NVC Alumni and Friends Update – Summer 2014

Wildcat Profile: Richard Plumlee
Class of 2012

Richard-Plumlee-NVC-Alum

“Since earning my degrees, I have received promotions at work and have gained the confidence to be an effective leader.”

Richard Plumlee graduated from Northwest Vista College in 2012 with both an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree in General Studies. Currently a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, double majoring in Public Health and Sociology with a minor in Biology, Richard says that community service and volunteerism are two interests he has always been passionate about.

“Being able to help serve others in my community means a great deal to me,” he said.

Public service is the center of Richard’s full-time job as inventory and food safety manager at the San Antonio Food Bank. Throughout the local community he’s also volunteered at organizations such as the American Red Cross, University Hospital, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

While earning his degrees at Northwest Vista College, Richard demonstrated his dedication by serving as a volunteer student ambassador, as well as being a founding member of NVC’s Sigma Alpha Phi chapter. Today, he continues his commitment to community as president of the UTSA chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society and vice president of Medicine for the UTSA Chapter of Global Brigades along with being involved in six other campus groups.

In his role as an officer for Global Brigades, Richard helped successfully organize a medical and dental mission trip to Honduras for over 40 pre-med and pre-dental students.

This summer he will be participating in a study abroad internship to Ghana, Africa, where he will help under-resourced communities in a variety of social ventures including medical services, public health and educational initiatives.

“Balancing family life, work, school, activities and friendships is not easy at times, but I know that because of my time at NVC, I am better equipped to do so,” Richard said. “It (NVC) has also helped me to further impress upon my own children the importance of an education, which may help to avail many great opportunities to them in the future.”

When asked what he remembers most about Northwest Vista, Richard says it was the people.

“I will, without hesitation, proudly exclaim that it was the wonderful opportunity to meet great people such as NVC staff Darryl Nettles, Kelly Blanco and Jo Garcia to name a few,” he said.

The NVC Touchstone that Richard relates to most is “Community”.

“I believe NVC, its faculty, staff, professors and students all embody the true meaning of community… consistently giving back and selflessly doing for others, and empowering them to contribute both as learners as well as leaders,” he added.