September 16, 2014 | SharkAdmin In this Issue: Message from Dr. Ric Baser Integrity: NVC Alumni Participate in First Survey Synergy: 5th Annual Scholarship for Students Golf Tournament Openness: Alumni Profile: Kristen Loar Community: Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship Diversity: Award-Winning Cartoonist Brings Culture and Comedy Joy: NVC Earns Military Friendly Status for Forth Time Caring: STAGES Kids Summer Camp Receives Grant Creativity: Upcoming Fine and Performing Arts on Campus Learning: NVC 360 In Memoriam: Christy Schmidt Ways to Connect Message from Dr. Ric Baser Hello NVC Alumni and Friends, As the new President of Northwest Vista College, I have literally fallen in love with the College community as my respect for the culture of collaboration that exists here has grown. Students, faculty and staff have extended a warm welcome and shared with me what it means to be a part of this spirited and engaged community. The realization that 96% of you who participated in our first Alumni Survey indicated that you were satisfied on having chosen to graduate from NVC says a lot about this College. This sense of pride is evident and contributes significantly to the caring attitude of our faculty and staff, as well as the level of support our students experience inside and outside the classroom. As graduates, your success is our inspiration. You have proven that at NVC, you can stay close to home and go far in reaching your lofty educational and career goals. Through this message, I would like to not only to introduce myself, but welcome you to stay connected with Northwest Vista College. Catch a play in the Palmetto Theatre, network and become a member of the Friends of the Arts (FANS) or NVC Business Council, or reach out to the Career and Transfer Services (CaTS) team who can help you with job preparation and transfer advisement. I hope to meet many of you in the near future at events like the 5th Annual NVC Scholarship for Students Golf Tournament in November. Lastly, we want to share your successes with NVC students. Send an email telling us what NVC means to you and we’ll pass it on. Thanks again for this opportunity to introduce myself to all of you. Dr. Ric Baser President NVC Alumni Participate in First Survey Northwest Vista College Alumni and Friends have conducted their first survey which has provided an opportunity to use your feedback to help shape how we deliver news, offer services and host events for graduates of NVC. Over 100 alumni have participated so far. If you would still like to participate visit the survey link atwww.surveymonkey.com/s/NVCALUMNI2014 Here are some key findings from the survey: • 96% of graduates said they are satisfied having graduated from NVC • 98% reported they would recommend NVC to others • 52% still keep in touch with NVC classmates • Within first year of graduating – 70% of graduates transferred to a university • 33% reported earning a Bachelor of Science, 20% a Bachelor of Art, 10% a Master-level degree • Majority reported attending a college or university out of the area • Locally, most are attending University of Texas at San Antonio, an Alamo College or Texas A&M University at San Antonio 5th Annual Scholarships for Students Golf Tournament is Nov. 14 The 5th Annual Northwest Vista College Scholarship for Students Golf Tournament is set for Friday, Nov. 14 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa. – 4 person scramble/$125 per person – NVC Alumni welcome to play and/or sponsor – 8 am shotgun start – Info & sign-up at www.alamo.edu/nvc/mas/golf – Proceeds benefit student scholarships Alumni Profile: Kristen Loar Class of 2012 Kristen Loar, graduated in 2012 from Northwest Vista College with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. She went on to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently, Kristen is employed with the Lockheed Martin Corporation as a proposal analyst in cost estimating. “Earning my associate’s degree was a stepping stone towards accomplishing my future goals,” Kristen said. “It was an accomplishment that gave me the encouragement to push forward and continue my education. During her time as a student at NVC, Kristen was also a part-time employee. She expressed that college faculty and staff have impacted her in a positive way as mentors and friends. “I really felt that it (NVC) was an environment where the staff and faculty wanted to help students learn and succeed,” she said. “I grew so much, developed my leadership and communication skills, met many friends and mentors, and gained more confidence.” When asked what advice she has for current NVC students, Kristen says they should pursue the many opportunities surrounding them. “Get involved in an organization and make a commitment to your education, be a leader in your community, set the example, get a mentor,” she said. “Reach out to your professors and staff members, because they are there to help you succeed.” Kristen added that these things can help every student develop and grow as a person. Favorite Vista Touchstone: Integrity Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Open to recent NVC graduates (within the last five years) If you are planning to complete your bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university next fall, you may be eligible for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Criteria for selection includes the following: • Be a current student at an accredited U.S. community college with sophomore status or a recent graduate (within the last five years); • Have a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above; • Plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to begin studies in the following fall; • Demonstrate unmet financial need. Students who have previously enrolled at and attended a four-year institution are not eligible for this award. The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year, making it the largest private scholarship for community college transfer students in the country. For information and to apply, visit www.jkcf.org. The deadline for applications is Dec. 2, 2014. Award-Winning Cartoonist Brings Culture and Comedy to Campus Popular Latino artist, cartoonist and radio talk show host Lalo Alcaraz brought his humor, political satire and personal story to an audience of Northwest Vista College students, faculty and staff recently. His visit to NVC was part of the “Border Convo Tour” to promote his upcoming animated series “Bordertown,” which is scheduled to air on the FOX network in spring of 2015. Most known for his social commentary through iconic artworks, as well as the long-running syndicated comic strip ‘La Cucaracha’, the self-described ‘renaissance man’ answered questions and shared his personal experiences about growing up poor as the son of Mexican immigrants near San Diego, California. He also revealed where his favorite tacos in San Antonio can be found. Lalo Alcaraz’s visit was made possible through the U.S. Department of Education Title V Innovista project at Northwest Vista College. NVC Earns Military Friendly Status for Fourth Time For the fourth consecutive year, NVC has received the designation of Military Friendly School status. The award is a testament to the support NVC continues to offer military personnel and veterans through its NVC Veteran Affairs area. STAGES Kids Camp Summer Program Receives Grant Northwest Vista College recently received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to implement the Student Training in the Arts for Growth in Education and Self-Confidence (STAGES) camp program. Two camps, offered over three weeks each during the summers of 2015, will engage future area musicians and dancers, ages 8-17, by providing opportunities for them to learn and perform music and dance in a college environment. The STAGES camp program is a collaborative effort with the Network for Young Artists (NYA), who provide resources for youth to develop talents in the performing arts. NYA also promotes abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Upcoming Fine and Performing Arts on Campus Catch some of these quality performances and exhibits happening on campus. Nov. 1-30: Public Collaborations – Art Installation Nov. 13-16 and 20-22: The Masque of Orestes – A condensed modern version of a classic Greek tale Nov 22: Vista Dances – NVC Repertory Dance Ensemble in Concert See the full calendar and more details at http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/pca NVC 360 Check out this 360 aerial of the NVC Campus taken with the Vista Viewer on YouTube In Memoriam: Christy Schmidt A graduate of Madison High School, Christy first came to NVC as an adjunct instructor and became full time in 2004 and tenured in 2006. “Christy was a beloved faculty member and a great student advocate,” said Jimmie Bruce, NVC vice president of Academic Success. “She will be missed by all of us.” “Christy was a wonderful teacher and mentor to students,” said Thomas Pressly, chair of NVC Math. “She has touched so many lives of our faculty, staff and students. We miss her greatly.” Connect with NVC Alumni and Friends Winter Edition will be out January 2015 – Send us your news. linkedin.com facebook.com/NVCAlumni [email protected] 210-486-4688
