More than 200 students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at ACCESS as the Alamo Colleges District began its 80th anniversary celebration. The event marked eight decades since the institution’s founding in 1945 as the San Antonio Union Junior College District.
The kickoff was hosted by Deborah Knapp, a long-time supporter of the district and treasurer of the Alamo Colleges Foundation. Attendees heard remarks from Board Chair Dr. Clint Kingsbery, Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, Student Trustee Josiah Rodriguez and his mother Roxann Pena—both students at San Antonio College—as well as State Senator José Menéndez. Senator Menéndez presented an official proclamation from the Texas Senate recognizing the district’s legacy.
Board Chair Kingsbery highlighted the institution’s mission: “For eight decades, the Alamo Colleges have been a pathway to opportunity – a place where first-generation students become graduates, where student parents return to school, and where learners of every age and background discover what’s possible,” he said. “As trustees, we’re proud to support this mission and continue advancing our moonshot of ending poverty through education and training.”
Chancellor Flores spoke about graduates who have benefited from programs such as AlamoPROMISE. He shared stories including that of Abram Tenorio—a St. Philip’s College alumnus now studying engineering at University of Texas at San Antonio—and Anevay Perez, a first-generation student overcoming homelessness while pursuing her bachelor’s degree and starting her own business.
“Stories like these are reminders that our work is about more than degrees; it’s about transformation,” said Dr. Flores. “Across our five colleges, we’re removing barriers and building bridges to opportunity. Our programs – AlamoPROMISE, AlamoBOOKS+, AlamoADVISE, and our workforce-focused offerings – are making a tangible impact. And we’re seeing that impact in the numbers. Our poverty rate in Bexar County is declining faster than the state and national averages, and our enrollment is growing at nearly double the rate of regional population growth.”
Dr. Flores also announced a partnership with Texas Public Radio for a new campaign called “Share Your Story.” This initiative invites current students, alumni, employees, and partners to contribute personal reflections as part of documenting the district’s history.
Student Trustee Josiah Rodriguez described his experience growing up in public housing before attending San Antonio College: “My journey didn’t begin with a clear path or a plan. After high school, I started working to support my family,” Rodriguez said. “But I never forgot a childhood field trip to the Scobee Planetarium at SAC. I remember hearing the words: ‘You can reach for the stars.’ Back then, I thought it meant becoming an astronaut. But now I know it means believing in yourself—even when the odds are against you.”
The Alamo Colleges District now includes five colleges serving nearly 88,000 learners each year: St. Philip’s College (with over 125 years), San Antonio College (100 years), Palo Alto College (40 years), Northwest Vista College (30 years), and Northeast Lakeview College (more than 15 years). Each college represents different chapters in serving local communities.
The district remains focused on its mission of transforming lives across generations through education and training opportunities.
To participate in anniversary activities or share stories related to Alamo Colleges District history visit alamo.edu/80
