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Professor donation makes students' organic dreams come true

Monday, March 8th, 2010


STC Mid-Valley Biology Club students explore organic farming methods at Anzaldua Organic Farm in Weslaco. From left are students Blanca Juarez, Margarita Fernandez and Gonzalo Juarez; STC Instructor and land benefactor Rey Anzaldua, and students Stephen Aguero, Vicente Santiago, Armando Alvarez and Nicholas Martinez.

Texas Border Business-------

Rey Anzaldua, South Texas College business computer systems assistant professor, is a man of many talents – computer forensics guru, amateur pilot, Navy officer, and now added to the list are organic farmer and philanthropist. The latter two talents he recently used to benefit STC’s Mid-Valley Campus Biology Club by donating a 40x40 foot plot of land for students to explore organic farming methods.

“The club is made up of great students who are truly committed to making the world a better place by sustaining our world’s natural resources and so I wanted to reward them for all their hard work,” said Anzaldua, who, along with his father, owns a sizable farm in Weslaco. “In the past two years I have become very interested in organic farming and wanted to do my part to help our students build their own knowledge base, which can help them in future careers.”

The plot will be used for students to organically-grow fruits and vegetables that will be donated to local food banks, as well as sold at local farmers markets to fund future club initiatives.

“We are so thankful to the Anzaldua family for their generosity and thoughtfulness,” expressed Dr. Debbie Villalon, STC biology instructor and club sponsor. “This is a fantastic educational opportunity for our students to learn how to grow their own food, as well as learn how the environment effects plant growth.”

Anzaldua Organic Farm currently uses completely organic farming procedures to grow corn, okra, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions, beans, cantaloupe, watermelon and squash, with plans to expand into citrus soon. Students will learn from techniques already in place at the farm to settle into the organic frame of mind.

“Our students will take away some very specialized knowledge from this project, which can help them enter programs of study in forestry and organic farming, that can lead to very lucrative careers,” said Villalon. “It’s a win-win for all involved because we are facilitating learning and service in one swoop.”

Currently, students are working with organically produced seeds in the college’s Mid-Valley Campus Biology Lab, using controlled light banks to mature the seeds into plantlets before they are transferred for permanent planting at the farm site. The first crop will yield tomatoes, broccoli, peas, dill, cilantro and corn.

“I look forward to seeing the students grow in their knowledge, as their crops grow,” concluded Anzaldua. “It will be a great way to share my expertise and help the community in a new and very fulfilling way.”

For more information about STC’s Mid-Valley Campus Biology Club contact Dr. Debbie Villalon at 956-973-7638 or at dvillalon@southtexascollege.edu.

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