Wender’s Way: Developer’s Vision Continues to Benefit NVC and Local Businesses

Renowned San Antonio developer Martin “Marty” Wender has often been called a visionary for his role in spearheading multiple real estate projects that have been the catalyst for the city’s growth. Wender’s vast list of accomplishments includes helping to land the deal for SeaWorld San Antonio and facilitating the construction of Highway 151. He also purchased the ranchland that comprises the 3,500 acres that today is Westover Hills. When speaking of Westover Hills, Wender said the key to the success in its development was getting the right mix, which included the land that would become Northwest Vista College.

“So not only did I sell the land that is now Northwest Vista College. I worked hand in hand so that every step of the way, everybody is successful,” said Wender. “And placing Northwest Vista College here was probably one of the best decisions I made in developing Westover Hills.”

In 1995, the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees officially approved the establishment of Northwest Vista College. Wender said that decision was not only monumental for the Westover Hills area, but for the entire city of San Antonio.

Throughout the years, Wender and his wife, Rene, have built a long legacy of supporting numerous causes and organizations in San Antonio. Their philanthropic efforts include the establishment of the Rene and Marty Wender Endowed Scholarship, which since the fall of 2012, has been awarded to Northwest Vista College students of any major who have at least a 2.5 GPA. In recognition of their service and contributions to the college and surrounding area, the NVC community honored the Wenders by naming a campus road, Wender Way, in 2023.

While visiting the campus, Wender spoke about the partnerships that Northwest Vista College has with the business community and the value of NVC graduates to local workforce.

Q: What impact has NVC had on jobs and preparing the workforce?

A: When I work to bring a company, every company has a relationship with Northwest Vista College. They work hand in hand to educate their future employees for good paying, great jobs in these institutions. From the beginning, it has been a working relationship not only to entice these companies to come to San Antonio and to choose to employ these people, but also to educate them for the jobs that they need to have done.

So, it has been a win-win proposition for the companies that locate here and Northwest Vista College which produces the employees for these companies. We create jobs — good jobs — for people who live and thrive. And that’s the reason the Westside of San Antonio is growing so fast, because this is where the companies want to locate. This is where their employees come from, and they're educated at Northwest Vista College.

Q: Why should companies and individuals invest in Northwest Vista College?

A: Great cities invest in themselves. Northwest Vista College is an investment in the future of San Antonio. There's nothing more important than creating great jobs for young people to work in these companies and live a better life. That's why this area is what it is today.