NVC Wildcats Alumni

NVC Wildcats Alumni

Our Mission 

The Northwest Vista College (NVC) Wildcats Alumni will inform, involve, and serve members of the NVC family throughout their lifelong relationship with the College.

 

Our Vision

The Northwest Vista College (NVC) Wildcats Alumni strive to be a vital partner in the continued success of NVC by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, awareness, pride, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic commitment to the College.

 

Constitution and ByLaws

The Northwest Vista College (NVC) Wildcats Alumni have agreed to to provide continuing service to the Institution and its alumni by facilitating communication and relations between alumni and the community, and by managing the direction and progress of all alumni projects, events and programs, along with many other agreements that can be found in the following document:

Constitution and ByLaws of the NVC Wildcats Alumni

 

Board of Directors

Adam Candelaria | President

Adam CandelariaAdam Candelaria
President, NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors
2014 NVC Grad
Director, Rackspace Technology

Adam Candelaria is a servant Leader. After starting his career in the banking industry, he found his way into information technology. In his time with Rackspace, he has led teams in business intelligence, network security, compliance, identity and access management, and engineering. Although very different in the technical skill sets, Adam has found one common thread among these teams: passion in knowledge and growth. It is that passion to grow and learn which Adam has helped to mentor many others into substantial and satisfying careers. 

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Adam has lived in San Antonio for over 20 years.  He attended the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is extremely proud of the degree he holds in Business Administration from Northwest Vista College. Adam is committed to his role as Alumni Board President for hopes he can instill this same pride in future graduates. 

"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”― Mae West

Jazlyn Mazick | Vice President

Jazlyn MazickJazlyn Mazick
Vice President, NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors
2016 NVC Grad
Sr. Quality Engineer, Cognizant Technology Solutions

Born and raised in San Antonio, Jazlyn Mazick has received her Associate’s degree in Biology from Northwest Vista, as well as her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Certification in Data Analysis and Visualization from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has been with Cognizant Technology Solutions since 2021 and was recently promoted to Senior Quality Engineer, where she is able to be a part of a global team that delivers technology innovation, designs and implements solutions impacting clients’ business and IT imperatives in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. Prior to being at Cognizant, Jazlyn worked as a Prior Authorizations Specialist and Personnel Coordinator at a home health agency for three years.

Jazlyn’s passions lie within her family, friends, and volunteering around her community. She has volunteered as a science fair judge for the Alamo Regional Academy of Science and Engineering and as a scholarship judge for the Alamo Colleges Foundation. In her free time, she continues to develop her technical skills or try out new restaurants around the city!

Cortney Nious | Historian

Cortney NiousCortney Nious
Historian, NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors
2017 NVC Grad
Bexar County Pre Trial; Pre Trial Officer 

Originally, from San Antonio, Texas, Cortney attended Northwest Vista College from 2015 to 2017, where he completed an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and then transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio; where in the spring of 2020, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Cortney has been with Bexar County Pre Trial Services since 2020 and has worked in various sections of Pre Trial such as: Domestic Violence, Alcohol Monitoring, and Global Positioning System. As his time in the criminal justice system has evolved, Cortney has been exposed to the very intricate dynamics of how our criminal justice system operates on a daily basis; priming him to be a lead example and encourage positive change within the many lives of our community.

In addition to prompting community change, Cortney is an active volunteer member in the community as well as, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America. Being a role model to those of a younger generation, is what drives Cortney to have the passion and love for people that he does!

“Knowing that I can show today’s youth, that you CAN have it all and continuously strive for your goals, is the result I love most from volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America. The youths mindsets are so vast and creative and I love to make it known, that there are no limits to your dreams!” – Cortney Nious

Cortney’s vision for the future success of the NVC Alumni Board is that all current and future NVC students are afforded educational opportunities and ensure the standard at NVC is maintained and endlessly propels our students into success. Cortney’s hope is that this would result in higher employment rates after graduation, provide scholarships to assist with financial woes, and keep students knowledgeable of the vital tools NVC has to offer; that will play an integral role in reassuring the success rate of our student body and alumni.

Joshua Duarte | Treasurer

Joshua DuarteJoshua Duarte
Treasurer, NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors
2016 NVC Grad
Public Accountant 

Joshua earned an Associate in Business Administration from Northwest Vista College in 2016 and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in 2018 and a Master of Professional Accounting from Texas A&M at San Antonio in 2020. He was involved with an accounting organization, (American Latino Professionals For America) ALPFA where he was an elected officer of Programs and Events. Additionally, he was at the top 10% of his class. Joshua began his career in public accounting in 2021. In his free time he enjoys giving back to the community, staying active, whether in the gym or mountain biking, learning new hobbies and spending time with his family.

Briana McFadden | Director at-Large

Brianna McFaddenBriana McFadden
Director at-Large, NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors
2014 NVC Grad
Cyber Security Engineer, Raytheon Technologies

Briana McFadden is a San Antonio, TX native. She joined the NVC family as a student in 2011 and staff member in 2013. Briana earned two associate’s degrees from NVC, one in Liberal Arts and another in Business Administration. Briana McFadden holds a BBA in Information Systems and Master of Science in Information Technology degree with a concentration in Cyber Security from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Briana McFadden is a driven, hard-charger in the Information Technology and Cyber Security field with years of experience as a government civilian and now a government contractor. She is also an adjunct faculty member within the San Antonio College Computer Information Systems department and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Briana McFadden takes huge pride in being a mother to her amazing daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, helping others and learning more about her craft.

The NVC Wildcats Alumni invites you to apply for the NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors!

Northwest Vista College (NVC) welcomes the inclusion of an NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors. The mission of the NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors (BOD) is to be a critical partner in the continued success of NVC by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, awareness, pride, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic commitment to the College. The BOD represents the college’s interests at Alumni Events and Board Committee meetings. NVC seeks candidates who are deeply committed to the mission, vision, and values of the NVC Wildcats Alumni. The roles include travel, scholarships, advocacy, meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

Click Here for Eligibility and Application

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for NVC Board of Directors must:

  • Have an NVC diploma or certificate
  • Endorse and support the College’s strategic plan and initiatives
  • Plan, direct and implement the NVC Wildcats Alumni strategic plan in a manner consistent and supportive of the College’s strategic plan
  • Be familiar with the programs and activities sponsored, organized, and coordinated by the Community Collaborations office
  • Serve as an ambassador and work collaboratively for the College through interactions with NVC’s Executive Team, deans, students, faculty, staff, Friends of the Arts (FANs), President’s Office Business Council (POBC), and its communities
  • Represent the Alumni Association at NVC events and encourage attendance from colleagues
  • Identify, cultivate, and recruit alumni to support areas such as student recruitment, enrollment, clubs and organizations, event programming, financial support internship opportunities, and advocacy resources
  • Leverage alumni talents and resources to benefit NVC
  • Contribute at a minimum of the membership level of $300.00
  • Be in good standing with his/her profession
  • Have a desire and passion to serve in this leadership role
  • Pass a background check by Alamo Colleges District HR

Application Timeline

Apr. 1-19 – Open for applications

Apr. 22-24Voting

Apr. 25 – Recommendation sent to NVC Executive Team

Apr. 26 – Top applicant for each position is contacted and a meeting is scheduled

Apr. 30 – Board of Directors is announced to the college, social media, La reVista, and Alumni Newsletter

May 3 – Board of Directors begin term and serves one year (May 31, 2024 – May 3, 2025)

Click Here to Submit an Application

Click Here for Procedure

 

Student Ambassador

The NVC Wildcats Alumni invites students to apply for the NVC Student Ambassador position on the NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors!

Northwest Vista College (NVC) welcomes the inclusion of a Student Ambassador on the NVC Wildcats Alumni Board of Directors. The mission of a Student Ambassador is to serve as a voting student liaison to the NVC Alumni Board of Directors and the NVC Director of Community Collaborations. The Student Ambassador represents students’ interests at Alumni Events and Board Committee meetings. NVC seeks candidates who are deeply committed to the mission, vision, and values of the NVC Wildcats Alumni. The Student Ambassador position is an example of NVC’s dedication to building student leaders, and its ability to work alongside those leaders to further student success. The role includes travel, scholarships, advocacy, meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

The NVC Wildcats Alumni Student Ambassador receives a $300 scholarship at the end of each Fall and Spring semester of his/her year of service, for a total of a $600 scholarship in recognition of the time spent as an Ambassador.

*We will also offer an NVC Wildcats Alumni Student Ambassador Alternate position.

Click Here for Eligibility and Application

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for NVC Student Ambassador must have:

  • A minimum of 12 college level course hours at the Alamo Colleges District; 
  • Be in good academic and civic standing with the Alamo Colleges District;
  • Be enrolled at NVC and able to serve a term that will begin on May 1st and end on April 30th of the following year;
  • Proof of community service hours (NVC Serves in AlamoEXPERIENCE);
  • Participated in a Student Club or Student Organization (AlamoEXPERIENCE Transcript)

Applying students are to submit a short (250-500) essay addressing their interest and credentials for this position.

Students who meet the requirements and submit an essay will be invited to an interview. 

In the Interview, be ready to discuss: (all items are on the NVC website- just use the search function).

  • Your academic standing
  • Your community service hours
  • The demographic make-up of NVC (social, economic, and historical backgrounds) and how they make each student population unique.
  • Your personal vision for NVC
  • All the financial resources available at NVC (advocacy and resource center, food pantry, financial literacy, clothing pantry, scholarships, internships)

Application Timeline

June 1 - July 31 – Open for applications

Aug. 1-11 – Committee Review & Voting

Aug. 11 – Top applicant is contacted

Aug. 15 – Student Ambassador is announced to the college & appointment begins

The Student Ambassador will serve one year (Aug. 15, 2023 – April 30, 2024)

Click Here to Submit an Application

Click Here for Procedure

 

    1. Build relationships and a sense of camaraderie among students and alumni

    2. Engage alumni and students through the perpetuation of tradition and pride

    3. Recruit alumni to actively promote NVC and showcase the Alumni Association as an essential partner of the College

    4. Create opportunities to engage alumni with each other and alma mater and raise the local prominence of Northwest Vista College (NVC) and its alumni

    5. Promote an inclusive culture of alumni engagement and philanthropy (going, giving, and serving)

    6. Sustain and grow a stable financial model

    7. Implement best practices for board protocol, by-laws, elections, recruiting, retention, and leadership
    1. To increase our alumni’s access to knowledge and resources of the Northwest Vista College (NVC) campus via Alumni Connections

    2. To provide consistent, accessible, and repeatable alumni engagement opportunities/mechanisms which have value for our alumni.

    3. To profile and recognize NVC alumni, consistently and more often.

    4. To build partnerships with our alumni to raise awareness, reputation, and goodwill in the community.

    5. To cultivate current students as future, engaged alumni (Student Ambassadors).

    6. To offer Career Connections for NVC Alumni

    7. To offer a link for Alumni to post his/her publications or share success stories

    8. To connect NVC Alumni via social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

NVC Wildcats Alumni include graduates who have completed Certificates and/or Associate Degrees at Northwest Vista College. This organization continuously engages Alumni in the activities and opportunities on the NVC Campus.

Group of Grads

Career Services

Help is available to polish your resume, practice your interviewing skills, and to create an updated career action plan. Visit the Career Experience team for more information.

Transfer planning is also available for those that would like to continue their education. For more information please visit our Career and Transfer Services page.

Library Services

All library databases are available for you to search for information, on campus.  You may also check out two items at a time-- books, DVD's or CDs-- from our Learning Center in Redbud Hall.