SWTX Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Calling All Uvalde Artists: SWTX Creative Arts Contest Deadline March 20!

admin — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:41:53 +0000

Press release from Southwest Texas College

01-31-26

(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the annual Creative Arts Contest, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their talents and compete for cash prizes and medals.

The contest, which has garnered widespread participation from across the region, is open to individuals of all skill levels and ages. Entry forms and detailed rules are now available at swtxc.edu, with the entry deadline set for 4 p.m. on March 20.

“We are excited to provide a platform for individuals to express their creativity and passion for the arts,” said Ismael Martinez, contest coordinator. “The Creative Arts Contest is an opportunity for artists, writers, photographers, and videographers to share their unique perspectives and talents with the community.”

Participants can compete in a variety of age divisions, including prekindergarten and kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-10, grades 11-12, and community. The contest features literary categories such as poetry, short story and essay, as well as visual art categories including charcoal, computer-generated graphics, drawing with color, mixed media (college and community groups only), painting, pen & ink (one-color ink), pencil, photography (grades 7 & up), and scratchboard.

The SWTX Creative Arts Contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on April 23 in Uvalde, where first through fourth place winners in each age group and category will receive medals. Moreover, cash prizes of $20 will be presented to overall literary and visual arts winners.

As part of the submission process, contestants are required to fill out entry forms online and submit their works to the SWTX Library at the Uvalde campus for judging. Additionally, video entries should be uploaded to YouTube, with the link included in the provided space on the entry form.

For additional information and inquiries, participants can contact contest coordinator Ismael Martinez at imartinez@swtxc.edu or by calling 830-591-2942.

In the spirit of fostering creativity and artistic expression, SWTX looks forward to welcoming a diverse array of submissions and celebrating the community’s talents through the Creative Arts Contest.

For updates and any changes to the Awards Ceremony, please visit the college website and follow its social media channels.

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

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Jesse T. Moreno Jr. Memorial Scholarship Continues to Empower Future Nurses at SWTX

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 16:56:09 +0000

Press release from Southwest Texas College 8/29/25

PHOTO ID (l-r): Jesse R. Moreno, Norma Moreno, Tony Moreno, Gabriela Perez Flores, Kianna Lara, Elaine Lara, Ana Maria Aquillon, Andrea Perez, Ashley Chapa, Desiree Vera, Nora Gonzalez, Raul Gonzalez

(Uvalde, TX) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) proudly continues to honor the legacy of Jesse T. Moreno Jr. through the annual Jesse T. Moreno Jr. Memorial Scholarship, awarded to outstanding first-year students in the college’s registered nursing program. The 2025 scholarship presentation took place on Aug. 18 in Uvalde, recognizing a new group of aspiring nurses who exemplify the dedication and compassion that defined Moreno’s life and career.

This year’s recipients of the $500 scholarship include: Ana Maria Aquillon, Kianna Lara, Elaine Lara, Desiree Vera, and Ashley Chapa, all attending the Uvalde campus.

The scholarship provides essential financial support to students as they begin their journey in the SWTX nursing program, helping to ease the burden of educational expenses and encouraging academic success.

Jesse T. Moreno Jr., born on October 23, 1957, was a proud Uvalde native and SWTX alumnus. After graduating from Uvalde High School in 1976, he earned an Associate of Arts degree from SWTX in 1978. His passion for nursing led him to the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in San Antonio, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1981.

Moreno’s career began at Bexar County Hospital (now University Hospital) in San Antonio and later took him to New York, where he married Loretta Donnelly and welcomed their first son, Christopher Jesus Moreno. In 1991, Jesse returned to Texas and joined the Kerrville VA Hospital, where he worked for 22 years. He and Loretta also celebrated the birth of their second son, Eric Elisandro Moreno.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jesse was known for his love of running, fishing, camping, and hunting—especially when shared with family and friends. His greatest joy came from being a father to his two sons. Jesse passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2014, after a courageous 16-year battle with multiple myeloma.

To help fund the scholarship, the Moreno family hosts an annual yard sale in Uvalde. This year’s sale will take place on Saturday, September 13. Proceeds from the event go directly toward supporting nursing students through the scholarship, continuing Jesse’s legacy of care and community support. For contributions to the annual fundraiser, contact Nora Gonzalez at norag8085@gmail.com.

The Jesse T. Moreno Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to first-year registered nursing students at SWTX who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to the nursing profession. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses and submit a 200-word essay detailing their background, motivation for pursuing nursing, and personal challenges.

SWTX’s registered nursing program prepares graduates to thrive in a dynamic healthcare environment. With a rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty, students are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the nursing field.

For more information about the Jesse T. Moreno Jr. Memorial Scholarship, contact Sandra Flores at sflores2@swtjc.edu or (830) 591-7271.

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SWTX Creative Arts Contest Entry Deadlines Announced

admin — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:00:50 +0000

Press Release

01/09/25

Uvalde, Texas- Southwest Texas College is excited to announce the start of the annual Creative Arts Contest, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their talents and compete for cash prizes and medals.

The contest, which has seen widespread participation from across the region, is open to individuals of all skill levels and ages. Entry forms and detailed rules are now available on swtxc.edu. The entry deadline is set for 5 p.m. on March 24.

The SWTX Creative Arts Contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on April 24 in Uvalde, where first through fourth place winners in each age group and category will receive medals. Moreover, cash prizes of $20 will be awarded to overall literary and visual arts winners.

For additional information and inquiries, participants can contact contest coordinator Ismael Martinez at imartinez@swtjc.edu or by calling 830-591-2942.

In the spirit of fostering creativity and artistic expression, SWTX looks forward to welcoming a diverse array of submissions and celebrating the talents of the community through the Creative Arts Contest.

For the latest updates on the awards ceremony and contest, visit the college website at swtxc.edu and follow its social media channels.

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company‘s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtjc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtjc.edu.

The post SWTX Creative Arts Contest Entry Deadlines Announced appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

SWTX Launches Phase Two of Tech Expansion: New Facilities and Programs to Empower Future Workforce

admin — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 02:21:16 +0000

Press release from SWTX

10/24/24

UVALDE, TEXAS

Southwest Texas College (SWTX) has announced plans to significantly expand its technical education offerings with the launch of Phase Two of its Tech Expansion Project. The project, approved by the college’s Board of Trustees on October 17, aims to enhance educational infrastructure and provide students access to in-demand career programs.

Phase Two’s key components include expanding Del Rio and Eagle Pass programs.

Chittim Technical Campus Expansion:

Cosmetology Program: A new 7,000-square-foot building will be constructed to accommodate the growing demand for cosmetology education.

HVAC Program: A dedicated 7,000-square-foot facility will be built to support the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program, which will provide students with hands-on training.

Law Enforcement Academy: Move the program to the Eagle Pass Annex campus.

Del Rio Campus Expansion:

Welding and Construction Science Program: A 12,000-square-foot building will be constructed to house these programs, addressing the need for skilled workers in these industries.

Power Line Technician Program: A 20,000-square-foot Power Line Tech pad will be developed to support the launch of this program, which will offer students practical training in this essential field.

Building on Phase One Success:

Phase One of the Tech Expansion Project, which focused on building a new warehouse, relocating the Powerline Technology and Construction Science programs, and adding Diesel Technology Specialized in Heavy Equipment, Professional Truck Driving, Cyber Security, and Surgical Technology Programs, has been a resounding success. The project has involved the construction of new facilities, paving, electrical work, and other infrastructure improvements.

SWTX President Dr. Hector Gonzales expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and programs, we are equipping our students to become leaders in their chosen fields.”

Gonzales added, “We are grateful for the leadership of Tracy King Texas State Representative – District 80, whose efforts in the legislature were instrumental in securing a $5 million special appropriation in State funds to expand the college’s technical programs. The college also extends its sincere thanks to Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez and Texas State Representative Eddie Morales for their unwavering support throughout the legislative process, ensuring the funds were included in the final State budget. This critical funding will play a pivotal role in advancing SWTX’s mission to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.”

During the November 2023 board of trustees meeting, SWTX board members voted to approve the first phase of a tech expansion project.

The in-house build process cost is $1.5 million of the $4 million set aside for the first phase of its tech expansion. The $2.5 million difference came from State funds allocated to help develop technical programs in the Southwest Texas region.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtjc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtjc.edu.

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