Western Technical College Newsletter

In this Months Issue

• Beto O’Rourke- Speaks to First Graduating Class of the New Year
• Sears to Provide Award to Upcoming HVAC Grad
• Attention All High School Counselors! WTC Scholarship Contest Still Going Strong!
• Military Men, Women & Families: We Salute You! Red, White and Blue Scholarship
• Diesel Students Grateful for Halliburton Visit
• Medical Assisting Students Show Texas Size Volunteerism & Team Spirit
• HVAC Graduate Achieves Goals With Scholarship
• Refrigeration/HVAC Program Hosts Manitowoc Seminar
• Western Technical College Makes Much Needed Blood Donations
• WTC Holds Medical Assisting Advisory

Beto O’Rourke- Speaks to First Graduating Class of the New Year

City Representative Beto O’Rourke was the keynote speaker at the Western Technical College (WTC) commencement ceremony on Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. held at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Magoffin Auditorium. A total of 127 Graduates from the Main campus at Plaza Circle in the Lower Valley and the Northeast Diana Branch campus participated in the ceremony, including 28 graduating with honors.  “I was very honored to speak at this graduation during such an exciting time for El Paso and for these graduates. This era of quality job growth, cultural opportunities and civic renaissance is unparalleled in El Paso's history,” says District 8 City Representative, Beto O’Rourke.

Arturo Ramirez, Director of Sales with Desert Communications, Inc. was the honorary guest and graduates Alvaro Vargas, Jr., of Microcomputer Technology/Electronics and Ruben Molina of Refrigeration/HVAC Technology were class representatives.  The ceremony was open to the public and families and friends of graduates and employers were encouraged to attend.

Sears to Provide Award to Upcoming HVAC Grad

When David Tapia, Technical Manager, from Sears came to visit the Western Technical College (WTC) job fair at the Plaza Campus in January, he brought his District Manager, Robert Thomas.  After seeing the outstanding students and the amazing facility, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Tapia decided they wanted to find a way recognize a student at WTC. After discussing the needs of graduates, even though WTC provides the basic tools needed for the Program, students may need additional tools upon entering the workforce, and Sears decided on a completed tool box as an award.  “We saw students having to buy additional tools on their own and we knew that it could be a big expense.  So we wanted to make sure that we provided a tool box that would enable them to run calls as soon as they started,” said Mr.Tapia.  Sears currently has nine WTC students working with them. 

To win the completed tool box, students graduating from the HVAC/Refrigeration Program by April 26th must submit a written essay of no more than 250 words explaining why they enrolled in the WTC Refrigeration/HVAC Program and what they hope to accomplish with their training after Graduation.  In order to be eligible for the tool box, students must have been on the Director’s Honor Roll and meet Sears Attendance Standards and must graduate by April 26th.  Mr. Tapia from Sears will award the Sears Tool Box to the winning graduate at the April graduation. For more information contact Sheila Covey at (915) 532-3737.

Attention All High School Counselors! WTC Scholarship Contest Still Going Strong!

You Could WIN Round Trip Airline Tickets! All teachers and employees at any school district who sends in the most scholarship applications for their students will win two round trip tickets anywhere Southwest flies as a reward for helping their students. The promotion is on-going until April 1, 2007.  

For more information about these scholarship opportunities and more, contact Jerry Martin, WTC Admissions Director at either of the two WTC campuses. 9624 Plaza Circle Dr. - (915) 532-3737 9451 Diana- (915) 566- 9621

Military Men, Women & Families: We Salute You! Red, White and Blue Scholarship

Since, February 1, 2002, WTC has been recognizing the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice’s made by our Military men and women in uniform. WTC is awarding a $1000.00 scholarship towards tuition to every active duty, reserve or National Guard from every branch of service and their dependents that enrolls at WTC. The scholarship can only be used at Western Technical College in both degree and certificate programs and is non transferable. For more information about these scholarship opportunities and more, contact Jerry Martin, WTC Admissions Director at either of the two WTC campuses. 9624 Plaza Circle Dr. - (915) 532-3737 9451 Diana- (915) 566- 9621

Diesel Students Grateful for Halliburton Visit

In December, Rene Morales, a Staffing Specialist with the Human Resource Department of Halliburton toured the Plaza Circle facility and spoke briefly with the Diesel Students about Diesel Technician positions available at Halliburton.  Mr. Morales gave students tips about how to apply online to Halliburton.  The faculty and students say, “thank you, Mr. Morales for touring the Plaza Circle Campus and we look forward to having you back in the near future."  Western Technical College looks forward to working with you in the Diesel field.

Medical Assisting Students Show Texas Size Volunteerism & Team Spirit

On Friday, February 2, 2007 Western Technical College Medical Assistant students helped to cheer on Team Texas during the Texas vs. The Nation game. The students not only attended the game but helped out with the Golf Tournament at Painted Dunes on Thursday, February 1, 2007.  "It was very exciting for the students to meet the players and coaches during the Golf Tournament.  The players asked the students about Western Technical College and were very down to earth providing autographs and pictures for the students," said Sylvia Aguilar WTC’s MA Externship Coordinator who spearheaded this effort. According to Ms. Aguilar, "Mr. Hempshire, the games organizer, was very impressed with the students."

During the game on Friday night, Mr. Hempshire took time to thank the students over the stadium intercom.  The camera panned over the crowd, showing Western Technical College's Texas size banner and cheering students on CSTV and the large screen in the stadium.  Even though The Nation team won, organizers said that the goal of participants was met and the bowl will be back next year.  Many thanks to the Medical Assistant Students for a job well done.

HVAC Graduate Achieves Goals With Scholarship

Ruben Molina knew he wanted to go to college, but he never realized that he would be chosen as a recipient of a National scholarship to help pay for his tuition. However, Molina says, “once I heard about the scholarship opportunity from my Instructor, I just responded to it like I was going to receive it.” Molina who just graduated with WTC’s first graduating class of 2007 not only landed a scholarship, but was chosen as one of the graduate speakers and received honors for his excellent attendance.

“The training that I received at WTC allowed me, before I even graduated, to gain a promotion with the company I worked for because I was able to bring those skills to my job. Molina’s boss, Joy Martinez, Administrator at Coronado Nursing Home says, “Ruben was promoted to Maintenance Director and oversees all plant operations and environmental services in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations.  With his new credentials he can now perform R/HVAC related services that we would otherwise have to contract out to someone else.  With his knowledge and talent he may outgrow my facility and although I don’t want to lose him, I see him owning his own business one day. “A bitter sweet thought for Joy, but she continues, “Mr. Ruben Molina is an exemplary employee and is an asset to the company.  Mr. Molina has proven that if you set goals for yourself and put your mind to it you can make your dreams a reality,” she says.

“Scholarships are out there and believe me, they are worth going after. I recommend it to anyone who may be looking at a strong future, like I was. I am very thankful to WTC for informing me of the scholarship opportunity,” adds Molina.

Western Technical College Makes Much Needed Blood Donations

On Wednesday, January 24th and Friday, January 26th, both WTC Campuses to include students and faculty rolled up their sleeves to help make a difference in the El Paso Community by supporting United Blood Services.  The combined total of blood donated was an amazing 64 units.  Way to go Western Technical College!

WTC Holds Medical Assisting Advisory

During the last week in February approximately 22 different employers and over 45 individuals from the medical field attended WTC’s first Medical Assisting Advisory Board meeting of the year. The Advisory Board is a priority for the colleges’ curriculum, as professionals in each Programs industry who serve on the Board, provide important curriculum updates and recommendations. Emphasis was placed on the true abilities of a Medical Assistant and how this particular field of study is a key component in the medical field providing a multitude of opportunity for both the MA and the environment in which they work. MA’s have the ability to provide phlebotomy, ekg, wound care, immunization, and more. WTC thanks all who were present and that took the time out of their busy days to advise and inform about the growth and changes to such an important industry.