HARLINGEN — Three key construction projects currently underway at Texas State Technical College’s (TSTC) Harlingen campus are being significantly influenced by alumni.

These graduates, employed by Vaughn Construction — a firm with offices in McAllen and across Texas — are involved in the development of new facilities for the Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology programs, as well as a new building for the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program. Vaughn Construction is also handling the renovation of the 20PM building. These projects are scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.

“Our graduates are not just constructing new facilities; they are creating a legacy,” remarked Cledia Hernandez, TSTC’s vice chancellor and chief external relations officer. “Their contributions demonstrate the lasting impact of skills gained at TSTC, serving as inspiration for the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.”

Rolando Castillo, a project manager at Vaughn Construction from Edinburg, oversees the TSTC projects, managing project schedules and ensuring work stays within budget.

“When we found out we were awarded the project, I knew I wanted to return to TSTC, which gave me the solid foundation I needed to advance in this field,” Castillo shared.

A graduate of Harlingen High School, Castillo explained his early passion for the field: “I spent three years in high school doing drafting through a vocational program and knew I wanted to pursue that path further.”

He holds an associate degree in Drafting and Design from TSTC’s Harlingen campus and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Castillo’s internship with Vaughn Construction led to his current position, where he has worked for nearly a decade.

“Internships are extremely valuable,” Castillo added. “They offer a foot in the door and provide practical experience, which is something you can't entirely learn in the classroom.”

Daniel Lerma, of Olmito and Port Isabel, serves as a senior project manager at Vaughn Construction. His responsibilities include collaborating with TSTC’s construction team and ensuring that the projects are completed on time and to specifications.

“Every day, my role involves interpreting the plans and making sure everything is built to the highest quality,” Lerma explained.

A graduate of San Benito High School, Lerma also holds an associate degree from TSTC’s Drafting and Design program. He furthered his education at the University of Texas – Pan American (now UT Rio Grande Valley), where he worked in a local civil engineering firm’s drafting department. It was this experience that inspired him to pursue studies at TSTC.

“I enjoyed the process of designing and then seeing those designs come to life in the field,” Lerma recalled.

Alejandro Lugo, from San Benito, works as a project engineer at Vaughn Construction. His tasks on the TSTC projects include coordinating with subcontractors, reviewing safety paperwork, and managing subcontractor payments. Lugo also collaborates with the architect and engineers to resolve any construction challenges.

“You are not just constructing a building,” Lugo reflected. “You’re creating a space for future generations, who may one day follow in my footsteps or even surpass what we’re doing now.”

Lugo holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Technology from TSTC and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His interest in both construction and numbers led him to TSTC, where he found his passion for the detail-oriented nature of the field.

“Construction documents are full of details, and I quickly connected with that aspect,” Lugo shared.

A graduate of San Benito High School, Lugo also played football, initially earning a scholarship to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio before transferring to TSTC.

TSTC alumni have also made their mark on other major campus construction projects statewide. Over 80 alumni currently contribute to The WorkSITE (Skills, Innovation, Training, and Education) in Waco, a workforce training facility developed in partnership with the city of Waco and McLennan County. The facility is set to open in February.

For more details about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.