NVC Retrospective : Planting Roots and Building Futures

The Early Years (1994-1998)

The story of Northwest Vista College (NVC) began in 1994 with a generous donation of 111.9 acres from World Savings to Alamo Colleges. This pivotal gift was complemented by the District’s purchase of an additional 25.5 acres for $217,000, laying the foundation for a new era in higher education for the northwest quadrant of the San Antonio community.

On April 18, 1995, a significant milestone was reached when the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees officially approved the establishment of Northwest Vista College. NVC proudly became the fourth institution in the Alamo Colleges District family, joining St. Philip’s College, San Antonio College, and Palo Alto College.

The community played an active role in shaping the identity of this new college, submitting 258 potential names. On June 20, 1995, recognizing and embracing the community vision, the Board of Trustees approved the name Northwest Vista College.

Remarkably, just nine weeks later, on August 28, 1995, NVC opened its doors to its inaugural class of 12 students. These first classes were held at various offsite locations, demonstrating the college’s initial resourcefulness and commitment to serving students immediately. These locations included the Alamo Colleges District downtown offices (then on North Flores), Southwest Research Institute, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and Northside Independent School District.

The promise of a permanent home began to take shape in 1996 with the groundbreaking ceremony for NVC’s current campus. Construction on the first phase commenced the following year, a period that saw the college’s enrollment burgeon to 804 students at off-site locations, including a growing Dual Credit program, all while still operating from temporary sites.

A key figure in NVC’s early development was Dr. Jacqueline Claunch, whose appointment as college president was approved by the Alamo Colleges District’s Board of Trustees on Dec. 16, 1997. Dr. Claunch began her presidency in 1998, a few months before NVC celebrated its first commencement. This significant event, held at the Mabee Library Auditorium at the University of Incarnate Word, with 20 pioneering students who proudly walked across the stage.

October 1998 marked another major turning point with the opening of the Academic Building, now known as Mountain Laurel Hall. This first campus building overcame an early challenge, as employees rallied to clean out flood damage from one of San Antonio’s most historic floods, ensuring classes could begin as scheduled.

This collective effort and resilience in the face of adversity are often cited as the genesis of NVC’s ensuring “can-do” spirit – a spirit that has become deeply ingrained in the college’s mission, vision, and values.

Stay tuned for next month’s Retrospective: 1999 – 2002.

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