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   Happy New Year from Palo Alto College  
  
  
VOL. 22November 2012
In This Issue:
Alumni Volunteering
Careers & Money
Career Link
Did You Know?

CALL FOR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS AND UPDATES 

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We Want You! 

Share a story or tell us about your new promotion/birth of a child/engagement/ marriage/new career opportunity.  We want to hear from you for our upcoming newsletters. You can also tell us about an outstanding PAC Alumni who deserves recognition.

 

If you're interested, email 

Jane Velasquez at jvelasquez13@
alamo.edu 

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And connect with us on LinkedIn!

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Quick Links...

 

 

Contact us!

  

 

Rosie Castro

Interim Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Center for Academic Transition

[email protected]

 

Jane Velasquez

Community Outreach Coordinator

[email protected]

 

Nora Esparza 

Career Services [email protected]

  

 

 Micaela Sanchez

Job Placement Specialist

[email protected]

 

 

 

Matthew  D. Torres

Interim Coordinator - Alumni & Scholarships

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumnus Spotlight...Mike Anthony Perez

Title: Multicultural Counselor for the Office of Admissions at the University of Northern Iowa

Year attended: 2009-2010

Degree/s Completed:

Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Northern Iowa Masters of Arts in Postsecondary Education/Student Affairs (in progress)

 

Tell us about your family and upbringing. I experienced a strong family upbringing. I have an older brother and sister making me the youngest in the family. We are very close, and supportive of each other. My father did not finish high school and my mother's education ended after high school, but they both encouraged my siblings and me to continue our education. My brother has a B.A. in Business and my sister is currently working on her Ph.D. They were my biggest influences to continue my education.

 

How did this impact your decision to pursue a career in education? As a first generation student, I realized how difficult it can be for a student to enter the world of academia alone. Not everyone was as blessed as I was to have supportive parents and an older brother and sister to lead the way. I believe that I could be a great resource to first generation, and nontraditional students.

 

What made you chose PAC to start your undergraduate studies? Well I started out at St. Philip's College, but I switched over to Palo Alto after being out of school for close to a decade. The reason I chose PAC was because I felt that the college was closer, and less distracting. I felt that the location was in a less congested area of the city, and that the campus community was more relaxing. I was working full time and attending PAC full time as well, so it was important to me to stay focused.

   

What challenges did you encounter in your college career?  I had always placed my education second to work and my independence. I left my parents' home when I was eighteen, because I did not want to be a burden to them. My family was poor, so I felt that if I was old enough to work, then I should be able to provide for myself. I worked full-time and attended St. Philip's College part-time. After receiving an associate's degree in liberal arts in 2002, I took some time off from school; which turned into years off. I went from job to job, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. During that time I gained a useful amount of experience in the community, and learned many different trades, all the while knowing there was something missing. An uncle of mine, who was a professional truck-driver, encouraged me to go on the road as a way to re-discover myself. I took his advice, and spent the next two and a half years as an over-the-road driver. There is nothing like driving an eighteen-wheeler, coast to coast, a hundred times to inspire one with determination toward continuing their education. I returned from life on the road to Palo Alto College with a new major, and a new outlook on life. I found full-time employment at Wal-Mart, working third shift, which allowed me the opportunity to attend classes during the day.

  

What memory stands out the most from your experience at PAC?  While attending Palo Alto College, I met an individual named Charley Garcia, Transition Counselor in the Transition Center. He advised me to apply to the University of Northern Iowa and to attend a campus visit to that institution. That trip to UNI with other Palo Alto and Alamo College students changed my life forever. Whenever I think of PAC, I think of Charley Garcia and our first encounter.

 

What university did you transfer to and why? I was advised to apply to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). As a professional driver, I had been to Iowa on many occasions, especially during some harsh winters, so I was well aware of the difference between San Antonio, TX, and Cedar Falls, IA. I understood the challenges that I would face attending UNI, but I also understood the benefits. The main reason for my decision to come to Iowa to pursue my education was that UNI offered me an opportunity to put my education first before anything else. Since arriving to UNI, I experienced a different world opening up to me; excited by a new encouraging environment I excelled academically.

  

What are you most proud of since graduating from PAC? After leaving Palo Alto College I transferred to a four year institution and graduated  from that university with a B.A. in History in two years. During those two years, I made the Dean's List two semesters, and I never received a grade lower than a B.

  

What are your career goals? I am currently employed full time with the Office of Admissions at the University of Northern Iowa and I am in the Postsecondary Ed. Graduate Program at UNI. I plan on continuing as a Student Affairs Professional in the future.

 

Are there any words of advice you share with your students, that you wish someone would have told you when you were in college? As one door closes, another opens. Get the most out of your college career by taking advantage of every opportunity that comes forward.   Study hard and have fun!!

  

CALL FOR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS AND UPDATESsptlt

 

We Want You! 

Share a story or tell us about your new promotion/birth of a child/engagement/ marriage/new career opportunity.  We want to hear from you for our upcoming newsletters. You can also tell us about an outstanding PAC Alumni who deserves recognition.

 

 

 

If you're interested, email Jane Velasquez at [email protected]

Dean Elizabeth Tanner promoted to Vice President of Academic Success

 

Elizabeth Anne Tanner, currently Dean of Arts & Sciences, has been named Vice President of Academic
Success at Palo Alto College, effective Dec. 19.

 

 

 
 

Tanner was selected from among 46 applicants in a nationwide search. Her selection was approved by the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees on Dec. 18. She will oversee all academic departments at PAC, including 100 full-time faculty in the arts, sciences and career technical education fields, the Library, and
the Corporate & Community Education Department.


"Beth Tanner is an innovative academic leader who is committed to student access, success and completion. We look forward to the energy her appointment will generate in academic innovation in moving Palo Alto College forward," said Dr. Mike Flores, President of Palo Alto College. "I wish to thank
Search Committee Co-Chairs Javier Aguirre and Gary Shelman, committee members, and the college community for their participation in the search process." Tanner is replacing Dr. Stacey Johnson, who accepted the position of Campus President of East & Winter Park Campuses of Valencia College in Orlando, Fla.


"Working with the creative and dedicated staff, faculty, and student body at Palo Alto has immeasurably enriched my life," Tanner said when accepting the position. "I very much look forward to working with my colleagues in this new capacity, and thank the search committee and the Palo Alto community for this
opportunity." Tanner holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She began at PAC in 2000 as a Math Instructor and progressed to Math Department Chair in 2004. In 2007, she became Interim Dean of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences before the position transitioned to Dean of Arts & Sciences in 2009. She received three Excellence Awards from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development at UT-Austin, and was nominated for the President's Distinguished Achievement Award for Core Curriculum Teaching at UTSA.

  

Congratulations to the Fall Class of 2012
  graduation 2012
 
 In December  there were 266 degrees  awarded to the Fall Class 2012. The families and friends enjoyed a meal with their new Palo Alto Alumni, some music and got to talk to our new President of Palo Alto College, Dr. Mike Flores. Congradulations  to the Fall Class of 2012.
 
 
Alumni & Friends LinkedIn Group Launched!
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Palo Alto College Alumni & Friends Association has launched our new LinkedIn group. Be sure to join our group for real-time job postings, alumni announcements, campus news, and volunteer opportunities. Membership is free and we welcome all PAC alumni. Be sure to include Palo Alto College in your educational history too!
  
All PAC Alumni & Friends who join our LinkedIn  group will receive a free vehicle decal featuring our new logo. Stop by the Alumni Office (Student Center, 101) to pick one up and make your friends and co-workers jealous!

Alumni Volunteer Opportunities

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 Jane Velasquez at [email protected] or 210-486-3302. Volunteer your time, network with college staff, and get  first-hand experience working with a college department.

VITA is seeking volunteers
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season. They offer free training and will give you the experience necessary to help your community while building upon your own skill set. See the benefits below:

 

*Free Training and IRS Certification

*Promote Tax Understanding and Awareness

*Gain Marketable Skill and Expand Your Resume

*Give Back to Your Community

 

 

 

For more information, visit the VITA website or call Cristina Alaniz at 210-222-2975 for more information.

vita 

    Place: Palo Alto College

      Concho Hall Rm 102

  

            Jan. 28- April15

 

*Mon and Wed  1-8p.m.

*Tue and  Thursday 10a.m.-5p.m.

*Saturday 9a.m.-3p.m. 

  
  
  
  
  
  

Careers & Money

 

Need Career Assistance? Let Us Help.

 

Did you know that 80% of Fortune 100 companies recruit or screen their applicants on LinkedIn.com? Are you ready for the ever-changing, ultra-competitive job market?

 

Do you have a professional online presence? Job TipsIs 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 Student Center, 101.

 

Current Students & Former Students Welcome!

 

Career Link

 

City of San Antonio  is seeking  people for these positions,Payroll Manager, fulltime. Healthy Start community Service Specialist  is a  full-time position.

 

South San ISD is seeking people for these positions. Director of Transportation full-time postition.Math- Tutor part-time postition open.

 

ChildCare Careers (CCC) is seeking part-time, full-time, substitute, and permanent positions. CCC is dedicated to giving you the experience and personal growth you are seeking in the early childhood education field. To apply, visit www.childcarecareers.net or call 210-824-0553.

 

VIA Metropolitan Transit is seeking candidates for the position of Strategic Planner I. This position is responsible for preparing technical memorandums and planning reports, undertaking research projects, and working in consultation to other staff on VIA planning matters.  To view this and other positions at VIA, please click here.

 

West Corporation is seeking Customer Service Representatives to support calls from some of the nation's biggest brands in healthcare, telecommunications, and finance. For information, click here or call 210-523-JOBS. 

 

H-E-B is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to test and analyze food products to ensure quality. An Associate's degree is required and coursework or practical experience in food science, quality management, or other sciences. To apply and view other HEB jobs, please click here.

 

 

The Alamo Colleges is hiring! Check out our PeopleLink site to search job postings for faculty, staff, and temporary positions at PAC, SAC, SPC, NVC, NLC, and the District offices.  We'd love to have you join our team.

Did You Know?

 

About Requesting Transcripts?

Transcripts can be requested online via your ACES account or by filling out a Transcript Request Form. For more information, please visit our Records and Transcripts webpage here.
 
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.