College Announces Spring 2023 “Prospective” Graduates (List, Commencement Program and Video)
Article by College Relations Office
Del Mar College held its Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 19, with 576 prospective graduates walking across the stage in the American Bank Center. The College awarded approximately 938 certificates, associates degrees and occupational skills awards combined to about 782 prospective May graduates.
Natividad Roberto FuentesHeadShot
Before taking that walk, however, DMC 2011 alumnus Dr. Natividad Roberto Fuentes, Jr., Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, provided his keynote address focused on “persistence” and “setting the bar.” (Read full bio release)
Congratulations, Vikings! We’re so proud of you and that Del Mar College has been a part of your journey toward YOUR success!
The list of “prospective” graduates by hometown is provided below. The Spring 2023 Commencement Program is provided in the upper right-hand corner of this web page for downloading and printing with students listed by fields of study. Avideo of the entire ceremony is available at the bottom of this page.
Spring 2023 Graduation_003
Associate in Science
Jeffrey R. Borgstedte (Summa Cum Laude), Justin D. Canto, Amanda G. Culbertson, Braelynn R. De Los Santos, Noah A. Diaz (Cum Laude), Nicole M. Escamilla (Cum Laude), Sydney A. Fontenot, Kimberly M. Garza, Dax A. Gutierrez (Cum Laude), Ty G. Huddleston, Silas Q. Lazo, Huu L. Le, Victoria N. Lichtenberger, Jhovanni G. Loeza (Summa Cum Laude), Casey M. McDonagh, Leticia D. McIntyre, Brittany A. Mounce, Sarena A. Nesmith (Cum Laude), Sylvia V. Ngo Wilson (Summa Cum Laude), Melissa Ore, Patrick J. Puebla, Seth E. Richardson, Jesse L. Rios, Elizabeth L. Sanchez, Derek A. Sanford (Magna Cum Laude) and K. L. Weber
Associate in Arts of Teaching
Toni N. Aleman, Tiffany C. Antunez, Mazzy Y. Barrientos, Alyanna Estrada, Enedina Gonzalez (Magna Cum Laude), Jon C. Guerrero, Merysa E. Rios, Austin M. Thompson, Francis M. Trevino and Jadelynn D. Vega
Associate in Applied Science
Alina R. Alvarez, Adrianna M. Amaro, Rosalie Anscombe, Richard M. Arnold, Jean G. Ayala (Cum Laude), Savannah M. Baldwin, Rebecca C. Barclay, David I. Barrera, Sean M. Bates, Starr L. Bernal, Jacob C. Berry, Cleotilde Bosquez, Tammy A. Botello, Stephen A. Bowden, Devereaux W. Brewer (Magna Cum Laude), Lorrie A. Bueno, Kevin Bui, Kaylee E. Butts, Erika R. Cabrialez, Janessa J. Cano-Trevino, Elexis D. Cantu, Madeline E. Carter, Felicia A. Castaneda, Abbey G. Castillo, Anna L. Castillo, Joshua D. Castillo, Alejandra D. Castro-Navarro, Jeyson A. Cave Sr., Gabriela Cerda, Fermin C. Chapa Jr., Olga L. Charles, Keila R. Clark, Laura G. Colunga, Kennedy C. Contreras, Jarred J. Copley, Matthew J. Cortez, Pamela Cotney, Christopher J. Cullins, Sandra C. Cureau, Fredrick C. Dalagan, Briana M. Daniel, Amanda L. De la Cerda, Jacob G. De Los Santos, Marisol V. Delgado, Valerie N. Delgado, Jessica M. Derusse, Nilda Diaz (Cum Laude), Rosemary R. Diaz, Alfred T. Dimas, Desirea N. Dimas, Chelsea R. Dominguez, Brandon J. Drake (Cum Laude), Rianna R. Duenez, Hanna L. Duff, Hannah J. Engelmann (Summa Cum Laude), Gabrielle I. Espejo, Ariana M. Flores, Ashlynn R. Flores, Belem Frias, Raoul S. Galavis, Fernanda M. Galloway, Joe R. Gamez, Dianelys Pantoja Garabito (Summa Cum Laude), Brittany N. Garcia, Corrine N. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude), Erik M. Garcia, Kayla D. Garcia, Mireya J. Garcia, Rylan T. Garcia Sr., Samantha L. Garcia, Kassandra M. Garza, Miranda M. Garza, Pedro Y. Garza, Chase A. Geerdes, Skye L. Gibson, Ember A. Goff, Andres C. Gomez III, Roy A. Gonzales Jr., Jennifer A. Gonzalez, William P. Goranson III, Xavier L. Grady, Alma E. Grant, Veronica Gray, Kimberly L. Grimes (Cum Laude), Julian E. Guerra, Madeleine L. N. Gulding (Summa Cum Laude), Lindsey M. Gutierrez, Sarah V. Gutierrez, Dana C. Hall, Brooke N. Hand (Cum Laude), Brandon L. Harrison (Magna Cum Laude), Katrina N. Hec, Dayjahne L. Henderson, Cynthia Hernandez, Caitlin L. Hobbs, Kimberly C. Hughes, Chelsea N. Hurlbut, Erwin Jones, Patious V. Jones, Lindy J. Jordan, Jose L. Juarez, Kayelyn R. Koenning, Gabriella A. Landin, Tammy B. Lankford, Amy L. Leal, Victoria M. Lopez, Hadesther M. Lopez Quezada, Domingo Luna, Felycia N. Luna, Jesus A. Macias (Magna Cum Laude), Jason Mai, Courtney N. Manning, Jessica T. Martinez, Martha P. Martinez, Ryan G. Martinez, Melanie L. Maverick, Amanda K. McCall (Cum Laude), Skyler L. McChristy (Magna Cum Laude), Marissa A. McGuire, Tina M. McPherson (Summa Cum Laude), Mercedes L. Medrano, Danielle E. Mendoza, Katelynn F. Meza, Mariah F. Montemayor (Magna Cum Laude), Brianna A. Moreno, Jasmin M. Morin, Jannetta L. Mosby (Cum Laude), Oanh T. Nguyen, Lillian R. Noworatzky (Magna Cum Laude), Alyssa Ochoa, Samantha R. Ortega, Alyda M. Ortiz, Maribel M. Ortiz, Jesus Ovalle Jr., Jose R. Palacios, Alma E. Parra, Justin K. Patterson, Alejandra Pelaez, Ryan M. Pemberton, Arianna R. Pena, Samantha I. Pena, Sonia B. Pena, Cynthia N. Perez, Josh B. Perez, Margaret A. Perez (Cum Laude), Samantha D. Perez, Valerie Perez, Rebecca N. Pimentel, Kourtney R. Price (Magna Cum Laude), Crystal A. Proa, Marilee Ramirez, Tamara Ramirez, Vanessa O. Ramirez, Elise M. Ramos (Magna Cum Laude), Lela B. Reed, Austin C. Rempp (Magna Cum Laude), Elizamar R. Reposar, Joseph Reyes, Kimberly E. Reyes, Royalisa A. Reyes, Jaime Rios Jr. (Magna Cum Laude), Samantha L. Rios, Gina A. Rivas, Allison N. Rodriguez (Cum Laude), Candice M. Rodriguez, Edwin M. Rodriguez, Cynthia A. Rosales, Leslie Rubio, Ernest S. Ruiz, Omoye S. Sade (Summa Cum Laude), Enrique Saldivar, Carlos A. Salinas, Sully Salinas, Victoria Salinas (Cum Laude), Tessa N. Sanchez, Adriano Santiago, Brianna N. Saucedo, Kaylee M. Scullion, Ashley E. Shedd (Magna Cum Laude), Lealand G. Sinnreich, Avery J. Smith, Juliene A. Smith, Kristin A. Soliz, Rosalinda Sotelo, Azure I. Spofford, Taylor J. Stubblefield, Shera L. Sturges, Marion D. Sykes, Morgan J. Talamantes, Elise S. Tamez, Nasrin N. Tamez, Selma I. Tanguma Sprunger (Cum Laude), Elizabeth M. Trevino, Traci L. Valdez, Diana M. Varela Segura, Violetta M. Vazquez Pagan (Magna Cum Laude), Laura Vela, Victoria M. Vela-Ambriz, Mary A. Villarreal, Liberato D. Viray Jr., Kari E. Walsh (Cum Laude), Jacob N. Warnell Sr. (Magna Cum Laude), Nathan C. Wegner (Magna Cum Laude), Christian L. West, Valerie M. Whidden, Shelby M. Williams, Jesse J. Wulff, Marisol Ynfante and Raymond P. Zuniga
Certificate Level II
Belinda T. Armendarez (Cum Laude), Salomon M. Betancourt, Justin D. Canto, Fermin C. Chapa Jr., Dillon P. Clark, Damien A. Contreras, Matthew J. Cortez, Houston G. Crawford, Amaris M. Cuellar, Judy A. Degollado, Aaron Deleon, Noah A. Diaz (Cum Laude), Brandon J. Drake (Cum Laude), Ryan A. Duenes, Rogan D. Evans (Summa Cum Laude), Elisa C. Evins, Lacey B. Fox, Sergio A. Garcia Jr., Samuel A. Goddard, Nathaniel R. Higgins, Marion M. King, Ty E. Lechner (Magna Cum Laude), William B. Little, Albert Lopez Sr., Benjamin Marquez Jr., Zachary T. Martin, Elizabeth Martinez, Robert A. May III, Skyler L. McChristy (Magna Cum Laude), Dillon M. McCoy (Cum Laude), Jenna R. Medrano, Antonio J. Muniz, Sylvia V. Ngo Wilson (Summa Cum Laude), David J. Ramirez, Randen R. Ramirez, Candice Rangel, James D. Reed, Jace C. Robles, Anthony B. Salazar (Summa Cum Laude), Evelyn A. San Miguel, Tessa N. Sanchez, Mariam L. Sharp, Trevor L. Trevino, Trevor L. Trevino, Nicanor Velasquez and Cason P. Winchester
Certificate Level I
Rosalie Anscombe, Alicia N. Aranda, Jean G. Ayala, Justin W. Bartman-Gerdes, Juan D. Beltran, Anthony Benitez Sr., Jacob C. Berry, Salomon M. Betancourt, James A. Bocanegra, Devereaux W. Brewer, Kevin Bui, Justin D. Canto, Daniel N. Cantu, Jordan Cantu, Noah S. Cardenas, Kerr Elvan B. Catabay, Ezekiel Chavez Jr., Alizette S. Cisneros, Chase Collins, Tiana C. Conaway, Damien A. Contreras, Gil J. Contreras, Yahir A. Cruz, Jessica M. Derusse, Ryan A. Duenes, Clyde I. Durbin Jr., Jeremy J. Espinosa Sr., Mateo M. Esquivel, Cassandra N. Felix, Elijah Flores, Jacob J. Flores, Lacey B. Fox, Brenden C. Galvan, Malachi J. Galvan, Alexis R. Garcia, Amaya M. Garcia, Evelynn R. Garcia, Juan P. Garcia, Maria D. Garcia, Sergio A. Garcia Jr., Emily E. Garcia-Angel, Ysabella R. Gatica, Emmanuel R. Gladd, Samuel A. Goddard, Emily N. Gonzales, Marina K. Gonzales, William P. Goranson III, Brandon D. Graves, Sergio E. Guerrero Jr., Dana C. Hall, Alexandria F. Hernandez, Amoramay C. Hernandez, Ian A. Hernandez, Wesley A. Hernandez Jr., Amanda L. Herrera, Jordan I. Herrera, Arnaldo Hinojosa III, Kimberly C. Hughes, Erwin Jones, Christian W. King, Jacob B. Limon, Albert Lopez Sr., Damian A. Lopez, Aden R. Lugo, Jesus A. Macias, Samira Y. Marin, Benjamin Marquez Jr., Marcos Marquez Sr., Monica C. Martinez, Andres J. Martinez Jr., Samantha N. Medina, Jenna R. Medrano, James B. Miller III, Jannetta L. Mosby, Marisa E. Moya, Antonio J. Muniz, Raul Nava Jr., Sylvia V. Ngo Wilson, Robert C. O’Kelley, Suvannaha K. Olvera, Katlin L. Owens, Raedeon E. Pena, Isabel E. Perez, Randen R. Ramirez, Christopher R. Rendon, David A. Reyes Jr., Oscar A. Rivera, Jace C. Robles, Jarryd B. Rodriguez, Randy Rodriguez Jr., Jonathan D. Salas-Caballero, Jesus S. Salazar Blanco, Bianca Sanchez, Juliana M. Sanchez, Seneca N. Sanchez, Marcus J. Schuessler Jr., Breanna A. Silguero, Taylor J. Stubblefield, Espiridion G. Suarez IV, Miguel G. Troncoso Jr., Enrique Vara-Andablo, Benjamin L. Varnado, Angelena J. Vega, Nicanor Velasquez, Aidan W. Wilkinson, Cason P. Winchester, Claire A. Wood, Andrew N. Zapata, Frank A. Zepeda and Raymond P. Zuniga
Occupational Skills Achievement
Rosalie Anscombe, Jessica M. Derusse, Dana C. Hall, Kimberly C. Hughes, Monica C. Martinez, Jannetta L. Mosby and Bianca Sanchez
Spring 2023 Graduation_001
DALLAS
Associate in Applied Science
Jeanette Mendez
EDROY
Associate in Applied Science
Amber N. Fuentes
FALFURRIAS
Associate in Arts
Shayla L. Cruz and Rodolfo Hinojosa Jr.
Certificate Level II
Caiden M. Boeker, Julian Moreno III, David Rodriguez and Jaime Ruelas III
Certificate Level I
Caiden M. Boeker, Humberto Cruz III, James A. Garza, Carlos F. Gonzalez, Jesus O. Gonzalez, Alejandro Lopez-Lafaire, Julian Moreno III, David Rodriguez and Jaime Ruelas III
FREER
Associate in Applied Science
Julissa N. Lane
GEORGETOWN
Associate in Arts
Brandon R. West
GOLIAD
Associate in Applied Science
Haley N. Edwards
GREGORY
Certificate II
Jesus I. Espinoza Jr. (Cum Laude)
Certificate I
Issac N. Garcia
HARLINGEN
Associate in Arts
Eleazar Perez
HIGHLAND VILLAGE
Associate in Arts
Therese-Anne B. Mylett
INGLESIDE
Associate in Arts
James A. Eaves (Cum Laude) and Geneva M. Mora
Associate of Arts in Teaching
Brenda J. Gonzalez Herrera (Magna Cum Laude)
Associate in Applied Science
Jennifer J. Hernandez, Antonio Jasso Jr., Kosal Sim and Haden D. Vance
Certificate Level II
Jordan Mayfield (Cum Laude)
Certificate Level I
Nathan I. Coronado and Trystan R. Rosalez (Summa Cum Laude)
KINGSVILLE
Associate in Arts
Amanda G. Villarreal
Associate in Applied Science
Heriberto Chapa Jr., Margaret A. Clack, Erin O. De la Paz, Briana E. Hernandez, Ezequiel J. Luna, Gilbert Rios III, Mia N. Trevino (Cum Laude) and Amanda G. Villarreal
Certificate Level II
Abraham Lopez
Certificate Level I
Abraham Lopez
LAREDO
Associate in Applied Science
Rebecca I. Pena
LOS FRESNOS
Associate in Applied Science
Kevin A. Cole (Magna Cum Laude)
MASON
Associate in Applied Science
Lacretia S. Doss
Spring 2023 Graduation_004
MATHIS
Associate in Arts
Grace N. Gardner (Summa Cum Laude)
Associate in Applied Science
Alexis M. Herrera
Certificate Level II
James S. Hostutler (Magna Cum Laude)
McALLEN
Associate in Applied Science
Richard Flores
MERCEDES
Associate in Arts
Jillian N. Delgado
NEW BRAUNFELS
Associate in Arts
Sydney A. Vasquez
Associate in Applied Science
Sydney A. Vasquez
ODEM
Associate in Arts
Jesse C. Garibay and Miranda D. Rendon
Associate in Applied Science
Juliana M. Alcala, Ameriss L. Flores, Julianna R. Helt and Crystal L. Salinas
ORANGE GROVE
Associate in Applied Science
Tory M. Kinsel and Makayla R. Lauer
Certificate Level II
Brenda J. Lopez and Daniel Nino
PHARR
Associate in Applied Science
Meagan T. Cortez (Magna Cum Laude)
PORT ARANSAS
Associate in Arts
Charlotte L. Ramsden
Associate in Applied Science
Charlotte L. Ramsden
PORT O’CONNOR
Associate in Applied Science
Ashlynn B. Watts
PORTLAND
Associate in Arts
Julie A. Marines
Associate in Science
Samantha B. Ware
Associate in Applied Science
Kimberly A. Bauer, Hesiquio Cantu IV (Summa Cum Laude), Lory A. Ramirez, Mark A. Ramirez (Summa Cum Laude), Shaylen C. Smith (Magna Cum Laude), Ryan T. West, Patrick T. Zambrano and Brooke M. Zipprian
Certificate I
Manuel Deavila, Daisy Garcia, Peyton R. Herndon, Logan S. Lovins, Baylor R. Patton and Jose M. Tobar Jr.
PREMONT
Associate in Applied Science
Marlyna M. Davila
Certificate Level I
Ramiro A. Garza and Rebeca C. Mayorga
Spring 2023 Graduation_006
ROBSTOWN
Associate in Arts
Joshua D. Berry (Cum Laude), Adizel Colmenero, Bernice L. Flores, Amanda N. Garcia, Kennedy D. Gracia, Leeannah M. Litchenberg, Sarah G. Lucio, Eva A. Ramirez (Cum Laude) and Abigail A. Ramon
Associate in Science
Faith D. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude)
Associate in Applied Science
Matthew E. Brooks (Cum Laude), Jonathan Cantu, Jessica M. Carrion, Christian A. Flores (Cum Laude), Victoria A. Leal (Cum Laude), Trisha A. Pena (Magna Cum Laude), Angelica G. Riojas and Bridgett Vela
Certificate Level II
Armando R. Cedillo, Faith D. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude) and Joseph T. Vaughan
Certificate Level I
Justin A. Aguilar, Armando R. Cedillo, Jordan O. Diaz, Manuel G. Escobar, Jaylee A. Garcia, Anthony C. Garrett, Miguel A. Garza, Gabriel Gonzalez Jr., Isaiah A. Good, Joshua C. Hernandez, Charlie Lugo, Joseph F. Obregon, Jonathon A. Ovalle, Mark A. Pena, Ian A. Perez, Leslie M. Ramirez, Jake L. Ramon (Magna Cum Laude), Devon A. Rodriguez, Christopher I. Ruiz, Zyler Saldana and Senaida Treto
ROCKPORT
Associate in Arts
Crystal Arocha, Vivian Nguyen Ngo and Ashley N. Young
Associate in Science
Alyssa J. Hernandez-Howard
Associate in Applied Science
Courtney B. Haley, Gloria T. Rios and Cheyenne L. Varner (Cum Laude)
Certificate Level II
Alyssa J. Hernandez-Howard
Certificate Level I
Alyssa J. Hernandez-Howard
SAN DIEGO
Associate in Applied Science
Miranda E. Buentello and Joel F. Perez
SANDIA
Associate in Applied Science
Kenneth A. Dornak and Hanah G. Hartman (Magna Cum Laude)
SEGUIN
Associate in Applied Science
Jordan C. Herbold
SINTON
Associate in Arts
Justin A. Molina, Sarah T. Parkin, Isabella M. Rodriguez and Parker B. Seago
Associate in Applied Science
Cynthia J. Escamilla and Brooke D. Trevino
Certificate Level II
Rianna R. Rodriguez
SKIDMORE
Certificate Level I
Jaxton J. Alvarado, Colton R. Guerra, Marina E. Lopez and Taylor S. Wilson
TAFT
Associate in Applied Science
Valdemar Alaniz III
Certificate Level I
Heaven L. Flores and Bianca J. Vara
TOMBALL
Associate in Applied Science
Tiffany Cotto (Magna Cum Laude)
TYNAN
Certificate Level I
Juliana I. Briseno
UVALDE
Associate in Applied Science
Jacinto J. Jimenez
VICTORIA
Associate in Applied Science
Bailey H. Cisneros, Tatiana C. Espinoza, Monica R. Hamilton and Daniel Woods (Cum Laude)
EDMONTON, KY
Associate in Applied Science
Christian A. Shoemake (Cum Laude)
Latest DMC News
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- Cheniere Energy Inc. donates second $50,000 check to DMC Foundation to support scholarshipsArticle by Melinda Eddleman It’s a gift that will help build the workforce while assisting students with pursuing higher education and joining the ranks with a good paying career. That gift is scholarship funds; and, Cheniere Energy, Inc. donated another $50,000 on Sept. 20 toward the Cheniere Process Technology Scholarship handled through the Del Mar College Foundation. Company representatives presented an oversized check in front of 30-plus students majoring in the College’s Process Technology Program. The students then heard a moderated panel discussion learn about the Cheniere Energy; its apprenticeship program; job experiences from current employee and DMC alumni Alexis Gutierrez and Yesica Juarez Hernandez; job opportunities; and how to apply for the scholarship, which targets students majoring in Process Technology as well as those in the Industrial Instrumentation, Millwright and other related programs. Lance Brown, Cheniere Energy’s Asset Training Manager and a member of the DMC Foundation board, added, “Cheniere is proud to support Del Mar College on its mission to prepare students for fulfilling careers. As a company, we believe that investing in opportunities to help local students gain specialized skills is fundamental to our commitment to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.” In total, Cheniere Energy has donated $100,000 with the current $50,000 gift marking their second consecutive year to support the scholarship. Ten students will benefit from the current funds with five receiving $5,000 scholarships divided into $2,500 to cover costs for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters. Another five students will receive the same scholarship amount for the 2024-2025 academic year. Cheniere Energy will give first preference to students who are residents of San Patricio County or those who graduated from a high school located in that county. Recipients must hold and maintain a 3.0 grade point average and enroll in one of the programs full-time (minimum 12 semester credit hours). Scholarship recipients will also remain eligible for the Cheniere Apprenticeship Program. Regarding students who have already received a Cheniere Process Technology Scholarship, Brown said, “We congratulate all scholarship recipients and wish them great success.” For 37-year-old DMC Process Technology major Arturo Berlanga IV, receiving one of the 2023-2024 Cheniere Process Technology Scholarships would serve as a “game changer” if he’s selected. As a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, family man raising with his wife two boys and six pets and a former full-time security guard at Cheniere Energy when he first started the College’s Process Technology Program, Berlanga is now a full-time student and said, “My time spent in the Navy has allowed us to manage bills and the mouths we need to feed; but I’d be lying if I said that it isn’t hard at times. We are always forward-looking as a family and can always find a way to make things work.” Berlanga learned about the College’s Process Technology Program through a friend and didn’t hesitate to enroll at the College to begin his training. He also met several professionals in the field while working full-time at Cheniere Energy and was convinced his choice was the right career to pursue. Before he and his wife made the decision for Berlanga to attend the College full-time, he spent his first three semesters working the security guard position, noting that “the 12-hour night shifts going into school during the day were taxing.” His hard work will soon pay off. Berlanga is scheduled to graduate next spring but no later than summer 2024. Before becoming a security guard at Cheniere Energy, Berlanga worked for the company from 2013 to 2019 as an ironworker, rigger and nationally-certified crane operator; and he feels his new career path could bring him full-circle with the company if he’s hired upon completing the Process Technology Program. During the donation event, Berlanga represented the Industrial Process Technology Association Club as one of the registered student organization’s officers. To learn more about Del Mar College’s Process Technology Program and other fields, visit www.delmar.edu. Information about the DMC Foundation and scholarship opportunities is available at www.delmar.edu/foundation.
- Art and Drama Department opening exhibit, “Now Let Us Shift,” on Sept. 29 with inspiration from life of Chicana activist Gloria E. AnzaldúaArticle by Melinda Eddleman and DMC Art Program She grew up on the Texas-Mexico border and became a scholar of Chicana cultural theory, along with feminist, gay and lesbian theories. Her body of written work includes the semi-autobiographical book, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza (1987), which explores the borders between countries, languages, genders, social classes and even those within one’s self and was voted one of the 100 Best Books of the 20th Century by both The Hungry Mind Review and Utne Reader. Who is this individual? She’s the late Gloria E. Anzaldúa (1942-2004), and on Friday, Sept. 29, the Del Mar College (DMC) Art and Drama Department will hold an opening reception for this fall’s art exhibit, “Now Let Us Shift,” a show that features a collection of 20 artists’ works inspired by the life of the Chicana activist. From stirring paintings of borderland landscapes to thought-provoking mixed-media installations, this one-of-a-kind exhibit includes diverse artwork in dialogue with Anzaldúa’s writings about the U.S.-Mexico border. The reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery located in the Fine Arts Center on Heritage Campus at Ayers St. and Baldwin Blvd. Get online directions and campus map. Join the department and artists for an evening filled with artistic revelry, delectable snacks, refreshing beverages and a cash bar––all serving as the perfect backdrop for fostering connections and furthering discussions inspired by the powerful works on display. Prior to the opening reception that same evening, a panel discussion with four artists from the show is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. in the adjacent Bartlett Theatre. Join them for “Voices from the Borderlands: Art, Activism, and Identity” as these exceptional creators share their perspectives on art-making, Gloria Anzaldúa’s legacy and their own professional journey through the arts industry. The panelists include: • Gina Gwen Palacios, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the School of Art and Design, at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), • Rigoberto A. González, Lecturer in Painting at UTRGV, • Grace Zuniga, Director of the Houston Arts Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and • Lauren Moya Ford, artist and art critic for the online arts magazine, Hyperallergic. Either during the opening reception or throughout the more than two-month long exhibit, art aficionados can experience Anzaldúa’s reflections on gender, nature, spirituality and the family through the artistic perspectives of Franceska Alvarado, Millicent Alvarado, Julia Arredondo, Liene Bosquê, Alexandria Canchola, Maclovio Cantu IV, Josie del Castillo, Lisette Chavez, Lauren Moya Ford, Leticia Ernestina Gomez, Rigoberto A. González, Marcelina Gonzalez, Carlos Israel Villarreal, Ricardo Vicente Jose Ruiz, Omar González, Veronica Ortuño, Gina Gwen Palacios, Alexis M. Ramos, Mayra Zamora, and Grace Zuñiga. The show runs from September 29 to December 6. “Now Let Us Shift” runs through Dec. 6 with Cain Gallery hours being Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information about the opening reception, directions to the gallery or group tour arrangements or to make artwork sales inquiries, contact the Art Program at art@delmar.edu or 361-698-1216. Interested in the Art Program at Del Mar College? Visit www.delmar.edu/degrees/art/index.html. Note: Shown at the top of this release page is a cropped version of artist Marcelina Gonzalez’s piece “Sunny South Texas at Our Casita,” one of the works among the collection of 20 artists’ works in the Del Mar College Art and Drama Department’s fall 2023 exhibit, “Now Let Us Shift.” . (Credit: contributed)
- DMC celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month beginning with kick-off tomorrow, Sept. 13, in Center for Mexican American StudiesArticle by Melinda Eddleman The culture is rich, diverse and influential locally and across the state and nation. Each year, Del Mar College (DMC) celebrates the national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month with a month-long schedule of activities. This year’s observances starts tomorrow, Sept. 13, and runs through Oct. 26. DMC Hispanic Heritage Month activities are sponsored by the Center for Mexican American Studies (MAS), the Art Program’s Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery, the Department of Social Sciences, the Del Mar College Libraries and the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Events are free and open to the public You can expect a month-long celebration between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 every year as communities across the nation observe Hispanic Heritage Month. This observance also serves to enlighten participants by recognizing the diversity, innumerable contributions and influence Hispanics have provided to shape our communities, states and the country. For more information, contact Professor of Spanish and MAS Coordinator Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582. The following events are currently scheduled: • Wednesday, September 13 Kick-off Event with Center for Mexican American Studies Open House and Gallery Talk with Artist David Longnecker Del Mar College will begin the its celebration with an open house at the Center for Mexican American Studies on the Heritage Campus. The festivity includes refreshments and music at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, along with a Gallery Talk by artist David Longnecker as part of the Creative Works and Artistic Exhibits Series. Known for creating contemporary and culturally rich alternatives on indigenous imagery from deep within his Mexican heritage, Longnecker promises the viewer a visual invitation revealing his innermost conscience. And, through his personal trek, Longnecker documents his emotions and experiences using the sentiments set before him as a platform for discussion that will enlighten all who attend his talk. The artist renders the form in a realistic and abstract fashion exposing his ability to have somewhat of a self-understanding, while still allowing continual growth aiming to be a stark individual. The open house and gallery talk are scheduled in Room 133 of the Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. • Thursday, October 19 Gallery Talk Titled “Two Spirited: The Duality of Individuality” with Artist Leticia Ernestina Gómez As part of the Creative Works and Artistic Exhibits Series sponsored by the DMC Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery, the College’s Center for Mexican American Studies will host a Gallery Talk on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. with artist Leticia Ernestina Gómez for her presentation, “Two Spirited: The Duality of Individuality.” Gómez is a multimedia artist based in Corpus Christi whose artwork explores ideas of indigeneity, queerness, intimacy, spirituality and cultural belonging. Her inspirations and techniques range across the disciplines of drawing, painting, collage and installation art. She received an associate’s degree in Art from Del Mar College, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Drawing & Painting from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Consciousness and Transformative Studies from John F. Kennedy University. Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions at K Space Contemporary, the Conduit Gallery and many other cultural venues throughout the state of Texas. The Gallery Talk is scheduled in Room 133 of the Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. • Thursday, October 26 “Forging Race and Gender Power in Houston,” a History Lecture by Houston Community College Professor Samantha Rodriguez Del Mar College’s Social Sciences Department will host a history lecture, “Forging Race and Gender Power in Houston,” by Samantha Rodriguez, Professor of Humanities and History with Houston Community College, on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Currently, Rodriguez is working on a monograph that leverages oral histories to examine the way Tejanas in Austin, Houston and San Antonio balanced a commitment to gender liberation and ethnic self-determination within the broader nexus of the Chicano/Chicana Movement, the Black Power Movement and the mainstream Anglo Feminist Movement. The lecture is scheduled in Wolfe Recital Hall, located in the Fine Arts Center Music Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.
- DMC Constitution Day observance features guest speaker and Texas Government textbook author Dr. Jason Casellas on Sept. 18Article by Melinda Eddleman Sept. 17 marks a significant day in United States history. On that date in 1787, the country’s forefathers signed the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, which has stood the test of time for 236 years. And, in 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring all educational institutions receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day, which is officially Sept. 17 every year. In observance of Constitution Day 2023, Del Mar College’s Political Science Program with the Social Sciences Department presents “Texas Politics in a New Age of Fractious Federalism” by guest speaker Dr. Jason Casellas. Associate Professor of Political Science with the University of Houston as well as author of Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress (Cambridge University Press). Dr. Casellas’ presentation is scheduled Monday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. in Room 100 of the Venters Business Bldg. on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more details, contact DMC Professor of Political Science Dr. Adrian Clark at aclark14@delmar.edu or 361-698-1639. Dr. Casellas specializes in American politics with specific research and teaching interests in Latino, legislative and state and local politics. In addition to authoring Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress, he is a co-author of Governing Texas (W.W. Norton & Company), the textbook that some DMC Political Science faculty use to teach the College’s Texas Government: Texas Constitution and Topics course. During his presentation, “Texas Politics in a New Age of Fractious Federalism,” Dr. Casellas will discuss how federalism has evolved in recent years to a more antagonistic relationship between the state and federal government, especially when the opposing party is in control of the White House. He will also cover the constitutional implications and how governing might be affected by more partisan division. Among his credits, Dr. Casellas has received numerous fellowships, including a Princeton Fellowship, an American Political Science Association Fellowship, a Ford Motor Company Fellowship, the Samuel DuBois Cook Postdoctoral Fellowship at Duke University and the United States Studies Centre Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Sydney, Australia. In 2011, he also was awarded a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Casellas is a member of the Texas Advisory Committee of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and his work has appeared in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly and Aztlán: Journal of Chicano Studies, among others. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and both Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Princeton University.
- Del Mar College Board of Regents holding called and regular meetings on Sept. 12Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a called meeting to hold a public hearing on the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the regular monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Room 106 of the Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and campus map. The called meeting and regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meetings by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 11:25 a.m. and 12:55 p.m., respectively. Copies of the Agendas for both meetings are available using the following links: • Called Meeting (public hearing on tax rate): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/tax-rate-packet-9-12-23.pdf • Regular Meeting: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-9-12-23.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 current guidelines, visit delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
