Southwest Texas College Dean's Breakfast: Celebrating Achievements and Community
Dr. Hector Gonzales, the college president, kicked off the event by acknowledging the presence of board members, including Dr. Harry Watkins, Anita Shackelford, and Dr. Antonio Rivera. He also extended a warm welcome to former retirees, inviting them to stand and be recognized for their foundational contributions to the institution.
A significant highlight was the recognition of the college's rodeo team, which achieved remarkable success this year. The women's team won first place in the southern region, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Seven athletes will represent Southwest Texas College at the National College Finals.
"Our women's team has worked incredibly hard, and winning first in the southern region is a huge accomplishment,” Gonzales said. "We're excited to see them compete at the national finals."
Dr. Gonzales shared exciting news about the college's ongoing investments in programs and facilities. The state has approved additional funding for technical program expansions, including air conditioning and refrigeration, welding, construction science, and power line programs. A $10 million bond will address deferred maintenance, upgrading the cafeteria, library, administrative building elevators, and more.
"We're very hopeful about the future," Dr. Gonzales said. "These investments will significantly enhance our technical programs and facilities, ensuring we continue to provide top-notch education and training."
The college is also working towards offering its first baccalaureate program by fall 2027, with a focus on education and business. This initiative aims to enhance the college's academic offerings and provide students with more opportunities for advanced education.
Honoring Retirees and Outstanding Faculty
The event included heartfelt recognitions for retirees who have dedicated decades of service to the college. Each retiree received a plaque in recognition of their contributions. Among those recognized were Oscar Garcia, who served for an impressive 31 years; Jesus Martinez, with 30 years; Marcelino Alderete, Maria Rangel, and Diane Underwood, each with 25 years of service; Laura Gammill and Felix Regalado, with 23 years; and Alfonso Santos and Edwin Nava, with 20 and 16 years of service, respectively.
Diane Underwood, one of the retirees, shared her reflections: "It's been an incredible journey. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have impacted the lives of so many students and colleagues. This college has been like a second home to me."
These individuals have made significant contributions to the college, shaping its growth and success over the years. Their commitment and hard work have left a lasting impact on the students and the community. As they transition into retirement, the college expressed deep gratitude for their dedication and welcomed them to continue being part of the college family through future events and gatherings.
Service Pins and Special Recognitions
Service pins were awarded to numerous faculty and staff members, celebrating their years of dedication to the college. Highlights included Denise Oden with 35 years of service, and Derek Sandoval and Julio Castro with 30 years of service.
Other notable mentions include Mario Cardenas, Dr. Gabrielle Forbes, Rolando Lira, Luiz Perez, Diane Underwood, Cruz Mata, and Veronica Fosbenner with 25 years of service.
College employees with 20 years of service include Richard Davis Jr., Reagan King, Claudia Sanderlin, Eva De Anda, Steve Martinez, Ana Lucia Oca, Diana P. Rodriguez, Yesenia Silva, Angelica Garza, and Miguel Maldonado.
During the Dean's Breakfast, several faculty and staff were recognized with various awards. SWTX Patient Care Technician Instructor Irene Barrera and SWTX Speech Instructor Veronica Williams were honored with Outstanding Faculty Awards for their dedication to teaching and their positive impact on students.
SWTX Research Analyst Ryan Alldritt received the Outstanding Professional Staff Member award, recognized for his reliability and willingness to go above and beyond in his role. Jeanette Salcedo, SWTX Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Administrative Services, was awarded the Outstanding Support Staff Award for her exceptional organizational skills and heartfelt servanthood.
Additionally, SWTX Accounting and Economics Instructor Twyla Barnett and SWTX Philosophy Instructor Dr. Lonnie Moore were recognized with the NISOD Excellence in Teaching Awards, highlighting their leadership and inspirational contributions to the college community. These awards underscore the commitment and excellence of Southwest Texas College's faculty and staff, who continually strive to enhance the educational experience for their students.
Looking Ahead
The Dean's Breakfast concluded with announcements about upcoming graduation ceremonies and the launch of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on fostering a sense of belonging and connection among students. The new QEP title, "Dream, Connect, Belong," reflects the college's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Margot Mata, co-chair of the QEP team, emphasized, "We want every student to feel like they are part of our college family. This plan is about creating meaningful connections and a deep sense of belonging."
As Southwest Texas College continues to grow and evolve, events like the Dean's Breakfast serve as a reminder of the strong community and shared goals that drive the institution forward. The college looks forward to another year of achievements and progress, building on the solid foundation laid by its dedicated faculty, staff, and supporters. The annual Dean's Breakfast at Southwest Texas College was a resounding success, bringing together faculty, staff, retirees, and board members to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the past year. The event, held in a packed venue, highlighted the college's commitment to growth, community, and excellence.