Palo Alto Revisited: History in the Making

Palo Alto College continues to evolve with its surrounding community, but the desire of its students to learn remains constant.

When Palo Alto College was established in February of 1983 by the Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees, it was little more than a dream written on paper.

Politicians and education leaders did not believe there was a need for a community college in South San Antonio, but because of the hard work and determination of community organizations such as Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS), Palo Alto College became a reality. The college began serving students from the southern areas of San Antonio and Bexar County in the Fall of 1985.

“When we started the first classes, we had about 250 students enrolled, and our offices were located at a strip mall right outside of Kelly Air Force Base,” said Raphael Castillo, a founding faculty member and professor of English.

Because the permanent campus was not yet built, classes were held in local high schools, on military bases, and in the Southwest Center of the Alamo Community College District.

Leandro M. Esparza, who has been on staff for 13 years and is the Director of Student Services, said his first assignment was to monitor an English class.

“The class was being held in an old hangar; it was in terrible shape. It started to rain and the rain leaked through the ceiling and walls of the hangar,” said Esparza. “But the instructor kept on talking until the rain on the floor was about an inch deep, then he and the students picked up their belongings, went out to the corridor, sat down on cinder blocks, and continued with the lesson.”

The fortitude of those students is only one aspect that makes Palo Alto College the success it is today. “Those first students were really trailblazers,” said Esparza. “I respect the initiative, foresight, and commitment of those students.”

As more non-traditional students continue to enroll in Palo Alto College, the college continues to evolve around the needs of its students. Non-traditional students are those older students who may have experienced low academic performance in high school, are currently employed, married, and have a family to support.

The staff and faculty of Palo Alto College strive to provide programs and facilities for students to gain a higher education and a better way of life.

In 1987, the original campus had room for 2,500 students. Spring of 1991 enrollment surpassed 4,450 students. This growth in enrollment necessitated the addition of a 50,000-square foot, $3.6 million, two-story classroom building in January.

The $10.5 million Natatorium and Gymnasium complex opened its doors in January 1992 and continues to draw world-class athletes to its facilities.

As the community and world changed, Palo Alto College continued its commitment to its students by providing access to new technological advancements in education. The $9.4 million George Ozuna Jr. Learning Resources & Academic Computing Center opened its doors in the Fall of 1997. This center provides free access to computers and the Internet for students who may not own a computer or may not have updated equipment.

“This environment is very nurturing,” said Castillo, who believes that the supportive attention given to students is vital to their success. “Students with confidence are more likely to succeed once they transfer to four-year institutions.”

The faculty and staff of Palo Alto College have also taken steps to build the Ray Ellison Family Center, which will provide child care for about 50 children. This center will open in the Spring of 2000 and will offer peace of mind for those in need of child care services. Supporters of the center believe students will be able to focus more on their studies if they do not have to worry about a baby-sitter for their children.

Palo Alto College continues to attract new students by providing classes in growing fields, like Agribusiness Operations Technology and Distribution Logistics Management. As these types of businesses increase in San Antonio, so does the need for educated workers.

“I believe the Logistics course at PAC has enabled me to better understand the processes and logic of materiel management,” said Jose Carreon, a sophomore Logistics major who is employed in the warehousing field. “The faculty has been a tremendous help to me, and the courses have helped me to advance professionally.”

With 14 years of history now recorded, one can only imagine what the millennium will bring. No matter what physical changes occur in the future of Palo Alto, billed as the heart of the community, the one constant is the spirit, the hope and the perseverance of the faculty, staff and students, who are the heart of Palo Alto College.

Palo Alto throughout the years

Mar. 1983 — Texas Legislature approves charter for Palo Alto College

May 1984 — $13 million in bonds issued to build new campus

August 1984 — Trustees selected name of Palo Alto College from contest

July-August 1985 — First enrollment is 231

Jan. 10, 1987 — Ceremonies mark opening of Palo Alto College Campus

Jan. 1991 — 50,000 sq. ft. two-story building opens to accommodate growth

Jan. 1992 — $10.5 million Natatorium and Gym opens

July 1993 — Natatorium and Gym complex serves as one of the `93 Olympic Festival hosts

Oct. 1993 — PAChanga instituted

May 1994 — Trustees approve conceptual designs for Ozuna Learning Resources & Academic Computing Center

Sept. 1995 — Enrollment exceeds 7,500

Nov. 1, 1997 — Ozuna Learning Resources & Academic Computing Center dedicated

Summer 1999 — Construction on the Ray Ellison Family Center Begins

Fall 2000 — Upper Division courses offered on campus by A&M