- “Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography” Opens May 2 with Free Reception at DMC’s Center for Economic DevelopmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman They’re fully focused … on photography, that is. And, their talent and ability to show their own perspectives of the world through a camera lens will be highlighted during the Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education Department’s opening reception for “Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography” on Thursday, May 2. Showcasing 12 Digital Photography students’ creative views, the opening reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The free event includes light refreshments while participants view over 60 photographs, some even available for purchase. Questions about the opening reception, exhibit or Continuing Education courses and programs? Contact DMC Continuing Education at 61-698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. You can also go online at www.delmar.edu/ce. The Spring 2024 Digital Photography class includes Dora Alaniz, Matthew Benavides, Patricia Bradshaw, Leticia De la Garza, Ronald George, Blanca Gutierrez, Philip Johnson, Rosa M. Lazaro, Jordan Mandujano, Rainey Porter, Mary Sherwood and Shirley Sorsby. And, their subject matter ranges from landscapes to still life to nature with all captured as digital photographs. The free exhibit will remain open until Thursday, May 23. Center hours are 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays.
- DMC Hosts Denim Day 2024 to Observe Sexual Assault Awareness MonthArticle by Melinda Eddleman Since 1998, denim jeans have been the symbol of injustice stemming from the ruling by an Italian Supreme Court that overturned a rape conviction that year. The justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the assailant who raped her remove those jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity against that decision. Now, wearing jeans or other denim clothing on “Denim Day” signifies solidarity against rape as part of internationally-recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month because of that case. All around the world, the last Wednesday in April is recognized as Denim Day with 2024 marking 25 years since the observance and the Peace Over Violence campaign began. Del Mar College (DMC) participated on April 24 with its own Denim Day event on the Heritage Campus, which was organized by the DMC Counseling Center in conjunction with representatives from The Purple Door and the College’s Student Leadership & Campus Life Office, along with a Registered Student Organization. “Denim Day highlights breaking the stigma related to victim blaming and destructive myths surrounding sexual violence, and Del Mar College’s Counseling Center hosts this event every year to show support for survivors, bring awareness to the campus community, provide resources and let people know that they are not alone,” said Lisa Olmos, LPC, a Counselor with the center about the event. “And, the College’s Counseling Center offers a free confidential place our students can access to receive support and mental health counseling services.” She also noted that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American is assaulted every 68 seconds, and studies show over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. During DMC Denim Day 2024, the Counseling Center, The Purple Door and the RSO called the American Association of University Women set up tables with information about available local resources for students and anyone attending the event who need help. Students, faculty and staff wore their own denim but also decorated denim jeans by writing encouraging messages to share with survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, organizers handed out giveaways and snacks while also providing a selfie venue set up with the College’s oversized “DMC” letters in front of posters and pre-decorated jeans to acknowledge Denim Day 2024. Of the day’s event, Olmos added, “We want to build awareness while encouraging individuals to seek available resources if they have experienced sexual violence or know of someone else who needs help.” Note: click on photos to enlarge in pop-up box, download and get cultines.
- Table Tennis anyone? Del Mar College Kinesiology Program hosting two-day tournament play April 26-27Article by Melinda Eddleman Repost: April 24, 2024 Original Post: March 29, 2024 You might know the game as ping pong. But, for serious tournament-worthy players familiar with game rules, “table tennis” is the appropriate term, and Del Mar College’s (DMC) Kinesiology Program is hosting two days of non-sanctioned USA Table Tennis tournament play April 26-27 in the Heritage Campus Gymnasium at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Spectators are welcome to watch the competition each day. 2024 Vikings Table Tennis Tournament organizers note that the competition is in honor of the late Doug Wade (June 9, 1942 – Oct. 9, 2014), a landscape architect who not only left his mark around Corpus Christi through various landscaping projects but also co-founded the Corpus Christi Table Tennis Club in the early 1990s. Three-hour practice sessions were the norm and held on the third floor of the YMCA, ending with Wade telling everyone “Happy Trails” and flashing a contagious smile. Tournament play includes Friday, April 26, as the DMC Open for the College’s students and employees and Saturday, April 27, as the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin for anyone from the public wanting to compete and show-off their table tennis savvy. DMC community members interested in playing Saturday, too, may do so but must register separately for both Tennis Tournament Opens. Cost for the DMC Open is $10 with in-person registration starting at 5 p.m. and tournament play running 6 to 10 p.m. The fee for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin is $15, which includes a Continental breakfast, with in-person registration beginning at 8 a.m. and tournament play running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Payment for both days of play will be collected in cash and in-person each day. Online registration is now underway for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin. Scroll down to “Texas” and click on the “Register” button next to “Vikings SP 2024 Table Tennis Tournament - in honor of Doug Wade” (get the flyer). The Omni-Pong website requires fast, easy and free registration with the site before individuals can register for the tournament. DMC students and employees can register in advance for the April 26 tournament by contacting Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu. Play includes A, B, C and D Divisions with cash prizes for the A and B Divisions and trophies for the C and D Divisions. Prize money will be dependent upon the number of entries. Additionally, proceeds after prizes are awarded will benefit the DMC Viking Food Pantry. April 26 matches will be “best three” out of five games to 11 during the DMC Open. On April 27 during the Corpus Christi Open, the 9 a.m. Round 1 will include players seeded into Round Robin groups of four to five players based on rating. Round 2 at 1 p.m. includes players being seeded into the A through D Divisions depending on group placing in Round 1. If more than 30 entrants participate, Round 3 will include the top two players from each group in each division advancing to a single-elimination bracket. Questions? Contact the DMC Kinesiology Program’s Intramural Director Dr. Carla Vela at 361-698-1337 or cgamez@delmar.edu or Recreation Supervisor Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College Names Matthew Busby as Vice President of Development and Donor AdvisingArticle by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College (DMC) officials recently announced that Matthew Busby has been appointed as Vice President of Development and Donor Advising. He will lead the DMC Foundation team, focusing on building philanthropic support and meaningful engagement among donors, alumni and supporters of the College. Busby joined the College in January 2019, serving most recently as Associate Vice President of Development and providing leadership and strategic vision to fundraising efforts. More than $18 million has been donated to the College with multiple record fundraising years after Busby became a member of the DMC Development Office. Additionally, nearly $11 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 8,400 students; and, more than $540,000 has been awarded to students facing emergency situations, allowing them to stay on-track with their education. He added, “I look forward to increasing our listening and support of students, faculty, staff and supporters. Together with our community partners, we will take philanthropy to greater heights in striving for excellence and innovation.” Busby has 16 years of experience with Texas community colleges. He previously served in a fundraising position at College of the Mainland in Texas City and in fundraising, academic advising and financial aid positions at Hill College. He is a Past President of the Texas Association of Community College Foundations and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. He holds an Associate in Arts degree from Temple College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University in Waco and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Busby also holds the professional credential of Certified Fund Raising Executive. About the Del Mar College Foundation Established in 1983, the Del Mar College Foundation is people helping people. The Foundation provides scholarships, supports educational programs and works with other organizations to help remove barriers for students. We identify and develop resources that help solve problems in our community. Ninety percent (90%) of Del Mar College students come from the local area and remain in the community. As students join the local workforce, the credentials they earn at Del Mar College increase their earning potential, empowering them to become productive, contributing citizens. Their lives and the lives of their families are forever changed by the newfound prospect of financial stability. The Foundation’s goal is to provide the resources needed for all students to have the ability to achieve their educational goals. Learn more about the DMC Foundation at www.delmar.edu/foundation. (Editor's note: click on photo to enlarge and download.)
- DMC Volunteers Take Over, Teach Junior Achievement Principles at West Oso ISD’s JFK Elementary School as Part of “JA in a Day”Article by Melinda Eddleman For 15 youngsters in kindergarten teacher Flor Elizondo’s class, learning life’s lessons about “needs” and “wants” was a major part of their curriculum on Wednesday, April 17. The lesson plan was taught by Del Mar College (DMC) volunteers as part of the Junior Achievement (JA) of the Coastal Bend’s “JA in a Day” at the West Oso Independent School District’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Elementary School. Overall, 34 volunteers participated in the teaching experience, including 29 from DMC, who followed research- proven curricula focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career and workforce readiness. Lessons were tailored to the kindergarten and first grade students whose classes that the volunteers were assigned to cover age-appropriate materials in a day. “We are excited to have Junior Achievement at JFK Elementary because it is never too early for our students to learn about the importance of saving and giving and the benefits of working hard to succeed in life,” said Principal Roxanna Martinez prior to Wednesday’s “JA in a Day.”. The mission of “JA in a Day” is all about imparting “possible,” and for Junior Achievement USA, the organization dedicated to inspiriting and preparing America’s youth for success in what is now a global economy, engraining concepts focused on education and career pathways, financial confidence and even business ownership can never come too early as part of preparing young participants for their future. Dr. Sramek and fellow College employee Cynthia Soliz, Health Sciences Advisor, served as the two teaching volunteers in Elizondo’s kindergarten class. All “JA in a Day” volunteers received training and materials to cover lessons tailored to their assigned grade levels, which included: • Kindergartners: JA Ourselves uses storybook characters in read-aloud and hands-on activities to introduce the role people play in an economy. Through engaging, volunteer-led activities, young students learn about individual choices, money, the importance of saving and giving, along with the value of work. • Frist Graders: JA Our Families (first grade) explains how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and the community. The program introduces the concept of needs and wants and explores the ways families plan for and acquire goods and services. Students analyze their own skills to determine ways they can support their families. Junior Achievement USA’s proven lesson plans align with national and state educational standards and are delivered by educational partners and local community volunteers to millions of students across the country. The organization’s website notes that “research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success and have started a business as an adult.” “These JA volunteers dedicated their time to introduce important topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career-readiness to help students better understand business and economics,” said Ezra Moreno, JA of the Coastal Bend Program Manager, of volunteers’ efforts today. “It is not every day that Junior Achievement is able to reach every K-5 student in a district;. However, today’s volunteer day marked our reaching goal of teaching Junior Achievement curriculum to all 44 elementary classrooms throughout West Oso ISD.” DMC volunteers taught grade-focused curriculum last fall to youth attending both JFK and West Oso Elementary Schools, which included kindergarten through fifth graders.
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting tomorrow, April 16Article by DMC College Relations Tomorrow, April 16, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. Both the workshop and the regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the two livestreams by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 9:55 a.m. and 12:55 p.m., respectively. Copies of both Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 10 a.m. Workshop: https://delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-agenda-04-16-2024-packet.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: https://delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-04-16-2024-packet.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- “Fiesta! Philip Hii” … Celebratory Concert with DMC Wind Ensemble to Feature Retired Faculty Member, Guitarist This Thursday, April 18Article by Melinda Eddleman He was born in Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, and started playing guitar at age 10. But, after winning a national competition in his home country in 1975, he left for New Zealand to study law. Chasing a legal career changed direction when he won the New Zealand National Cup with his instrumental talent that earned him an appearance on national television. At that point, retired Del Mar College (DMC) Professor of Music Philip Hii took a pathway toward music and earned a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington and then furthered his studies in England and Germany before moving to the United States in 1983. He then earned a jazz-arranging diploma from Berklee College of Music in Boston before acquiring a Master of Music degree from the renowned program at the University of North Texas prior to joining DMC’s Music faculty in September 1988 to teach future performers and educators. As a recording artist, Hii’s career has included releasing critically-acclaimed Compact Discs (CDs) featuring his transcriptions for guitar of works by classical composers Bach and Chopin as well as his own compositions. And as a performer, Hii has traveled across the United States and around the globe. Hii retired last July with a 35-yeaar career at the College but will return this Thursday, April 18, to give a farewell performance during “Fiesta! Philip Hii.” The guitarist, recording artist and former Del Mar educator will join Music Department colleague and conductor Dr. Abel Ramirez and the DMC Wind Ensemble for the celebratory concert featuring Hii collaboratively playing Concerto for Guitar and Band by Juan A. Perez as well as Intermedio from El Baile de Luis Alonso by Geronimo Gimenez. The event will also include special guests in addition to Hii’s performance. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus, located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. Questions may be directed to the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1214 or music@delmar.edu. Those honoring Hii also invite individuals to “sign a virtual card” to wish him a “Happy Retirement!” As a performer, Hii has traveled extensively across the United States, Mexico, Germany and New Zealand. As a recording artist, he has released three CDs. Those releases include Johann Sebastian Bach: New Transcriptions for Guitar, which received critics’ rave reviews in Germany, England, Japan and the United States; Stream of Consciousness, a compilation of original works arranged for solo guitar and synthesizers; and Fréderíc Chopin: Nocturnes, featuring works by the famous composer that Hii transcribed for guitar himself with nine of the 11 pieces on that CD being world premiere recordings. When released, Hii’s Bach CD was one of Guitar Player Magazine’s picks of the month, noting “His passionate rubato and penetrating tone contribute to a thrilling performance,” while The Washington Post called the CD “exciting” and “dazzling.” Acoustic Guitar Magazine labeled him “the Heifetz of the classical guitar.” Additionally, Hii was America Public Media’s featured artist on Performance Today on May 6, 2015, when he played his transcriptions from the Chopin: Nocturnes CD. The performance aired on National Public Radio all over the country, including local KEDT Radio 90.3. As a popular classical music radio program, that year Performance Today was broadcast to nearly 300 public radio stations nationally and reached approximately 1.4 million listeners. Among Hii’s other credits, he is well-published and has had numerous articles in Soundboard, Guitar International, Gitarre und Laute and American String Teacher for which he is a former AST Guitar Forum Editor. Additionally, six of Hii’s Bach transcriptions have been published by Guitar Solo Publications. Hii has served as a member of the New York City Classical Guitar Society Artistic Advisory Board, and his most recent project has been a series of books called The Art of Virtuosity. So, keep your calendar open this Thursday as DMC celebrates retired Professor Hii. It’s not “farewell” but rather “Fiesta! Philip Hii!”
- DMC Campus Community “Solarbrates” Great American Eclipse with Watch Party on April 8Article by Melinda Eddleman (Cutlines and names are not provided for posted photos, but you can click on each and download a high-resolution JPEG.) The celestial event was called the “Great American Eclipse.” And, even though the weather was cloudy in the Coastal Bend, Del Mar College (DMC) students and employees found the total solar eclipse as cause for a “Solarbration” on Monday, April 8, when the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth for a short time, completely blocking the face of the star also called “Sol” that sits in the center of our solar system. During the eclipse, the track of the Moon’s shadow across Earth’s face, known as the path of totality, measured about 115 miles wide and included Corpus Christi as that shadow moved from across Texas and the United States toward Canada’s Atlantic Coast. With the help of the Student Leadership and Campus Life Office and the College Relations Office, the College celebrated the occasion and built campus community camaraderie with DMC students and employees gathering at the Heritage Campus Amphitheatre for a one-hour watch party from 1 to 2 p.m. as the “Great American Eclipse” took place at approximately 1:33 p.m. in the Coastal Bend for a duration of totality lasting less than five minutes. Participants received special-ordered viewing classes to watch the solar eclipse and themed drinks like Sunny D, Sunkist and Capri Sun, along with snacks and candy such as Moonpies, Sun Chips, Star Crunch, Cosmic Brownies, Starbursts, Milky Way Bars and Eclipse and Orbit Gum. In addition to the celestial-named snacks and drinks, organizers piped music from a celestial-themed playlist, including Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden), Blinded by the Light (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band), Dark Side Of The Moon (Pink Floyd), Good Day Sunshine and Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles), Island In The Sun (Weezer), Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler), Walking On Sunshine (Katrina & The Waves) and You are my Sunshine (Johnny Cash). The next total solar eclipse won’t occur over the continuous United States until 2044. For more detailed information about the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, go to greatamericaneclipse.com.
- Remembering 45-year Legacy of Late DMC Music Faculty Member David Irving (VIDEO included)Article by Ralph Goonan Music was in his blood. He began playing guitar at age 4, and he was also known as an accomplished bass and French horn player. Retired Del Mar College (DMC) Professor of Music Emeritus David Irving, who taught at the College for 45 years in a wide range of music subjects ranging from jazz improvisation to the history of rock and roll, passed away Wednesday, April 3. Irving earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the world-renowned music program at North Texas State University in Denton (now the University of North Texas). Before joining the DMC Music faculty in 1972, he worked as a high school band director. After 45 years, the beloved educator retired in 2017 and was bestowed the “Professor Emeritus” designation in 2018. A jazz lover since his high school days, Irving was considered an authority on jazz in the Coastal Bend. He was an ardent supporter of the Texas Jazz Festival, which was initiated in 1959 from a group of students who gathered to play jazz in Del Mar College’s Harvin Student Center. Irving was probably most known for teaching jazz studies and directing the MWF Jazz Band at DMC. Annual performances that were part of the Jazz Guest Artist Concert Series that he organized were always highly-anticipated events that brought notable jazz artists to play with the MWF Jazz Band, along with conducting masterclasses. Artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ed Shaughnessy, Lee Konitz, Tom Braxton and “Blue” Lou Marini accepted Irving’s invitations over the years, some more than once. Irving also had a special affection for the Corpus Christi Municipal Band, a community pops ensemble that has played outdoor summer concerts in Corpus Christi since 1952. He spent many years as a musician with the Band and was drafted into numerous other roles. After several moves to different venues over the years, the band now performs its summer concerts at the amphitheater on the College’s Heritage Campus, a move at the time that made Irving a natural choice to serve as band manager and act as emcee. Irving’s dry wit and affinity for corny jokes made him a favorite with audiences. Even the most groan-worthy jokes were made genuinely funny thanks to his sly, knowing delivery. Irving’s affections also extended to his association with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national fraternal society for music. He became a Sinfonian in 1960 while at North Texas and served as advisor to Del Mar College’s chapter beginning in 1977; and in 2015, Phi Mu Alpha bestowed to Irving the Robert J. Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award. Irving cited Rogers, who was a pianist and professor at North Texas who died in 2013, as his mentor during the DMC educator’s time at the university. Irving’s teaching, music performances and learning opportunities inspired many students to complete music degrees and become music educators as well. Many more students became members of music ensembles and continued their learning and appreciation of various music genres. Dr. Cynthia Bridges, Dean of the Division of Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences and a former DMC Music Department Chair, remembered Irving’s dedication to students as an attribute as mighty as his devotion to the arts. “David was really instrumental in developing the life skills of our students,” she said. David Irving was beloved by the Del Mar College community and he will be missed deeply Funeral arrangements are scheduled as follows: Sunday, April 14, with viewing from 2 to 6 p.m. and service from 6 to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline, Corpus Christi, Tx 78401.
- DMC student Elizabeth Rocklage places first during recent American Society of Microbiology Texas Branch Spring state meetingArticle by Melinda Eddleman Competition included postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students representing 31 different higher education institutions from across Texas. Only five were community colleges. Of the 88 presentations made by student participants, 59 were undergraduates who gave poster presentations, and one student winning the top prize in the Bacteriophage Microbiology category was Del Mar College (DMC) Biotechnology major Elizabeth Rocklage for her research, “The isolation and characterization of the bacteriophage Erock.” The competition was held last month by the American Society of Microbiology Texas Branch during their Spring state meeting in Cedar Hill, Tx. Rocklage vied for the award not only against three other DMC students in the same category––Sierra Martinez, Teresa Sanchez and Catherine Wright––she also competed against 25 other students representing Baylor University, LeTourneau University (Longview), Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas. To understand Rocklage’s research , first individuals need to know what bacteriophages are–––a type of virus that infects bacteria. And, they have multiple uses in research and in medical fields such as vectors for moving genes and as alternative treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Rocklage’s project used a novel bacteriophage that she isolated from a soil sample and named “Erock.” Through a series of extractions, testing and conclusions, Rocklage’s project determined that Erock would not make a suitable candidate for antibiotic replacement but could be a tool to study gene transfer, which won her first place in the Bacteriophage Microbiology poster competition. Her abstract for the competition is attached as a downloadable PDF file in the upper right-hand corner above "CONTACTS." Under the instruction and mentorship of Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology in the College’s Natural Sciences Department, the sophomore first presented her work with bacteriophages last October and placed third during a Health Sciences and Technology Research Symposium. The poster competition pitted Rocklage and four other DMC students against graduate students conducting research at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Driscoll Children’s Hospital and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital. Dr. Zhang noted, “It’s very important for Del Mar College to take students to regional and national meetings not just to attend but also to compete. They get the chance to present their undergraduate research data to the scientific community and possibly place during competition; and, they also have a chance to learn more from their peers, build connections with four-year schools and open doors to future employment opportunities.”
- M-U-S-I-C-A-L C-O-M-E-D-Y … Del Mar Drama presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (UPDATED)Article by Melinda Eddleman (Updated April 12, 2024) (Updated April 15, 2024) Can you spell “musical comedy?” April marks the first time since 2018 that Del Mar Drama has produced a musical. For a three-weekend run, audiences can laugh and spell during the Del Mar College (DMC) Drama Program’s production of the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now scheduled April 18-20 and 26-27. First performed on Broadway in 2005, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” isn’t a typical musical as the line between audience and performers is frequently crossed. The Tony Award-winning musical follows six quirky adolescent contestants and three moderators at a spelling bee in the regionally ambiguous Putnam County. As the bee progresses, audience members will learn about the characters’ lives and backstories through songs and montages during this coming-of-age story with as much heart as humor. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre, located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404). Get online directions and campus map. Online ticket sales are available (delmardrama.ludus.com/) with the Finley Theatre Box Office opening one hour before each performance for available day-of-show ticket purchases. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is rated PG-13 due to mature content. April 18 (Thursday) is Student Night when any local student with a valid student I.D. can attend the performance for free, along with a post-production reception in the lobby. For more information, contact Del Mar Drama at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Details about cast, crew and credits are available at delmar.edu/offices/drama/theatres.html. A downloadable poster in PDF format is available in the upper right-hand corner above “CONTACTS.” UPDATE: Listen to the story about the production by on-air host Dee Dee Jones with South Texas Public Broadcasting KEDT 90.3 FM. Her story aired at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Click on the audio track below:
- TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel presents $315,501 JET grant to Rockport-Fulton ISD at DMC Oso Creek Campus todayArticle by Melinda Eddleman (Updated March 28, 2024) With new industries and construction growing in the Coastal Bend, welding is a high-demand occupation. According to latest data on the Targeted Occupation List (2022-23) from Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, the 12-county region’s employment demand for welders was 1,392 jobs offering a median wage of $24.14 an hour. That demand aligns Rockport-Fulton Independent School District (ISD) students taking career and technical education (CTE) courses in welding with workforce needs in their community and beyond. And, today a Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) grant for a $315,501 award was recognized with an oversized check presentation by TWC Chair Bryan Daniel, Commissioner Representing the Public, to Rockport-Fulton ISD representatives at Del Mar College’s Oso Creek Campus. (Read release from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Office) Del Mar College (DMC) Welding Applied Technology faculty provided guidance to the school district with procurement recommendations as well as reviewed their proposal for the JET grant. During the presentation, Rockport-Fulton High School (RFHS) Instructor Andrew Swanberg noted that the JET grant will “help us guide future welders into the field” by providing resources to accommodate more students pursuing welding as their career choice. The JET grant will support training 127 RFHS students overall as they prepare for well-paying welding careers. Currently, 118 students receive Craft Training Center instruction in beginning, intermediate and advanced courses with the ISD expecting increased enrollment in their welding program next year according to representatives. The program addresses the need for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers. As part of the grant, DMC faculty are providing expertise and working with high school instructors to rebuild RFHS’s welding shop, which suffered irreparable damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017. That work includes replacing the ventilation system that will accommodate 22 new welding booths. JET grant funds are covering these much-needed reparations and the expanded shop reconfiguration, allowing more students to pursue CTE courses in welding at the high school. In May 2023, the College hosted the TWC’s presentation totaling more than $7.7 million in JET grants awarded to 12 Coastal Bend educational institutions. “Rockport-Fulton has long been one of the many high schools in the area that offers dual enrollment courses in partnership with Del Mar College, so, we are very familiar with their excellent welding program.” she said, adding, “This JET grant will put at students’ fingertips the instruction and equipment they need to be professionally trained and career-ready.”
- College's APEX Accelerator and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers holding CCAD Industry Day April 4 for business owners looking for DoD contract workArticle by Melinda Eddleman Contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD) can mean BIG business for the small business owner. And, for those owners in the Coastal Bend wanting to conduct business with the DoD, Del Mar College’s APEX Accelerator and the U.S. Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District have scheduled Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) Industry Day on Thursday, April 4, to provide attendees the opportunity to learn how. CCAD and Corps reps will present information about the requirements for conducting business with the federal government and their specific contracting needs, including forecasted Depot project opportunities––both large and small. Additionally, representatives with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi’s Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) will brief attendees about current and upcoming contracting needs. For the busy business owner, two sessions––9 a.m. and 1 p.m.––are scheduled at the College’s Oso Creek Campus in Rooms 209/210 (Tres Grace Community Room) in the Culinary Arts Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414). Get online directions and campus map. There is no fee, but registration is required to attend either session: 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. While not necessary, individuals may attend both sessions but must register for both. These sessions are also offered as a hybrid format. By attending in-person, business owners can network with these agencies, resource partners and other owners, so attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and updated capability statements to either the morning or afternoon session. Businesses that do not have a capabilities statement should contact the College’s APEX Accelerator Office to request assistance to acquire one before April 4. Targeted trades include but are not limited to abatement (for hex chrome), asphalt/parking lot repair, concrete, electrical/mechanical, fire protection/fire suppression, HVAC/plumbing, paint booths/ventilation, post-construction cleanup and renovations. For more information about the sessions, how to acquire a capabilities statement or how to access the sessions online, contact APEX Accelerator Plan Room staffer Susie Hargress at 361-698-1020 or shargress@delmar.edu or Program Coordinator Veronica Renaud at 361-698-1034 or vrenaud@delmar.edu. To learn more about APEX Accelerator services at Del Mar College, visit their web page at https://delmarptac.ecenterdirect.com/.
- Del Mar College recognized among top 10 U.S. community colleges selected as finalists for Bellwether Award for Workforce DevelopmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman The initiative is gaining attention. Del Mar College (DMC) and its innovative Continuing Education (CE) to Credit stackable process that matriculates students’ Workforce Skills Awards earned through CE programs into aligned academic credit programs earned the College selection last fall as a finalist by the Bellwether College Consortium to compete for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The competition was held last week in San Antonio during the Community College Futures Assembly scheduled Feb. 25-27. The Bellwether College Consortium embodies award-winning colleges charged with addressing critical issues facing community colleges through applicable research, promotion and replication of best practices concentrating on 1) workforce development, 2) instructional programs and services and 3) planning governance and finance. These three categories make up the Bellwether Award competition, which is nationally recognized for focusing on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication across the country. DMC was one of 30 community colleges representing 18 states chosen to compete and one of two from Texas out of the 10 selected to vie for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The College’s CE to Credit initiative is noted for providing all students, regardless of educational level, a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that prepare them for high-demand careers in the Coastal Bend. DMC representatives from Continuing Education and the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department presented “Building Our Nation’s Workforce One Stackable Credential at a Time” on Feb. 26 as part of competition against nine other colleges representing Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina (2), Texas (San Antonio College) and Virginia. St. Louis Community College in Missouri won the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development, and the other nine competitors received a Finalist Award. The 10 colleges were assessed on their showcase table, formal presentation and a Q&A session with judges. Dr. Escamilla noted the accomplishment when the award was recognized during the regular regular DMC Board of Regents meeting on March 5. Authors who submitted last summer the College’s nomination to the Bellwether College Consortium noted that 49% of the Coastal Bend’s population possess a high school diploma or less, and over 22% have completed some college but have not earned a degree. Additionally, 62% of Texas jobs will require at least a post-secondary education or specific workforce credentials by 2030 according to Commit Partnership (Aug. 12, 2022). They also addressed the need to develop the CE to Credit initiative based on the comparatively high unemployment rate in the Coastal Bend in 2020. That rate was 9.3% regionally in relation to 7.2% for the state and 6.7% nationally, mostly due to the pandemic. While strategies to prepare more students for the local workforce through short-term CE occupational training had already been developed as early as 2018, the guiding question was how to move CE students toward completing a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that could lead to earning Level I and Level II certificates or an associate’s degree? Even a bachelor’s degree is possible. The goal was to prepare ALL students for the workforce … even those who need to earn their high school equivalency. The solution was creating Workforce Skills Awards or WSAs earned through CE programs aligned with pathways developed for academic programs that address high-demand needs among Coastal Bend employers. WSAs can be earned in less than six months through CE programs and enable students to gain entry-level positions with business and industry. WSAs are also “stackable” or convertible credentials that count toward DMC credit programs, including current high-demand fields such as automotive, building maintenance, heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC), instrumentation, millwright, process technology and welding. Since starting the CE to Credit initiative, the College has seen success and recognized over 320 WSA graduates who each completed 144 CE units or nine credit hours between 2021 and 2023 with a ceremony as well as held pinnings for those who finished health industry-related training. He added, “Continuing Education and our collaboration with the College’s credit programs will ensure students reach their goals one stackable credential at a time toward a degree that will take them even further during their careers.”
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 5Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, March 5, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/agenda_packet-3-5-24.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Spring cleaning time … Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program offering clinical services “at no cost” this semesterArticle by Melinda Eddleman Just like that annual routine around this time of year, Coastal Bend residents may want to consider a “dental spring cleaning” by Del Mar College (DMC) Dental Hygiene majors preparing for careers in the field. The program is offering ways to help accepted patients smile a little brighter while keeping a little more “green” in their wallets by offering clinical hours and services now through May 1 at no charge at the Windward Campus’ Dental Hygiene Clinic. However, the clinic will be closed during DMC’s Spring Break scheduled March 11-16. In addition to cleanings and scaling procedures, the DMC Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a variety of services that include medical history reviews, blood pressure screenings, intra-oral examinations, dental preliminary assessments, periodontal assessments, dental hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, radiographs (x-rays), advanced periodontal therapy, dental hygiene therapy and dental sealants. The clinic gives Dental Hygiene students the hands-on experience and required hours needed to complete the program. Students performing procedures are under the supervision of program faculty, and patients’ care usually requires more than one visit. Patient selection is based on the educational and clinical requirements of Dental Hygiene students. DMC faculty will determine acceptance of patients after they first complete a “qualifying appointment.” For full details about patient selection, appointments and other pertinent information, visit the clinic web page at www.delmar.edu/offices/dental-clinic/index.html. The facility is located in Room 125 of Health Sciences Building 1 on Del Mar College’s Windward Campus at 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405). Access online directions and campus map. Operational hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. as well as Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon with appointments required. To schedule a “qualifying appointment,” contact Amanda Canales, Patient Care Assistant, at 361-698-2854 or dentalclinic@delmar.edu.
- Get on the fast track … registration underway for Del Mar College’s second 8-week Session, classes start March 18Article by Melinda Eddleman If you thought you couldn’t take Del Mar College (DMC) credit courses at this point in the semester, think again! Spring 2024 8-week Session II classes start Monday, March 18, and are designed for students who want to complete coursework at a faster pace than those scheduled for longer sessions. And, if you need a class format that works with your busy schedule, the College offers online, hybrid and face-to-face courses. During normal operational hours, in-person advising, registration and assistance are underway with DMC Student Services, such as applying for financial aid, accessing the Registrar’s Office or visiting the Student Enrollment Center on each of the College’s three campuses. Online Registration is also available before and during Spring Break for those who qualify by meeting ALL admissions requirements. Visit www.delmar.edu/registration to access registration information, the course schedule and other pertinent details to get on the fast-track to completing an 8-week Session II course this spring. Tuition and fees are due by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. Del Mar College will be closed for Spring Break March 11-16, including all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. Normal operations will resume on Monday, March 18, at 7:30 a.m. Have questions, issues or need help registering? During regular office hours, individuals can visit one of the Student Enrollment Centers for personal assistance in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404), the Coleman Center on the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) or the Main Central Building on the Oso Creek Cam[us (7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78414). Directions to all three campuses and online campus maps are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. Still have more questions? Contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
- DMC-hosted “Merit Badge College” recently brought 150 Scouts to Windward CampusArticle by Melinda Eddleman While the weather wasn’t exactly cooperative, you could hear the excitement among the 150 Scouts, both boys and girls, on the Del Mar College (DMC) Windward Campus recently. The Scouts were attending the 2024 Merit Badge College co-hosted by DMC and the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on Feb. 17. “The 2024 South Texas Council Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge College was a great success, attracting Scouts from our local council as well as from four additional councils,” said Michael H. Jones, DMC Professor of Speech and Troop 345G Scoutmaster with the South Texas Council and who helped organize the event. “Del Mar College faculty and staff came together to provide this opportunity for youths to explore a number of interest areas and work toward their rank advancements, including course options that are not often available at other merit badge events such as architecture, aviation, crime prevention, drafting, electricity, welding and many other offerings.” The “learn and earn” one-day camp was revitalized in 2023 after a five-year absence. This year’s Merit Badge College attracted troops from not just the South Texas Council but also units from the Alamo, Capital, Rio Grande and Sam Houston Councils. In all, 33 troops participated, some coming from as far away as Harlingen, Houston, Laredo, Sea Drift, Shiner, Spring Branch, Victoria and other locations. Scouts had the opportunity to earn one to two badges with selection from 23 areas taught by 54 volunteer DMC faculty and staff while also learning about various programs Del Mar College offers. Those who chose a full-day activity pursued badges in welding, cooking or first aid. Other Scouts chose to earn two badges from a selection of 20 other sessions ranging from architecture, aviation, communication and public speaking, crime prevention and finger printing, dentistry, digital technology, law and electricity to geology, entrepreneurship, moviemaking, home repairs, traffic safety and truck transportation, health care professions and woodworking, among others. Overall, the BSA offers 138 different merit badges that Scouts can earn. During this year’s Merit Badge College, participants could choose from areas that not only touch on life lessons but also potential career paths that the Scouts may pursue later on … even at Del Mar College. The South Texas Council operates Boy Scouts of America programs in 17 counties in this part of the state that include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing Scouts, Sea Scouts and Exploring Scouts. The Merit Badge College is available to Scouts and Leaders of the Scouts BSA program, which is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 18. The Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. To learn more about the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, visit https://southtexasbsa.org/. (Editor's Note: Click on photos to enlarge, download and get cutlines.)
- ArcelorMittal Texas HBI reaches $500,000 milestone supporting Del Mar College students’ dreams through investment in scholarshipsArticle by Melinda Eddleman The venue was a full house with representatives from Del Mar College, the DMC Foundation, ArcelorMittal Texas HBI and invited guests celebrating the company’s cumulative “half million dollar mark” in scholarship donations and other support over the past four years. On Feb. 15, officials recognized the company for investing in students’ dreams through the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship, which to date has touched the lives of 93 DMC students majoring in Welding Technology, Process Technology, Industrial Instrumentation or Millwright, all career training fields stipulated in the criteria to receive the scholarship and needed as part of the company’s workforce. “We understand and respect the responsibility to our community. The degrees the scholarship supports gives Del Mar College students the power to transform their lives,” he noted during the celebration. The company established the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship in mid-May 2020 with an initial $75,000 gift to the DMC Foundation. Since then, continued donations have led to a total of $255,000 in scholarship awards. And, those scholarships do make a difference. Just ask 18-year-old DMC student Samira “Sam” Marin, who received the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year to continue pursuing her passion––welding. The Welding Technology major, who completed DMC Dual Credit courses while attending Richard King High School, is now a full-time Del Mar student and will graduate in May. “Coming out of high school, I was extremely stressed about how I was going to continue my education,” she wrote in response to receiving her ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship award. “But, this scholarship is giving me the opportunity to attend college without the worry of a huge financial burden placed on myself and my family. If I could say anything to my donor, it would be ‘Thank you!’” And, she did. During the celebration, Marin addressed her benefactors directly and noted, “I have a professor who constantly asked me at the end of each semester if I was able to continue my training, and I would respond, ‘We’ll see.’ The answer now is my scholarship is allowing me to complete my associate’s degree, and I can’t thank you enough for the help that I and other students have received through our ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship.” To receive the scholarship, additional selection criteria include students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and enrolled either full- or part-time (minimum of six credit hours per semester). ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship awards provide selected students with $3,000 per academic year, which can include the fall, spring and summer semesters. Because of the company’s generous investment in Del Mar College students, U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud’s office presented Leopold with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and an American Flag, which flew over the nation’s Capitol on July 4, 2023, to acknowledge the financial assistance the scholarship provides students who meet its criteria, specifically those from San Patricio County. Located in Portland, Tx., ArcelorMittal Texas HBI is part of a global company and produces over 2 million tons annually of high quality hot briquetted iron (HBI) as a sophisticated pre-material for the production of steel. The scholarship the DMC Foundation administers supports students majoring in targeted fields who meet the career training requirements the company needs for a sustainable and modernized workforce. Currently, the DMC Foundation is taking online applications for all scholarships, including the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship, through midnight April 30 for the 2024-2025 academic year. For more information and to apply for available scholarships with one application, go online at www.delmar.edu/scholarships. Scholarship questions? Contact the DMC Foundation at foundation@delmar.edu or 361-698-1317. And, as for Marin, not only her dream but also her passion are being fulfilled through ArcelorMittal Texas HBI and their generous investment in her and other students through the company’s namesake scholarship at Del Mar College. Editor's Note: click on images to enlarge, download and get cut;lines.
- Music Genius in the Making … Local 13-year-old prodigy’s rescheduled performance with Del Mar College’s Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra set for this Sunday, Feb. 18Article by Melinda Eddleman She started her musical journey with a portable keyboard in mid-summer 2020 during the pandemic lockdown, advancing quickly with the ability to play anything she wanted. In May 2021, she had her first piano lesson at age 10 and by summer 2022 composed her first Piano Sonata. Now 13-years-old and hoping to compose scores for film and television one day, Haleigh Arden O’Neill performed last month during an invitational music festival in Kaufbeuren, Germany. This Sunday, Feb. 18, the young composer and pianist will play with the Del Mar College (DMC) Music Department’s Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra during a rescheduled concert and will premiere her new piece, Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor. The free performance begins at 4 p.m. in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. The Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College, which includes the talent of both music students and community members, will also perform a program featuring W.A. Mozart’s Symphony #41, K.551 “Jupiter” as well as the Poet and Peasant Overture by Franz Von Suppe in addition to O’Neill’s piece. For more information, contact DMC Music faculty member R. Todd Ehle at 361-698-1223 or tehle@delmar.edu. Regarding the young prodigy … after a few lessons with Dr. Will Bailey at The Piano Gallery on South Padre Island Drive, O’Neill was recommended to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Professor of Piano Dr. Joachim Reinhuber, who agreed to see her once a month while she took lessons from one of his students. She was only 10-years-old at that time. And since fall 2022, O’Neill now studies piano exclusively with Dr. Reinhuber as well as composition with Dr. James Wilding, a Professor of Theory and Composition at The University of Akron in Ohio. O’Neill has performed several times, including recitals at TAMUK, a recital for the Corpus Christi Music Teachers Association and during the College Student Recital held as part of Piano Celebration Week 2023 at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Performing Arts Center. She is a member of the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra and has composed multiple symphonies, piano concertos, pieces for smaller ensembles and solo piano works. This Sunday, you can hear her postponed premiere piece at Del Mar College.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 11 a.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 10:55 a.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-2-13-24.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Apply now! Scholarship online application process now open for Del Mar College’s 2024-2025 academic yearArticle by Melinda Eddleman It’s not too early to think about attending Del Mar College (DMC) during the 2024-2025 academic year. And, covering associated costs to attend college can be as simple as applying for a scholarship. Currently, the DMC Foundation is taking online scholarship applications through midnight on April 30, so don’t wait. Go online and apply now! The Foundation awarded over $2 million to about 1,000 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students attending DMC with a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester and with a minimum 2.0 grade point average or a GED equivalency are eligible to apply. Essays are not required. For more information and to apply for many available scholarships with one application, go online now to www.delmar.edu/scholarships. Questions? Contact the DMC Foundation at foundation@delmar.edu or 361-698-1317. The DMC Foundation administers donor-funded scholarships, both direct and endowed. Funds help students pay for tuition, fees, technology, books or whatever is needed to start and successfully complete their education at Del Mar College. The Foundation’s scholarship program gives awards to students for both part-time course loads (six to 11-hours) and full-time (12 hours or more). Eligible students may receive scholarships through the program without regard to financial aid eligibility. “Think of applying for scholarships as an investment,” she said, adding: “So, tell your friends and apply today!” (Download a printable poster located in the upper right-hand corner.)
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