Hallmark University says “It’s Time for Change” before an audience of San Antonio elite
On February 16, 2017, Hallmark University hosted their annual luncheon at the Embassy Suites Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas with the theme, “It’s Time for Change.” In acknowledgment of recent and positive news regarding the university’s successes locally, statewide, and nationally, representatives from Hallmark revealed new accomplishments to an audience of top San Antonio city officials, business representatives, media, and educators. Hallmark communicated that their students are graduating with greater outcomes, less debt, and more quickly than those of the traditional collegiate method. The “time for change” theme addressed some of the problems facing higher education, and how Hallmark’s innovative approach seems to be producing the desired change.
Brent Fessler, President of Hallmark University, kicked off the luncheon by calling for the invocation to be administered by Reverend Bob Jemerson. Following the invocation, emcee Randy Beamer of News 4 San Antonio led attendees through introductions, recognitions, and a video that covered the past, present, and future of the university. Fessler then shared several promising statistics regarding Hallmark’s graduate outcomes and the university’s strategies for continuing to lead in innovative education within the community and beyond.
Notably, Fessler shared that Hallmark was recently discovered to be number one amongst all higher learning institutions in San Antonio for income mobility by a recent study published in the New York Times. “The study, which analyzed over 2000 colleges and universities across America, showed that Hallmark graduates were more likely to see a substantial income increase than students who attended any other college or university in San Antonio. When compared to the income mobility rankings of all other nonprofit educators across the country, the study revealed that Hallmark University was number one in the state of Texas, and amongst the top ten for income mobility in the nation” said Fessler.
Furthermore, Fessler announced that Hallmark has partnered with North East Independent School District (NEISD) and will be launching the new Aerospace College Headstart Institute (Aero CHI) program for qualifying NEISD students. “The Aero CHI program allows participating NEISD students to earn 27 semester credit hours (or nearly half of their degree), study in an active aviation workplace, and prepare to become the next generation of FAA licensed aerospace professionals. Aero CHI graduates who decide to continue their studies with Hallmark will save over $10,000 in tuition fees towards their aeronautics education.” On the subject of Hallmark’s aeronautics programs, it was noted that the most recent data produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that Hallmark remains the top producer of FAA licensures in the state of Texas, and is one of the top ten producers of FAA licensures in the United States.
Other topics covered at the luncheon included Hallmark’s summer intensives, high school outreach efforts, a cybersecurity workforce development program on the Eastside, the university’s plan to build a security operations center for student learning, and how it plans to further its mission to change individual lives with the help of community support. Hallmark was presented with an official proclamation by City Manager Sheryl Sculley stating that “February 16, 2017” was declared “It’s Time for Change Day” by Mayor Ivy Taylor. Richard Fessler, founder of Hallmark University, issued an award to Methodist Healthcare for their integral partnership with Hallmark University in helping improve and design healthcare related curriculum. Other honor was paid to Hallmark graduate Rudy Mendivil for his accomplishments as a student, graduate, and his inspirational life story. Reggie Williams, Vice President of Advancement for Hallmark, took the stage to offer remarks of thanks and appreciation to all in attendance, and the luncheon was concluded by a benediction from Chaplain Doug Heintz of Hallmark University.
A special thank you to all of our sponsors:
Tommy and Christi Moorman, Major General Chuck and Shaaron Carroll, Mushin and Vanessa Kenon, Richard and Carolyn Fessler, David and Arriana Martinez, Dean and Vicki Rush, Phil and Kayleen Harris, Robert and Rahlene Luna, Robert and Gerrie Knoll, Jerry and Heather Valdez, and Clarence “Reggie” Williams
