Northwest Vista College is committed to community engagement, evident in our current strategic plan, and the outcomes we create for our students. I’m grateful that we continue to focus our efforts on developing community-wide partnerships to improve access to education and the quality of life in San Antonio and its surrounding communities.
Over the past week, we’ve held numerous events that required time, dedication, and effort, and I thank you for making them meaningful and memorable.
National Night Out
On Tuesday, October 3rd, NVC hosted the district-wide National Night Out. Sponsored by NVC and the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) Police Department, the event provided an opportunity for NVC students and community to get to know our campus police officers, gain tips on safety, and enjoy a bite to eat. A big thank you to the ACD Police Department and NVC’s College Services Team for organizing the event, setting up booths, and serving food and snacks. I also appreciate all the college departments that provided information to students on various NVC services and programs.
Crossroads to Success/Caminos al éxito
On Saturday, October 7th, NVC faculty and staff, in collaboration with our district partners, held a very special Hispanic Heritage Month event to bring awareness to the Westside Education & Training Center (WETC). NVC has been offering courses at WETC for the past 15 years, and we’ve recently doubled the number of course offerings in the new and much larger WETC building.
The Crossroads to Success event provided an opportunity for NVC, ACD, and our community to reflect on the history of WETC and its significance to the community. It was also a time to reflect on the culture, history, and pride of the Westside. We had readings from NVC poet and professor Natalia Treviño and from student advocate, artist, and NVC instructor Marisela Barrera. NVC artist and professor Rachael Bower shared her artwork, and State Senator José Menéndez reflected on his time growing up on the Westside and the impact that college education has had on his life and those who pursue higher education. We also had families and prospective students from Westside high schools who received information from NVC’s Student Success and from the WETC and the Ready to Work teams. Attendees were uplifted with the concluding event of music from Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio.
Thank you to the NVC Hispanic Heritage Month committee for the idea for this event and for spearheading this effort.
Harvest Trot 5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, October 8th, NVC welcomed several hundred running and walking enthusiasts for the 2nd Annual Harvest Trot 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by County Commissioner, Precinct 1, Rebeca Clay-Flores. We were honored to serve as a host for this wellness and community information event. Thank you to the College Services Team for making this possible, and to NVC faculty, staff, and students for your participation.
On Wednesday, October 18th, the Northwest Vista College Wildcats Alumni and the NVC family will hold the 2nd Annual NVC Community Homecoming Celebration. The event will include a career fair, NVC Cheer Team, Wildcat Willie birthday celebration, and other activities that bring us together as we put the “Home in Homecoming!” We will also provide two 2023 NVC Homecoming Scholar Awards to currently enrolled NVC students.
The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Lago Vista steps, lawn patio and Live Oak Hall Breezeway.
Thank you to the Community Collaborations Team, the NVC Wildcats Alumni, and others for organizing this event.
NVC’s upcoming events this month include our 9th Annual HalloVISTA, NVC’s Halloween event geared towards families in our surrounding community. The purpose for HalloVISTA is to:
· Create NVC awareness in the community and establish a good will
· Provide a safe space for student parents and all families to celebrate Halloween
· Instill love for learning and discovery as NVC faculty provide hands-on activities for kids
· Provide engagement and volunteer opportunity for NVC students and employees
· Create college awareness among the youngest in our community
· Devise memorable moments for youngsters on their first experience on a college campus
Thank you to the NVC Marketing & Strategic Communications Team for organizing this event in collaboration with College Services, Alamo Colleges Police, Facilities, Risk Management, Student Life, and many other areas.
Thank you for dedicating your time and effort to planning and attending these events that bring us closer to our surrounding community and offer various paths to higher education.
