On October 6th & 7th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 1322 S. 16th Street in McAllen, TX, South Texas College art students will assist in painting the murals while gaining experience in mural painting and connecting with leaders in the community.  

The mural painting days are open to the public, and supplies will be provided. Those looking to contribute will need to wear work clothes and shoes that can be painted on. 

According to Ray Howard, a community organizer, the history of “McAllen’s Bethel Garden is a tribute to its African American heritage and cultural influence. It is a continuous celebration of our inclusion and contributions to the city’s growth and development over time. Under former Mayor Darling’s leadership and now Mayor Javier Villalobos, coupled with interagency collaborations and a host of volunteers, the treasured memories of our McAllen ancestors and their vision for an even better future for all is preserved for generations to come”. 

In the 1930s, one of McAllen’s early African American families relocated to the McAllen community from Victoria, Texas. Mr. Eugene Hubbard, a World War I veteran, worked for The San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad, a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific Railway. In 1941, the City of McAllen added the Booker T. Washington Addition, where those of African descent could buy property. In 1943 Hubbard and Williams purchased a property at the corner of S 16th Street and later Booker T. Avenue, where the center of the neighborhood began with Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and later Booker T. Washington School. 

The original building was condemned in the early 2000s after the congregation moved. In 2012, the City of McAllen requested help from the Hidalgo County Historical Commission to achieve state-recognized historical status for the former Bethel Church site. Today, the Bethel Garden is living and serves as a prominent reminder of how faithful resilience and hope can overcome the divisive forces of segregation and discrimination. Many community volunteers, area businesses, educational institutions, and the City of McAllen have helped preserve this site.  

South Texas’ College Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and programs to engage student understanding of art and its role in culture, support in the academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art. 

For more information, contact please contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery. 

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.  

STC Police Lt. Johnny Barboza was a former Marine and served with the State of Texas as a DPS Trooper for 24 years before joining the college in August 2013.  He started as a patrol officer and then sergeant. In May, he was selected to become a police lieutenant.  

“We’re here to ensure the safety and security of all our faculty, students, staff and visitors to the college,” said Lt. Barboza. It’s just the next step and I love being a part of the STC family and I’m here to serve. I’m happy to be here.”  

His Personal Philosophy:  

“We’re here for the people and to provide for the public to make sure that they have a great college environment. We’re here to serve, we believe in community policing, and we want to do whatever we can for the public.”  

- Police Lt., Johnny Barboza  

STC Police Sgt. Rene Avendano has been serving with STC’s public safety department for two years and was a former police officer with the City of McAllen with an extensive background in law enforcement. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years in the infantry and completed numerous overseas deployments including two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“I have a law enforcement background, and it's something I’ve always wanted to do. I want to continue in that background especially here with the resources the college provides,” said Sgt. Avendano. “I feel very honored and it’s something that I always strived for. It’s an honor to serve the campus. I hope to continue on and eventually keep moving on as the campus grows; I want to grow with it.”  

His Personal Philosophy: 

“The people always come first, that’s the most important part - to take care of the campus community and to make sure that the faculty, staff and students are safe at all times.  

- Police Sgt. Rene Avendano  

STC's remembrance day for 9-11 has been held across its five campus locations annually which reflects and remembers the lives lost of first responders and civilians. 

South Texas College welcomes Monte Alto ISD students for campus-wide tour

South Texas College welcomed sixth to eighth grade students from Monte Alto ISD as they embarked on a tour of STC’s Pecan Campus on Feb. 19. Approximately 61 ESL students arrived on campus and learned all about what the college has to offer including student services and activities.

Edinburg Pre-school children donate to STC food pantry

On Feb. 7, Children from Kids Learning Center in Edinburg donated three shelves worth of food to the STC Food Pantry located on the second floor in Building H at STC’s Pecan Camus. Opened in 2017, the pantry is filled with non-perishable food items available for all students and is organized by Student Activities. By connecting students with counselors as well as staff at the college, students can have potential access to a wide range of assistance that can enable them to succeed while attending school. Pictured is Ms. Ashley and her Pre-K 4 class, which donated the most food.

STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed among those honored at annual Teach For America gala

To celebrate progress in education over the last decade, RGVision Magazine hosted the annual Teach for America Homecoming Gala Feb. 1 and included STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed as one of six honorees at the event. RGVision recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and reflected on a decade of coverage and service while commemorating remarkable education growth in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Reed was among 450 local leaders to celebrate successes in education, and who joined the publication in raising funds to bring in new Teach For America corps members.

CPWE Director Juan Carlos Aguirre retires

South Texas College staff and faculty honored its director of Continuing Professional Workforce Education (CPWE) who retired from the college in early January. After working for 15 years in the chemical industry, Aguirre joined South Texas College in 1997 as a Training Specialist for the Partnership for Business and Industry Training department and became director of that department in 1999. He returned to college and attended from 2002 to 2006 where he received his master’s degree in education, obtained his teaching certificate, and then taught Mathematics at Nikki Rowe High School. He returned to STC as Director of Continuing, Professional and Workforce Education in 2006.

Sylvia Bernal retires from STC after 33 years

Beginning her career with the college when it was previously known as Texas State Technical Institute in 1985, longtime administrative assistant Sylvia Bernal announced her retirement on Jan. 30. Bernal said she initially worked for 13 years in the college’s Office of Admissions, followed by the Associate Dean of Admissions. She then worked for the late Dr. Ramiro Casso when he was served as STC’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement until his own retirement in 2002, and cappedher career with the Valley Scholars Program.

Isabel Ornelas retires from STC after 14 years of service

After more than 14 years with South Texas College, Isabel Ornelas retired from her position as executive administrative assistant for STC Vice President of Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Initiatives (ISPPSI) Dr. David Plummer Jan. 29. Ornelas said she began with STC in 2005 as an executive administrative assistant for Vice President for Information Services and Planning Jose Cruz. At her retirement celebration, Ornelas said STC is the best place to work, and she was blessed to have been given the opportunity to contribute among staff and faculty.

STC feeds the troops

South Texas College staff and faculty volunteered to serve the troops stationed on the border near Donna for Thanksgiving. Led by STC VP of Enrollment Services Matthew Hebbard, staff assisted in three shifts at Base Camp Donna located between Military Hwy and the Donna International Bridge.

Jaguars tackle finals week

Students hit the books during finals week at South Texas College Dec. 10-13. All STC campuses provided a wide range of resources to make the typically stressful week as comfortable as possible for students. Throughout the week, STC’s Counseling & Student Disability Services emphasized the best ways to reduce college stress see their published list here https://news.southtexascollege.edu/stcs-top-5-ways-to-reduce-college-stress/.

Winter Wonderland at South Texas College

Students at STC’s Mid Valley campus enjoyed a special winter wonderland event organized by Student Activities and Wellness. Students enjoyed two days of ice skating, holiday music, curling, Snowzilla Jr., and a life-sized snow globe as the college officially welcomed the start of the winter season on campus.

Kinesiology Department hosts runners at 13^th Annual Turkey Trot

The Kinesiology Department at South Texas College welcomed 319 participants and volunteers who collectively donated 2,821 pounds of food to Food Bank-RGV on Nov. 17. Winners in the men’s division were Ramsey Moreno in 1st place, Sergio Mireles in 2nd place, and Ignacio Ochoa in 3rd. Overall winners in the women’s division was Selena Vargas in 1st place, Jazmin Garza in 2nd place, and Lucero Spolyar in 3rd. Over the last 13 years, Turkey Trot has provided 17,402 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank.

Students and fans participate in annual Early College High School Sports Tournament

STC Student Activities and Wellness held its annual sports tournament for Early College High Schools Saturday, Nov. 17 at its Pecan Campus. Since its inception, STC has hosted an average of 10 partner schools along with 300-350 student participants, coaches, teachers, counselors, principals, family members, and fans every year. The tournament is a daylong event that includes soccer, volleyball, and basketball games for all participants.

South Texas College announces MADISSAR recipients

South Texas College announced the recipients from its Making a Difference In Student Success and Retention (MADISSAR) grant program on Oct. 22. STC’s Early College Supplement Instruction for the History Department was awarded $16,300 and the Student Ambassadors Program for College Connections was awarded $18,700. Over the last 10 years since the grant started, STC has awarded more than $350,000 from funds set aside to support the college’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with a focus on academic progress and completion. Funds are supplemental and meant to enhance existing department services and activities.

Longtime administrator for veterans at STC Javier Arredondo retires

The Veterans Affairs Department at South Texas College wished longtime Coordinator of Veteran Recruitment and Engagement Javier Arredondo a happy retirement on Oct. 10. Always a strong advocate for veteran services on campus, Arredondo joined faculty, staff, and student veterans at the event which celebrated his years of work for the college.

South Texas College Technology Campus celebrates Manufacturing Day

October is manufacturing month and STC Technology Campus celebrated its fifth year partaking in the nationwide celebration meant to inspire the next generation of students entering industry. STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Department hosted students from five high schools across the Rio Grande Valley who had the opportunity to hear various guest speakers sharing their success stories. Students also participated in interactive activities, received exposure to manufacturing, and given manufacturing tours. Companies represented included General Electric, Cinch Connectivity Solutions, Humanetics, Binary Technologies, and many others.

STC DEMSA students participate in summer hospital internship

South Texas College offered opportunities to provide hands-on learning opportunities for dual credit students by partnering with local hospitals in Starr County. STC in partnership with Starr County Memorial Hospital offered a cohort of Dual Enrollment Medical Science (DEMSA) Academy students a summer internship shadowing doctors and nurses.

US Border Patrol tours Ringgold at Starr County

The Department of Business Administration at South Texas College started its second Leadership Training Academy for the Rio Grande Valley Sector of Border Patrol on Aug. 27. During the training academy, as part of the second week of training the entire group took a “Staff Ride” on Wednesday, Sept. 19 to Rio Grande City and visited Fort Ringgold and the Robert E. Lee House. Assistant Professor of History, Elizandro Munoz led a presentation and discussion with Colonel Ross Barrera about Fort Ringgold, it’s history, and the importance of the Border Patrol organization taking over as the primary protector of the border and its citizens.

US Department of Labor officially recognizes STC HVAC

Desi Holmes, Apprenticeship Program Director for Texas Workforce Commission held a signing ceremony with the Department of Labor to officially recognize South Texas College’s Apprenticeship Program for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The ceremony took place at the Apprenticeship Texas Conference, hosted by TWC on Sept. 20-21 in San Antonio, and highlighted partnerships between workforce representatives and employers as well as effective strategies on leveraging funding sources to support apprenticeship training and industry’s needs for a highly-skilled workforce.

STC holds Festo Bionic Robotics Camp in August

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at South Texas College held its Festo Bionic Robotics Camp Aug. 6-10. At the camp, students learned the fundamentals of robotics bionic technology, giving them a head start in any related engineering or technical career focusing on the design and building of robot assemblies used in environmental processes and set ups. Students worked with Festo bionic kits and components to assemble and program robot model shop products including the construction of bionic elephants, fish and chameleons.

South Texas College welcomes back faculty at annual academic affairs convocation Aug. 20

More than 600 staff and faculty attended STC’s official welcome to start of the 2018-2019 academic year. The meeting took place at Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. STC VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Anahid Petrosian gave a brief welcome, shared student success stories, shared key issues facing community colleges (as a whole), and shared what is on the horizon for the upcoming academic year. Guest speaker Dr. James Lang offered his presentation “Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons From The Science Of Learning”, which included teaching techniques to use in the classroom and how to keep students engaged with the use of technology. Afternoon division meetings were held in the afternoon.