Alto College to be your educational foundation for your future endeavors! Over 400 students walked the stage at the Municipal Auditorium on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Education, Kinesiology, Healthcare, Business, Veternary Technology, Horticulture, Criminal Justice and Aviation are just a few of the innovative programs in which students received their Associate Degrees. Rolando Rios, local attorney and former General Consul to the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project, provided the keynote address. Honored guest Rosemary Kowalski received an Honorary Associate Degree for her major accomplishments as a passionate business woman and champion of the community. In 2010 over 875 students have successfully graduated with Associate Degrees or certifications. A record year for PAC students! |
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Have you heard?
Insects invade our campus and head to the Witte Museum
It's the invasion of the monstrous insects! And they're headed to the beloved Witte Museum! Palo Alto art students combined welding and innovation to create this incredible Insect Exhibit. Art instructor and artist Cakky Brawley provided her students with a real-life artist's assignment; to produce a sculpture to be judged by a Witte Museum panel in conjunction with the Witte's "Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects" exhibit this fall. Only a few of the student-produced sculptures will be a part of the fall exhibit.
 "I always want to give our students the opportunity to understand what real-life scenarios artists go through when they want to exhibit their work. This has been an incredible experience for our talented students. We are very excited that Palo Alto students have an opportunity to exhibit their art at one of San Antonio's most treasured museums," said Brawley.
PAC students awarded scholarships to UNI
An eleven-year partnership between Palo Alto College and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) continues to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their education outside of Texas. The PAC/UNI Bridge Scholarship Program provides scholarships to PAC graduates and transfer students. The partnership is a catalyst for PAC students to create positive changes in their lives and communities.
Every April students and faculty arrive at UNI to meet alumni, faculty and staff, tour the campus and most importantly take part in scholarship interviews. Students awarded receive a scholarship for tuition and housing costs.
This year fourteen out of sixteen students were awarded scholarships. We are pleased to announce that over 150 of our students have been successfully admitted into the PAC/UNI program.
Charley Garcia has been the PAC Advisor for this program since its inception twelve years ago. He assists and keeps in touch with every student awarded into the program. "Over the past twelve years, PAC has provided a wealth of students to UNI who have been successful both in Iowa and Texas. Our PAC students have proven their mettle time and time again. If an opportunity is offered PAC students are willing to accept the challenge," Garcia said.
Congratulations to the newest UNI scholarship recipients!
For more information on this program contact Rosie Castro or Charley Garcia in the Center for Academic Transitions, 210-486-3131
Join Us for Special Programming with Chicano Poet alurista
 Alamo Colleges/Palo Alto College, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Gemini Ink, and Aztlan Libre Press welcome Chicano poet alurista to San Antonio. Local publishing house Aztlan Libre Press, headed by Juan Tejeda & Anisa Onofre, published aluristia's tenth book of poetry entitled "Tunaluna." Aztlan Libre Press is coordinating a five-city Texas tour in October of which San Antonio is one of the cities.
Mark you calendar!
- Tuesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m., alurista Reading, Platica, Book Signing & Reception UTSA Downtown Campus, Southwest Rm.
- Friday, October 8, 12-1:30 p.m. alurista Reading & Platica Palo Alto College/Student Center
- Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. alurista - Intergenerational Chicano Poetry Workshop Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall
All events are free and open to the public, but there is a 20 person limit for the Chicano Poetry Workshop. Interested individuals must call Gemini Ink to register for the workshop at 734-9673.
Celebración - Scholarship Gala with a Twist
 Palo Alto College celebrated the inaugural gala at the new Performing Arts Center in April 2010. Community leaders and guests were greeted by a colorful array of student dancers and art work by Lionel and Kathy Sosa. Spices filled the air and guests dined on cuisine from Latin American countries, and rythms from Tito Puente Jr.'s bongos created a beat no one could resist! PAC honored the Toyota Compadres Berto Guerra, Frank Herrera, Max Navarro and Fernando Reyes.
The Scholarship Gala raised over $150,000 in sponsorships!
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Looking for Career Opportunities?
The Center for Academic Transitions provides the latest career opportunities in San Antonio:
- A Licensed Therapist/Counselor is needed at San Antonio Family Endeavors. Apply in person at 535 Bandera Road, SA, TX 78228.
- Univision-Telefutura (KWEX-TV) needs an Assignment Editor/Producer. Send your resume to sbelilty@univision.net.
- The San Antonio Housing Authority still needs several Property Management professionals in various positions. Go to www.saha.iapplicants.com to view job descriptions.
- An Internal Auditor Associate (#100181) is needed at Tesoro. Check their web page for this and other offerings.
- The Law Office of Floyd S. Rivera is looking for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant. Fax your resume with desired pay to 210-224-1613.
- The South Central Texas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International is seeking a Development Coordinator. Send your resume with salary requirements to Lindsay McLean at lmclean@jdrf.org.
- The Transportation Security Administration is looking for airport security screeners, intelligence specialists, program analysts, engineers, federal air marshals, and criminal investigators. Go to www.tsa.gov or www.dhs.gov/careers for application information.
Keep an eye out for the monthly jobs newsletter! You'll have the latest and hottest jobs in San Antonio right at your fingertips. We'll also provide job hunting tips and employment trends.
It's good stuff we all need to know during these tough economic times.
COMING TO ALL
PALO ALTO COLLEGE STUDENTS AND ALUMNI IN AUGUST 2010!!!!
We're excited about this comprehensive software solution
which will allow you to upload and manage your resumes, search
and apply for jobs, sign-up for resume writing and interview skills seminars, register for career events, and much more!
All from the comfort of your own home. |
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Alumni: Send Us Your News!
If you have news to share - we want to hear about it and
assist you in getting the word out!
Over the past 25 years Palo Alto College has provided a strong foundation for students to receive a quality education. We understand many of you have gone on to meet your personal and career goals and we want to hear from you!
Let us post your success stories, announcements, and news! Let us know if you need interns, volunteers or have job opportunities for alumni and current students!
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Did You Know?
About our campus growth?
Palo Alto is expanding! We have added a new Performing Arts Center, Vet Tech Building and a Science, Social Science and Workforce Building! There is more to come as we continue to focus on the needs of our ever-growing student population.
We offer innovative programs?
Aviation, Horticulture, Turf & Lawn, Vet Tech, IT, Logistics & Supply Chain, Industrial Automation and more... one of a kind programs available at Palo Alto College!
About Reverse Transfer?
In today's ever-changing working world, the more degress who have, the more marketable you become! The Reverse Transfer Degree Program is designed for students who have accumulated thirty (30) college-level credit hours at one of the Alamo Colleges and who have received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited public Texas college or university. Once an official transcript is received documenting a student's bachelor's degree, the student will be approved for and notified of the Alamo College's award of the Associate of Arts or Science Degree.
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