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VOL. 16May 2012
In This Issue:
Alumni Spotlight
News & Events
Free Tutoring
Summer Camps
Fittest Workplaces in SA
6 Hottest Tech Careers
City Year Corps
Career Link
Did You Know?
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Contact Information:

 

 

Rosie Castro

Director, Center for Academic Transitions 

 mcastro66@alamo.edu
 
 

Katherine Beaumont

 Alumni & Scholarship Coordinator 

kbeaumont@alamo.edu
 
 

Clarissa Tejeda

Job Placement Program Specialist 

[email protected]

 

Daniel Uresti, Jr.

Education Support Specialist

[email protected]

Alumni Spotlight...Gloria Sumpter! 

  

Degrees Completed: University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Liberal Studies

Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling

Graduate Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies

 Spotlight Gloria Sumpter

Current Job:

Applying for doctoral programs in Women's Studies

 

Tell us about your family and upbringing.

I am a first generation graduate student. I have a younger brother with his Bachelor's, but I am the first in my family to gain a Master's. I was raised by a single mother, and she stressed for us all to finish high school, and we all did. Although my mother did not know the statistics that drop out equals deeper disparities and inequalities for young Blacks, by her making sure we obtained our high school diplomas she kept us off the streets and gave us a chance to a brighter future. Her dedication to education gave me the courage to go back to school after going through a divorce, because she believed in higher education so much.

 

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

I have always felt college was an important part of being successful in America. As I began my studies in psychology at PAC and then elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa, I felt led to turn my focus to the mental side of student learning. Because I had witnessed my time in the school system with doubting teachers and the encouragement my mother gave us that we were capable in doing whatever we wanted to, I decided to switch my degree to counseling. I felt having the tools to reconstruct young lives was necessary to change the way they viewed themselves and to be able to help them get into higher education. As I progressed through the program I realized that future teachers were lacking in the area of multiculturalism. This led me to the Women's and Gender Studies program.

 

What made you choose PAC to start your undergraduate studies?

Once I visited the campus and met Mary Apolinar, Charley Garcia, and his staff, I knew PAC was for me. These people were so caring and patient with me as a nontraditional student.

 

Any early influences?

My children influenced me though they did not know it at the time. I felt that if I was going to get them to see education as obtainable I would have to be the example. I initially planned to get my substitute teaching certificate, but after getting into the class, the education bug got me and it was non-stop. I made it look easy and two of my four children have their associates, the third is going now, and the fourth will enter in the fall.

 

What made you gravitate towards receiving your degree?

Once I got into the classroom and experienced the stimulation of the topics, I was very happy to be able to return for my education. The thought of "just" getting something to earn a living became second best, and obtaining knowledge became first place.

 

What university did you transfer to and why?

The Bridge Scholarship recruiters from the University of Northern Iowa came to campus; and once I visited, I was excited to go out of state.  

 

What are your career goals?

Having an MAE in School Counseling and going through the Women's and Gender Studies program, I feel I should get my doctorate in Women's Studies or Sociology because I would like to teach multicultural education at the college level to future teachers. I will also feel fulfilled working with students in the school system; encouraging them to see themselves in higher education is key.

 

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

Palo Alto College student, you may think you are going to college to get a job or a better job, but look at your education as knowledge that can never be taken from you; so study hard, ask questions, be a critical thinker, have patience, and learn all you can for your money. When you are in class, be 100% there, talk to your family and friends about your topics and experiences, especially those who are younger than you, because it will make them see that higher education is obtainable. Do not let the voices around you distract you from achieving the best grades because encoded in those grades are your future. Best to you, Gloria.

CALL FOR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS AND UPDATES!sptlt

 

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 [email protected].

News & Events!

Congratulations Graduates!
 
graduation
Photography by Ruben Cortez, Palo Alto College student
PAC is pleased to announce that over 500 PAC students are now graduates! As they venture off into the workforce, or onto their four year schools, we'll remember the great times at the Student Center, in the Library, and visiting the CAT. Good luck graduates!
 

The PAC Scholarship & Alumni Office Welcomes  Daniel Uresti, Jr.! daniel

Daniel comes to us from College Station, Texas, where he spent four years working for the Office of Admissions at Texas A&M University. As a recruiter, he was able to work with students from all across Texas. Now that he's at PAC, he'll get to work with students from his hometown. He will be located inside the Center for Academic Transitions in room 101 of the Student Center. Come by and say, "hello" while you're filling out a scholarship application.

Daniel is also a proud member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2007 and South San Bobcat Class of 2003.

Voting Day is May 29!

PAC Logo

 

This month, registered voters will have an opportunity to exercise their right to vote by casting their ballots in the May primaries. 

 

For information about voter registration, voting locations, or how to register, please visit www.votexas.org.  

Bond Election Helps Palo Alto College ! 

During this month's city-wide bond election, voters approved the $596 Million bond program. The proposal for street improvements dedicates $3.7 Million to improve Villaret Blvd. from Highway 16 to Zarzamora Dr.

 

The plan will add curbs, sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic and drainage improvements. Get ready for big changes to PAC's north entrance.

Maymester 2012 Tutoring Services! 

 

Palo Alto College will be offering free academic support throughout the summer.  Visit www.alamo.edu/pac/tutoring for more information.

  

 

Children's Summer Camps at PAC

 


There's nothing better than getting your students up and active during summer time. There's no better place to do that than at PAC. Palo Alto Offers great summer programs for children of all ages.

 

For information on soccer camp or swim classes, call 486-3800 or click here.

 

For information on Children's Leadership Academy or Living & Style, call 486-3410.

Children's Leadership Academy!

The Children's Leadership Academy offers a curriculum to children ages 5-10 that includes: leadership, character development, English, math, science, history, arts & crafts, and physical education.

Price: $150 per session for one child. Additional children

can be enrolled in the same session for $75 per child. For more information, please call 210-486-3410 or click to view the flyer.

San Antonio Film Festival - June 18 - 24!
San Antonio Film Festival
San Antonio Film Festival

 

For more info on films, tickets, or event details, visit SAFilm.com.

Shakespeare in the Park!

The Magik Theatre presents their annual production of Shakespeare in the Park at the picturesque San Antonio Botanical Garden, May 30 - June 2. This year's production is the tragic tale of honor, passion and lies, Othello. Gates open at 6:30pm, and the show starts at 8:00pm. Bring your law chairs and blankets, but no outside food or drinks will be allowed.

 

This FREE event is a great way to kick off the summer. Visit www.sabot.org for more info.

San Antonio Painters Art Exhibition at Blue Star! 

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is pleased to present San Antonio Painters, an exhibition juried and curated by Barbara MacAdam, Deputy Editor of ARTnews magazine. This highly anticipated exhibition opens with a reception at Blue Star from 6 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 and runs until August 18, 2012.

 

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center received an enthusiastic response from the San Antonio arts community, receiving more than 130 artists' submissions; from that group ten artists were chosen for studio visits.

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 our upcoming events, please contact Daniel Uresti, Jr. at [email protected] or 210-486-3117. Volunteer your time, network with college staff, and get  first-hand experience working with a college department.

Careers!

Looking For A Job? Let Us Help!

 

Social networking has become a popular term in recent years. Did you know that 40% of Fortune 100 companies recruit on LinkedIn.com? Are you ready for the competitive job market?

 

Do you have a professional online profile? Job Fair

 

Do you have a professional email address?

 

Is your resume up to date?

 

Do you know how to write a cover letter?

 

Could you improve your interview skills?

 

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, come visit our Career Services staff inside the Center for Academic Transitions in room 101 of the Student Center.

 

Current Students and Former Students Welcome! 

"The Fittest Workplaces in San Antonio"

 

Did you know that there are companies in town that have been certified "Fit Friendly" by the American Heart Association?  

 

Avanzar Interior Technologies, Christus Santa Rosa Health System, Valero Corporation, United Optum Health, Tesoro, and the Scooter Store all hold gold certifications.

 

San Antonio Water System, Hill County Memorial Hospital in Fredricksburg, and Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville hold platinum certification.

 

As you're looking into your next employer, you might want to consider what they do to help you stay healthy.

 

From Jessica Belasco of MySanAntonio.com.

6 Hottest Tech Careers of 2012!

Are you ready for the rapidly evolving job market? According to Jessica Harper of US News & World Report, the 6 Hottest Tech Careers of 2012 are:job newspaper

1. Software Developer

2. Database Administrator

3. Web Developer

4. Computer Systems Analyst

5. Computer Programmer

6. Civil Engineer

Whether you're looking to start or continue your education, PAC can help. We have a wide variety of degree and certificate programs to help you stay competitve in today's job market.

City Year is looking for Corps Members
City Year Challenge
City Year
City Year is a national service organization that recruits members to help students succeed and graduate from high school.

City Year gives Corps Members a living stipend and $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award. By dedicating a year of service, Corps Members gain valuble experience, education, and opportunities for scholarhips. Check out their website at www.cityyear.org for more information on applying.

*City Year is open to applicants between the ages of 17-24.

 

Career Link

 

City of San Antonio is currently searching for a Community Services Specialist to assist in the implementation, coordination, and continuous review of various community service programs. May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned staff. Click here to view the job description and apply.
 

San Antonio River Authority is currently seeking a GIS Analyst to provide technical and research support for the conversion and creation of spatial data in support of the Geographic Information System (GIS). Click here to visit the SARA website. 

  

Bexar County Sherrif's Office is searching for a Fingerprint Examiner to utilize automated and manual procedures to capture, classify, and compare, and subsequently identify fingerprint cards of individuals booked into the Adult Detention Center, Central Magistration, and Courthouse. Click here to apply.

 

AT&T is seeking an Account Manager to generate existing and/or new sales to customers for delivery of AT&T products/services/systems and solutions to solve customers strategic business priorities. Click here to view the position.

 

Smartronix, Inc is seeking a System Administrator to provide technical expertise in computer network and remote desktop server technology and engineering design and implementation. Problem solvers, please click here to apply.

 

CPS Energy is looking for a temporary Technician to test, maintain, and repair various electrical and electronic equipment. This position will also evaluate, repair, and calibrate instruments, transducers, metering devices and test systems that are used in teh measurement of electrical and gas quantities. Please click here to view the position.

 

UT Health Science Center at San Antonio is seeking an Academic Programs Coordinator to provide professional level administrative and management support of the day-to-day operations of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, including coordinating interviews, applications, and transportation. Click here to view postings at the UTHSC.  

 

HEB is recruiting for a Business Analyst I (CRM Analyst) to be responsible for generating accurate and effective lead segments, estimates, and communications for targeted-marketing campaigns. This includes translating business requests into data-driven research to determine the best marketing strategy. To see more HEB "Corporate Jobs," or apply for this one, click here.

 

More Opportunities at HEB: If you want to be in the heart of the logistics field, check out HEB Supply Chain Careers.

 

Southwest Research Institute is looking for a Technical Specialist to configure, install, and manage Cisco networking equipment and Unified Communications Systems following Cisco's recommended best practices for IP Telephony/Networking environments, as well as other duties as necessary. Visit SwRI's job board to search for more positions or apply for this one.

 

The Law Office of Oscar Garza is currently recruiting for a full time Paralegal for their busy downtown office. The ideal candidate should have completed or currently be enrolled in a paralegal certification program. The individual should possess strong written skills and preferably be bilingual. If you are interested in this position, please contact Oscar Garza at [email protected].

 

Lone Star Bakery is hiring for a Quality Assurance Manager for their China Grove manufacturing facility. The individual will oversee daily operations to ensure that the facility is meeting all USDA and FDA regulations. To apply, please email your resume to Andy Lobmeyer, Director of Quality Assurance, at [email protected].

Did You Know?

About our summer work schedule?
Alamo Colleges is moving to a 4-day work week over the summer. From June 4 - July 27, offices will be open from 7am - 7pm, Monday through Thursday. This will allow us to save on utility and personnel overtime costs, while making some offices more accessible to working families.

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 [email protected]

Emergency Notification System 

 

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.