The Final Beat

Campus Upkeep
Renovations and repairs for Palo Alto College are underway. Lou Dufault-Navarro, campus operations manager, confirmed three projects that are in the process to improve our school.

One major project is digging dirt from under the Palomino Center to excavate excess soil for ample tunneling room between the building and the soil. When it rains, the dirt under the buildings rises and the pressure lifts the soil causing the structures to shift.

Poor drainage from the Math and Science Building down to the southeast end of the Fine Arts Building is causing damage and is another project being worked on by contractors to create better drainage. Because of water damage to the Fine Arts Building, exterior wall work will also be conducted.

-- Xiomara Flores

Childrens’ Theatre
Palo Alto College theatre students showcased their acting talents to the toughest critics in the business. On October 7-11, students performed "Crossroads," a play for children, in front of elementary students in the Harlandale, Edgewood, South San Antonio and Southwest Independent School Districts.

Teresa Ann Rodrick was Spirit, Janaye Bruton was Tramp, Diana V. Garces was the Scientist, Marisa Isabel Martinez was the Queen, Rachell Lucy Martinez was the Bird, and Eric Moczygemba was the Monster. Stage managers included Ashley N. Mcroe, Rachelle Flores and Crystal Davalos. The play’s director was Palo Alto Professor of Speech and Theatre Ann Turner.

--Eloy Tijerina

New Degrees Offered
Palo Alto College is offering three new degrees and a certificate this fall. Students may now obtain an associate’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology, Landscape and Horticultural Science and Turfgrass and Golf Course Management. Students also can obtain certificates in just two semesters in Leadership and Telecomm
Technology. Some of these additions to Palo Alto were introduced to help develop the skills needed in these growing fields.

“We also may tie some of them into the possibility if Toyota comes to town,” said Dean of Occupational, Technical and Continuing Education Dr. Rodger Minatra.
To find out more information or to enroll in a class, go by the Continuing Education Office located in the Palomino Center, Room 107 from, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

--Roger Ruiz

Education Emphasis
As of last spring, one third of the students enrolled in The Texas A&M University – Kingsville System Center – Palo Alto were enrolled in the Elementary Education program. Sixteen of the 35 students who graduated last spring graduated from this program.

In addition, the System Center graduates have a 98 percent pass rate for the EXCET exam for students pursuing a career in teaching. The success of the Elementary Education program inspired the System Center to offer Secondary Education starting this semester. For more info on TAMUK and other degrees offered, visit the System Center Office that’s located in the Student Center.

--Michelle Tyler

Mo’ Money, No Problems
Palo Alto College is set to receive the largest federal grant in its seventeen-year history. The $2.5 million grant over five years will help both Palo Alto and the Texas A&M University-Kingsville System Center-Palo Alto institutions. Plans for the funds are not concrete but some tentative ideas have been put forth, such as enhancing the college’s current English and Math Learning Centers and providing a new Science Center.

Both institutions will have a director for the grant, but they will work cooperatively to ensure that all students benefit and have access to future services.

--Jeff Lopez

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