South Texas College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program continues to exceed national standards for the 15th year in a row.

From 2010 to 2013, the overall passing rate of OTA graduates who have taken the national certification exam and have passed it on the first try is 100%. The national passing rate standard is 80%.

“We have high expectations for all our students,” said Espy Brattin, Occupational Therapy Program Chair and Instructor. “We continuously work to guide and train them to meet and surpass industry standards.”

OTA students are trained to assist patients in developing life skills. Students learn to provide services with the ultimate goal of increasing patient independence within daily functions. Therapy recipients are those who have encountered problems that interfere with their ability to function in any stage of their development.

Students must complete all capstone coursework with a passing grade to be eligible for graduation from the OTA program. Graduates of the program are also required to pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy before they can request a license to practice in the state of Texas. The majority of the graduates are employed in the Hidalgo County area.

The Occupational Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In 2004, the program achieved the most prestigious re-accreditation recognition from ACOTE for a 10 year period. The OTA Program was also granted exemplary status from the Texas High Education Coordinating Board in 2007.

For more information on the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and other Nursing and Allied Health programs at STC, contact the Division of Nursing and Allied Health at (956) 872-3161 or visit nah.southtexascollege.edu.

South Texas College graduate Valeria Salinas was awarded the Second Annual Starr County Campus Psychology Club Scholarship award on May 9, 2013 during the Starr County Campus Commencement Ceremony at the campus’ Amphitheater in Rio Grande City. From left, STC Starr County Campus Administrator Dr. Arturo Montiel, STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Alex Sarabia, STC Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez, Psychology Club scholarship recipient Valeria Salinas, STC President Shirley A. Reed, and STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Eli Sarabia.

South Texas College elementary education major Valeria Salinas was awarded the Second Annual Psychology Club Scholarship on May 9 at the spring 2013 STC Starr County Campus Commencement Ceremony.

A few days after receiving the $1,000 scholarship award, the Rio Grande City High School alumna walked across the stage at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo and received her Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

“There are no words to describe the happiness that I felt when I got the scholarship,” said Salinas. “Being the recipient makes me feel proud of myself and my accomplishments. I appreciate my Psychology Club advisers Mr. Alex Sarabia and Mr. Eli Sarabia for believing in me.”

Salinas plans to put the scholarship to good use and continue her education at The University of Texas-Pan American, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree to become an elementary school teacher.

To be eligible for the scholarship, which has been awarded at the end of the past two spring semesters, applicants had to meet several qualifying criteria such as being an active member of the Psychology Club, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit an official school transcript, resume and essay about future academic and professional goals.

Salinas met and exceeded the requirements.

At STC, Salinas was an honor’s student and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She was also an active member of the Psychology Club as the organization’s Social Media Manager. Salinas was also part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

“Valeria is a very deserving Psychology Club Scholarship recipient, as demonstrated by her perfect 4.0 GPA, as well as by her leadership and social skills, and her commitment to the Psychology Club, STC and other community events,” said STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Alex Sarabia. “She is a true student leader and has high goals for her future.”

For more information about the STC Psychology Club or the scholarship, contact Alex Sarabia at asarabia1@southtexascollege.edu or 956-973-7639.

Tea Time is the tale of Prashanth, a young man born and raised in India, but longing for something more. Through interactions with strangers, friends, family, and tea, Prashanth attempts to discover his place in his rapidly changing world. Written by Austin-based Transit Theatre Troupe’s Producing Director Mitch Harris, the play is based on his experiences working at an all-boys orphanage in Bangalore, India in the Summer of 2012.

Tickets can be purchased one hour before the performance at the box office or online at https://secure.touchnet.com/C20193_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=13.

For more information, call (956) 872-2301 or email jrodriguez@southtexascollege.edu or efierros@southtexascollege.edu.

South Texas College’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus Library presents “Additions: Recent Donations to the STC LAG’s Permanent Collection,” an exhibit featuring artworks by Kathy Vargas, Pat Johnson, and others. The exhibit runs from June 13 to Aug. 23, 2013 at the NAH Campus. Featured artwork by Kathy Vargas, in photo, titled, “My Mother, Susie Salcedo Vargas, Walking to Work,” 30″x24.”

South Texas College’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus Library presents “Additions: Recent Donations to the STC LAG’s Permanent Collection,” an exhibit featuring artworks by Kathy Vargas, Pat Johnson, and others. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 13, 2013 and will be on view through Friday, Aug. 23 at the college’s NAH Campus, located at 1101 E. Vermont Ave. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features works of art that have recently been donated to STC by various artists who have exhibited at one of the college’s five library art galleries throughout the Rio Grande Valley in Hidalgo and Starr counties. These artists include Grover Terry Beaman, Pat Johnson, Chris Leonard, Juan Garza Lozano, Billy Ray Mangham, Cristina Materon, Manuel Miranda, Rocio Rangel, and Kathy Vargas.

“We are grateful for all of the generous donations we have received from our exhibiting artists,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “The Library Art Gallery looks forward to the continued growth of its permanent collection and in the enjoyment and education that it will bring to our students and community.”

STC’s Library Art Gallery exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information contact Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488, or via email at dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Imanol Miranda’s photo exhibit will be on display at the STC Technology Campus Library in McAllen from June 13 to Aug. 23, 2013. Photograph titled, “Don Santos,” 8×12, 2012, is one of Miranda’s pieces that will be on display during the exhibit.

South Texas College’s Technology Campus Library presents “Life in the Valley,” an exhibit featuring photographs by Imanol Miranda. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 13, 2013 with an artist lecture held at 5 p.m., and will be on view through Friday, Aug. 23. The Technology Campus Library is located at 3700 W. Military Hwy. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

The idea for Miranda’s exhibit stemmed from a photography assignment that he decided to further and expand on, long after his college course had been completed. Intrigued by the amalgamation of cultures within the Rio Grande Valley and bothered by the under representation of this area, Miranda began an independent project photographing life in the Valley. In his first solo exhibition, Miranda has selected images that depict local people working ordinary jobs, in an effort to highlight those who may risk social exclusion.

“Miranda’s bare bone, black and white photography is such an accurate representation of life in the Valley,” said Dawn Haughey, STC art gallery associate. “This exhibit shows us the humbleness and honesty of local people, who are very much steeped in their culture and family and works to commemorate those who might otherwise be overlooked or unappreciated.”

Miranda was born in Mexico City and later moved to the Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the University of Texas Pan-American. Miranda currently documents art openings, music and fashion shows as a way to promote local arts.

STC’s Library Art Gallery exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information contact Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488, or via email at dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

About Itzel:

Itzel, a determined and ambitious student, was born in Weslaco and raised in Progreso. She is a junior at Progreso High School where she is involved in volleyball, soccer and cross country. She has also been a part of the Progreso Early College High School Academy since the seventh grade.

“The early college high school program is a great opportunity,” she said. “Although balancing high school and college is challenging, I know it will help me further on in life.”

“At times I may have to stay up late studying or miss an outing with friends,” she added. “However, I am learning skills like time management that will help me once I transfer into a four-year university.”

After graduating from high school, Itzel plans on pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University-Kingsville or Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Later she wants to continue her education and study law at the University of Texas at Austin.

“I knew I wanted to study law since I began high school,” Itzel said. “I have always been interested in law, history and government. I’d like to take my interest further and learn more about criminal law.”

Itzel got the opportunity to take a few criminal justice courses at STC through the early college high school program, putting her on a career path that’s right for her.

“My parents inspire me,” Itzel expressed. “They have always told me to study very hard and follow my dreams.”

“My sister is also a role-model because she went to college and followed her dreams,” she added. “I have also had many encouraging teachers and supporting friends.”

In her spare time, Itzel enjoys photography, reading romance novels and spending time with friends.

Top three accomplishments:
“Being a part of the early college high school program. By taking these classes while still in high school, I have saved a lot of time and money.”

“Making it to the playoffs with my soccer team. It’s been years since our team has made it this far. It’s a good feeling because we put many hours into practicing.”

“Being the STC Student of the Week. I would have never thought I would receive this honor. I feel very proud of myself and I can see my hard work is paying off.”

What sets you apart from other students?
“I live by the saying, ‘don’t strive to make your presence noticed, live to make your absence felt.”’ I stand out amongst the crowd. I am very friendly, outgoing, loud and always happy.”

STC Dean for Business & Technology Mario Reyna, STC PMT Instructor Esmeralda Adame and STC PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales showcase the NIMS accreditation plaque in the Technology Campus Machine Lab.

Keeping up with today’s standards, South Texas College (STC) has renewed the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Accreditation of their Precision Manufacturing Technology (PMT) Program as of Thursday, May 9, 2013. This is the school’s second time establishing itself as a NIMS-Accredited institution, as it first set this benchmark in 2007. NIMS applauds South Texas College for its continued commitment to meeting National Industry Standards for metalworking skills training.

“NIMS Credentialed Manufacturing Programs are held to high standards for quality and safety inside and outside of the classroom,” explains STC PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales. “We have worked very diligently to maintain and exceed the NIMS standards.” In May 2013, NIMS Evaluator Gail Houser (NTMA) conducted a rigorous On-Site Evaluation at the facility in McAllen. Highly complementary of the program, in his evaluation Houser noted the program’s significant support received from administration, funding, and in clearly established goals for educators, students, and industry. In particular he noted that the instructional staff as “well trained, knowledgeable, and motivated.” He also gave the program top ratings in several areas of evaluation, including Program Purpose and Administration Support.

“Our students graduate with not only a Certificate and/or Associates degree but with the several NIMS certifications as well,” said Morales. “These credentials signal to employers that our graduates are good candidates to hire.” This accreditation is in Level I Machining Skills, with an emphasis on measurement, materials & safety, job planning, benchwork, & layout, milling I (manual) and drill press I. “The manufacturing community has played a key role in the accreditation process,” said STC Dean for Business and Technology Mario Reyna. “They serve in the Precision Manufacturing Advisory Committee who provide curriculum guidance and Metalworking Technical Evaluation Committee who are voluntaries from the manufacturing industry that serve as agents for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills to review all the projects submitted for credential by our students.”

NIMS has extended their congratulations to everyone involved in this accreditation renewal, especially PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales for coordinating the efforts of the faculty and staff in meeting the requirements for renewal. To learn more about this program, call (956) 872-6224 or visit http://careers.southtexascollege.edu/2012/09/07/precision-manufacturing-technology.

Jorge Saenz poses with his 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 motorcycle at the STC Technology Campus.

Business Computer Systems Instructor Jorge Saenz is proud to be a founding faculty member of South Texas College (STC) boasting more than 20 years with the institution.  However, it is his most recent endeavor outside of STC that has made his inherent dedication and perseverance all the more apparent. As a participant in the Run for Wall, Saenz rode more than 4000 miles to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. on his 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 to raise awareness for Prisoners of War (POW) who are Missing in Action (MIA). This is made even more impressive by the fact that Saenz has just started riding again after years of being “out of the saddle.” Before the Run for the Wall, Saenz’s longest motorcycle ride was only 167 miles.

The mission of the Run for the Wall is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all POWs and those MIA, to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world. “For me, it’s my way of saying it’s my turn,” said Saenz.  “When I was younger and came of age, the Vietnam War was over, and this is my way of thanking all of those who served and who still do serve our country.”

Saenz is no stranger to performing good deeds while volunteering on two wheels.  As a 23 year member of the Knights of Columbus, Saenz also rides as part of Knights on Bikes.  “Knights on Bikes is an unofficial group comprised of people who like to ride,” explains Saenz.  “We act as escorts whenever possible.  I am also part of the Patriot Guard Riders who escort during military funerals.”

Riders travel from all over the country to participate in the Run for the Wall.  Saenz chose to take the Southern Route with more than 1000 other riders.  “The entire ride is a healing experience,” reflects Saenz.  “We experience kindness from strangers along the way and of course meet veterans, their families and friends.  We ride for those who can’t.”  For more information on the Run for the Wall visit http://rftw.org.