(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Applause and excitement filled the air Thursday, Sept. 25, as Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus marked the grand opening of its new Electrical Lineworker Technology building and new Transportation Technologies Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said the college offered its first classes 60 years ago this month.
“I would like to thank everybody for supporting TSTC as we continue our mission to serve the state’s economy,” Reeser said.
TSTC was allocated funding through the Capital Construction Assistance Projects under Senate Bill 52 during the 87th Texas legislative session in 2021 for the facilities, which cost more than $35 million. The college is offering the Automotive and Diesel Equipment programs at the Transportation Technologies Center, and the Electrical Lineworker and Management program is being offered across the street at the Electrical Lineworker Technology building.
“These two new buildings are proof of our dedication to preparing a technically skilled workforce and supporting a prosperous future for Texas,” said Gina Cano-Monreal, provost of TSTC’s Harlingen campus. “The industries we serve are evolving rapidly, and they are relying on TSTC to meet the growing demand with skilled talent.”
State Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez told attendees that he completed his paramedic training at TSTC.
“The education I received at TSTC gave me valuable hands-on experience and laid the foundation of my profession,” he said.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who was in attendance at the ceremony, emphasized that TSTC’s work is more important now than ever.
“A question I’m often asked is, ‘Where do we find the skilled workforce to fill the jobs created by our state’s rapid growth?’” he said. “Texas is an economic beacon for the rest of the country. We have the people, the education and the opportunities right here at TSTC in Harlingen and across the state.”
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.