51���� honored the service and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 2025, at the TSC Performing Arts Center, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members for a morning of reflection and gratitude.

The ceremony opened with warm remarks from TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela G. Garza, followed by a welcome from TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. Their messages highlighted the deep respect and appreciation the college community holds for all servicemen and women, as well as TSC’s continued commitment to supporting veterans and their educational pursuits.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and TSC student Roberto Vela led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, setting a reverent tone for the morning. The Veterans Memorial High School Junior Marine Corps ROTC were present to perform the Posting of Colors, followed by a stirring violin rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Daniel Perez.

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Oralia Fernandez, a distinguished U.S. Army and Navy veteran who also served as Superintendent of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park for 28 years. Fernandez shared her personal story of service, detailing her time in the National Reserves, her overseas assignments, and the challenges faced by military personnel serving far from their loved ones. Her remarks touched upon both the hardship and the profound pride that come with a life of service, as well as the unique combination of strength, courage, and resilience which have long defined America’s veterans.

The ceremony concluded with a moving performance of Taps, played by TSC Music Instructor Victor Martinez, accompanied by music program students Anthony Hudgins and Andrew Joseph Angeles, as attendees stood in solemn remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

The event was coordinated by Francisco Quezada, a United States Air Force veteran and Coordinator of TSC’s Veterans Success Center, which provides critical resources and guidance for student veterans transitioning to civilian and academic life.

“At the Veterans Success Center, we provide resources for veterans and their dependents to be able to use their state and federal benefits so that they can pay for their tuition and any living expenses they may have,” said Quezada. “We provide them with access to a computer lab, printing resources and tutoring resources. We also work with different organizations in the community like United Way and Veterans Upward Bound, so we’re able to refer them to those resources as well.”

Through ceremonies like this, 51���� reaffirms its lasting commitment to honoring the legacy of veterans and supporting those who continue to serve our country through education, leadership, and community engagement.

On Women’s Veterans’ Recognition Day, Ibarra looks back and those who paved the way��

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51���� student and U.S. Army Veteran Dora Ibarra already has a lot of life under her belt. ��

She has served in the military, is raising two young children, and now is tackling a new mission: higher education. She is pursuing her general studies associate degree to one day work in law enforcement. ��

On June 12, TSC joins in recognizing Women’s Veterans Day. Ibarra says her support system and motivation comes from the Homefront.  ��

“My family inspires me,” Ibarra said. “I want to give them a better future, I want to give them opportunities to attend college in the future. I am studying criminal justice; I feel like I connect more in that area of study.” ��

She hopes to earn and wear a badge as a Texas State Trooper or county sheriff.  ��

After earning her diploma from Hanna Early College High School in 2016, she decided to make the brave choice to enlist in the military which landed her on the tropical Island of Hawaii.  ��

“I am a veteran, I served for 3 and a half years,” Ibarra said. “We would go on mountains and put up antennas so the rest of the unit would have communications.” ��

Despite the service being primarily men, she had good things to say about the equal treatment of women in the Army.  ��

“In the unit that I served, they really made me feel like I was just another soldier,” she said. “T���y would not make me feel left out or excluded. They were very supportive but also, they didn’t cut any extra slack or give any special treatment. Because of this experience, I have a strong work ethic.” ��

That strong work ethic is being put to the test while she studies at 51���� with two young children that she raises.  ��

On this Women’s Veterans Day, she reflected on the courageous women servicepeople that argued for the right to serve on the front line in combat zones and dangerous conflicts.  ��

“I am very thankful to those women that served before me, especially those that were in combat situations,” Ibarra said. “When I joined, women weren’t really allowed to be in those positions, and because they fought for that now, they can and have that option.” ��

Ibarra spoke highly of the TSC Veterans’ Success Center which played a large role in getting her enrolled and helping her succeed as a student. ��

“T��� Veterans’ Success Center has been very helpful,” she said. “I remember not knowing what to do, not knowing where to start, and then a friend told me that TSC had this veterans center. Mr. Mark Aguero told me what I needed and did everything for me, he was extremely helpful. Whenever I need to focus on an assignment, I really like going to that room because it is a place where you can really focus and get things done.” ��

She has a message for those who may consider signing up for the armed forces.  ��

“For those that want to serve, I really recommend it. It can help you build a type of discipline that we all need.”  ��