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A Note from the Alumni Office
Dear Alumni & Friends,
As 2010 comes to a close, we celebrate the season of giving. In this month's issue we focus on the devotion and impact of service in our beloved Southside community.
Palo Alto College believes in recognizing our unsung heroes and inspirational alumni working hard to make a difference.
This month we highlight a husband and wife duo who created the very first Super Food Pantry on the Southside.
They've dedicated their lives to serving our community. They are unsung heroes, silent servants giving their all to a community they cherish. We hope you read their incredible story and become inspired by their tenacity for giving.
Everyone at PAC wishes you a happy and healthy harvest season. May you harvest knowledge, giving and prosperity in your lives and community.
- Danielle Espinoza
Alumni & Scholarship Coordinator |
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Alumni Spotlight
A Family Affair... College Dreams Become a Reality
By: Larry Carter
If you were given a project by your college professor to come up with a viable business plan, would you have the confidence to put everything on the line and actually build and operate that business? Celestino and Marie Valentin did just that, and more.
Celestino and Marie are co-founders of the Monte Cristo Center, a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization, which currently operates a super food pantry and an educational transition center in San Antonio. Their mission statement is, "Empowering the community through knowledge, education and working together for the good of this generation and the ones to come."
The Center, located across the street from South Side High School on US Hwy 281 South in an area that is 150% below the poverty level, provides families in need with nutritional resources and household supplies from Monday thru Friday (10 AM - 2 PM). It also provides detailed information for young adults who have a desire to return to college on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.
The Center distributes five to six thousand pounds of food to those in need on a weekly basis and reaches over 300 families per month. Sadly, the numbers increase every month. Click here to read their story |
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Giving a Helping Hand...
"Lean on Me Campaign" for the Monte Cristo Center Super Food Pantry
The MCC is leading the way in feeding the hungry on the Southside with the "Lean on Me Campaign" for the 2010 Thanksgiving season. A projected 300 families will receive a full turkey dinner, with an estimated cost of $15-$18 per household.
Support partners, sponsors and volunteers are needed to package and distribute meals to families.
The campaign runs from now until the official pick-up date on Thursday, November 18, from 2:00 - 7:00 pm For more information, contact Marie Valentin at 210-550-4171 or montecristocenter@yahoo.com |
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In the News
Latin Grammy Nomination for Alumnus
Carlos Alvarez, PAC Alumnus and San Antonio College adjunct  faculty member in the music program, is being honored for a Latin Grammy!
Alavarez co-produced Sunny Sauceda's latest record, "Homenaje a Mi Padre," which was nominated in the Best Tejano Album category.
"The record is a collection of 30 unreleased tracks cut live off the floor with his band in two days," Alvarez said. What's really exciting about this release is that the Academy has recognized this work as well as Tejano radio, given the nature of the record itself."
Congratulations, Carlos! An inspirational alumnus and instructor, now a Tejano Grammy Nominee. Watch Carlos at the Latin Grammy Awards, on Nov. 11 broadcast live by Univision from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Dr. Guzman's Special Visit to the White House  Dr. Anna "Cha" Guzman attended a special event at the White House on Tuesday, October 19. President Obama signed a revised Executive Order for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. The initiative focuses on providing opportunities to raise Hispanic education attainment because America's future competitiveness in a global economy depends on improving education outcomes for Hispanics. 
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for
Hispanic Americans was established in September 1990 to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary of Education on education issues related to Hispanics and address academic excellence and opportunities for the Hispanic community. It was subsequently continued by President William J. Clinton and President George W. Bush. Under President Obama, the office is now led by Juan Sepulveda and has taken aggressive steps to hear from communities across the country about what works and what doesn't work and how the Initiative can better serve the
Hispanic community.
Scholarships Merged with Alumni
The Scholarship department was recently moved to the Center for Academic Transitions. The Alumni & Friends office is now the Scholarship & Alumni Office, assisting current students with finding funds to ensure they complete their Associate degrees and transfer plans, along with nurturing relationships with our alumni to keep them engaged with our PAC community. If you know a student attending PAC who is searching for scholarships or maybe you're an alumni who would like to contribute information on scholarships, please contact our office at 210-486-3132 or email despinoza66@alamo.edu
Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) at Military Bases Yield Great Potential for Palo Alto College
Larry Carter, Job Placement Program Specialist in the CAT Center, and Ronnie Brannon, Program Coordinator-Logistics Management, received the good news a few weeks ago that they would be allowed to sit on the Employer Panel at TAP Briefings on all three military bases on a rotating basis.
The opportunity provided Brannon with recruitment capabilities of reaching  hundreds of retiring and separating military members to Logistics and Warehouse Management courses. The military typically has huge logistics operations and superior training programs for its service members.
Carter took the opportunity to tell service members about the other Occupational/Technical and CE programs available at PAC and the outstanding services provided by Palo Alto's CAT Center. The opportunity allowed him to connect with employers to provide jobs for PAC students.
The first two briefings at Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston included more than 75 service members eager to find out what was available outside the military installation gates. A question and answer session was included at each briefing to allow service members to ask about topics like resume writing, interview skills, job searching, networking and pay issues. Panel members also got a chance to receive valuable information from each other about current trends and potential sources of employment.
For more information on the Logistics program contact Ronnie Brannon rbrannon@alamo.edu. For job placement information, contact Larry Carter lcarter32@alamo.edu |
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PAC Programs & Events
Alumni Food Drive for the Monte Cristo Center
First Super Food Pantry on the Southside! The Student Government, along with Phi Theta Kappa, is hosting a food drive for the FIRST Super Food Pantry on the Southside. Join us in feeding our community by bringing a donation. In less than one year the MCC is already serving over 300 families!For more information contact the Alumni Office today! Free Tickets!  "The Good Person of Setzuan"
The FIRST Student Theatre production in PAC's new Performing Arts Center! Join us for our first evening performance on Friday, November 12 from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. The theme reflects the difficulty of "being good" during hard economic times. Come see our talented students in the most beautiful performing arts center on the Southside. It will be an evening to remember! Veteran Affairs & Disability Support Services Host Priority Registration for 2011 Spring Semester! 
Thursday, Nov. 11 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday, Nov. 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ozuna Library, Room 126
Come register for Spring 2011 classes and receive one-on-one advising for anyone who utilizes Veteran or Disability Services.
 Veteran's Day CeremonyThursday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 am
Palomino Center by Parking Lot #2
Flags will be raised on the new
Palomino Center flagpoles.
Attending veterans will be recognized and receive special gifts.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran, please invite them to this special event. Contact Vince Bosquez to rsvp your attendance in order to be properly recognized and to receive a Veteran's Day gifts from our Veteran Affairs department.
U.S. Secret Services Recruiters on Campus
 Thinking about a job change? Interested in U.S. Intelligence agencies? Now is the time to learn more. - Tuesday, November 16
- 9:00 - 11:00 am
- Center for Academic Transitions
Meet with a United States Secret Service Recruiter to find out more information on top jobs with the government. Annual Alumni Basketball Game Alumni vs. Students - Support Our Alumni! Annual Men's & Women's Alumni vs. Student Games - Tuesday, November 16  - PAC Gym - Ladies Game: 6:00pm - Men's Game: 8:00pm
Some of our best alumni b-ball players have signed-up to take on the current Palomino teams. Who do you think will dominate the court? Come find out and see if the Alumni can beat the PAC Palominos! First 50 Alumni receive a FREE T-Shirt! |
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Career Link
Looking for Career Opportunities?
The Center for Academic Transitions announces the latest career opportunities in San Antonio and surrounding communities: Volt is in need of Entry-Level Tech Support representatives to take inbound calls from customers. Starting pay is $10.50 per hour. Email your resume to Anthony Willis at awillis@volt.com. Ignition Interlock of S.A. is looking for an Interlock Technician to work part-time. Must have electrical and electronic auto wiring experience. Fax your resume to Connie Nunez at 210-534-7725. Ace Parking Management needs 2 Valets on a part-time basis to help at the Homewood Suites location. Complete an online application at www.aceparking.com. Internet Contrasts Company is expanding and in need of a Help Desk Technician-Level 1 Support. Job includes remote troubleshooting for managed services clients. Please forward your resume to Jill Prater at jprater@internetcontrasts.com.
WheresMy Tutor wants to add several Tutors in the San Antonio area for $20-$60 per hour. Send Justin Ketcham an email inquiry at justin@wheresmytutor.com.
The Davis Group Attorneys & Counselors is in need of a talented Legal Secretary in a full-time role. Spanish speaking would be helpful. Please email your resume to Dela Rico at drico@davisgrouppc.com.
The College at Brockport, State University of New York, seeks an Assistant Director for Systems Administration.
This position is responsible for the day to day systems administration for all aspects of the residental program. Apply online at www.brockportrecruit.org.
Axis of Awesome wants to add a couple of L&M Bookstore Campus Brand Agents for $10 per hour plus incentives. You can apply online at www.axisofawesomeHQ.com/apply.
Avance-San Antonio needs a Child Development Teacher to work with infants and toddlers. Go to www.avancesa.org to download an application. You can also email a cover letter and resume to Ruben Saenz at rsaenz@avancesa.org.News4 WOAI-TV is looking for a full-time Photojournalist who loves to shoot television news. Must have 2 years of ENG experience with editing skills. Send your resume and a DVD to Mandi Johnston Mendoza, WOAI-TV, PO Box 2641, San Antonio, TX 78299.Fox29 KABB/KMYS-TV is seeking an Associate Producer/Weekend Assignment Editor to help make TV newscasts happen. Must be an energetic news lover and news writer. To be considered, please apply at www.foxsanantonio.com. KSAT/TV 12 needs a Maintenance Technician. Must be able to drive and maintain the Satelite Uplink truck and live ENG vehicles. Maintain all broadcast related systems. Troubleshoot and maintain electronic equipment. Mail resume to Frank Daniels, KSAT-TV, 1408 St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78215. |
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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.
New Performing Arts Center
We have a new, state-of-the-art performing arts center with an incredible auditorium, break-out rooms, conference room, class rooms, and much more. Check out the photos!
We offer innovative programs
Aviation, Horticulture, Turf & Landscape, 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 degrees you 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 if they are eligible for their Associate of Arts or Science Degree. For more information contact Rosie Castro, 210-486-3124 or at mcastro66@alamo.edu |
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Save 20%
Baby Besos, a Palo Alto Community Friend, offers a special discount rate for our Alumni & Friends! Check out their online store and enter discount code "PAC20" at check out.
Baby Besos is a small, minority, women-owned business offering unique and Latin-inspired baby and children's items. Everything from clothing to bi-lingual education tools, music and much more! "An Online Baby Boutique Celebrating Our Babies and Our Culture." | |
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