Del Mar College and Coastal Bend Blood Center Launch Collegiate Hero Program Today to Save Lives, Observe National Blood Donor Month
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2024
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Vikings asked to sign up and donate blood twice a year to earn “Medal of Merit” designating them “heroes” during graduation ceremony; students challenged to exceed national donation average
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Give blood. Save lives. Be a hero! Those words could very well become the personal mantra for many student Vikings at Del Mar College (DMC) who have already or will sign up for the Coastal Bend Blood Center’s (CBBC) Collegiate Hero Program. The College and Blood Center partnered today with a launch event to encourage students to donate blood to ensure a much-needed supply is available in the region.
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I believe the message we are emphasizing as a teaching moment today is that giving blood makes a difference. And, we all can be heroes and save lives.
Cheryl G. Sanders, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
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DMC_Collegiate Hero Program_Medal of Merit Promo
Organized by the College’s Student Leadership and Campus Life Office, the event gave DMC students the opportunity to learn about the Collegiate Hero Program from CBBC staff, sign up at the Blood Center’s table and enjoy food and games before heading to the Blood Mobile later in the afternoon.
DMC Psychology major and Student Government Association President Sofia Jimenez, who emceed the announcement, encouraged her fellow Vikings that “being active at your college allows you to make connections” and “learn leadership and communication skills, along with many other valuable skills, so I encourage all students to play an active role, especially with making this new program a success.”
The Collegiate Hero Program requires that students make two donations within the academic year prior to graduation to earn the “Medal of Merit,” which they can wear during their commencement ceremony as a designation of being a “hero.” For DMC students graduating this May, there’s time during the spring semester to make those two donations according to CBBC officials since full blood donations require only 56 days between donations. The College’s Spring 2024 Commencement is May 17.
During her remarks, Jimenez held up a Medal of Merit and shared her personal feelings.
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This beautiful token can be yours for donating blood. But, I see so much more than that when I look at this. I had family members who are still here today because they received much-needed blood that saved their lives because someone, maybe someone in this room, took time to donate.
Sofia Jimenez, DMC Student and Student Government Association President
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DMC Student and SGA President Sofia Jimenez Wearing Medal of Merit_Collegiate Hero Program Launch
“So, for those of you who earn one of the Medals of Merit, know that when you walk across the stage on graduation day, you’ll be recognized as an active college student but also as a ‘hero’ because you gave blood and saved lives,” she added.
Jimenez also announced that for the student club that signs up the most members to participate in the program, the Student Leadership and Campus Life Office will add $100 to their fundraising account supporting the winning club’s community service projects.
The Collegiate Hero Program allows students to make their blood donations during campus drives or anywhere the CBBC Blood Mobile is located. For DMC students who couldn’t make the program launch, they can register using the Coastal Bend Blood Center’s online form. More information about the program is also available online at www.coastalbendbloodcenter.org/collegiate-red-cord-program/.
Basic qualifications for anyone wishing to donate during area blood drives include:
· Eat a well-balanced meal.
· Drink plenty of water.
· Bring a picture I.D.
· Must be feeling well.
· Must be age 17 or older.
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Just one blood donation can save three lives. “The Coastal Bend Blood Center is thrilled to have Del Mar College come onboard and support the Collegiate Hero Program. It’s like fitting the last piece into the puzzle among area institutions.
Ashley Ramirez, Coastal Bend Blood Center Community Relations and Education Coordinator
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About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- DMC History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone Designated Today as a Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor”Article by Melinda Eddleman Colleagues with the Del Mar College (DMC) Social Sciences Department and administrators filed into History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone’s classroom one by one this morning. Students in the faculty member’s class, HIST 1302 U.S. History 1865 to Present, looked a little perplexed. But, the purpose became clear when College officials presented Dr. Stone with a certificate designating him a 2024 “Piper Professor,” along with a $5,000 honorarium check and commemorative gold pin. The recognition comes from the San Antonio-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with nominations for the pinnacle of Texas higher education awards submitted by invitation only. Each year, the Piper Foundation honors only 10 professors from public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities from across the state, and the honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific and scholarly achievements. As a 2024 Piper Professor, Dr. Stone joins 10 other honorees named before him from Del Mar College since 1960. He’s also the first nominee since 2005 to receive the distinction. Fellow History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins, who nominated Dr. Stone for the award, noted, “Bryan is a model scholar-teacher who excels at every aspect of being a professor at a community-minded institution. He is a prolific author of three books and many articles, a supportive colleague who brings out the best in those he works with and a dedicated member of the local community who is eager to share his time and expertise beyond the College, so it’s a great honor to have Bryan as a colleague and a pleasure to see him receive this well-deserved award.” With over 27 years of teaching experience from previous teaching positions and his role at DMC, Dr. Stone joined the College’s faculty in August 2004 as an Assistant Professor and moved up the ranks to become Professor in 2015. He is the 2019 recipient of Del Mar College’s own award that recognizes exceptional teaching, the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, and a 2021 Teacher of the Year Award recipient for which the College’s student body selects. Dr. Stone has now added the Piper Professor Award and humbly noted, “When I received notification that I was one of only 10 recipients in the state, I was thrilled and grateful but also more than a little surprised. After a quarter of a century teaching in community college classrooms, trying to support my students and colleagues as well as I can, trying to keep up with a profession that keeps changing and always unsure if I was succeeding, it’s extremely meaningful to receive this confirmation that it’s working.” His colleague Dr. Robbins added, “Bryan imparts on his students a style of learning history that is simultaneously exciting, complex, thought-provoking and deeply relevant. Hhis students come away from his classes ready to engage pressing issues in their national and local communities and with the skill sets to not only excel in further history coursework but also to succeed outside the classroom.” In fact, outside the classroom, Dr. Stone has served on 24 College committees during his tenure, ranging from academic, peer and program reviews and hiring to institutional rebranding, strategic planning, professional development and student support, among others. He has also provided insight and expertise while serving in different roles with outside organizations such as the City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission, Congregation Beth Israel Corpus Christi, the Austin Jewish Film Festival and Southern Jewish History (managing editor) as well as served as an expert witness regarding the history of antisemitism in Dallas as part of a death row inmate’s application for a new trial. Dr. Stone has authored three books, including The Chosen Folks, Jews on the Frontiers of Texas (University of Texas Press, 2014), Memories of Two Generations: A Jewish Life in Russia and Texas, the Memoir of Alexander Z. Gurwitz (University of Alabama Press. 2016) and Neither Fish Nor Fowl: A Jewish Family on the Rio Grande, the Memoir of Morris S. Riskind (Texas Tech University Press, forthcoming 2024/2025). Additionally, he has penned numerous articles and given presentations locally as well as during conferences across the country. The practicing historian has even been interviewed for video documentaries and by National Public Radio. Prior to joining the College’s Social Sciences Department faculty, Dr. Stone taught at The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) and Dawson Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English (summa cum laude) and his doctoral degree in American Studies and Civilization from UT-Austin and a master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia. FYI: Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor of the Year” Awards The Texas-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation currently honors 10 professors from colleges and universities from across the state each academic year. The honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific, and scholarly achievements. Each honoree receives certificates naming them a “Piper Professor,” a gold commemorative pin, and a $5,000 cash honorarium. Each year, eligibility for nominations is by invitation only from the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with the name of only one nominee allowed from the Texas institutions asked to participate. Eleven Del Mar College faculty members have received the distinction of “Piper Professor” since 1960 with the most recent honor awarded May 1, 2024. Those honorees include: 2024 – Dr. Bryan Stone, History 2005 – Jackie Ganshow, Speech Communication 2002 – Dr. Ken Weatherbie, History 1996 _ Dr. Norman Delaney, History 1993 _ Mary Thorpe, Geology 1984 – Dr. Ronald Williams, Engineering Technology 1974 – Frances Dushek, Mathematics 1971 – Dr. Aileen Creighton, English 1966 – Dr. P.E. Smith, Chemistry 1963 – B.E. Schulze, Physics 1960 – Katherine Evans, English EDITOR'S NOTE: Click photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download high resolution JPEGs.
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- 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.
