December 11, 2015 | SharkAdmin The December Bragging Breakfast, hosted by NVC College Services, had a strong showing of employees despite many have the holiday break on their minds. Northwest Vista College President Dr. Ric Baser gave a brief update of a board retreat he went on last month that covered the college's growth plans. He talked about doing a potential renovation of the Cypress Campus Center and adding another parking garage, but those projects would have to go up for a future citywide bond election, which needs voter approval. Dr. Baser said he was at a recent accreditation conference where a colleague said congratulations on your ranking. He said that's when he learned NVC was ranked No. 2 out of the Top 25 two-year colleges in Texas by BestCollleges.com. The ranking was based on data, such as growth in enrollment, default rates on loans and graduation rates. “I'm extremely proud for everyone. My hat goes off to you, it's well deserved,” said Dr. Baser. In addition to best in Texas, Dr. Baser acknowledged the hard work NVC students have been doing in basketball, volleyball and on the cross country teams. The men's basketball team is in first place in its league with a 7 to 1 record. They were 27 to 1, dating back to last season. The women's basketball team is in second place in its league, with a 6 to 1 record. Both teams plan on Jan. 27 at Huisache Hall. The women's volleyball team has a record of 4 to 3 in its league and they play Jan. 21 at Huisache Hall. Members of the NVC Cross Country team also participated in the citywide Rock 'n' Roll Marathon this past weekend. Many of the runners ranked high in their categories, including NVC instructor and former Cross Country Coach Ashley McGee. Her time placed her 47th overall and 3rd overall for women. To see the Power Point from the meeting, go here: [file 1]. And you can get a glimpse of Pam and Clint Dunagan singing the “Twelves Days of Christmas” on the NVC Employee Facebook page. Celebrations: The Employee of the Month award was given to Erica Arcos of the Natural & Physical Sciences department. Sharon Dresser gave the Wildcat Spirit Award to Patricia Ramirez. The Alamo Colleges Leadership Award was given to NVC Vice President of Student Success Debi Gaitan. The NVC Math and Engineering departments contributed to ensure the Anthony Chalkey Scholarship is endowed. NVC Student Zara Flores received an award for her presentation on her undergraduate scientific research at the 2015 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science National Conference in Washington, D.C. NVC IT's Felix Salinas and Tyrell Schwab were invited to a Digital Education Leadership Conference recently in California. Several Student Success employees completed the rigorous Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Training Announcements: Live Oak, Pecan and Huisache Halls will be closed Dec. 11 through Jan. 11 for construction. Re-entry to the buildings will be on Jan. 12, pending no issues. Air conditioning and electrical will be off during the day through the course of construction. For more information, contact Laura Alvarez or call 486-4796.
