Online Wii Fit Conditioning Course

Mark Sanchez and Ladia Vidales receive instruction from Anna Bustamante on the proper form for executing the boxing component of the Wii Fit program. (Photo by Mario Ramirez)

PALO ALTO COLLEGE OFFERING
ONLINE Wii FIT CONDITIONING COURSE

SAN ANTONIO—Palo Alto College is introducing one of the first college-level online courses nationwide merging physical conditioning with Nintendo’s Wii Fit program for college credit during the Spring 2010 semester.

The online course is designed to familiarize the student, through active participation, with basic concepts to promote health-related fitness components and skill-related fitness components. It also allows students the opportunity to complete requirements for the course by working out from home using the popular program.

Dr. Robert Garza, Dean of Student Affairs, originally came up with the idea for the course in 2007 as an innovative approach to fitness for college students. The course promotes physical activity with the use of technology and teaches concepts related to living a healthy lifestyle, along with methods for reducing risk for chronic disease, stress-management, goal-setting, nutritional analysis, and behavioral change.

“We have seen an increase in students utilizing technology for their education and using these same skills for playing electronic games in-between classes,” Dr. Garza said. “It was only natural to integrate the two.”

According to Anna Bustamante, Academic Chair of the Kinesiology Department, the utilization of the Wii Fit program is to emphasize the development of cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and control of body fat. The program allows the student the opportunity to participate in yoga, synchronized boxing, step aerobics and other fitness-related activities.

Garza approached Bustamante to develop the online course which students can register for by requesting KINE1179, Physical Conditioning I.

“We hope this online physical conditioning course utilizing the Wii Fit will become a national model for innovative teaching and learning,” Garza said. “We plan on expanding this concept to neighboring elementary, middle and high school partners as a way to encourage more physical exercise, along with combating our nation’s obesity problem.”

Palo Alto College, one of the Alamo Colleges, is a fully accredited community college located on the Southside of San Antonio, and awards associate degrees, short-term certificates and offers non-credit continuing education classes. The campus is located at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. at I-410 South and Texas Hwy. 16 or online at alamo.edu/pac.

Alamo Colleges See Enrollment Rise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 24, 2009

CONTACT: KAY HENDRICKS

COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATION

(210) 485-0049 or 485-0035

ALAMO COLLEGES ENROLLMENT CONTINUES UPSWING

For the third semester in a row, the Alamo Colleges’ enrollment has increased substantially, with double digit percentage increases for both summer semesters. For the most recent Summer II session, enrollment increased by 13.9% over Summer II 2008. In the preceding Summer I semester, enrollment increased by 13.8% over Summer I 2008. This follows a record enrollment for the spring semester of 53,236 students, an increase of 7.5% over spring 2008 and a record number for spring!

Enrollment for Summer I 2009 was 20,837 students, an increase of 2,534. For Summer II, 8,392 students enrolled, an increase of 1,021 students.

“This substantial increase in our summer enrollment makes it clear that our community sees the value of a college education in weathering an uncertain economy,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. “Many of our students enroll in summer classes to get a head start on the fall semester, and many of our summer students will return to a four-year university in the fall and are taking advantage of the opportunity to earn credits they need at our colleges this summer,” he added.

At the Alamo Colleges, high quality education and low costs provide exceptional value to students and alumni who are major contributors to the economy and culture of our community. For more information, visit our website at alamo.edu.

Alamo Colleges to Participate in NAM Grant

Alamo Colleges Selected to Share in National Manufacturing Certification Program Grant

The Alamo Colleges have been selected to participate in a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) grant for implementing industry-driven advanced manufacturing certification programs. One college in each of three other states was also selected to take part in the national pilot of the $1.5 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

As a result of the NAM/Gates grant Alamo Colleges will be eligible for pilot funds to adopt Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), National Institute for Metalworker Skills (NIMS) and American College Testing Program (ACT) job readiness certification modules.

The NAM-Endorsed National Skills Certification System initially focuses on the core, basic skills required for entry-level workers in all sectors of manufacturing, from alternative energy and computers to aerospace and life-saving pharmaceuticals. These integrated educational programs in community colleges will prepare students, particularly low-income young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-level skills necessary to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers. The skills certifications address personal and academic skills, general workplace skills and manufacturing industry-wide technical skills. Entry-level science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are included in the system.
The grant monies will have a direct impact on two academies operated by the Alamo Colleges, which provide education, experience and job opportunities for high school students looking to jump-start their future. The academies provide two-year training and internship programs that introduce qualified students to career opportunities in key industries while providing a seamless transition from high school to college to the workplace. They are the Alamo Area Aerospace Academy and the Manufacturing Technology Academy.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected to participate in this pilot grant program,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. “The San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA) and the advanced manufacturing industry are playing a very significant role in helping us to improve our training programs and to recruit students for our academies. Because of this pilot program, and our strong partnerships with manufacturing and industry, we are well on our way to offering validated ‘world class’ certification training systems.”



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Manufacturing a leading contributor to regional economy

John M. Dewey, a member of the SAMA Board of Directors and Vice President for Operations at Instruments Technology Machinery (ITM), said: "The San Antonio Manufacturers Association is pleased to have our community selected as one of the national recipients of this program. Manufacturing is a major contributor to our regional economy, second only to the bio-medical industry with regard to economic impact. SAMA applauds the joint efforts by the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation, NAM, the Alamo Colleges and the Gates Foundation for this proactive initiative to provide qualified, skilled manufacturing employees to benefit both our community and our Industry."


Garry Cardwell, chair of the Board of Directors of the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation said: "We are extremely excited that the San Antonio region will be an early adopter of the NAM skill based certification program. It's just what our young people need to be able to enter into higher paying manufacturing jobs, and it will give our manufacturers greater confidence that these new hires will bring the necessary technical skills and workplace behaviors from day one on the job. It's a win-win for sustained economic development in the area."
Alamo Colleges is currently in discussion with NAM on the amount that will be allocated. The four colleges selected nationally will share proportionally based on the $1.5 million the Gates Foundation donated to the National Association of Manufacturers.

Suzman Exhibition at PAC

PALO ALTO COLLEGE TO HOST EXHIBITION
HONORING LIFE OF HELEN SUZMAN

HELEN SUZMAN—FIGHTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS


WHO: Palo Alto College will host the national tour “HELEN SUZMAN: Fighter for Human Rights.” The tour is generously underwritten by
Dobkin Family Foundation
Tolan Family Foundation

WHAT: Helen Suzman was one of South Africa’s most energetic opponents of apartheid. She takes pride of place among those liberals who devoted their lives to the fight for human rights and the rule of law in South Africa

WHEN: Tuesday, May 12 at Noon

WHERE: Palo Alto College New Performing Arts Center

Free and Open to the Public

Swine Flu Health Notice

The following message is sent by Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor, Alamo Colleges:

Alamo Colleges Family:

Over the past few days, there has been much news related to the presence of Swine Flu in our service area. The Alamo Colleges have not taken any action related to changes in our normal operating schedule, but we are in close communication with our local health agencies and will keep you informed should anything change. Any updates will be posted on the website and distributed via system-wide emails.

Information on the swine flu, including key facts and what you can do to stay healthy, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

Another good resource is the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). In a news release dated April 25th, they advise residents of San Antonio and Bexar County to take normal precautions to prevent any further spread of this virus. These include consistent hand washing http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/handstogether/ with soap and warm water, coughing or sneezing http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm into tissue instead of your hands, and staying at home if you or your children are ill with flu-like symptoms. For additional information, call the SAMHD hotline at (888) 777-5320 or visit the website at http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/SwineFlu.html.

The Texas Department of State Health Services website (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us ) also includes updates and a section on personal and family preparedness. Just click on Swine Flu under Top Stories.

Again, any updates will be posted on our website and sent via email. The bottom line is, stay informed, be sensible and take care of yourself.

Bruce Leslie
Chancellor

Gabe Garcia to Headline PACfest 2009

Lytle native and Nashville Star 2008 finalist Gabe Garcia will headline Palo Alto College’s PACfest 2009, an official Fiesta San Antonio event, in the campus courtyard, April 23.

The family-oriented and alcohol-free event begins at 11 a.m. with a performance by Mariachi Palomino, and ends at 9 p.m. Admission to grounds and band performances, held on two stages, is free.

Girl in a Coma will open the day’s musical entertainment with a performance on the PAC Stage at 11:30 a.m. Also performing on the PAC Stage will be Los Desperadoz at 4:30 p.m., and Gabe Garcia at 7 p.m.

Performing on the Palomino Stage will be VonArmy at 1 p.m.; Dog Men Poets at 2 p.m.; Nothing More at 3 p.m.; Heather Go Psycho at 4 p.m.; Fall of a Legacy at 5 p.m.; and Conjunto Palo Alto at 6 p.m.

Along with a variety of musical acts, PACfest features food and novelty booths, as well as an open car show and games.

“The PACfest Committee has gone through great efforts to ensure a dynamic entertainment ensemble,” said Vincent Bosquez, PACfest Co-Chair. “We have spared no expense in bringing some of the finest musical talents in South Texas to Palo Alto College for the enjoyment of our surrounding community.”

Fiesta Royalty is also scheduled to appear throughout the day.

For more information on PACfest 2009, call PAC’s Office of Student Activities at (210) 486-3125. For information on the car show, call Ike Aragon at (210) 422-6361.

PAC's Phi Theta Kappa

Thank you to Elsa Henderson for providing the write-up below:

Every two years Phi Theta Kappa International develops and initiates an Honors Study Topic. The current topic is The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences.

According to the Phi Theta Kappa International website, the Honors Study Topic “provides avenues for honors students to enrich their scholarly endeavors with the interdisciplinary exploration of a timely topic and then apply their knowledge as servant leaders in the college and the community.”

With this in mind the Palo Alto College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa chose to start work on a project that incorporates multiple aspects of the topic. Chapter officer Joaquin Sandoval has worked closely with Viva Verde on the campus recycling program, so the chapter decided to highlight the environmental aspect of The Paradox of Affluence and its impact on the Fine Arts. Art Major and Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer Elsa Henderson; the creative force behind the art work, put together and led a team to develop a sculpture made out of recyclable plastic bottles. One of the goals of the project was to convey a message of unity among the Palo Alto student body, and faculty by drawing several student organizations and faculty members into the project.

With the help of members of the Alpha Pi Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, members of the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon, Palo Alto Art Students, and the support of Dr. Alba DeLeon, Mark Hogenson, Cakky Brawley, and Joan Osborne, there is now a thought provoking sculpture in the Performing Arts Building on display in the “Women and Their Environment” exhibition.

The laborious process of collecting and prepping bottles actually began last semester. After a series of design committee meetings, much appreciated advisement from Cakky Brawley, and a lot of hard work, the sculpture began to take form.

According to Henderson “Several students volunteered their time toward completion of this project, putting in long hours before, after, and in between classes and work schedules.” The bottles had to be washed, dried, and have labels peeled off. The design had to appear to flow so several ideas were kicked around concerning assembly.

After Dr. DeLeon’s invitation to exhibit the work, the volunteers were motivated and inspired by the opportunity to display a work in progress and to give special recognition to the women in our environment. The sculpture on display all month long is designed to provoke thought about our society’s impact on the environment we live in. Not just the ecology, but the arts, the economics, the geography, and the people. We wanted every viewer to look at the design and come away with a unique perspective on the contradictions inherent in an affluent society. Phase II and Phase III of this project will be a study on the impact of plastics on our total environment, and a video or pictorial documentary.

Heroes Walk the Halls of Palo Alto College

Purple Heart Recipient—Dr. Dan Rodriguez, Director of Student Activities (L), presents Army Specialist Jose L. Montanez, a PAC student, with a Veterans Day memento, Nov. 11, 2008. Montanez was awarded his second Purple Heart Medal during a ceremony held at Brooke Army Medical Center, Feb. 17.

Commentary

Heroes Walk the Halls of Palo Alto College

By Vincent Bosquez

For more than 225 years, our nation’s armed forces have served as the world’s premier “force-in-readiness.” Each November, Americans around the world take time to honor its military service members by remembering the sacrifices of veterans who have fought so gallantly in times of war and have served so faithfully in times of peace.

The legacy of our military’s veterans has produced a solid foundation upon which today’s Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen can march forward and add their names to the courageous deeds history books have recorded from past wars.

While Veterans Day only comes once a year, we are fortunate at Palo Alto College to be reminded on a daily basis that there are those among us who have answered our Nation’s call for service in “every clime and place” by exceeding all expectations of military service and coming home as true American heroes. More than 400 veterans currently take courses at PAC, and I’m proud of every single one of them.

One veteran I would like to bring to your attention is Army Specialist Jose L. Montanez, a pre-nursing student at Palo Alto College. Specialist Montanez was awarded his second Purple Heart in a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center by Brigadier General James K. Gilman, Commanding General, Great Plains Regional Medical Command, Feb. 17.

Specialist Montanez was assigned to Bravo Company, 40th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armor Division, serving as a combat medic in Iraq. On Sept. 25, 2006, while treating a fellow soldier, an improvised explosive device exploded near him resulting in combat injuries. SPC Montanez required hospitalization and received a medical discharge as a result of his injuries. Although SPC Montanez requires the use of a cane to get around campus, his injuries have not slowed down his determination to earn a degree and continue to serve the community he loves in the medical profession.

As SPC Montanez will attest to, no one really goes into war with the intent of being labeled a hero. There aren’t any special training courses one can take, no secret military job specialty, no magic pill or background traits that solely prepares a select few for such lofty a title. Most times, it’s simply “the luck of the draw,” and the determination not to let a buddy down.

During my 23-years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, I saw young men and women, the majority of them who looked like the students I see every day on campus, transformed into the finest fighting force in the world. They, like SPC Montanez, go beyond the call of duty because they want to make a positive impact in their life and in the lives of others. Not everything they do is “great,” but then great things aren’t always needed. It’s taking care of the little things, or your buddy, that counts.

When America needs a hero, it doesn’t need to look beyond its military and her veterans. I know, for I have proudly served with them and continue to meet them as they walk the halls of Palo Alto College every day. Thank you SPC Montanez and the more than 400 military veterans who are now students at PAC for your service. Your duty and commitment to our Nation will not be forgotten.