Locals enjoy new beginnings

(Courtesy photo/TSTC)

Special to the NEWS
TSTC Communications

HARLINGEN, TX —Texas State Technical College’s (TSTC) Fall 2024 Commencement was a culmination of dedication and perseverance for more than 370 graduates who walked the stage to receive certificates of completion or associate degrees at the Harlingen Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The celebration had special significance for some TSTC graduates who have already been hired by companies such as SpaceX, StandardAero and Valley Baptist Health System.

One of them is Matthew Ruiz, of Harlingen, who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology.

“My welding education was a life-changing experience, and next week I begin working at SpaceX,” he said.
Surgical Technology graduates Zoe Betancourt, of San Benito, David Sanchez, of Harlingen, Angelica Torres, of Harlingen, and Joana Yanez, also of San Benito, graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Surgical Technology and have been hired by Valley Baptist Health System.

“We’re ready to show how we can change the lives of our patients,” Sanchez said.

Adrian Munoz, of Harlingen, and Christopher Sanchez, of San Benito, graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Precision Machining Technology. The two will work at StandardAero, an independent aerospace industry maintenance, repair and overhaul provider, at the company’s San Antonio location.

“I look forward to this next chapter with my classmate Adrian because we’ll get to improve our skills by learning from experienced machinists,” Sanchez said.

Eladio Jaimez, provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, summarized commencement as a joyous celebration.
“It’s a time when our entire TSTC family can come together and celebrate the end of our graduates’ journey,” he said.

Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. To learn more, go to tstc.edu.

With campuses across the state, TSTC helps strengthen the Texas workforce with highly skilled, technically competent graduates. Operating on a unique funding model based on student employment outcomes, the college celebrated 55 years of service to the state of Texas in 2020. For more information, visit tstc.edu.