Front and Center

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the SAC Kinesiology Program and upcoming Backyard Beast competition.This episode’s guest is Brad Dudney, Kinesiology Program Coordinator.The conversation covers the Backyard Beast competition and on-campus fitness resources for students and employees.Additional information is at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/kinesiology

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, and Hot Mustard talk about Spring Break Safety.This episode’s guests are Dominique Fonseca, coordinator of College Risk Management at SAC, and Anthony Nolden, officer with the Alamo Colleges Police Department. Dominique gives tips on how to stay safe on campus and while on vacation. Officer Nolden unpacks the meaning of “Drink Responsibly”.Non-Emergency Alamo Colleges Police Department: 210-485-0099Emergency Alamo Colleges Police Department: 210-485-0911Non-Emergency San Antonio Police Department: 210-207-7273In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, celebrates Black History Month and the 2024 theme, African Americans and the Arts. This episode’s guests include Kaldric Dow, local visual artist, and Tanesha Payne, local movement artist. Kaldric and Tanesha discuss representation of African Americans in the arts. Kaldric talks about the importance of networking and promoting yourself. Tanesha talks about the dance world and her journey. Both artists dive into how they create art. More information on Black History Month is online at https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov Information on Black History Month events at San Antonio College is available at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/bhm Kaldric Dow is on Instagram @kaldricdesigndowTanesha Payne is on Instagram @Tanesha_payne

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the SAC’s new Funeral home and the SAC Mortuary Science Program.This episode’s guest is Jennifer Floyd, Director of Mortuary Science Operations.The Mortuary Science Department is the first college-based funeral service education program to be offered in Texas. Students obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science degree, then are eligible for examination by the Texas Funeral Service Commission and the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and provisional licensure registration.SAC is the first college in the nation to have it’s own funeral home. The ribbon cutting ceremony is Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:30am, at the corner of Ashby and Lewis.Additional information is at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/mortuary

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, leads a conversation highlighting St. Philip’s College.This episode’s guest is Dr. Adena Williams Loston, St. Philip’s College (SPC) President. Dr. Loston gives an overview of SPC's remarkable history, speaks about the importance of Black History Month, and highlights upcoming Black History Month events.Information on Black History Month events at St. Philip’s College is available at https://www.alamo.edu/spc/bhm

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, kicks off Black History Month by highlighting the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM).This episode’s guest is Taylor Foots, Exhibit Space Supervisor for SAAACAM. Together, Dr. Naydeen and Taylor share their insights on collecting and preserving their stories. They also share their experiences as women of color.The Black History Month 2024 theme is African Americans and the Arts, exploring key influences African Americans have had in the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.SAAACAM’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the cultural heritage of African Americans in the San Antonio region. The Museum is currently located in La Villita at 218 S. Presa. The organization recently purchased the Kress - Grant building, with hopes to relocate there in 2026.More information San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) is at https://saaacam.orgMore information on Black History Month is online at https://www.blackhistorymonth.govInformation on Black History Month events at San Antonio College is available at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/bhm

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the Alamo Colleges Foundation and scholarship opportunities.This episode’s guests are Deborah Martin, Director of Major Gifts for the Alamo Colleges Foundation, and Jennifer Benavides, SAC Student and Intern at the Alamo Colleges Foundation.The Alamo Colleges Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships. Alamo Colleges students submit one general scholarship application and are automatically considered and matched with eligible Alamo Colleges Foundation scholarships.The deadline to apply for Alamo Colleges Foundation Scholarships for the 2024 -2025 academic year is Wednesday, May 15, 2024.More information on scholarship opportunities is available at https://www.alamo.edu/foundation/scholarshipsA link to apply is online at https://alamo.academicworks.com/users/sign_inA link to support the Alamo Colleges Foundation is at https://www.alamo.edu/foundation/giving/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, delivers the 2023 State of the College Address. Listen for accomplishments from this past year and what SAC has in store for 2024.

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the Fox Tech/SAC Pathway for an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.This episode’s guests are Dr. Lillian Porter, SAC Director of High School Programs, and Jennifer Benavides, Principal of Fox Tech High School.The focus of the Fox Tech/SAC Nursing Pathway teaches students the skills and training needed for high-demand careers in nursing and healthcare. Students earn their high school diploma as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree and certification in Patient Care Technician, or Pharmacy Technician. University Health System and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital offer students work-based training through internships and job-training programs.The program is a six year commitment for students. They earn their High School Diploma, an Associate of Applied Science, and the opportunity of becoming a Registered Nurse. After the six years, students may also attend SAC to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.More information about the Fox Tech – SAC Nursing Pathway is available at SAISD.net/HTechNursingMore information about additional High School SAC Pathways is available at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/admissions-aid/specific-populations/high-school-programs/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the Palo Alto Agriculture Program.This episode’s guests are Dr. Jeffrey Koch, Director PAC Agriculture, and Ty Chumbley, Faculty Program Lead PAC Agriculture.The PAC Agriculture Program provides an education for those seeking careers in the diverse agricultural and natural resources management area. The Associate of Science program offers coursework needed to transfer into a Baccalaureate degree.Ty Chumbley talks about the program’s benefit to the San Antonio area and the involvement with the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Jeffrey Koch talks about the variety of career pathways a degree in Agriculture can lead to; Agribusiness, Horticulture, Meat Science, and more.Dr. Jeffrey Koch can be reached by phone at 210-486-3935.More information on the Palo Alto Agriculture Program is online here: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/agriculture

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, and Hot Mustard talk with graduates from the Fire and Police Academy.This episode’s guests include Fritze Seigel, Universal City Fire Department, Marcus Yax, North East ISD Police Department, and Chief Ivan Hernandez EMT-LP, City of Windcrest.The new San Antonio College First Responders Academy opens Friday, December 8, 2023. The Academy will house and train students in the SAC Fire Academy and the SAC Police Academy.Graduates from the Fire and Police Academy talk about their experience going through the programs. Training plays a big part in preparing students for future employment in Fire, EMS, and Police services. Texas has a high demand for Police Officers and Firefighters.More information on the Law Enforcement Academy is online here: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/protective-services/law-enforcement/More information on the SAC Fire Academy and the Fire Sciences program is online here: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/protective-services/fire-academy/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about International Education Week (IEW).This episode’s guest includes Alejandra Bueno, Executive Director for International Programs at the Alamo Colleges District.International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The Office of International Programs leads the event in cooperation with the five Alamo Colleges. Each year the Alamo Colleges participate in International Education Week in an effort to celebrate diversity, increase awareness of international learning experience benefits, and to continue advancing the mission of globalizing the Alamo Colleges.International Education Week information and a list of events is online at https://www.alamo.edu/iew

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the San Antonio College Victory Center and Veterans Week.This episode’s guest includes Tim Pair, Interim Director of the SAC Victory Center.The SAC Victory Center houses Veterans Affairs and TRIO: Project VALOR. Veterans Affairs provides support services for military-affiliated students, including active service members, Guard, Reserve, veterans and their family members. Project VALOR works with students in their development of academic, social and marketable skills. The program provides students with holistic academic support within a learning community of peers.Veterans Week eventsHeroes Memorial Garden CeremonyJoin us to commemorate your loved ones on active duty, deceased service members, and veterans. Flags will be given for free.Date: Tuesday, Nov. 7Time: 9 a.m.Location: Victory Center Front LawnBreakfast for Student VeteransStudent veterans are invited to receive a free breakfast (until supplies run out).Date: Wednesday, Nov. 8Time: 8 a.m.Location: Victory Center LobbyVeterans Day CeremonyDate: Thursday, Nov. 9Time: 10 a.m.Location:Victory Center Room 201More information on San Antonio College Victory Center is online at: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/victorycenterBy phone at 210-486-0111

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about Compassionate USA and Caring Campus.This episode’s guests include Dr. Eric Castillo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Arts, Culture, and Community Impact with The Alamo Colleges District, and Harley Williams, Enrollment Team Support Specialist at SAC.CompassionateUSA teaches self-compassion and community well-being that honors our common humanity & affirms the beauty of our differences. They offer free micro-courses to help participants understand the concepts needed to cultivate compassion-centered living.The Caring Campus Initiative is designed to create a college environment that increases students’ sense of connectedness and belonging and, in turn, completion of each student’s education goals. Caring Campus engages SAC employees to create a Caring Campus that ensures they are deeply involved in student success initiatives.More information on Compassionate USA is online at: https://compassionateusa.org/More information on Caring Campus is online at: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/our-college/caring-campus/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Virginia Finster, SAC Marketing Content Creator, and Melissa Flores-Valencia, Senior Coordinator of the SAC Empowerment Center.October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Virginia talks about her experience with domestic violence and her journey to overcome it. She describes the signs to look for if you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence. Melissa talks about the Empowerment Center and how San Antonio College is helping Break the Silence on the issue of domestic violence.There is Help, There is Hope. Anyone experiencing a domestic violence emergency should call or text 911.National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “start” to 88788San Antonio Family Violence Prevention Hotline 24/7210-733-8810 San Antonio College Advocacy Helpline210-486-1111San Antonio College Empowerment Center210-486-0455Additional information on the San Antonio College Empowerment Center is at: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/empowermentcenter

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Melissa Sutherland, SAC Psychology Instructor.World Mental Health Day was Tuesday, October 10, 2023. The day is meant to raise awareness about mental health issues. This episode explores the different types of mental health issues and what may cause them. Those experiencing mental health issues can get help from various non-profit groups and various government agencies.People may call 211, or go to 211.org, or 211texas.org for Texas residents.Students can call the Alamo Colleges Advocacy Helpline at 210-486-1111Additional information on Alamo Colleges Mental Health Resources, and external resources is available at: https://www.alamo.edu/about-us/compliance/mental-health-resources/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about irrational fear.This episode’s guest includes, Dehlia Wallis, San Antonio College Professor of Psychology.Over 19 million Americans experience some type of phobia, an excessive fear of an object or subject. Irrational fear can manifest itself into anxiety, affecting our everyday life. Professor Wallis explains how we can identify irrational fear and how to deal with it.The Alamo College Colleges offers free short-term or crisis counseling to enrolled students. Difficult issues can get in the way of academic success. Trained and licensed staff can guide you in personal, social, and psychological matters such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.Students can call the Alamo Colleges Advocacy Helpline at 210-486-1111Additional information on Alamo Colleges Mental Health Resources, and external resources is available at; https://www.alamo.edu/about-us/compliance/mental-health-resources/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the PATH Foster Youth Program, Partnering, Assisting & Transforming for Higher Education. PATH is a support system to put foster and adopted youth on a path to succeed in college. The program is available at all five of the Alamo Colleges within their Student Advocacy Centers.This episode’s guests include Dr. Leticia Duncan-Brosnan, Director of the Student Advocacy Network district wide, and Nathalie Riojas, Grant Project Director of PATH.The PATH Foster Youth Program empowers students by offering tuition, food, and housing assistance; as well as access to emergency funds. Students are assigned a youth advocate to help them navigate all the resources available. The support network creates opportunities for students to interact and network with one another. The Alamo Colleges averages around 500 students a year, the highest number of colleges in Texas. Last year, 77 students in the program received a degree or certificate.Foster and adopted youth in high school can reach out to their case workers to find out about opportunities and resources for the future.More information on the PATH Foster Youth Program is online at: https://www.alamo.edu/experience-the-alamo-colleges/current-students/student-opportunities/p.a.t.h/To donate to the PATH Foster Youth Program: https://giving.alamo.edu/pages/donations/pathfoster

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the upcoming solar eclipse and Mi Gente Heritage month events.Guests Rick Varner, Director of The Scobee Education Center, and Michelle Risse, Planetarium Coordinator, talk about La Fiesta del Sol. This solar eclipse celebration is Saturday, October 14th on the west side of the San Antonio College campus from 9:30am to 2:30pm.Sponsored in part by the NASA community anchor grant and the Boeing Company grant, we will have guest speakers, live music, activities for youngsters, solar filtered telescopes for public viewing, food trucks, and much more! Free solar filter glasses will be available for families, while supplies last $5 parking on college campus for non-VIP attendees.The Planetarium hosts Friday night shows and Wednesday matinee shows. Friday Night family friendly shows start at 6:30 pm, The Sky Tonight live presentations start at 8 pm, and double features at 9:30. Children must be 6 years of age and older to attend the 8pm and 9:30pm showtimes. Tickets are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/12640/alamo-colleges-districtMore information on the Scobee Education Center is online at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/scobee-education-center/scobee-planetarium/This year's Mi Gente Heritage Month celebration highlights the deep roots and persistence of Latinx and Indigenous American foods, practices, and peoples.A full list of Mi Gente Heritage Month events is at https://www.alamo.edu/sac/news-events/events/mi-gente-heritage-month/

San Antonio College President, Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, talks with Hot Mustard about the SAC Law Enforcement Academy.This episode’s guests are Rolando Barrientez, Director of the SAC Law Enforcement Academy, and ACPD Deputy Chief Scott Purcell.Dr. Naydeen talks with Rolando Barrientez about the San Antonio College Law Enforcement Academy. Cadets learn and train to become a police officer in the state of Texas. Incoming students have access to the new facility opening later this year. The Law Enforcement Academy is designed to prepare cadets for a career in law enforcement and correctional science.Alamo Colleges Police Department Chief Deputy, Scott Purcell, talks about a unique opportunity for students entering the Law Enforcement Academy. The ACPD offers paid tuition for cadets wanting to work for the ACPD. Cadets must commit to two years in the department upon completing the academy. Purcell shares his thoughts on what it means to be a police officer and he recalls his time at the SAC Law Enforcement Academy.Rolando Barrientez can be reached by phone at 210-486-0987 or by email at rbarrientez4@alamo.eduMore information on the Law Enforcement Academy is online here: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/protective-services/law-enforcement/