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Retired NASA engineer and author George Salazar presenting free morning seminar covering experiences on Nov. 5 at DMC’s Oso Creek Campus

29

October

2025

|

22:02 PM

Europe/Amsterdam

Corpus Christi native to recount motivating story by exploring his book, “From the Barrio to NASA: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges”

Article by Melinda Eddleman

“Education, dedication and commitment will open doors from dreams and aspirations to once-thought-unreachable destinations despite life’s obstacles.” 

George Salazar_NASA Portrait Photo

George Salazar_NASA Portrait Photo

Salazar’s career spans over 40 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, working on projects, such as the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle and the Artemis Human Lander. Now retired since January 2024, the engineer has written a memoir covering his life’s journey from that little boy with big dreams to reaching unexpected heights working on the world’s most advanced space exploration projects among NASA professionals.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Del Mar College Continuing Education will host an inspiring morning seminar with Salazar sharing a motivating account of his journey told in his memoir, “From the Barrio to NASA: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges.” The FREE three-hour event is scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Tres Grace Community Room in the Culinary Arts Building on the Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78414 (get directions and map).

During the seminar, participants who have “From the Barrio to NASA” can have Salazar sign their copy (get the book on Amazon).

 Questions? Contact Continuing Education staff member Christina Campos at 361-698-2156 or ccampos47@delmar.edu.  

Book Cover_From the Barrio to NASA_Author George Salazar

Book Cover_From the Barrio to NASA_Author George Salazar

During his career, Salazar received numerous awards, including the NASA Silver Achievement Medal, John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award and the NASA-Johnson Space Center Engineering Directorate Legacy Award for his contributions to human spaceflight. Other credits include co-authoring several technical papers on spacecraft design, systems engineering and Human Systems Integration.

Having attended courses at Del Mar College but graduating from North Harris County College, Salazar received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Southern Methodist University.

 Engineer turned author, Salazar’s passion is now sharing knowledge with students—reaching out to well over 19,000 students through speaking engagements, tutoring and mentoring––and his speaking engagement on Nov. 5 brings that passion to Del Mar College.

 As noted on Amazon’s book review, “Salazar’s story proves that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish.

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.

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