STC SGA celebrates year-long victory, bringing Chick-Fil-A to Technology campus
The opening of a Chick-Fil-A at South Texas College’s Technology Campus is the culmination of a year-long journey by Student Government Association (SGA). SGA officers say this marks a turning point in student involvement as well as a renewed sense of empowerment for those working on their behalf.
For Student Government Association (SGA) representatives at South Texas College’s Technology Campus, the arrival of a new Chick-Fil-A represents an achievement that means more than new menu options for hungry students. It marks a turning point in student involvement, as well as a renewed sense of empowerment for those working on their behalf.
What began as a simple but growing student concern, grew into a major student-led victory which involved more than a year of outreach, organizing and persistence to secure the popular restaurant chain on campus.
The initiative began in fall 2024 when SGA members began hearing repeated concerns about food options. Wanting to understand the issue completely, the officers launched an extensive outreach effort, gathering feedback from students and sharing digital surveys at events across campus.
The results collected showed an enthusiastic demand for change, according to SGA leadership.
“It all started by listening,” said Technology Campus SGA President Jose Daniel Medrano. “Students told us what they wanted, and Chick-Fil-A kept coming up again and again. We knew their voice mattered and we wanted to make sure it was heard.”
With momentum behind them, Medrano said SGA drafted a proposal and began the months-long process of presenting their findings to administrators and finally STC’s Board of Trustees.
Even though the journey was extensive, Medrano said the team stayed focused on the goal, which was to create a better experience for current and future students.
Students are realizing their voice is powerful…we are showing students what is possible when they come together. This was for them, and it happened because of them.
When Chick-Fil-A was approved to begin operations at Technology Campus in October, the reaction across campus was immediate, according to Medrano. Students celebrated the news, asking repeatedly when the restaurant would open and sharing their excitement online and in the hallways.
The new Chick-Fil-A officially opened Nov. 3 to much fanfare among students, staff and faculty.
“It feels amazing,” Medrano said. “Students are realizing their voice is powerful. Now that we’re growing, we are showing students what is possible when they come together. This was for them, and it happened because of them.”
The shared effort has strengthened the bond between SGA and the student body, according to Historian Laura Cavazos. More students have begun approaching the association with new ideas along with concerns and goals while recognizing SGA as a true voice for change on campus.
Cavazos credited former Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST) Dean Sara Lozano, Ed.D., for listening closely and advocating for students throughout the process.
“A lot of people came together because of this,” Cavazos said. “Seeing the end result reminds us that when we work together, we really can make a difference.”
With the goal to establish a new place for students to eat now complete, SGA representatives say they have already set their sights on even more improvements. The group is continuing to address challenges with campus vending machines, exploring upgrades to maintenance and discussing enhancements to sports fields, Wi-Fi access and other student-driven priorities.
“They are leaving a legacy with this,” said Technology Campus Student Activities coordinator and SGA Adviser Robert Alaniz. “They put in the hours, the effort and the heart. As their adviser, I couldn’t be prouder. They did this for the students, and it shows what student leadership can accomplish.”