(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently honored three distinguished alumni with the TSTC Trailblazer Award, recognizing graduates whose careers reflect the college’s core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and service.
The recipients — Aaron Chavarria, Daniel Garza II and Will Hendon — were selected following a comprehensive nomination and interview process. The awards were presented during TSTC’s Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony for the West Texas campuses held Dec. 19 in Abilene and as part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2025.
“These three men exemplify what someone with a TSTC education can achieve,” said Andy Weaver, provost of TSTC’s West Texas campuses. “They are mentors and leaders in their respective fields, and it was an honor to recognize them for their accomplishments.”
Chavarria, a 2016 graduate of TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program, is the Central Texas regional manager for NextEra Energy Resources. Since joining the company, he has earned multiple promotions and has helped develop more than 10 technicians into leadership roles.
“I am truly honored to be named a Trailblazer,” Chavarria said. “This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has had an impact on my career. It is important to share this recognition with current students to show them that a degree from TSTC opens doors with no limits.”
Chavarria regularly returns to TSTC’s Sweetwater campus for employer spotlight events and actively promotes the college and its programs. He also serves on the Wind Energy program’s advisory board.
Garza, a 1985 graduate of the Computer Maintenance Technology program in Harlingen, retired after a 34-year career as a plant engineering manager at 3M Brownwood. Throughout his career, Garza remained engaged with TSTC and credited the college with providing the foundation for his professional success.
“I always felt the need to give back to TSTC, which is why I stayed involved with the college while working at 3M,” Garza said. “It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized. This is where the cream of the crop trains.”
One of Garza’s proudest accomplishments was helping the Brownwood campus secure a $250,000 grant from 3M to purchase industrial training equipment, allowing the Industrial Systems program to be housed on campus.
Hendon, a 2010 graduate of the Paramedicine program in Abilene, is the regional director of operations for Global Medical Response. He began his emergency medical services career with MetroCare in Abilene, where he served as a shift supervisor, clinical educator and operations manager.
“TSTC changed my life,” Hendon said. “I was at a fork in the road, and TSTC was the first step in my journey. I am humbled to receive this award, and I believe deeply in what TSTC does for our state.”
Hendon said his time at TSTC led to lifelong professional relationships and memories. He continues to advance EMS across Texas by coaching, facilitating and instructing, while leading teams focused on high-quality patient care and integrated system operations.
To learn more or about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.