Palo Alto College Alumni & Friends Newsletter

I'm first generation Mexican-American. My father is from Palau, Coahuila Mexico, and my mother was born in San Antonio, Texas. I have two older brothers (both born in San Antonio). We grew up 0n the South Side of San Antonio, and my brothers and I attended South San Antonio High School. My mother got her GED and my father the equivalent of a high school diploma in Mexico. Music was always heard around the house. My dad usually sang while playing his guitar after getting home from work almost every day while I was growing up. My brothers and I were both in band during our school years. In high school, I found an accordion in my parents' closet and started trying to "make some noise" out of it. I enjoyed it, the family supported me and allowed me to start playing locally with wedding bands. Throughout my teens, I performed locally, regionally, and eventually nationally with touring acts. But I had to keep my grades up. Right before I graduated, I began to write songs...well at least make an attempt! One particular song I co-wrote was recorded by a known Tejano group at the time and the song received radio airplay. I then received royalty checks for the radio performance of that song. That intrigued me to learn more about that end of the music business (songwriting / Music Publishing). So I did- through textbooks and working for free with local music publishers, I started learning more about this field in the music business.

How did this impact your decision to pursue a career in your current industry?

It was the key factor in making my choice. In my mid-teens, I thought I was always going to be a sought-after musician/producer/arranger/

writer...and that I didn't need college. But I must thank my grandfather who insisted that I give college a shot. AND BOY I'm I glad he insisted. I LOVED COLLEGE. The atmosphere, knowing that others were motivated just like myself, striving to be a success in their field of choice was truly an inspiration for me.

What made you choose PAC to start your undergraduate studies?

Both my brothers attended classes there. My mother attended several continuing education classes there as well. It seemed to be the logical choice. Close to home, the family went there and enjoyed their classes as well, and it's a beautiful campus. In high school, we took a tour of the campus and got to speak to several students and professors, and it just really felt like my other home.

Any early influences?

My grandfather, my mother, and my father. My middle school band director: Mr. Gladstone. Local musicians: Stanley Revillas & Frank Villarreal, Jr.

What made you gravitate towards receiving your degree?

I knew that I didn't want to be 50 years old, and still on tour!! By my mid-twenties, I saw myself more and more wanting to be involved in the administrative side of the music business. I liked it, and knew that I needed formal education to handle administrative tasks more efficiently. Palo Alto College motivated me so much to want to learn all that I could and often. I spent most of my time practicing in a music rehearsal room or in the library catching up on my studies.

What university did you transfer to and why?

The University of the Incarnate Word. It was the only 4-yr. institution in the area that offered a degree in this field. I needed to stay in the area for personal reasons. After visiting the campus and with professors in the music department and in the school of business, I knew it was going be a great home for me. It was a great learning experience.

What are your career goals?

Continue growing as a music business executive, focus on marketing music to a broader audience, expand to new business opportunities, and continue producing new artists.

What advice would you like to give to current PAC students?

1.) Don't lose focus on the goal - Not just receiving your degree but making the most of your time in the classroom to learn all that you can.

2.) When you finish school, the learning does not stop. Stay in the mindset to always want to learn more about your craft/skills. Add value to yourself.

3.) NETWORK, NETWORK and NETWORK. Meet people and build on those business relationships.

News & Events!

Juan Ortiz Recognized for Grammies!

juan

Juan Ortiz, a member of Campanas de América who teaches music at Palo Alto College and leads the Mariachi Palomino, has won two grammies for his violin work on Little Joe y La Familia's album "Recuerdos," which won the 2010 Grammy for Best Tejano Album and a 2011 Latin Grammy in the same category. Ortiz recently received the two actual phonograph statues and two nominee medallions, which were shared with the San Antonio community during a reception on March 19 at Palo Alto. Mr. Ortiz's accomplishments were also recognized by the San Antonio Express News. For the full article, please click here.

Poteet Strawberry Festival!

April 13-15 is more than just a celebration of the strawberry, this festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas! Located just south of San Antonio, the Poteet Strawberry festival includes concerts, dancing, rides, gunslingers, rodeo performances and of course lots of strawberries!

Palo Alto Welcomes STEM Advisors!

Palo Alto recently received a Title V STEM Grant from the U.S. Department of Education which has allowed for the hiring of five new advisors. The advisors will focus on guiding students in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math majors. We welcome Denise De La Rosa, Maria Diaz, Jonathon Gonzales, Edgar Gonzalez, and Jennifer Huebenthal to Palo Alto!

Fiesta San Antonio!

Since 1891 when the first Fiesta event, the Battle of Flowers, honored the memory of our Texas heroes, Fiesta has expanded the initial commemoration to include the recognition and celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures. Come celebrate Fiesta San Antonio! More than half of the events are FREE and events take place April 19-29.

¡Celebración!

The third annual ¡Celebración! - a FUNdraiser Latino style - treated guests to the food, music, and cultural experiences of Cuba, Argentina, and Spain. The event was a wonderful success and we thank all of our donors for their support!

2012 Annual Juried Student Art Show!

Come out to PAC from April 10 to 30 to enjoy the 2012 Annual Juried Student Art Show. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, April 10, from 10:30 to 11:30 am in Gallery100 in Concho Hall. All students, faculty, community members, and staff are invited to attend. The Concho Hall Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. Please come support our student artists!

VITA is Here at PAC!

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program will be offering free tax assistance services though April 17 at Palo Alto College for individuals and families who earn up to $55,000 annually.

VITA services will be available in the Ozuna Library, Room 114. Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 - 8 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am - 5 pm; and Saturdays, 9 am - 3 pm.

Taxpayers are required to bring the following items to prepare a tax return with VITA:
· Driver's License or Photo I.D.
· Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for filer, spouse, and any dependents
· Birth dates for filer, spouse, and any dependents
· W2 forms from all employers
· Copy of prior year tax return (if applicable)
· 1099 forms (if applicable)
· Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
· If filing jointly, both spouses must be present

For additional information on VITA services, locations, and hours call the United Way Helpline at 2-1-1 or 227-HELP(4357) or visit www.VITASA.org.

Save the Date for PACfest 2012!

Join us April 26th as we Fiesta all day long with bands, food and fun!

Approximately 50 food and arts & crafts vendors participate in PACfest. Vendors include student and community groups, and have a cross-section of cultural, social and nutritional offerings. Other concurrent activities will be taking place throughout the day.

Fiesta royalty will visit throughout the day to hand out medals and meet with the public.

For more information on PACfest 2012, please call Vincent Bosquez at (210) 486-3113 or Carmen Velasquez (210) 486-3125.

Calling all Alumni!

Calling all Alumni! We are seeking volunteers for upcoming campus-wide events, and we need your help!

If you would like to volunteer at PACFest on April 26th between 10 am - 7 pm, then please contact Katherine Beaumont at 486-3120 or email her at kbeaumont@alamo.edu. Volunteer and have some fun at the same time!

Palo Alto College will be having its Graduation Ceremony on May 10th at the Freeman Coliseum. We need volunteers from 5 - 9 pm to help coordinate the staging area for the graduates. If you would like to volunteer, then please contact Katherine Beaumont at 486-3120 or email her at kbeaumont@alamo.edu. Come volunteer and help make this year's ceremony memorable for our graduates!

PAC Student Dance Concert!

On April 12 & 13 at 7:30 pm in the Performing Arts Auditorium, the dance students of Palo Alto College will showcase their talent at the PAC Student Dance Concert 2012. Admission is free and open to the public. Call Erica Wilson-Perkins at 486-3211 for more information or click here to view a flyer.

Student Aid Saturdays!

Student Aid Saturdays encourages students and parents to complete the financial aid applications otherwise known as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAFSA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid). Multiple sites will be available between January 28 and May 5,2012 where students and parents can receive one-on-one assistance to complete the FAFSA or TAFSA.

Palo Alto will be hosting the Student Aid Saturdays on the following days and locations:

April 14, 9 am - 1 pm, Palomino Center

May 5th, 9 am - 1 pm, Palomino Center

CALL FOR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS AND UPDATES!

Interested in telling us your story or sharing a new promotion/change in life/engagement/ marriage/new family member? Let us know! We want to hear from you for our upcoming newsletters, or maybe you know outstanding PAC Alumni who deserve recognition!

If you're interested, then email Katherine Beaumont at kbeaumont@alamo.edu.

"Picasso, Amigos y Contemporaneos"

Texas A&M- San Antonio presents an art show featuring 70 of Pablo Picasso's works in the exhibit called "Picasso, Amigos y Contemporaneos". This exhibit will also feature works by other artists from Spain.

The exhibit opened March 17 and will continue though May 20. The focus of the exhibit is educating the public, and is free of charge and open to the general public.

The hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Guided School Tours Only, and 4-6 p.m. to the public. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday: 12-4 p.m. (with the exception of April 22 when the exhibit will be closed for private event). For more information on this exhibit visit www.tamusa.tamus.edu/picasso/.

Valero Texas Open!

valero

Did you know that the Valero Texas Open originated in San Antonio in 1922? Did you also know that the Valero Texas Open is the third oldest tournament on the PGA tour? Come join the Open from April 16-22 and participate in one of the top-three most charitable PGA tournaments on TOUR for the last several years. Please click here for ticket information.

Careers!

San Antonio River Authority is currently recruiting for an Education Coordinator to execute and assists with effective water and environmental science educational programs targeted to K-12 students and general purpose community education designed to advance the mission and goals of the San Antonio River Authority to students and citizens throughout the district. Click here to view the job description and to apply.

SWBC is hiring a Data Entry Associate to enter client insurance coverage information into computer system with the highest degree of accuracy, quality, and efficiency. Makes necessary outbound calls and researches client websites to verify and update insurance coverage. To apply please visit their website here.

Smartronix, Inc is seeking a Sr. System/Network Support Specialist. In this position you will provide technical expertise in computer networking and remote desktop server technologies. This opportunity will also lead/assist with the deployment and implementation efforts at MTF sites. To apply please click here..

CPS Energy is looking for a Manager-Electric Metering Operations that will manage the procurement and asset management of all electric meters used by CPS Energy encompassing AMI, MV-90, Consert, and OMR/ERT technology. Apply for this exciting opportunity click here.

UT Health Science Center at San Antonio is seeking a Patient Relations Representative to act as the primary representative for customer relations for transplant. Individual will be coordinating patient referrals and facilitating communication between referring physicians, clinical coordinators, insurance specialists, and patients regarding medical necessity and insurance authorization. To view complete job description and apply please click here..

HEB is recruiting for a Developer I-Integration Competency Center to code/configure, maintain, test, and debug modifications to existing enterprise system integrations and web services or execute the same in the development of new enterprise system integrations and web services. Have your resume ready and click here. Please visit "Corporate Jobs" to apply.

The City of San Antonio is hiring a Park Police Officer to enforce all applicable laws and ordinances and provides information pertaining to park use, safety requirements, and points of interest. To view full description click here.

Bexar County is seeking a Legal Secretary to take and transcribe a variety of correspondence and legal documents, including resolutions, ordinances, legal opinions, briefs, leases, and agreements. Apply online here.

Southwest Research Institute is looking for an Associate Specialist (Human Resources) to conduct recruiting activities including web recruiting, attending job fairs, and working with colleges to build applicant pools. Visit SwRI's job board to here to apply.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group is searching for an Key Account Manager to manage the business relationship with the designated local customers and delivering against both DPSG and customer objectives. Check out this job description here.

Did You Know?

About our campus growth?

Palo Alto is expanding! We have added a new Performing Arts Center, Vet Tech Building and a Workforce Building! There is more to come as we continue to focus on the needs of our ever-growing student population.

Capital Improvements Photos

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.

Center for Academic Transitions

Notice: All job listings are posted at the discretion of the Palo Alto College Center for Academic Transitions. We will not post jobs that appear to discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. We also reserve the right to refuse to post jobs that do not support the interests of the college.