Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, March 4, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop 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. 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. Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 10 a.m. Workshop: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-3-4-25-final-packet.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-3-4-25-final-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.     

Article by Melinda Eddleman For anyone who loves writing, reading or both, the People’s Literary Festival offers something for everyone during this free collaborative celebration that supports both new and seasoned writers by bridging literary borders and genres. Marking its 10th year, the three-day festival is scheduled next Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, at different venues across Corpus Christi and will bring together writers and readers for dialogue that honors self-expression and creativity. Six locations will offer a variety of sessions, activities and book fairs, including previous hosts Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and All Saints’ Episcopal Church, along with three new venues: the Downtown Corpus Christi Management District’s First Friday Artwalk, House of Rock and Jazz Room Corpus Christi. Along with the additional venues, Leza noted that by increasing the number of authors, publishers and booksellers traveling to Corpus Christi from acoss Texas and other locations to participate during the festival, organizers have much more to offer this year.  To kick-off the festival, Del Mar College will host the first day of sessions next Thursday, March 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the newly renovated William F. White, Jr. Library on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Activities are open to both the campus community and the public. Dr. Andrea Elizondo, an Assistant Instructor and Reading and ESOL Lab Coordinator with the college’s Department of Communications, Languages and Reading, said, “Words ignite worlds. At this festival, we celebrate the power of stories, the voices of authors and the dreams of future writers.” Elizondo added that Del Mar College values the collaboration shared between the festival's founders and successive organizers during the past several years. “Not only has our campus community benefitted from the festival but also the general community, and we’re delighted to host another opening day to celebrate the literary world and all that it offers.” • 11 a.m.:        Welcome Remarks • 11:15 a.m.:   Session 1: Kick-off Keynote with acclaimed Holy City author Henry Wise for a debut novelist reading and discussion.  Holy City (Grove Atlantic, 2024) examines the intersections of labor, racial justice and environmental concerns in rural America’s forgotten communities. A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Mississippi’s Master of Fine Arts program, Wise is a writer across multiple genres. His poetry has been published in Shenandoah, Radar Poetry, Clackamas, Nixes Mate Revie, and elsewhere. His nonfiction and photography have appeared in Southern Cultures. Holy City is his first novel. Wise’s visit to Corpus Christi is sponsored by Del Mar College’s Cultural Programs Committee. • 12:15 p.m.:  Networking Lunch sponsored by H-E-B • 12:45 p.m.:  Session 2 (two concurrent presentations): a)     How to Get Published: Cultural & Community Leadership - panel presentation covering editing magazines, journals and books b)    Professional Development Workshop – covering research and resources for writing • 1:30 p.m.:    Del Mar College Heritage Campus Tour • 2 p.m.:          Session 3 (two concurrent presentations): a)     How to Get Published: Self-Publishing - The Lived Human Experience in Self-Publishing  b)    Free speech on campus: Why is it important? - The First Amendment and (Texas) College Campuses Remaining Day 1 programming moves to All Saints’ Episcopal Church (3026 Staples St., 78404) with activities beginning at 7 p.m. with a Corpus Christi Poet Laureate Panel followed by an induction ceremony, Poet Laureate Reading, a 10th Anniversary Commemoration led by co-founders Tom Murphy and retired DMC Librarian and Professor Alan Berecka and presentation of the Robb and Vanesa Jackson Award for High School Poets. The festival moves to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s University Center (6300 Ocean Dr., 78412) on Friday, March 7, with sponsorship of event participation during the First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Corpus Christi by Alamo Drafthouse and readings and other activities at the House of Rock (511 Starr St., 78401). On Saturday, March 8, the festival concludes at All Saints’ Episcopal Church with a book fair and sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a live jazz fundraiser at Jazz Room Corpus Christi (1314 Ayers St., 78404) from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit the People’s Literary Festival website for more information about all scheduling, session descriptions, other planned activities and book fairs at several venues at peoplesliteraryfestival.com/. T Questions? For information about Day 1 festival activities at Del Mar College, contact Dr. Andrea Elizondo with the Department of Communications, Languages and Reading at 361-698-1952 or aelezondo43@delmar.edu or People’s Literary Festival Chair J.D. Leza at 206-817-8452 or chair@peoplesliteraryfestival.com.    

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For select Del Mar College (DMC) music majors, inclusion is an honor that has continued to build on its legacy for more than seven decades. And now there’s a new bold and contemporary way to see all that history. What is it? It’s the new Music Honors Wall, a stunning display that features the names of more than 300 DMC Music Department alumni dating back to 1959, which can now be seen by all on the third floor of Building A of the General Academic & Music Building (GAMBII) on the Heritage Campus. The new addition builds on the existing GAMBII second-floor display, which features portraits of the most recent Honors Recital performers for the past five years.   On Monday, March 3, the Music Department will commemorate new and past outstanding musicians who have shaped Del Mar College’s musical landscape and beyond with an official unveiling of the new Music Honors Wall at 6 p.m. followed by the 73rd Annual Music Honors Recital featuring the six newest inductees at 7:30 p.m. in Wolfe Recital Hall. Cynthia Longoria, Professor and DMC Music Department Chair, says that she’s excited to reveal the new Honor Wall with not only the campus community but also with Coastal Bend community members as well. “We are looking forward to connecting the past to the present by unveiling the Honors Wall to current and past students, the DMC faculty and staff and the community to celebrate the college’s 90th anniversary and to recognize and honor the achievements of our alumni and current music students,” she says. Here are a few key details about the project: Material: Aluminum composite material   Dimensions: 11 feet, 8 inches wide (all four panels) x 6 feet, 2 inches tall (tallest panel)   Location: Third floor of Building A of the General Academic and Music Building Design: Four panels representing 1959 to 2024 with a LED wave above them Additional Feature: A vinyl wall cling displaying “Music Honors Wall” with illustrative musical notes Both the Music Honors Wall unveiling and Honors Recital are free and open to the public with both events on the Heritage Campus, 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. During the unveiling, Longoria and alumnus Dr. Scott Elliff, a 1980 Music Honors Wall inductee, will give remarks as part of the event. Longoria notes that while she wants to preserve the element of surprise for guests who attend the unveiling ceremony next Monday night, she was willing to share that the new display includes significant elements of the Music Honors Wall in the old building now known as Viking Hall. “The new display features a more modern and beautiful design that still allows us to continue  73 years of tradition where we have recognized our music students who achieved a high level of performance in their instrument,” Longoria says. “With this design, these students will continue to line our halls with musical excellence as we remember and recognize them for their achievement for many years to come.”   Following the unveiling, the annual Honors Recital will provide the six selected DMC music majors center stage in Wolfe Recital Hall. This year’s recital is designed to be truly special with a brass fanfare opening performed by DMC Music faculty. Additionally, the program will showcase the six student performances and then conclude with a memorable collaboration by Mary Grace Galvan Carroll (1979 honoree) and Alexandra Flint (2019 honoree), who will perform a stunning, four-hand piano piece together. Mary Grace, a member of Corpus Christi’s renowned Galvan family, pursued her doctorate in piano and has had a distinguished teaching career, including serving as piano faculty at the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications & Fine Arts. Alexandra, currently completing her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, represents the next generation of musical excellence. The Honors Recital features the following 2025 Music Honors Wall inductees (three of which are music majors who also performed in the 2024 Honors Recital: Benjamin Aldana, Michael Hinojosa and Oscar Rivera): Benjamin Aldana, trombone, who attended Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, playing Concert Piece for Trombone and Piano by Paul Véronge de la Nux, Malaki Cardenas, guitar, who attended Mary Carroll High School, playing Prelude No. 1 in E minor by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Angel Garza, flute, who attended Robstown High School, playing Image for Solo Flute by Eugene Bozza, Michael Hinojosa, clarinet, who attended Calallen High School, playing Solo de Concours by Henri Rabaud, Robert Naranjo, alto saxophone, who attended Alice High School, playing “Oodles of Noodles” by Jimmy Dorsey, and Oscar Rivera, piano, a homeschooled and DMC Dual Enrollment student, playing Etude Op. 25, No. 10 in B minor by Fédéric Chopin. The Honors Recital is an annual spring recital that consists of current music majors who have auditioned and were selected to perform. The tradition goes back to 1959; and to commemorate the event each year, portraits of Honors Recital performers were added to the walls in the halls of the original Music Building.

Article by: Melinda Eddleman and Photos by Richard Guerrero, Jr.  It was an opportunity to “learn and earn.” We’re talking about Scouting and the 2025 Merit Badge College, which took place on Feb. 15.  Once a year, Del Mar College (DMC) hosts the Merit Badge College for Scouts from troops with the South Texas Council Scouting America (STCSA), formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Approximately 186 Scouts attended the one-day event that consisted of activities held all over the Windward Campus and took part in classes taught by more than 50 volunteer DMC faculty and staff to earn those coveted Merit Badges for their sashes.  The 11- to 17-year-olds, along with their parents and unit leaders, were able to choose from 27 different classes featuring quality programming, including the opportunity to complete rare and hard-to-find Merit Badge classes not found elsewhere.  Among the classes that were offered that day were Architecture, Aviation, Camping, Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cooking, Crime Prevention, Dentistry, Digital Technology, Drafting, Electricity, Entrepreneurship, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, First Aid, Geology, Health Care Professions, Indian Lore, Law, Personal Management, Public Speaking, Traffic Safety, Truck Transportation, Welding and Woodwork. Overall, Scouting America offers 138 Merit Badges that Scouts can earn. For Merit Badge College, participants had the option to choose either an all-day session or two half-day activities from the classes offered that not only touch on life lessons but also potential career paths the Scouts may pursue later on … even at Del Mar College. Revitalized two years ago after a five-year absence, the annual Merit Badge College also gives participants exposure to a college campus. Additionally, DMC will also host the Council Coordinated Meeting, which includes leaders of the South Texas Council and Units from all levels of Scouting, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers and Sea Scouts. The South Texas Council operates Scouting America programs in 17 counties in this part of the state. The Merit Badge College is open to Scouts, including boys and girls, and their Troop Leaders. To learn more about the STCSA, visit https://www.southtexasscouting.org/.

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Competition put at least 50 university and college students to the test as they met Feb. 7-9 to demonstrate their skills in public speaking, debate and oral interpretation events. Competitors from eight institutions vied for tournament places in their categories during the 15th annual “Speech on the Beach” collegiate forensics tournament held by the Speech Program with Del Mar College’s Department of Communications, Languages and Reading on the Heritage Campus in the Solomon M. Coles Classroom Building. This year’s competition drew students from Bellevue College (Bellevue, Washington), The University of Texas-Austin, Texas State University, San Antonio College, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Lone Star College-North Harris. DMC’s Vocal Vikings forensics team, which includes Team Captain Chloe Castillo, Lauren Cavada, Bella Mendez, Natalie Palacios and Elyda Vasquez, also competed in various events. DMC’s Vocal Vikings didn’t end the competition empty-handed, winning four awards at the event. Here are the team results: DEBATE (International Public Debate Association style) Chloe Castillo – Second Place – IPDA, Second Place - Top Speaker in Debate PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION (POI) Natalie Palacios – Third Place – POI - Saturday; Fifth Place - POI - Sunday  Elyda Vasquez – Fourth Place – POI - Saturday; First Place - POI - Sunday  Events included Extemporaneous Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, Communication Analysis, After Dinner Speaking, Poetry Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation and Program Oral Interpretation, to name a few. Sarah Contreras, DMC Professor of Speech Communication and Director of Forensics, said oral discourse has long been a staple of American society, and since COVID, the need for better communication skills has become even more apparent. “By participating in Speech activities like the ‘Speech on the Beach’ Tournament, students not only learn to organize their thoughts and support their opinions with research but also learn the value of teamwork and supportive competition,” Contreras said.  She added, “If a student is in Debate, they learn to see and argue for all sides of an issue. If a student participates in Public Address, they learn to organize their thoughts and communicate them in a clear way. If a student participates in Oral Interpretation, they learn empathy for characters and their stories. And by being on a team, the students learn not only to support their own teammates, but to take criticism to improve themselves and to rejoice in any winner from any school. It is truly a wonderful activity for college students.”  

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.  Nearly 70 carefully selected works in 2-D, 3-D and digital media from 21 states await gallery visitors as part of the 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show, which opens with a celebratory reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. Formerly known as the Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show, the newly renamed CAIN National Art Show is a long-running juried exhibition of contemporary artists from virtually every corner of the United States. “We are proud of what the CAIN National has done for Del Mar College and the Corpus Christi art community,” says Kirstin Dale, DMC Associate Professor of Art, who also serves as the Art Program Coordinator and Gallery Manager. “For six decades, we have built a permanent collection of incredible 2-D and 3-D art, all of which is available for the public to view.” The Friday evening opening reception and two-month art show are located in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery of the Fine Arts Center on the college’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get directions and campus map. The 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show runs through April 25 with gallery hours scheduled Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. Both the reception and show are free and open to the public. The Feb. 21 reception features catering by Citrus Bistro and a cash bar. During the event, three prize-winning artworks will be announced, and these selections will be added to Del Mar College’s permanent art collection. The event is also part of the college’s 90th Anniversary observances scheduled through the fall 2025 semester. For more information about the 59th Annual CAIN National Art Show, visit the gallery’s website at delmar.edu/gallery or contact the Art Program at art@delmar.edu or 361-698-1216. The CAIN National Art Show features a wide array of works selected by 2025 juror Alejandro Macias, a distinguished painter and draftsman with a notable career in the arts. Macias, who has garnered recognition for his artistic achievements, including prestigious residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, The Studios at MASS MoCA and Uncool Artist in Brooklyn, New York, recently received the Lehmann Emerging Artist Award. His solo exhibitions have been held at Texas venues, such as the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock and Presa House Gallery in San Antonio as well as the Tucson Museum of Art in Arizona and Latch-Key Gallery in New York City. A Brownsville, Texas, native, Macias is an Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing at the University of Arizona School of Art in Tucson. Macias describes a two-pronged approach to curating DMC’s national exhibition, saying, “I am often seeking works that speak to me and help me remember what matters most in my life: family, place, identity, cultural empowerment and sociopolitical concerns affecting our country today. On the other hand, I also value works that are playful, mysterious and aesthetically and technically proficient.” Prior to the Friday opening reception, Macias will deliver a lecture where he will discuss his artwork, perspectives and insights. The lecture is scheduled in Richardson Performance Hall on Heritage Campus on Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 11 a.m. This year’s CAIN National Art Show attracted record-breaking number of submissions to date – 1,020. A total of 64 artists who submitted 67 works (a little less than 7 percent) were selected. Artists from 21 states spanning from California to Maine are represented, including 34 Texas-based artists with five from Corpus Christi. Additionally, three of the selected artists are alumni of Del Mar College’s Art Program. The exhibition will showcase: ·      17 paintings ·      11 drawings ·      17 sculptures ·      2 photographs ·      9 ceramic works ·      2 prints ·      2 digital media works ·      6 alternative media pieces Macias hopes the exhibition leaves a lasting impact on gallery visitors. “My hope is that any viewer that gets to see this work together leaves the exhibition inspired and altered. I truly believe that art can heal, transcend and disseminate across time, culture, race and religion,” he said.

Article by Melinda Eddleman “The benefits of education are essential to the preservation of a free government.” Quote by Sam Houston inscribed on the facade of Memorial Classroom Building Thousands of students have walked the halls of Memorial Classroom Building on the Del Mar College (DMC) Heritage Campus since the facility’s doors opened in 1942. First known as the Administration Building through 1972, the facility was the first permanent footprint of what was known at the time as Corpus Christi Junior College––the first junior college in the Coastal Bend region after Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) leaders steered the initiative and city voters approved a proposition to establish the college on July 30, 1935. On Thursday, Feb. 6, DMC officials held an unveiling of the newly renovated building, along with a Texas Historical Commission marker recognizing Del Mar College as “a centerpiece of higher education in the Coastal Bend region.” About 125 campus and community participants attended the event, which served to launch the college's year-long observances of its 90th Anniversary.   He added, “The structure has been a classic landmark at Ayers Street and Baldwin Boulevard ever since, and that legacy is something we’re extremely proud of at Del Mar College.” The nearly $17.8 million modernization of the building is part of the $157 million bond referendum passed by Del Mar College District voters in 2014 as part of Heritage and Windward Campus capital improvement projects. Noting the extensive renovation work completed, ranging from new walls, floors and ceilings to new plumbing, electrical wiring and elevator upgrades, Dr. Escamilla said, “After many decades of use, this old building needed some renovation and upgrades to be part of a 21st century campus. We think she’s ready for the next 90 years.” She added, “The Del Mar College some of you may remember in past years was perfect for the previous generations of students. But times change, and so do the needs and expectations of our students, so in the last decade, we’ve acted to meet those needs as Del Mar College has evolved to become the 21st century college our students deserve.” Scott reminded those attending the event that the Board of Regents never forgets who made the college’s growth and modernization possible: “You, the community,” she said, adding: “This renovation and many others started with the $157 million bond referendum, and as you will see, the bond funds have been put to good use, with an eye on good stewardship.” The Memorial Classroom Building now houses the college’s Executive Administrative Offices, Human Resources Office and the College Relations Office, among others. In addition to other celebratory activities during Thursday’s event, the college unveiled in front of Memorial Classroom Building a permanently installed Texas State Historical Marker provided by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The historical designation and marker resulted from two former DMC students, Troy Nessner and Preston Martin, initiating the process as part of a project in History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins’ class back in 2017. Completion of that process took two years before the college received the marker, and now, the marker has a permanent home with the Memorial Classroom Building renovation completed.   Both Nessner––who is a 2019 DMC Hall of Fame inductee, a member of the Nueces County Historical Commission and now a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi––and Dr. Robbins, who is with the college’s Social Sciences Department, spoke before the marker unveiling. The marker also acknowledges Del Mar College’s role with initiating the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and Texas Jazz Festival, leading integration of minority students before required by law, serving veterans and the Naval Air Station community after passage of the G.I. Bill and offering championship athletic programming during a specific era through the 1960s when sports became focused on intramural options at the college. Today denoted the beginning of a new era for the Memorial Classroom Building, and the institution as the historical marker notes, “Del Mar College remains a significant contributor to the quality of life in Corpus Christi and South Texas.”    View below portions of remarks made during the grand re-opening of Memorial Classroom Building and the unveiling of the Texas Historical Commissions marker on Del Mar College's Heritage Campus. Factsheets about the Memorial Classroom Building and the Texas Historical Marker are located in the upper right-hand corner of this page as downloadable PDF files. Click on the photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download.

Article by Melinda Eddleman The Little Bay Primary School served as the venue to educate Rockport-Fulton area youngsters for decades. But on Jan. 30, Del Mar College (DMC), Aransas County and state and national representatives took swings with gold-painted sledgehammers to a pre-fabricated sheetrock wall on the north side of the former elementary school to symbolize a new beginning as the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas County. The “Workforce Rising: The Future of Workforce Training in Aransas County” renovation kick-off moves forward the $2.5 million-plus project for renovation to begin that will breathe new life into the 16,000-square-foot facility as it continues serving the region’s residents, including those living in Aransas County and surrounding communities. The event also recognized local donor support from both individuals and businesses who raised through the Del Mar College Foundation over $400,000 toward the project. Dr. Escamilla added, “The Center will bring our world-class programs closer to your home.” Located on Highway 35 North in Rockport, completion of the renovation project is anticipated by fall 2025 and will serve between 400 to 800 students annually. Design work has been completed by Turner | Ramirez Architects. The project  first began as a collaboration among Del Mar College, Aransas County, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2021 with initial funding coming from a $1.7 million EDA grant. Additional funds include the $400,000 raised by Aransas County business leaders and private donors to support the project and the area’s economy with a well-trained workforce once the Center opens. Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, “Local, private fundraising has been critical to making the Center a reality with local donors contributing over $440,000, but further support is needed to get us over the finish line.” In addition to remarks by Dr. Escamilla and Keas during the event, Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation representatives also spoke, including John Jackson, Past President and current Board Secretary, and current President Jeffrey Sjostrom, along with Texas Legislature Rep. Todd Hunter, District 32. View clips of all five speakers’ remarks below: Also, during the event, the AEP Foundation presented an additional $75,000 toward the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County project. Current donors who have provided additional private funding through the Del Mar College Foundation are ACE Hardware, AEP Foundation, Blanton Builders, Charles Moreau, Coastal Bend Waste, Del Mar College Foundation, Aransas County Independent School District, Aransas County ISD Education Foundation, Aransas County, Bob and Harriet Parker, Capital Leasing, Charlie and Carla Belaire, City of Rockport, Jatin and Jatel Bhakta, John and Debbie Jackson, Karen Mella Realtors, Kim and Paul Foutz, Margaret Sue Rust Foundation, Nystrom Family Foundation, Redfish Lodge Partners LLC, Richard and Joy Dias and Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Del Mar College Foundation will offer scholarships once the center opens, and donations toward supporting scholarship funds and renovation work are currently being accepted. To inquire, contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu.  Once completed, the Center will include classrooms, labs and additional space to house high-demand marketable skills training that builds a sustainable workforce in the Aransas County area. Training strategically targets occupations identified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend that meet Aransas County’s local and regional needs, including: •  Health Sciences •  Public Safety/Fire/EMS •  Building/Construction Trades •  Light Industrial/Manufacturing •  Small Business & Entrepreneurship •  Computer-Aided Design/Drafting •  Communications & Broadcasting •  General Education, Continuing Education and Certification Programs •  Training offered by DMC Corporate Services  Classes and training will be available to everyone – young adults seeking a career, adults who want to up-skill and re-skill for essential jobs and those who simply want to re-enter the workforce. Over the years, DMC has already partnered through its Dual Enrollment program with Rockport-Fulton Independent School District. The Center will provide students access to more courses and programs, along with technology and hands-on training equipment, to prepare them for the regional workforce and economy. Academic coursework will also provide students the opportunity to complete programs at Del Mar College or transfer credits to area universities.

Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Feb. 4, 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/regular-board-meeting-packet_2-4-25.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.   

Article by Melinda Eddleman It’s time to file income taxes, again! And, while the main deadline may be less than three months away, many individuals are ready to take care of business now. For many Coastal Bend filers, trying to make sense of the different forms or changes can be a struggle. Furthermore, paying for an accountant to prepare returns may not be part of the budget.  However, Del Mar College Accounting students trained in tax and accounting software hope to make the tax season a little less stressful for area filers as they provide FREE services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 28. As a nationwide program established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA Program involves volunteers who prepare tax returns free for individuals who make $67,000 per year or less. The free income tax preparation with the college’s IRS-trained tax volunteers is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. starting tomorrow, Jan. 28, in Room 142 of Viking Hall on the DMC Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Appointments are not necessary, so walk-ins are welcome. Volunteers will answer questions when participants come in. The free VITA Program services run through Tuesday, April 15, but they will not be available during DMC’s Spring Break, which is March 10-15. Filers need to bring tax information, including their W-2 form, other documentation of earned income, Social Security cards for everyone being claimed on the return and a form of identification, such as a Drivers License or other photo I.D. Services are provided as part of the Coastal Bend VITA Coalition, a collaborative partnership headed by the United Way of the Coastal Bend. For more details, visit www.uwcb.org/vita. Del Mar College has been one of several local organizations involved with the VITA Program to provide tax return preparation services to lower income households for nearly 25 years. At the end of the tax season, the IRS recognizes volunteers––including Del Mar College students–– with a certificate for their involvement and hard work. Download the PDF file of a printable flyer with more information:

Article by DMC College Relations Office UPDATED MESSAGE AS OF 1:30 P.M.  TUESDAY, JAN. 21 Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety our students, employees and guests, Del Mar College will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to the winter freeze. College officials anticipate reopening at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, byt will continue to assess weather developments and change plans if needed. The health and safety of our students, employees and guests are Del Mar College’s foremost concern. Individuals are asked to continue to monitoring the DMC website (www.delmar.edu), email, social media channels and news media outlets for weather-related updates. College officials advise everyone to exercise caution during all inclement weather events. Please avoid icy roads and hazardous conditions.   MESSAGE POSTED ON JAN. 20, 2025 Del Mar College will remain closed tomorrow, Jan. 21, due to the winter storm and impending outdoor hazardous conditions. The college is closed today in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. DMC will reopen for normal operations at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. However, college officials will continue to assess weather developments and change plans if needed. The health and safety of students, employees and guests are Del Mar College’s foremost concern. College officials ask that they continue to monitor the DMC website (www.delmar.edu), email, social media channels and local news media for weather-related updates. The college advises everyone to exercise caution during all inclement weather events. Please avoid icy roads and hazardous conditions.  

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar College Foghorn News student journalists continue to build on the history of award-winning journalism that the program is known for by adding new accolades to the list. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Vikings earned more than 30 awards in individual categories and six organizational categories in nationwide contests.  In addition, the Foghorn News earned six awards in the Associated Collegiate Press’ Spring 2024 Clips & Clicks contest, which announced winners in August. ACP is a national association composed of collegiate journalists and collegiate journalism advisers with 570 members. The Spring 2024 Clips & Clicks contest received 412 submissions from 50 ACP-member student media outlets.  Foghorn News staff also brought home 23 awards at the statewide Texas Community College Journalism Association (TCCJA) 2024 Awards held Oct. 3-5 at Tarleton Community College in Stephenville. Most recently, Foghorn News staff won more than 30 awards at the College Media Association (CMA)’s Individual Pinnacle Awards during the Associated Collegiate Press/CMA Fall National College Media Convention in New Orleans, which was held Oct. 31-Nov. 3. The CMA has more than 600 members and provides student media professionals, staff and programs with education, research and resources. The Foghorn News is a forum for student news, events and opinions produced by DMC students for DMC students. Robert Muilenburg serves as Adviser and Allison Ehrlich serves as Lab Adviser. The individual list of awards is as follows: TCCJA 2024 Awards First place 1.        News Photo: Lola Ponce 2.        Feature Photo: Lola Ponce 3.        In-Depth/Investigative Reporting: Lola Ponce, Aubree Curran, Irene Flores 4.        Multimedia Package: Aubree Curran 5.        Sports Action Photo: Lola Ponce 6.        Picture Page Panel/Slideshow: Aubree Curran 7.        Open Video Production: Foghorn News Staff 8.        Open Audio Production: Daniela Benitez Beltran 9.        Overall Excellence-Newspaper: Foghorn News Staff Second place 1.        News Photo: Lola Ponce 2.        Video News: Kirsten Soliz 3.        Feature Writing: Lola Ponce 4.        Multimedia Package: Aubree Curran, Lola Ponce 5.        Sports Action Photo: Haylie Godoy 6.        Open Video Production: Foghorn News Staff Third place 1.        Feature Photo: Lola Ponce 2.        Video News: Kat Van Nice 3.        Feature Writing: Aubree Curran 4.        Video Sports: Cidnee Casarez 5.        Newspaper Page Design: Aubree Curran 6.        Critical Review: Paul Farias 7.        Sports Photo: Aubree Curran Honorable mention Picture Page Panel/Slideshow: Lola Ponce   ACP Spring 2024 Clips & Clicks awards Third place 1.        Best Broadcast News Story: Kat Van Nice 2.        Best Newspaper Page Spread: Aubree Curran 3.        Editorial Writing: Aubree Curran Fourth place News Photography: Lola Ponce Fifth place Feature Photography: Lola Ponce Honorable mention News Writing: Aubree Curran   CMA 2024 Pinnacle Awards First place 1.        Video Newscast: Foghorn News 2.        Multimedia News Story: Aubree Curran 3.        Sports Feature Photo: Aubree Curran 4.        Breaking News Photo: Lola Ponce 5.        Multimedia Feature Story: Aubree Curran 6.        Editorial Cartoon: Elliot Hoppis 7.        Newspaper News Spread: Irene Flores, Aubree Curran, Lola Ponce Second place 1.        Sports Feature: Aubree Curran 2.        Video Promo/PSA: David Davila 3.        Editorial Illustration: Elliot Hoppis 4.        Newspaper Opinion Spread: Aubree Curran Third place 1.        Short Video News: Kat Van Nice 2.        Newspaper Photo Spread: Lola Ponce 3.        Multimedia Sports Story: Aubree Curran 4.        Organizational Diversity Initiative: Foghorn News 5.        Radio Station of the Year: Foghorn News Honorable mention 1.        Reporter of the Year (two-year school): Aubree Curran 2.        Design of the Year Newspaper Page Spread: Foghorn News staff 3.        Broadcast Story of the Year Commentary: Kirsten Soliz 4.        Newspaper Feature Spread: Aubree Curran 5.        Feature Photo: Lola Ponce 6.        Podcast: Daniela Benitez Beltran 7.        Video Entertainment Program: Foghorn staff 8.        Infographic: Irene Flores 9.        Sports News Photo: Lola Ponce 10.       Editorial: Foghorn staff 11.       Periodic Newspaper: Foghorn News 12.       TV Station of the Year: Foghorn News 13.       Broadcast Station Website of the Year: Foghorn News 14.      Newspaper Website of the Year: Foghorn News 15.      College Media Group of the Year: Foghorn News  ACP Pacemaker and 2024 Best in Show First place Best Reporting: Bill Eaves Second place Best Website: Foghornnews.com Third place Best Broadcast Feature Story: Nygel Hudson Fifth place Best Advertisement: Brandon Oliva and Saray Ruiz Sixth place Best Broadcast News Program: Foghorn News Honorable mention Best Newspaper (two-year campus): Foghorn News  

Article by Melinda Eddleman You thought about it but kept putting off registering for Spring 2025 credit courses at Del Mar College. Guess what? It’s not too late! The College is offering two more opportunities to register for courses that begin Monday, Jan. 13, with “Late” Advising and On-Campus Registration scheduled tomorrow and Wednesday, Jan. 7-8, from 7:30 a.m. to  6:30 p.m. and “Last Chance” Advising and On-Campus Registration set for Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. These Advising and On-Campus Registration opportunities are available on all three DMC Campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. For On-campus Registration, students need to contact the department of their declared major for specific instructions (access the Academic Advisor Directory). New students and Liberal Arts majors should contact or visit one of the College’s Student Enrollment Centers to register in-person.  Online Registration for eligible students currently runs now through 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 9 at 12:01 a.m. until 2 p.m. Jan. 11. Payment deadline for tuition and fees for all credit courses registered since Dec. 5 through Jan. 8 is 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. Payment for courses registered Jan. 9-11 are due by 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 The College offers 8-, 12-, 15- and 16-week as well as Maymester options, including in-person, online and hybrid courses to meet your learning style. Both current and prospective students can access WebDMC at www.delmar.edu to view course offerings, which are frequently updated throughout the registration process. Current students can also use WebDMC to check their financial aid status, review their degree plan and find other information.  Questions? Visit www.delmar.edu/registration or contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.     For in-person assistance during regular office hours and during scheduled On-Campus Registration opportunities, Del Mar College Student Enrollment Centers are located as follows:   ·      Heritage Campus, Harvin Student Center, 101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404, get online campus map. ·      Windward Campus, Coleman Center, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405, get online campus map. ·      Oso Creek Campus, Main Central Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78411, get online campus map. Del Mar College … own your dreams!  

Article by DMC College Relations Gathering on a cold, rainy and dreary Saturday morning in early December, Del Mar College’s Sound Recording Technology (SRT) Program –– including current students and faculty as well as former students –– recorded live in Studio A the modern Christmas classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey. Headed by DMC Music Department Professor and SRT Director Dr. Paul Bissell, crank it up and sing along while enjoying these talented musicians and vocalists from Corpus Christi.

Article by DMC College Relations Office Ceremony participants included 526 out of 784 graduates with college awarding 996 occupational skills awards, certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees combined to graduating class They make up Del Mar College’s Class of Fall 2024. And, on Friday, Dec. 13, the 526 graduates who “walked the stage” filled the floor of the American Bank Center arena wearing blue caps and gowns after making the time-honored walk into the facility to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Before DMC’s fall graduates took the spotlight to receive these awards, Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert H. Vela, Jr. provided the keynote address (read speaker  announcement). Del Mar College … own your dreams! (Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the video of the whole ceremony.) Overall, the college’s Class of Fall 2024 includes 784 graduates who have earned a total of 996 occupational skills awards, certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees combined. The commencement program is available to download as a PDF file in the upper right-hand corner above “Contacts.” Fall 2024 graduates include the following: Honors Graduates Summa Cum Laude  Ethan G. Atkinson, Adrian Avila, Marissa M. Beard, Paige N. Bennett, Victor C. Canion Jr., Julia S. Cole, Megan C. Daniel, Cameron J. De Leon, Paloma L. Espinoza, Brittany N. Fox, Julia Franco, Stephanie A. Franklin, Kenedy J. Fuller, Aleena J. Garcia, Jorge E. Garza, Jose M. Gonzales, Azeneth A. Gonzalez, Leonardo Granados, Ariadna E. Grice, Madisyn P. Guilianelle, Vanessa N. Gutierrez, Rose M. Hale, David A. Hernandez Sr., Yancey J. Hernandez, Brayden H. Kaiser, Mark E. Lara II, Alana K. Larson, Zhenbang Li, Robert L. Luna, Samantha A. Mackey, Arnulfo F. Martinez Jr., Irene D. Martinez, Micah S. Martinez, Tina M. McPherson, Guadalupe Mendez Jr., Omar A. Mendez, Angelina R. Palacios, Isaac Perez Jr., Chanboramey Pok, Bryan G. Ramirez, Jaclyn E. Rios and Ahmi M. Robertson, Brandon L. Rodriguez, Brandy M. Rodriguez, Emma A. Rollins, Irma L. Salinas, Trinity A. Storr, Jillian M. Ulch, Josh L. Underbrink, Claudia N. Vela, Gabriela I. Villarreal, Amanda L. Wojciechowski and Gerardo Yanez Magna Cum Laude  Yanely V. Adame, Anthony L. Bautista, Jordan Cantu, Jessica D. Castillo, Alana L. Coapland, Andrea L. Flores, Emilian Galvan, Heather E. Galvan, Stefanie J. Garcia, Joseph A. Garibay, Michael J. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Jacob M. Hinojosa, Kendalynn Jones, Thomas E. Martinez, Wendy L. Martinez, David Medina, Joshua Morris, Brittany N. Ordonez, Arianna M. Ortiz, Dody Perales, Christine M. Perez, Sarah E. Raffay, Amanda I. Ramirez, Ruby A. Robles, Christopher Saldana Jr., Abigail L. Sanchez, Bianca L. Sanchez, Andrew M. Sleet, Alexander D. Sy, Minerva R. Tillman, John C. Vazquez, Benjamin Villarreal Sr. and Jacob Villarreal  Cum Laude  Victoria F. Aguas Garcia, Araceli Barajas, Leonardo D. Barcenas, Lilly Brooks, Darrion Byars, Cameron M. De la Pena, Aubrey N. Ford, Jasmin O. Galvan, Avril K. Gonzalez, Joseph S. Gonzalez, Sofia Jimenez, Phillip P. Krupa, Naila R. Matus, Patrick A. Morin, Katelynn M. Odvina, Daniela Ortiz, Hailey L. Osborne, Mathew J. Reyes, Mary N. Ritchie, Elizabeth A. Rivera, Erica M. Rodriguez, Jillian A. Ruiz, Aneesah L. Cordova, Ella R. Serna, Diana L. Silva, Bethany G. Walker and Remington J. Wright  Division of Business , Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences: Allied Health Associate in Science Cyan M. Castro, Jaclyn E. Rios, Myra A. Rodriguez, Ella R. Serna, Madison R. Torrez and Marisella N. Vasquez Associate in Applied Science Crystal L. Carpio, Alana L. Coapland, Cain A. Macias and Alexander D. Sy Certificate Cassandra Alejandre, Marissa M. Beard, Amber N. Champion, Justin A. Cuevas, Ariadna E. Grice, Chelsea L. McWilliams and Desirae N. Saldana Advanced Technology Certificate Michelle M. Mungia Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Associate in Arts Yanely V. Adame, Khalid T. Alabi, Courtney L. Araiza, Carea D. Aubrey, Ana J. Battles, Gina M. Billings, Alicia K. Bowser, Julia S. Cole (SAP), Dylan J. Davila*, Reno R. Del Bosque (ABG, SAP), Richard J. Del Bosque, Mia A. Deleon, Evan C. Diaz, Caleb C. Garcia, Matthew R. Garcia, Aubriana R. Garza Sr., Samantha J. Garza, Kelsey M. Gibson, Jennifer S. Guerrero, Lisa M. Hollan, Sierra M. Jimenez (SAP), Kai Y. King, Zachary J. Kramer, Jared J. Lerma, Reese G. Lugo, Kayla L. Lydon, Mai T. Nguyen, Tommy H. Pham, Chanboramey Pok, Joshua A. Reyna, Delia S. Rios Orozco, Elizabeth A. Rodriguez, Robert E. Rodriguez Jr., Laura A. Salinas, Stephanie M. Sepulveda, Gabriella A. Solis, Juliet S. Swonke, Tiburcio R. Trevino III* and Brittany L. Vogel Associate in Applied Science Camren N. Akin, Paige N. Bennett, Lee Anne N. Cantu, Jessica D. Castillo, Tanya Fuller, Christyne D. Garza, Lorrie A. Garza, Mia R. Epps-Hicks, Ashley Herrera, Sabrina I. Hiracheta, Renee M. Huentes, Sharon K. Hughes (ABG), Cassandra D. Langston, Mariela Mayen Ruiz, Tina M. McPherson, Elaine C. Medina, Joshua Morris, Arianna M. Ortiz, Addison J. Perez, Matthew L. Peterson, Kaitlyn J. Ponce, Adriana M. Ramirez, Priscilla M. Ramirez, Erica M. Rodriguez, Sarah C. Sanmiguel, Kimberly N. Schulte, Elizabeth M. Tressider, Senaida Treto, Jesus Trevino, John D. Whitaker and Amanda L. Wojciechowski Certificate Camren N. Akin, Kaylyn A. Arevalo, Isabel C. Clark, Aneesah L. Cordova, Alexia Cruz, Megan C. Daniel, Ciera E. Deleon, Annalia M. Escamilla, Andrea L. Flores, Jasmin O. Galvan, Christyne D. Garza, Lorrie A. Garza, Avril K. Gonzalez, Renee M. Huentes, Madisyn P. Guilianelle, Kadence N. Hill, Leah N. Jasso, Alessandra J. Juarez, Dana I. Kinard, Kasten S. King, Delilah K. Luna, Cassandra L. Matamoros, Naila R. Matus, Lynette Montalvo, Joshua Morris, Hailey L. Osborne, Angelina R. Palacios, Kally A. Pena, Kaitlin J. Ponce, Adriana M. Ramirez, Gabriela R. Ramirez, Erica M. Rodriguez, Irma L. Salinas, Bianca L. Sanchez, Cassandra N. Silvas, Hector Torres*, Claudia N. Vela, Tiffani A. Villanueva, Gabriela I. Villarreal and Christie L. Yerby Occupational Skills Award Jeva Adame, Jessica D. Castillo, Tanya Fuller, Joseph A. Garibay, Christyne D. Garza, Lorrie A. Garza, Lynda M. Green, Sabrina I. Hiracheta, Renee M. Huentes, Bethany Montes, Joshua Morris, Kaitlyn J. Ponce, Adriana M. Ramirez, Erica M. Rodriguez, Joyce A. Salinas, Senaida Treto and Makinzye E. Watkins Dental and Imaging Associate in Science Alexa L. Medellin (SAP)  Associate in App)lied Science Carrie N. Cabrera, Angela C. Cabuling, Jordann Cantu, Paloma L. Espinoza (LN), Brittany N. Fox (LN), Stephanie A. Franklin (LN), Kenedy J. Fuller (LN), Emilian Galvan (LN), Azeneth A. Gonzalez, Francisca G. Gonzalez, Emerald A. Guerrero (LN), Alexa L. Medellin (SAP), Amanda I. Ramirez, Jillian M. Ulch (LN) and Sebrina O. Vega  Certificate  Carrie N. Cabrera, Azeneth A. Gonzalez, Francisca G. Gonzalez and Amanda I. Ramirez Nurse Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing  Alicia N. Arroyo, Victoria M. Avila, Starr L. Bernal (PTK), Ratna D. Boyd (SAP, SKD), Melissa R. Calderon, Jose Anna Canales, Abbey G. Castillo, Anya C. Charba, Nohemi Cordova, Dalila M. Gutierrez, Aaron E. Guzman, Katrina N. Hec (AND), Marissa D. Lopez, Patrick A. Morin, Crystal A. Proa (AND), Jacob M. Ruiz, Robert C. Sanchez*, Jared M. Schmidt (AND), Salvador P. Segura, Tania B. Stephens, Diana M. Varela Segura (AND) and Jose A. Villegas  Associate in Arts  Alexus K. Alaniz, Jolette Bautista-De La Fuente, Lacee L. Beal-Hinojosa, Aleisha M. Buenrostro (SAP), Shelly A. Burke, Luis A. Cantu, Marissa R. Cardona, Amber E. Espiritu, Madelyn E. Flores, Aubrey N. Ford, Sabrina V. Garza, Tara J. Gonzales, Amiee D. Gonzalez, Tjaden C. Handson, Romeo C. Hernandez, Susanna Jones, Zhenbang Li, Veronica N. Luevano, Miriam L. Lumbreras, Jasmine M. Maravilla, Jaime A. Martinez, Marielena R. Martinez, Victoria L. Martinez, Eva L. Meave, Yesenia M. Medellin, Natalie K. Merkord, Katelynn M. Odvina, Brittany N. Ordonez, Cathalina P. Osornia, Lauren A. Padron, Alyna M. Quinones, Sarah E. Raffay, Michelle A. Reyes, Emilia I. Sanchez, Alena A. Sandoval, Jennifer S. Savoie, Kristofer D. Segura II, Kira S. Sifuentes, Minerva R. Tillman, Hannah M. Tjaden, Miranda L. Torres, Taylor L. Treiber, Jade A. Vargas, Sara N. Vela, Veronica Velasquez and Lauren Z. Zamarripa Associate in Applied Science Victoria F. Aguas Garcia, Christina G. Aguirre, Frances M. Andrade (AND), Joshua J. Auzenne, Jr., Angelica D. Balonso, Lacee L. Beal-Hinojosa, James A. Burdette, Shelly A. Burke, Kaitlin K. Cantu, Marissa R. Cardona, Gabriella B. Caudillo, Jacquelyn A. Contreras, Kailey M. Cruz, Vanessa Cruz, Jasmine Davis, Ariana R. De la Paz, Ashley S. Dixon, Stefanie M. Escobar, Amber E. Espiritu, Nerissa Garza, Sabrina V. Garza, Alexis A. Gillis, Tara J. Gonzales, Tjaden C. Handson, Romeo C. Hernandez, Yancey J. Hernandez, Stephanie L. Herrera, Araceli G. Jaimes, Susanna Jones, Samuel J. Lankford, Zhenbang Li, Amelia C. Lockhart (AND), Brittany A. Lopez, Ezekiel A. Lopez, Marissa T. Lopez, Desmond X. Martinez, Marielena R. Martinez, Victoria L. Martinez, Isabel M. Melo, Natalie K. Merkord, Joanna L. Monreal, Veronica N. Muniz, Katelynn M. Odvina, Heather N. Ordunez, Cathalina P. Osornia, Lauren A. Padron, Faith L. Perez (AND), Alyna M. Quinones, Sarah E. Raffay, Audri L. Ramirez (PTK), Kristie L. Raspe, Sierra G. Rodriguez (AND), Miriam A. Romero, Robert R. Salinas, Emilia I. Sanchez, Kristofer D. Segura II, Julienne L. Terrones, Taylor L. Treiber, Iliana D. Vaughan, Veronica Velasquez, Tabitha M. Viera and Desiree Villarreal Certificate Melissa J. Afram, Veronica N. Luevano, Yesenia M. Medellin, Karina L. Rivera and Hannah M. Tjaden  Division of Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences: Art and Drama Associate in Arts Edwardo Alejandre Jr., Joceline De Anda, Anuar Hamauei, Taylor B. Leon-Guerrero  and Gabriella N. Vargas Communications, Languages and Reading Associate in Arts  Cidnee A. Casarez, Brianna Y. Colson, David R. Davila, Faith A. Flores, Meghan K. Gatica, Bianca L.Hill, Christopher A. Jimenez, Leigha C. Messer, Hanah N. Nunn, Rosario S. Palacios, Mark A. Perez Jr., Marie D. Ponce and Jasmine M. Vasquez  Certificate  Hannah E. Behrends and Bianca L.Hill English and Philosophy Associate in Arts  Lilly Brooks, Gabriella Dennis* and Mellody A. Fuentes  Associate of Arts in Teaching  Sierra N. Ontiveros and Alyssa M. Trevino Liberal Arts Associate in Arts  Marisa F. Arredondo, Clarissa A. Ballien, Morgan Candela, Daniel M. Corpus, James W. Cowger, Cameron J. De Leon, A'liana C. Drake, Angelica M. Flores, Kadence M. Fox, Ocean E. Garcia, Lauren B. Garza, Alondra G. Garza Ramos, Jayvah R. Gonzalez, Sandra Gonzalez, Marlena S. Herrera, Ida Y. Hesseltine, Perrin L. Hockless, Alvin L. Lawson, Amanda K. Lawson, Lindsey N. Madland, Philip D. Majek, Rogelio Maravilla III, Hailey J. Martinez, Andrea K. Meza, Daniella L. Montalvo, Kaleigh N. Norris, Erin J. O'Donnell, Christian D. Ortiz, Patricia C. Rodela, Jennifer Ruiz, Adriana E. Salazar, Amydee N. Salinas, Alina E. Sanchez, Clarissa A. Schuermann, Samantha J. Sparks, Jaden H. Towery, Nicole Tunchez, Fernanda I. Vasquez and Deborah E. Woods Music Associate in Arts  Dylan H. Wood  Social Sciences Associate in Arts  Sonya D. Alvarado, Jasmine A. Dudley, Monte C. Flores-Grady, Jasmin M. Ford, Bianca L. Hill, Samantha L. Prado, Melissa A. Salazar Rodriguez, Vianca M. Solano, Anna M. Starr, Lillyanna J. Villarreal, Brianna N. Witzsche and Makenna M. Yandell  Associate of Arts in Teaching  Mercedes K. Gonzales  Division of Industry and Public Service: Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Associate in Science  Kallie E. Duke and Kendlynn Jones  Associate in Applied Science  Gabrielle N. Acosta, Roman W. Alexander, Adrian Avila, Samantha J. Bernal, Heather A. Brethauer, Marcella D. Cantera, Jordan Cantu, Ruben J. Castillo Jr., Joshua J. Charles Sr., Angel R. Cisneros, Marco A. Cumpian Sr., Kayla R. Deanda, William S. Dobie III, Cody R. Dubose, Kallie E. Duke, John C. Fazzino, Julia Franco, Anthony P. Garcia, Marcus A. Garcia, Robert R. Garcia, Joseph S. Gonzalez, Jose F. Guerrero, Javier Guevara, Vanessa N. Gutierrez, David A. Hernandez Sr., John F. Hernandez, Kendalynn Jones, Audrey J. Lara, Aaron A. Leal, Diana Lerma, Christopher J. Lopez, Antonio Lozano Jr., Brandon Magana, Jossylin I. Marroquin, Wendy L. Martinez, Micah J. McCormack, Ivette G. McKenzie, David Medina, Guadalupe Mendez Jr., Alexa A. Meza, Joseph A. Montez Jr., John D. Morales, Pedro A. Moreno*, Zachary D. Murphy, Jesse Ortega, Daniela Ortiz, Isaac Perez Jr., Daniel A. Puente, Bryan G. Ramirez, Hunter L. Ramirez, Elizabeth A. Rivera, Luis M. Rizo, Emma A. Rollins, Jesus E. Romo Jr., Jesus C. Saenz, Zayra G. Salazar, Jesus O. Salinas, Christopher A. Sanchez, Luis Santos Jr., Nathaniel A. Scott, Clayton D. Sells, Diana L. Silva, Janet L. St. John, Greyson F. Towery, Josh L. Underbrink, Ismael Vela Chapa, Benjamin Villarreal Sr. and Bethany G. Walker Certificate Gabrielle N. Acosta, Roman W. Alexander, Adrian Avila, Samantha J. Bernal, Heather A. Brethauer, Marcella D. Cantera, Jordan Cantu, Ruben J. Castillo Jr., Joshua J. Charles Sr., Angel R. Cisneros, Marco A. Cumpian Sr., Kayla R. Deanda, William S. Dobie III, Cody R. Dubose, Kallie E. Duke, John C. Fazzino, Julia Franco, Anthony P. Garcia, Marcus A. Garcia, Robert R. Garcia, Joseph S. Gonzalez, Jose F. Guerrero, Javier Guevara, Vanessa N. Gutierrez, David A. Hernandez Sr., John F. Hernandez, Kendalynn Jones, Audrey J. Lara, Aaron A. Leal, Diana Lerma, Christopher J. Lopez*, Antonio Lozano Jr.*, Brandon Magana, Jossylin I. Marroquin, Wendy L. Martinez, Micah J. McCormack, Ivette G. McKenzie, David Medina, Guadalupe Mendez Jr., Alexa A. Meza, Joseph A. Montez Jr., John D. Morales, Pedro A. Moreno*, Zachary D. Murphy, Jesse Ortega, Daniela Ortiz, Isaac Perez Jr., Daniel A. Puente, Bryan G. Ramirez, Hunter L. Ramirez, Elizabeth A. Rivera, Luis M. Rizo, Emma A. Rollins, Jesus E. Romo Jr., Jesus C. Saenz, Zayra G. Salazar, Jesus O. Salinas, Christopher A. Sanchez, Luis Santos Jr., Nathaniel A. Scott, Clayton D. Sells, Diana L. Silva, Janet L. St John*, Greyson F. Towery, Josh L. Underbrink*, Ismael Vela Chapa, Benjamin Villarreal Sr. and Bethany G. Walker  Occupational Skills Award Erik J. Carmona, Joseph A. Montez Jr. and Daniel A. Puente Industrial Technology Associate in Applied Science John W. Adami, Emilio Alonso, Jr. , Ethan G. Atkinson, Leonardo D. Barcenas, Javier L. Barrientes, Jack P. Barton*, Darrion Byars, Jessica Camacho, Izaiah I. Cantu, Reynaldo Cantu Jr., Priscilla J. Carrillo, Valentin D. Castaneda, Anthony M. Castillo, Adolfo B. Caudillo, Cameron M. De la Pena, Jacob G. De Los Santos, Veronica J. Delossantos, Bryan L. Dominguez, Lacey B. Fox, Mario A. Fuentes, Roger A. Garcia III*, Emily E. Garcia-Angel (SAP), Jordan X. Garza, Jorge E. Garza, Juan A. Garza IV, Steven M. Garza, Leonardo Granados, Sandra L. Gutierrez, Edward N. Guzman Burleson, Juan A. Hernandez, Brandon S. Hurley, Justice D. Imhoff, Miguel V. Jacobo, Brayden H. Kaiser, Mark E. Lara II, Ramon R. Lara, Alana K. Larson, Osvaldo Leon, Jr. (SAP), Gavan D. Lomas, Roel A. Lopez III, Julian A. Lugo, Olibia Lugo, Mason R. Luna, David N. Martinez, Irene D. Martinez, Micah S. Martinez, Thomas E. Martinez*, Lindsay J. Meade, Brian A. Mendez*, Eian M. Meza, Heron M. Moya Jr., Adam V. Nguyen, Brianna D. Noland, Jeremy S. Olivo, Elizabeth Pacheco , Benjamin Pena, Mark A. Pena, Dody Perales, Brandon D. Pham, Zachary J. Piedra, Nathaniel E. Ramirez, Albert T. Ramos*, Isabella M. Rector, Mathew J. Reyes* , Luis O. Rios Sr., Marshall L. Rivas, Ahmi M. Robertson, Danny Robledo*, Brandon L. Rodriguez, Brandy M. Rodriguez, Juliana M. Sanchez, Matthew T. Sheehan*, Andrew M. Sleet, Hunter K. Swearengin, Abraham Vazquez, Gregorio Vazquez Jr.*, John C. Vazquez, Tristan H. Vollmering, Brandon J. Walker, Gabriel Ybarra* and Zachary Zarbock* Certificate  Mia G. Aguinaga, Darrion Byars, Valentin D. Castaneda, Francisco J. Colchado, Arturo Y. Diaz, Isaiah R. Diaz, Sophie A. Gaona, Daniel O. Garcia, Liv R. Garcia, Emily E. Garcia-Angel (SAP), Macy A. Gordon, Edward N. Guzman Burleson, Juan A. Hernandez, Justice D. Imhoff, Brayden H. Kaiser, Kelton C. Keys, Drayden H. Koenig, Mark E. Lara II, Ramon R. Lara, Isaiah Ledezma*, Osvaldo Leon, Jr. (SAP), Gavan D. Lomas, Robert L. Luna, Arnulfo F. Martinez Jr., Omar A. Mendez, Tristen S. Oberlender, Aiden J. Ochoa, Madalyn M. Parks, Benjamin Pena, Marcus L. Ramirez, Ahmi M. Robertson, Gavin C. Rodriguez, Luis E. Rogel, Victor Rojas Jr., Christopher Saldana Jr., Brenda Y. Sandoval*, Cristopher Y. Sandria, Ruben Tamez III, Oscar Z. Vazquez, Jesenya M. Vigue-Bryant, Jacob Villarreal, Tristan H. Vollmering, Remington J. Wright, Gerardo Yanez and Evan L. Ybarra Public Service Associate in Arts  Candace R. Drake, Shagayla R. Hunter, Albert A. Montelongo- Wilmot Jr., Michelle L. Morrison, Brigitta H. Nicolay, Ernest S. Ruiz, Daniela A. Salinas, Olivia J. Tamez and Alfreda A. Tovar  Associate in Applied Science  Judy Aguinaga*, Aaron R. Armijo, Collin R. Barrientes, Anthony L. Bautista, Cynthia A. Calderon, Victor C. Canion Jr.*, Fermin C. Chapa, Monica Flores, Stefanie J. Garcia,  Sulema Gutierrez, Sofia Jimenez (PTK, SAP, VV), Kaven B. Kocke, Orlando P. Longoria, Samantha A. Macke, Robert A. May III, Josette M. McClanahan, Jacob A. Mirabal, Martin Molina Jr., Christine M. Perez, Mary N. Ritchie, David C. Quintero, Lorynda Ramirez, Myranda A. Ramirez, Jeffrey K. Reid*, Briana M. Rodriguez, Mackenzie L. Scott, Leonard K. Seals Jr., Krystal D. Valle and Nury Zertuche Certificate David Acosta Jr., Giovanna M. Barrios, Odes Cain III*, Fermin C. Chapa Jr. *, Brittney C. Colunga, Christian I. Cruz, Armando Deleon Jr., Joseluis Dominguez, George N. Flores III, Richard L. Garcia II, Michael J. Garza*, Miguel A. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Jalen R. Gonzales, Jose M. Gonzales , Cruz A. Guel, Rose M. Hale, Andrew J. Harrod, Jacob J. Hernandez, Javier R. Hernandez, Roberto L. Hernandez Jr., Jared P. Hinojosa*, James S. Hostutler, Charles E. Hughes, Kaven B. Kocke, Phillip P. Krupa, Daniel L. Lopez, Jesse Lopez Jr.*, Gabriel L. Lozano, Mandy M. Martinez, Robert A. May III, Josette M. McClanahan, Jacob A. Mirabal, Matthew D. Moreau, Ivan G. Naranjo, Octavio R. Neave, Justin G. Parker, Daniel A. Perez, Francisco J. Perez Jr., Olga L. Pleitez Guardado, Krystina C. Ramirez, Nathaniel L. Ramirez*, Jacob A. Reyes, Riquelmo M. Reyes*, Mary N. Ritchie, Kevin A. Saenz, Mackenzie L. Scott, Juan D. Sanchez IV, Dandre A. Stingley*, Lee H. Tyler, Erin A. Vela  (SAP), Oscar D. Vela, Albert E. Villarreal and Nury Zertuche  Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Kinesiology and Education: Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology Associate in Science David J. Cruz Jr., Theodore P. Donna, Dylan V. Flores, Edward G. Green*, Samuel J. Gutierrez, Ashton O. Stephens, Emmanuel Williams and Richard Zapata  Associate in Applied Science Brian L. Cavazos, Veronica A. Contreras, Theodore P. Donna, Nathan L. Felt, Eric R. Garcia, James J. Hedge( SAP), Jacob M. Hinojosa, Miranda N. Matocha, John A. Ramirez and Kayleigh J. Reynolds Certificate Brian L. Cavazos, Veronica A. Contreras, Theodore P. Donna, Nathan L. Felt, Aleena J. Garcia, James J. Hedge (SAP), Jacob M. Hinojosa, Miranda N. Matocha, Jacob T. Ramirez Kayleigh J. Reynolds and Hermilo Rodriguez III Occupational Skills Award  Carissa R. Ybarra  Kinesiology and Education Associate in Arts  Catherine J. Delgadillo, Amber D. Garcia, Ethan A. Hinojosa, Enrique Salazar* and Olivia G. Young  Associate in Applied Science Ariana M. Arechiga, Brittany N. Iruegas, Belinda A. Medina, Analissa R. Naranjo and Sharisma A. Vincent  Associate of Arts in Teaching  Leila R. Arellano, Christina M. Callaway, Koren J. Cantu, Heather E. Galvan (SAP), Leticia D. Gomez, Hannah E. Hatch, Bianca E. Quezada, Kayla C. Rivas, Adelina M. Rodriguez, Nicole C. Roten, Abigail L. Sanchez and Briana D. Sanchez Natural Sciences Associate in Science  Robert J. Alaniz, Araceli Barajas, Evelyn C. Contreras, Bryan S. Gallardo, Elijah N. Garcia, Gilbert N. Lametrie, Halie Leonard, Analis V. Lopez, Jacqueline N. Nicolay, Jessica A. Odom, Jillian A. Ruiz, Alyssa M. Saenz and Yasmin Ulloa  Associate in Applied Science Alexa M. Kuchar and Trinity A. Storr  Certificate  Alexa M. Kuchar Coding Designations: ^{* =  Military Veteran DC = Dual Credit H = Honors Program VV = Viking Volunteer KP = Member, Kappa Pi - International Honor Art Fraternity PTK = Member, Phi Theta Kappa - International Honor Society of the Two Year College ABG = Member, Alpha Beta Gamma® _- International Business Honor Society SAP = Sigma Alpha Pi - National Society of Leadership and Success SKD = Sigma Kappa Delta - English Honor Society LEX = Lambda Epsilon Chi - National Paralegal Honor Society SPA = Sigma Phi Alpha - National Dental Hygiene Honor Society LN = Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences ADN = Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society LB = Lambda Beta Society for Respiratory Care}  

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. The long journey to a nursing credential is one step closer to completion for 76 graduates who were recognized at the Del Mar College Nurse Education Fall 2024 Pinning Ceremony on Dec. 11 in Richardson Performance Hall. During the traditional ceremony, department officials pinned 55 students who have completed requirements for the Registered Nurse (RN) Associate Degree. The program also included 16 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Program as well as five graduates from the Licensed Vocational Nursing program. Dr. Casey Moebius, DMC Assistant Professor and Assistant Chairperson of the Department of Nurse Education, served as ceremony host, and Dr. Jennifer McWha, DMC Chairperson of the Department of Nurse Education and RN to BSN Program Director, provided opening remarks. Dr. Linda Earwood, ADN/LVN Program Director and DMC Assistant Professor, recognized the graduates. Emily Petrikas, a DMC instructor who is in her third year in the Nurse Education Department and is a Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department at Christus Spohn Hospital, will serve as the faculty speaker. Her talk addressed the topic of community as well as acting as agents of change in a dynamic and challenging health care environment.   Petrikas encouraged the nursing graduates to advocate for better working conditions and to remain committed to bedside nursing, rather than leave the profession.   “I challenge you to be the generation that demands safe working conditions, fair pay, collective bargaining. I challenge you to be the generation that doesn't leave the bedside. But brings us all back,” Petrikas said. In her address, Student Speaker Kristie Raspe acknowledged the challenges and stresses of nursing school, including sleepless nights, anxiety, and endless studying. She highlighted the importance of the nursing pin as a symbol of the dedication, perseverance, and compassion required to become a nurse. She also encouraged the new nurses to remember that their accomplishments are just the beginning as they now have patients to care for and policies to navigate. “We’re here because we've got the heart to help people. We’ve got the empathy to care for patients,” Raspe said, adding: “We're learning how to save lives to make a difference and to be there for people when they need us the most.” The students also recited the time-honored Florence Nightingale pledge: I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician, in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care. The post-licensure RN to BSN Program allows current RNs who have already earned their associate degree from an accredited nursing program to take that next step to acquire the much-desired bachelor’s degree by many healthcare employers. The RN to BSN Program was launched by the Nurse Education Department in 2021.   Additionally, the Nurse Education Department offers an Associate in Applied Science in Registered Nursing degree, along with a Vocational Nurse Certificate, LVN/Paramedic to RN Transition Associate in Applied Science degree and an Associate in Arts in Nurse Education degree. The Department of Nurse Education graduates will also take part in the DMC Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony at the American Bank Center, taking place on Friday, Dec. 13. Details can be found in the Viking News section of the College’s web site. The 76 Nurse Education graduates who were recognized at the ceremony are: BSN Graduates Alicia Arroyo, Victoria Avila, Ratna Boyd, Melissa Calderon, Abbey Castillo, Anya Charba, Dalila Gutierrez, Katrinia Hec, Vivian Le, Rhianna Majek, Patrick Morin, Crystal Proa, Jacob Ruiz, Felicia Schwenke, Salvador Segura, and Diana Varela-Segura LVN Graduates Steven Longoria, Veronica Luevano, Yesenia Medellin, Hannah Tjaden, and Courtney Wiley ADN Graduates Victoria Aguas Garcia, Christina Aguirre, Sabrina Arellano, Angelica Balonso, James Burdette, Shelly Burke, Kaitlin Cantu, Marissa Cardona, Jacquelyn Contreras, Kailey Cruz, Jasmine Davis, Ariana De La Paz, Stefanie Escobar, Amber Espiritu, Nerissa Garza, Sabrina Garza, Tjaden Handson, Romeo Hernandez, Yancey Hernandez, Stephanie Herrera, Araceli Jaimes, Susanna Jones, Samuel Lankford, Zhenbang Li, Brittany Lopez, Ezekiel Lopez, Marissa Lopez, Desmond Martinez, Marielena Martinez, Victoria Martinez, Isabel Melo, Natalie Merkord, Reagan Mikulec, Joanna Monreal, Veronica Muniz, Katelyn Odvina, Heather Ordunez, Cathalina Osornia, Lauren Padron, Valerie Perez, Alyna Quinones,  Sarah Raffay, Audri Ramirez, Kristie Raspe, Miriam Romero,  Robert Salinas, Emilia Sanchez,  David Sawyer, Kristofer Segura II, Julienne Terrones, Taylor Treiber, Iliana Vaughan, Veronica Velasquez, Tabitha Viera, and Desiree Villarreal

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. They make up the Del Mar College (DMC) Class of Fall 2024, and their hard work will be recognized Friday night, Dec. 13, when they take center stage at the American Bank Center during Winter Commencement. Overall, the college is awarding 996 occupational skills awards, certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees combined to 784 “prospective” graduates. The college will livestream the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m., and individuals can watch the event using the following link: https://youtube.com/live/Ge2ZVR1X1Hg. Out of this fall’s graduating class, 526 members have committed to “walking the stage” as the college celebrates their successes, including John Adami, a Broken Arrow, Ok., resident who is returning after 30 years to finally collect his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Applied Technology, and Biotechnology major Trinity Storr, who earned a Student Award for Excellence during competition at the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Technology in Education conference in Washington, D.C., in October.   John Adami (Welding Applied Technology)   The last time John Adami set foot in a college class, the Persian Gulf War had just been fought, Nirvana was still unknown to most American rock fans ahead of the late September 1991 release of their debut album, “Never Mind,” and fictional cannibal serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter struck fear into the hearts of movie goers who flocked to theaters to see the psychological horror film, “The Silence of the Lambs.” The year was 1991, and Adami, who was majoring in Welding at Del Mar College, decided it was time to set aside his academic endeavors and focus on earning a living.     More than three decades later, Adami reached a point in his career where additional advancement required the associate degree he had yet to complete. So, the Oklahoma resident looked to his alma mater to finish what he started. “In 2020, I was promoted to Quality Control Manager and was made Team Leader for American Electric Power (AEP) West,” Adami says. “I learned that if I wanted to move up any further, I would need to finish my degree. So, I enrolled in online classes at Del Mar in summer 2023 to complete the final five classes in my degree plan, and I’m completing the last class this semester.” A Corpus Christi native, Adami enrolled at DMC shortly after graduating from Mary Carroll High School in 1985. Initially, he focused on classes in Business Management and Real Estate but harbored a passion for welding. Two of his uncles were welders, and he says that he was fascinated by the things they would build. “My dad thought welding was a hard job, and he wanted me to do something that wasn’t so hard on me physically,” Adami recalls. “I took several Business Management classes and Real Estate classes, but I just wasn’t interested in them. My heart was in welding, and I finally convinced my parents to let me attend welding school. I picked up on welding quickly because that’s that I was meant to do.” It didn’t take long for Adami to transition from student to worker. By the time he decided to focus on working full time, he had already used his skills in welding shops, refineries, the oilfield and in power plants. An exemplary welder, Adami would serve as an instructor for the Craft Training Center and at DMC in the late 1990s before eventually taking a Quality Control position with AEP in 2001. Three years later, Adami accepted a promotion as a supervisor and moved his family to Broken Arrow. When the time came to re-enroll at Del Mar College, Adami knew just the person he could turn to for help, lifelong friend Dr. Mark Escamilla, the college’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “President Escamilla and I have been friends since Little League baseball,” Adami says proudly. “I emailed him last year and wrote about enrolling back at Del Mar to finish my degree. He put me in touch with all the right people to get my degree plan back on track.” After 30 years, the rigor of an academic course was a bit of a challenge for Adami. While working on assignments and tests were not altogether unfamiliar, learning remotely was. “The biggest challenge for me was not being in a classroom environment where I could easily walk up to the professor, ask a question and get an answer right away,” Adami notes. “With online classes, you can ask a question and maybe have to wait awhile to get a response.” Adami says that he turned to friends and family  to help him get up to speed on technology and academic standards. “My neighbor’s son taught me how to make YouTube videos for my Speech class,” he says. “And, my youngest son Matthew, who has a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, helped me understand the importance of citing works for my English class assignments.” For Adami, who credits his family’s support for helping him persevere during challenging moments, he is grateful to have had an opportunity to finish what he started all those years ago. “I am almost at the end of my work career, but I have another three or four years before I retire,” he admits. “This degree might not get me any further than I am now. However, at the end of the day, I can say I finally finished my degree.”   Trinity Storr (Biotechnology)   Trinity Storr began her college education as a Dual Enrollment student at Gregory-Portland High School in 2019, taking nine college-level courses at Del Mar College while still in high school. After a gap year, she officially enrolled at DMC in 2022, initially pursuing a major in Biology. However, after being introduced to biotechnology by her academic advisor, Storr discovered a new path that would ignite her interest even further.  “Biotechnology is the perfect combination of everything I enjoy: chemistry, microbiology, biology and even environmental science. It’s a field where you never stop learning,” says Storr, adding: “It blends so many areas of science and allows you to find real-world solutions to complex problems.” A student of Dr. Daisy Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology, Storr earned a Student Award for Excellence at the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Technological Education conference in Washington, D.C., in October for her work on the potential therapeutic applications of bacteriophages. “Being recognized on a national level was such an honor,” Storr says. “It motivated me to continue my work with even more dedication and passion.”  Storr’s research project, titled The Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage Pepbellie, investigates the use of bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria — as potential vectors, or a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to carry a specific DNA segment into a host cell as part of a cloning DNA technique, for gene therapy. Working with a bacteriophage isolated from soil, Storr studied its ability to infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, a close relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.  “We wanted to see if the bacteriophage could help treat antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly tuberculosis,” Storr explains. “This virus could potentially be used to target and destroy harmful bacteria, offering a new approach to tackling drug-resistant strains.” The practical applications of her research are significant since bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially for treating infections that are resistant to conventional treatments.  Looking ahead, Storr plans to transfer to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to pursue her bachelor’s degree and continue her academic journey in the field of pharmacology.  “I’m particularly interested in drug development and therapeutic interventions,” she says. “My goal is to contribute to advancements in pharmacology, researching new drug targets and developing innovative treatments for diseases.” While Storr’s focus is on advancing her education and career in research, she also values the collaborative environment of DMC’s Biotechnology program.  “We all love being part of the Biotechnology program,” Storr says of her peers. “It’s a place where we can work together, explore new ideas and learn from each other. That sense of community is really motivating.” And, Storr’s motivation will continue now that she’s completing Del Mar College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Biotechnology.        

Article by Melinda Eddleman Automotive service technicians and mechanics––they’re in demand, and there’s a shortage. According to the most recent figures from the U.S.. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), projections indicate only a  3 percent growth in these jobs through 2033 and about 67,800 openings available on average annually over the same timeframe. The shortage is due in part to aging workers retiring from the automotive repair industry and others leaving the sector for different careers. Additionally, automobiles have become more complex, and the skill set required to work on cars, trucks and SUVs necessitates training focused on the advanced technology that runs them. Del Mar College (DMC) has received a $313,833 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (Texas Governor Greg Abhott’s announcement) to expand its equipment in the Automotive Applied Technology Program to train students, in particular high school students taking career and technical education (CTE) courses, to become automotive service technicians and mechanics with the advanced skills needed in the industry.  The college’s JET grant is one of 60 totaling $15 million awarded to public higher education institutions and independent school districts across the state providing CTE training for high-demand jobs. Currently through Memorandums of Understanding, DMC partners with four ISDs –– Calallen, Corpus Christi (Harold T. Branch Academy and Miller High School), Flour Bluff and Gregory-Portland –– to train students for the automotive repair industry. Expanding the Automotive Applied Technology Program’s training resources with more advanced equipment will allow CTE students through the college’s Dual Enrollment Program to become highly skilled automotive service technicians and mechanics to meet the area’s workforce needs. Dual Enrollment CTE students will not only earn credits toward the program’s Level I and II Certificates or the Associate in Applied Science degree, they’ll also earn high school credits toward graduation. And, because of their school’s partnership with the college and the new funding model from House Bill 8, their training is tuition-free. Expected to arrive next spring, equipment acquisitions using the JET grant funds will include: Consulink Cruze 1.4L engine Trainer challenges students with over 50 real-world scenarios. Consulab Fuel Injection & GM Engine Management System teaches engine management technologies. Ohm's Law and DC Circuits Classroom Set teaches fundamentals using the latest electrical components and includes integrated digital multimeter and built-in protected power supply. Consulab Engine Starting Test Traction teaches students how to disassemble, measure, reassemble and start combustion engine, along with identifying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components to complete procedural diagnosis of engine components. AC System Trainer with H-block teaches refrigerant flow control design using mechanical faults to develop problem-solving skills. Double-sided Automotive Lighting Trainer for hands-on basic to advanced circuit wiring, ranging from relay- to power side- to ground side-controlled circuits, along with built-in fault box to test problem-solving and diagnostic skills. CAN Bus Multiplex Network Diagnostic Trainer providing real-world functional vehicle systems with full accessibility to components and communication between all modules. Automotive Electronics Moduponent Kit teaches advanced electronics and complex automotive electrical circuits as required by current industry standards. The DMC Automotive Applied Technology Program is in its final phase for accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Foundation with support from local industry partners. Locally, automotive service technicians and mechanics are among the jobs on Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend’s Targeted Occupations List for 2024-2025, which currently shows there were 1,715 employees in WSCB’s service area with these skills. The WSCB website shows the median salary is about $42,000 per year with regional job openings around 152 annually. To learn more about Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program, visit  www.delmar.edu/degrees/automotive-applied-technology/index.html or contact the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department office at 361-698-1767.    

Article by DMC College Relations Office Today, members of the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents, College administrators and staff and community members witnessed the swearing-in of three other Regents––Dr. Anantha Babbili as an At-large Regent, Rudy Garza, Jr. as District 1 Regent and Bill Kelly as District 3 Regent. The ceremony was officiated by Judge Inna Klein, 214th District Court. All three Regents filed unopposed by the Aug. 19 deadline for the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. During the September regular monthly meeting, the Del Mar College Board of Regents approved the cancellation of the General Election and certified as elected all three individuals whose seats were up for re-election. All three members were originally appointed by the Board of Regents to complete terms when those seats became vacant and will now serve full six-year terms that run through 2030. (Access releases for each Regent: Dr. Babbili, Garza and Kelly) Following the three Regents taking the Oath of Office, the Board of Regents followed protocol to reorganize and elect officers. Nominations and votes by acclamation resulted with members keeping their roles on the Board, including At-large Regent  Carol A. Scott as Chair, At-large Regent Dr. Nicholas L. Adame as First Vice Chair, At-large Regent Libby Averyt as Second Vice Chair and District 1 Regent Rudy Garza, Jr. as Secretary. The Del Mar College Board of Regents includes nine regents in a modified single-member district configuration. Five regents represent specific geographic districts while four serve At-large. The Del Mar College District includes all the area in the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts. For more information about the DMC Board of Regents, visit www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.    

Article by DMC College Relations (Updated Dec. 12, 2024: graduate and award figures) (Updated Dec. 18, 2024: Dr. Vela's commencement address video) They make up the Del Mar College (DMC) Class of Fall 2024. And, this Friday, Dec. 13, the 526 “prospective” graduates who plan to “walk the stage” will fill the floor of the American Bank Center arena wearing blue caps and gowns after making the time-honored walk into the facility to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the DMC Music Department’s Wind Ensemble. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m.; and students received an allotted number of tickets for family and friends. For those who cannot attend in-person, the college will livestream the ceremony on YouTube, which is accessible at youtube.com/live/Ge2ZVR1X1Hg. Overall, Del Mar College’s Class of Fall 2024 includes 784 “prospective” graduates who have earned a total of 996 occupational skills awards, certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor's degrees combined. But, before DMC’s prospective graduates take the spotlight, Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert H. Vela, Jr. will provide the keynote address. Dr. Vela is the university’s 22nd President and began serving in that role on June, 15, 2022. His career has been dedicated to promoting access and opportunity to higher education across the state.  Previously, Dr. Vela served as President of San Antonio College, one of the largest community colleges in the nation, from 2014 to June 2022. Under his collaborative leadership, he developed a strategic plan that advanced the Alamo Community College District’s goal of transforming San Antonio College into the best community college in the United States. In 2021, the college earned the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is the nation’s premier recognition of achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. Dr. Vela has also served in leadership roles at San Jacinto College and Coastal Bend College. He launched his career in higher education at A&M-Kingsville in 1997, serving in various roles that included Upward Bound Program Coordinator and Director of the Teacher Development Center. In 2021, Dr. Vela joined the Board of Directors of Excelencia in Education, an organization accelerating Latino student success in higher education to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. As a nationally recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Vela has also served as the President of the National Community College Hispanic Council and on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. Additionally, his credits include receiving the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2018. Dr. Vela has taught courses in higher education administration and leadership, educational leadership and counseling throughout his 20 years in higher education.  A native of Alice, Texas, he earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from A&M-Kingsville, and in 2015, Dr. Vela received the Javelina Distinguished Alumni Award. Watch Dr. Vela's commencement address given on Friday, Dec. 13: