Del Mar College’s student chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education is back in action this fall hosting a booth at the Fall Carnival, preparing for Viking Fest and Turkey Fest in November, partnering with the Red Cross for Thanksgiving meal service, and recruiting students who want to lead, serve, and learn.

The chapter, free to Del Mar students and staff (professional membership: $25/year) is also honoring the legacy of late Professor Mike M. Anzaldúa Jr., Professor Emeritus of English, whose decades of service shaped Del Mar’s writing centers, learning communities, Mexican American Studies program and cultural initiatives such as Mariachi Del Mar.

Professor Anzaldúa’s work at Del Mar — beginning as a teaching assistant in 1969 — went far beyond the classroom. He served as assistant director of the East (now Heritage) Campus Writing Center; director of the college’s Title V Learning Communities program; chair of the Department of English and Philosophy; Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences; and president of Del Mar’s TACHE chapter. He helped create the College Developmental Education Council, supported Mariachi Del Mar, and helped establish the Mexican American Studies program. TACHE students and leaders say his spirit of mentorship, cultural pride, and service inspires the chapter’s work today.

The chapter plans at least one on-campus and one off-campus community event this semester and is exploring partnerships to expand outreach into the Corpus Christi community. These include the Fall Carnival on Windward Campus on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5-10 p.m. TACHE will staff a booth with games, giveaways, outreach. They will also host a booth at Viking Fest on Saturday, Nov. 15 on Windward Campus. 

Heidi De Leon, chapter president, emphasized that outreach is the chapter’s top priority. 

“What we really want to do is work with the community and try to help,” De Leon continues, “We want to get the TACHE name out there, so people understand it’s not only for Chicanos — it’s for everybody who wants to be involved and give back. Being a student doesn’t stop you from helping.”

Heidi also described simple, practical booth ideas (popcorn and ring toss were mentioned) that can be low cost and great for student involvement. The chapter plans to wear TACHE shirts on Wednesdays to raise visibility across campus. The chapter is actively recruiting officers, with positions open for secretary and treasurer.

Leaders described concrete service project ideas: food drives, sandwich distribution to people experiencing homelessness, toy drives, and partnering with existing organizations such as the Salvation Army and local veterans’ groups. For Thanksgiving the chapter will assist in preparing and serving meals in partnership with the Red Cross — a major hands on opportunity for students to serve.

To join or volunteer, stop by the Student Life and Leadership areas on campus, visit the TACHE table at upcoming events, or contact the chapter through Del Mar’s Student Life office (ask for Monica Lorenzo or the TACHE student leadership).

“The more people know about [TACHE], the better it brings a light to not only the club but the campus,” said De Leon.