Experience NLC Current Students Graduation Distinguished Graduates

Distinguished Graduates

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Ron Kelley, Jr.

Class of 2026
Associate of Arts

Ron Kelley, NLC graduate, is also a student at the Judson Early College Academy. Active at NLC, Ron served as the Student Government Association President this past year where he had the opportunity to connect and be the voice for many students and gain leadership and professional experience he will carry with him along his educational journey.  He is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and National Society of Leadership and Success.  Graduating with Honors, Ron plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin as a pre-med student.  Ultimately, he plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as a Neurosurgeon.

“Have a plan and always keep moving forward. Ensure you are giving it your best to achieve your goals.”
 

 
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Kaila Gottschalk

Class of 2026
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science

Kaila Gottschalk, NLC graduate plans to transfer to Texas State University to pursue a dual degree in Psychology and Applied Sociology, followed by graduate school to study social work.  Her long-term goals include practicing as a licensed clinical social worker, while also working as an educator and researcher.  She hopes to create community-based initiatives and help to create systems that support learning, healing, and access to knowledge for women navigating complex or transitional life experiences. At NLC, she had the opportunity to lead, contribute, collaborate, and communicate.  Through theatre, various leadership roles in student organizations, the Student Leadership Institute, and district-level work on the AI Policy & Practice Task Force, Kaila learned how to both engage in institutional conversations and advocate for student perspectives. She realized that college is not just about getting through classes; it’s about becoming someone in the process.  

“NLC helped me see myself not just as a student completing coursework, but as someone capable of shaping systems and contributing meaningfully to my field.”

 
 

 
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Kianna Hockley

Class of 2026
Associate of Arts

Kianna Hockley, NLC graduate, is a student in the Judson Early College Academy (JECA).  Upon completion at NLC, she will earn both her associate of arts degree and a high school diploma.  She plans on continuing her studies to become a pediatric oncologist, hoping to build a career where she can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.  As an early college high school student, Kianna began taking college classes at the age of 14.  She says that her time at NLC was more than just an academic journey; it was about finding strength, learning about herself, and realizing all that she was capable of. She credits her instructors for providing a supportive and welcoming environment.

“Attending NLC and JECA gave me the opportunity to challenge myself academically and helped me build confidence in my abilities.”

 
 

 
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Cortnie "Niccole" Garner

Class of 2026
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science

At the Northeast Lakeview College Commencement Ceremony, one student is selected to represent the graduating class and provide commencement remarks. Interested students apply for consideration and are reviewed and selected by a cross-college committee of faculty and staff. SOAR represents Success, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. The student selected best represents these characteristics.

Niccole is a Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) graduate with a 4.0 GPA, and she is earning two degrees: an associate of arts and an associate of science with a focus on Biology.  Active at NLC, Niccole is a Peer Ambassador in the Student Life Office and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and Women Leaders of NLC Student Organization. An advocate of higher education, she often finds herself sharing stories from students who have been positively impacted by an Alamo Colleges education. She realizes how special it is to have the opportunity to grow and learn through attending college, while also embracing the challenges that come with it.

Her next steps include transferring to Old Dominion University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and develop the skills needed to work as a Clinician. Driven by a desire to truly know and support the individuals she serves, Niccole is committed to forming strong patient connections. She believes that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, offer comfort, and make a meaningful difference in someone’s experience. She hopes to one day use her skills to do volunteer work and provide dental care for people in rural or underserved areas.  

Representing the class of 2026, Niccole embraces the role with purpose and passion. Her ability to lead with empathy and strength sets a powerful example and reflects her dedication to serving both her peers and future patients.

 

 

2025 Distinguished Graduates
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Michelle Gastelum
Class of 2025
Associate of Applied Science – Social Media & Digital Marketing

As a non-traditional, first-generation student, Michelle recently earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Social Media & Digital Marketing.  At NLC, she served as Historian of the Hispanic Student Association and worked as a Social Media Specialist in the Office of Workplace Learning. Her future plans include continuing her education at the Alamo Colleges by enrolling at Palo Alto College in the Bachelor of Applied Technology program for Operations Management.  She aims to continue building her leadership and project management skills to prepare for a long-term career in operations, marketing, or business development.  Ultimately, she aspires to start her own business that uplifts underserved communities through culturally rooted media and outreach. 

“I wanted a place where I could grow personally and academically—and NLC felt like home from the start”

 

 

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Mya Leon
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Mya Leon is a 2025 graduate earning an Associate of Arts degree with a focus on Psychology.  Mya participated in the Study Abroad program, Alamo Global Challenge, taking her to Spain for a week and where she fell in love with that country. Mya credits the supportive instructors at NLC for helping her reach her goals. Outside of class, she volunteers at the Humane Society.  Mya’s next step includes transferring to Texas State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  Her ultimate goal is to obtain a Ph.D.

“I had heard a lot of good things about NLC. It became my first choice for college when I completed high school.”

 

 

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Cole Richmond
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts in Teaching

Cole Richmond is a 2025 NLC graduate with plans to attend Texas State University in the Fall. He credits NLC for providing the groundwork for his future career and helping him adjust to college. The student support resources available, like tutoring, helped him succeed and reach his goals. After NLC, Cole plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in both History & Teaching.  He plans to use these degrees to teach high school History while completing Master’s and Doctorate programs.  His ultimate goal is to teach History at the college level. In Cole’s free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and visiting amusement parks.

“Take college one day at a time. It can be stressful but breaking it down day by day makes it easier.”

 

 

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Paola Contreras
Class of 2025
Associate of Science

Paola Conteras is a 2025 NLC graduate completing coursework in the NLC Texas A&M Engineering Program.  With a 3.5 GPA, Paola graduated with Honors.   During her time at NLC, she was a member of the National Society for Leadership & Success organization and the STEM Club; all while keeping up with her studies and working as a cashier at a restaurant.

As a first-generation student, Paola thought college was out of reach. She moved from Mexico with her family 11 years ago with hopes of a better future and now AlamoPROMISE is getting her closer to making that future a reality. Her next steps include beginning the Aerospace Engineering Program at Texas A&M University, College Station in the Fall, followed by obtaining her MBA, with the ultimate goal of working at NASA. Paola was recognized on May 6 as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month.

“The fact that AlamoPROMISE helps pay for my college tuition is a great benefit”

 

 

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Dennis Valadez
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Dennis is a 2025 NLC graduate, and a non-traditional student, returning to school after 30 years.  He made the decision to restart and reclaim his life after undergoing corrective surgery that had debilitated him since high school.  NLC was his first choice because it was in his community and because of the positive experience his children had as dual credit students.  At NLC, he maintained a 4.0 GPA and was involved in several organizations including Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and the NLC Mentorship Program. He was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Texas Academic Team and nominated for the All-USA Academic Team.  Outside of NLC, he is an Executive Board member of the JECA PTSO, and a proud member of the Converse Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. Dennis plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history.  Ultimately, he aspires to return to Northeast Lakeview College as a professor, giving back to the place where he rediscovered his passion.

“Every professor I encountered went above and beyond to help students’ succeed. That dedication played a defining role in my desire to return one day as a professor.”

 

 

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Nicolette Morgado
Class of 2025
Associate of Science

Nicolette is a 2025 NLC graduate, student parent, and leader.  At NLC she was president of the Student Government Association and part of the district-wide student district council, both positions where she advocated for the needs of students at NLC and across the Alamo Colleges District. She is currently participating in the Disney College Program, providing her with hands-on experience in the hospitality environment working at Walt Disney World. This opportunity will allow her to learn from industry professionals, gain valuable skills, and work toward her dream of building a career in theme park management. While participating in the program, Nicolette plans to attend the University of Central Florida and major in Hospitality Management. Nicolette encourages future students to get involved, make memories, and connect with others by joining clubs, organizations, or student government to build leadership skills, create friendships, and make the most of your college experience.

“Being a student parent came with challenges, but the support from Northeast Lakeview College, including flexible class options and understanding professors, made a huge difference”

 

 

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Ivan Ramirez
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Ivan is a 2025 NLC graduate looking to pursue a future in art and graphic design.  Struggling with both Autism and ADHD, he overcame various challenges, like confidence issues and depression to get to the point of crossing the stage with an associate degree. Feeling overwhelmed at times, he credits the support from his advisor to guide him every step of the way, and the student support services available to provide the accommodations needed for students to succeed.  Ivan’s journey towards his associate degree has been bumpy at times.  He encourages all students to keep moving forward, even if only one class at a time.  His next steps include learning UI/UX design and gaining additional experience in various aspects of graphic design.

“Northeast Lakeview College equipped me with the confidence to pursue my goals and provided practical skills, like teamwork and personal responsibility”

 

 

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Penelope Flores
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Penelope Flores, NLC graduate, completed requirements for an associate of arts degree in Fall 2024 and is currently enrolled full-time at Angelo State University where she is majoring in Criminal Justice. While at NLC, Penelope was secretary for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and selected as AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month in July 2024.  Additionally, she was an Alamo Colleges Foundation Scholarship Student Ambassador, advocating for student success and helping them pursue higher education without the financial barrier. Penelope was also one of the few selected by the Texas Association of Community Colleges for the All-Texas Academic Team. This achievement recognizes outstanding community college students in the state who plan to transfer to four-year universities or join the workforce. After completing her bachelor’s degree, her dream is to give back to the community by serving as a Special Agent; enforcing law, and delivering justice.

“Attending NLC brought networking opportunities for me to connect with others and the coursework challenged me to apply my critical thinking skills.”

 

 

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Andrea Robinson
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Andrea Robinson is a 2025 Northeast Lakeview College graduate earning her associate of arts degree with a focus in Sociology. A non-traditional student, she is a Veteran who served in the Army for 13 years before returning to college.   At NLC, she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She also volunteers with the Red Cross as a liaison to bridge the gap to help connect military families with Red Cross services they may need. Andrea’s future plans include transferring to Our Lady of the Lake University to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work.  Her ultimate goal is to be an advocate for children by becoming a school social worker. Andrea will sing the National Anthem at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. 

“The staff and faculty are so supportive. NLC provided the collaborative community I needed to succeed.“

 

 

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Haley De La Rosa
Class of 2025
Associate of Arts

Haley is earning her Associate of Arts degree with a focus on Psychology.  After completing Wagner High School in three years, she took a stab at college but was unsuccessful and dropped her classes in the middle of the semester, when she then joined the military and served six years in the Marine Corps. A non-traditional student, Haley is a mom of three, who returned to pursue a college education after being out of school for 12 years. In addition to her studies, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and volunteers as a Cheer Coach for a local little league. Haley believes “it is never too late to chase your dreams, and that anything is possible if you just take the chance and set your mind to it.”

Her next steps include transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Psychology Degree, with the ultimate goal of studying law at St. Mary’s University.  A huge advocate for children who may be lost in cycles of domestic violence or mental health issues, Haley wants to be the voice these children need to succeed.  She hopes to become a Family Law Attorney and work for Child Protective Services to represent and fight for the best of children, our society’s future.

Haley enjoys running, travelling, and spending time with her family.  She has been married to her husband for 10 years and thanks him for his continued support as she continues her journey towards a college degree.

Haley is the 2025 SOAR Graduate and was selected from a cross-college committee to provide remarks at Commencement and represent the graduating class. SOAR represents Success, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. Students apply for consideration and the student selected best represents these characteristics.