Arnold White, of the Palo Alto graduating class of 1997, is now a substitute teacher in the Northside School District teaching first through eight grades. White received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating in the top 5 percent in his class with a grade point average of 3.96.

White, 44, was in the Air Force for 18 years, and decided to go back to school when he retired. Although he was excited about enrolling in school, White became nervous. On a stroll around campus, he met Bob Cullins, an English Professor, and they talked for nearly a half an hour. White heard encouraging words that made him feel very comfortable. After that conversation, White was convinced that Palo Alto was the best thing for him because he knew that professors cared about their students.

A blackbelt in martial arts, White has been married for 22 years and has four kids. During the summer, he volunteers as a teacher in the Youth and Empowerment Services or YES. This program is designed to teach underprivileged kids ages 14 through 21 to learn basic life skill such as responsibility, applying for a job and proper etiquette. White was recognized by the Palo Alto Alumni Association with its outstanding graduate award. He has always remembers a quote that his high school coach told him: “Winners never quit, quitters never win.'

Adriana Gonzalez, a 1992 graduate of Palo Alto, received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in 1993 and her Master's in Public Administration in 1995, both from St.Mary's University. In August of 1998, she took a position with the University of Texas at San Antonio as a development officer doing fundraisers and community outreach.

Gonzalez chose to come to Palo Alto because she participated in the dual credit program during high school where she earned college credit. While attending Palo Alto, she liked the campus and was able to meet and get to know the staff.

Her career began when she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was involved in the National Council of La Raza or NCOR for two years. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she returned home. While taking care of her mother, she started to consult for organizations, organizing their special events.

In Washington, she was taught how to get involved in the community. When she returned to San Antonio, she decided to have a meeting with her councilman, Raul Prado. He thought the meeting was going to be about some complaints she had, but as it turned out, he saw the interest and dedication she was willing to put forth to get involved in the city.

Prado appointed her to the Community Revitalization Action Group or CRAG, where they try to better education and economics in the city. She is also a member of the "San Antonio Express-News" Advisory Board and a member of the San Antonio Greater Chamber and Hispanic leadership program for to better San Antonio.

Thanks to Ellen Shull, an English professor who made her read the book "The Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez, she was influenced to get in touch with her Hispanic heritage. She is also a representative for the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women.

Gonzalez received the Palo Alto College Alumni of the year award in 1998. She said she felt honored because Palo Alto was the foundation of everything she has accomplished today.

Bill Gamez graduated with an Associate of Art in Criminal Justice, then graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He is now employed with the law offices of Abel Dominguez as a paralegal.

Palo Alto was where Gamez got the courage to come out of his shell. He liked the fact that you were on a one-on-one basis with your professors. Each one of his professors influenced him greatly, especially government professor Larry Losoya. Not only was he a great professor but a great friend. To this day, they are still friends and Gamez still depends on Losoya for advice.

Gamez was the president of the student government while at Palo Alto. When the Natatorium opened, the mayor was invited to cut the ribbon and Gamez had the honor of cutting the ribbon with him. He also starred in two television commercials for Palo Alto College.

While teaching a victim impact course at the Atascosa Juvenile Detention Center for kids ages 7 through 17 who are first time offenders, Gamez makes the criminals walk in the shoes of the victim.

He also is in a truck club called “Tonta” sponsored by David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, where he raises money for underprivileged families by riding around in parades and car shows. Then on Thanksgiving and Christmas, they deliver turkeys, presents and Christmas trees in their trucks.

Gamez was also the campaign manager for Victor Morales. “You will never know until you try" are the words he lives by while accomplishing his goals.

All in all, these three successful alumni have accomplished more goals and dreams then they ever imagined, and Palo Alto College can take partial credit for giving them the educational opportunity to advance their skills and the inspiration to become who they are now.