Del Mar College moving forward on revitalization of former primary school, facility to be renovated into Workforce Development Center in Aransas County
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October
2024
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00:27 AM
Europe/Amsterdam
Aransas County and surrounding community residents will benefit through partnership to bring higher education and workforce training closer to home
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The Rockport-Fulton community will soon see a chain-link fence around the perimeter of what was once the Little Bay Primary School, along with a Del Mar College (DMC) sign indicating that renovations are coming soon. The College is moving forward with repurposing the facility into the Workforce Development Center, which will serve Rockport-Fulton, Aransas County and surrounding communities with higher education and workforce training opportunities that support those economies.
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The Workforce Development Center in Aransas County will provide an excellent opportunity to the local community to earn credentials directly tied to a career or in various programs offered by Del Mar College. This Center is the result of Aransas County officials, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the College working together to support local economic and workforce development. The new center will give all Aransas County area students access to college and career-track courses close to home.
Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
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These generous donations show commitment and a belief that the new Workforce Development Center will change area residents’ lives by improving their standard of living, building a workforce that serves local communities as a whole and reshaping the economy impacted by the hurricane and pandemic over the past seven years. Core educational courses and workforce training through Del Mar College will give those impacted by these events the opportunity to set a new path leading to attaining their goals.
Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising
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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
- Where Tradition Begins: Del Mar College Hosting First “Viking Fest” Oct. 25Article by DMC College Relations/Adrienne VanBrunt There’s always a “first,” and this year, Del Mar College will make history by hosting its first “Viking Fest” on Friday, Oct. 25. The public is invited to join the festivities from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) for an evening filled with fall fun, engaging activities and the spirit of Viking pride. More than just a fall festival, “Viking Fest” celebrates what it means to be a Viking with this family-friendly event offering entertainment and learning experiences for all ages. The event features a variety of giant inflatables––including a 100-foot obstacle course, pumpkin bounce house, frisbee toss, darts and sports activities like football, baseball, basketball, soccer and golf––carnival games, a car show and live music. The College also will highlight several programs with impressive displays, such as a semi-truck and simulator, an EMT vehicle and a fire truck––all used for training DMC students for successful careers. There’s even a costume contest and Zombie & Monster Walk/Run, so come dressed to impress! “Viking Fest” is a community event with free admission. Tickets sales cover carnival games that support DMC student clubs, food and beverages. Information about the event is available on the Viking Fest Facebook page and the DMC web page, which includes a map showing the event layout and a performance, awards and costume contest schedule. Questions can also be directed to College Relations Marketing & Events Executive Director Jason H. Houlihan at 361-698-1247 or jhouliha@delmar.edu. Leading up to “Viking Fest” that day, the College’s Welding Technology Program will host their third annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition with area high school, college and trade school students showcasing their skills as they compete for scholarships and other prizes. Competition begins at 10 a.m., and the community is welcome to watch these future professional welders demonstrate what it takes to enter the field. Winners will be announced and awards given at 5:30 p.m. on the live music stage. But, if you’re more into Zombies and monsters and like to dress up as one, Intramurals with the College’s Kinesiology Program will host a one-mile Zombie & Monster Walk/Run with in-person registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Building (FEMA Dome). Individuals can also pre-register online, and the first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary tee-shirt for participating in this free activity. The festival also features live music with the popular Jon Carr Band, known for their lively country and rock tunes. Between sets, DJ DIJIT will keep the atmosphere amped up with upbeat tracks. Stage activities also include the “Viking Fest” Costume Contest at 8:30 p.m. with all ages welcome to compete. Winners will receive a $50 gift card for best costume. And, of course, what is a festival without games? DMC student clubs will host carnival games for exciting giveaways with free candy and $1 ticket purchases in the Coleman Center to cover those activities, along with food and beverages. Each year, the carnival games help the student clubs raise funds for their campus- and community-focused activities. Among clubs participating are the Aviation Maintenance Club, BBQ Club, Dental Assisting Club, Hospitality Chefs Student Association, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and the Rad Dragons Radiology Club, among many more. As part of this year’s event, student clubs will compete to collect the most tickets at their booths to win one of three top spots for sponsorship prizes to support their initiatives. Viking Fest sponsors include Steel Dynamics, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Collier, Johnson & Woods, P.C., Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, Pepsi, Rally Credit Union, ReadyFlo Systems, Schneider Electric, SpawGlass, Turner | Ramirez Architects and Valero. Download the 2024 “Viking Fest” flyer to print and share. On Oct. 25, we look forward to seeing you there!
- DMC Board of Regents get “sneak peek,” tour final three capital improvement program projects funded by 2014 bond referendumArticle by Melinda Eddleman Renovation and repurposing––they can give new life to old buildings. On Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents and administrators, along with architects and contractors, toured three buildings on the Heritage Campus to see the transformation they’ve undergone as part of a $157 million bond referendum for capital improvements on the Heritage and Windward campuses. DMC District taxpayers approved that bond in 2014. The three buildings––Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library––represent the final stages of overall renovation and construction projects funded by the bond. Viking Hall, the former Fine Arts Center Music Building, began serving students this past summer and houses programs with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, including the College’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. The Memorial Building, which will house the College’s administrative offices, and White Library will open in January 2025. Capital improvement costs for the three buildings the Board toured today represent a total cost of $62,077,131 or almost 40 percent of the $157 million bond. Total costs for each renovation project include $17,776,059 for the Memorial Building, $12,221,464 for Viking Hall and $28,245,275 for White Library. Besides the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and White Library, other Heritage Campus projects funded by the 2014 bond include the construction of the General Academic and Music Building Phase II (GAMBII) and the renovation of a former bookstore at the corner of Ayers and Edwards streets that now serves as the DMC Police Station. Windward Campus projects include the expansion of the Emerging Technology Building and the construction of the Workforce Development Center. Funds from the 2014 bond were also earmarked to develop a masterplan for the College’s Oso Creek Campus on the southside of Corpus Christi. DMC District taxpayers passed a separate bond referendum to fund that campus in 2016.
- Flour Bluff Junior High School students visit Del Mar College to learn how to make tortillas as part of Hispanic Heritage MonthArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Mmmmm…the smell of fresh, homemade flour tortillas. Can you smell them? On Thursday, Oct. 10, 47 students in the Spanish 1 and 2 classes as well as the advanced class taught by Gabriela Palm at Flour Bluff Junior High School got a chance to learn how to make tortillas while visiting Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus to learn more about taking Spanish classes at the college level. Their visit included participating during one of the College’s scheduled Hispanic Heritage Month events, a “hands-on” cooking demonstration about how to make homemade flour tortillas by Chef Maria Mata, who is also the Coordinator of the College’s Languages Lab, and her assistant. The demonstration was also open to the public. Students and public participants learned about the history, techniques and secrets behind creating the essential staple of Mexican cuisine. The first order of the day for the students was a presentation by Javier Morin, DMC Professor of Spanish, entitled “Presenting Spanish in the Professions and the College Process for Majoring in Spanish.” Morin said he was excited to have the students visit Heritage Campus during Hispanic Heritage Month. “The Languages Program and the Spanish Faculty are absolutely thrilled to welcome these Flour Bluff Junior High School Spanish students to our Del Mar community. It’s another wonderful opportunity to share an experience during Hispanic Heritage Month and build a lasting friendship with Flour Bluff and Mrs. Palm,” Morin says. “It was especially exciting to see her students to learn how to make Mexican tortillas with Señora Mata.”
- Del Mar College’s Center for Access & Advocacy honors 8 employees during 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremonyEight individuals were recognized by students for the profound impact they have had on the lives of students with disabilities during the 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremony at Del Mar College (DMC). Recognition awards were presented by the College’s Center for Access and Advocacy on Oct. 3 in Wolfe Recital Hall on the Heritage Campus. Rita Hernandez, Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate faculty and staff members who go above and beyond to help students daily. “These are student-nominated awards – after all, they’re the ones who have received the direct support and who have benefited from it,” Hernandez said. “It’s really great to have a student honor you, so having this ceremony during Disability Awareness Month is a way for us to remember that our faculty and staff are compassionate and really believe in student success.” Dr. Elida Balboa De Leon, DMC Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, says the efforts these advocates make can increase students’ confidence, improve their academic performance and create a greater sense of belonging within the College’s community. “Our advocates are mentors and role models, serving as a source of guidance for our students. They help navigate academic and personal challenges, De Leon said. “Honoring our advocates celebrates their contributions and reinforces the importance of creating a supportive environment for all students.” The selection process begins with students themselves. DMC students nominate a faculty or staff member that has played a major role in referring them to the Center for Access and Advocacy office for services, following up on their progress once services are provided, and working with the student to ensure understanding of the material taught. The event is held every October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Center for Access and Advocacy hosts a month full of activities that highlight and bring disability awareness to students. Advocate of the Year awardees for 2024 are as follows: · Steven Kelm – Basic Construction Safety Program with the Continuing Education Department · Armando Gamez – Carpentry Program with the Continuing Education Department · Albert Curry – Mathematics Department · Darrell Rees – Mathematics Department · Dr. Wissam Atwah – Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Advanced Technology · Christi Hill-Troglin – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Linda Lugo – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program · Jim Galvan – American Sign Language and Interpreting Program
- DMC Board of Regents holding tour workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop, which encompasses a capital improvement projects tour for Board members and the news media, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting at the Memorial Building on Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (corner of Ayers St. and Baldwin Blvd.). The tour includes three facilities: the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library. The regular monthly meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Online directions and maps for Heritage Campus and the Center for Economic Development are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. The regular monthly meeting will be livestreamed. Community members may access the livestream by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of both Agenda Notices and the regular meeting Board Packet are available online as follows: • 9:30 a.m. Workshop: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/bor-workshop-agenda-10-8-2024.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-10-8-24.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. Additionally, the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Del Mar College’s Live Sound class to run board, manage stage for House of Rock’s Outside Stage during Oct. 4 Music WalkArticle by Richard Guerrero Jr. When the long-running Austin psychedelic rock band The Bright Light Social Hour hits the outdoor stage at Music Walk Friday night, Oct. 4, the band’s densely atmospheric sound will be managed by the capable students of Del Mar College’s (DMC) Live Sound (MUSC 1405) class. They’re taught by Alejandro Hernandez, a graduate of the College’s Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program and a professional engineer who tours with local country singer-songwriter Roger Creager. With five studio albums to their credit, The Bright Light Social Hour has toured consistently over the years, providing support for headliners like the incredibly prolific California garage-psych act Osees as well as high-profile, no-introduction-needed acts like The Flaming Lips and Aerosmith. The Bright Light Social Hour has also performed at huge-stage events like Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits Festival, which reportedly draws nearly half a million music fans annually. The band has a history of drawing near-capacity crowds at the House of Rock during previous appearances. During Music Walk, The Bright Light Social Hour’s set on the Live Sound stage on Starr Street just outside the House of Rock is sure to draw a sizable audience looking to enjoy a sublime performance anchored in a richly nuanced concert sound. No pressure, right? Pressure is precisely the point according to Dr. Paul Bissell, DMC Professor of Sound Recording Technology and Program Coordinator. He says that mixing live music in an unpredictable environment filled with many variables is challenging to say the least, and while technical knowledge and stage management best practices are well-suited to classroom delivery, experience is mandatory. MUSC 1405 student Richard Landeros says he has experienced some of these challenges firsthand. As a freelance audio engineer, Landeros has served as a sound designer and engineer for several marching bands as well as Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, which is based in Austin. Landeros says that running the Music Walk stage is a great opportunity for the students in the Live Sound class to gain real experience running sound for a large event. “Being put into real-life challenges and pressure of a live gig isn’t something that can be replicated in the classroom,” Landeros notes. Casey Lain, House of Rock co-owner, adds that running live sound is one of the most challenging jobs at a live event because everyone from the performer to the fan in the crowd is counting on a sound engineer to provide a concert-level sound that is equal parts sonic clarity and effective yet controlled volume. “Great sound is expected at every event and will leave a lasting impression,” Lain says. “The Live Sound class at Del Mar is a great way to get into the business. This class helps teach the science behind audio engineering and preps students on the basics of running sound.” Bissell adds that certain concepts tend to resonate more deeply in an experiential setting. “Students can understand the notion that groups are going to be different, but it doesn’t feel tangible,” he says. “Sometimes, it’s knowing when and where the battles are that you need to fight and which ones you’re going to have to push down the road because it’s not going to happen the way you thought. A lot of times in live music, you are responsible but not really in charge.” At Music Walk, the nine Live Sound students will rotate through various assignments during the evening. The entertainment lineup includes locals Funk Rock Stereo, Emma James and Animal Mood, along with the headliner. Each student will take turns running the mixing console as well as manage stage times, assist with equipment change-outs and trouble-shoot on-stage issues. Bissell notes that while the Oct. 4 event is the second year that Live Sound students have run a stage at Music Walk, the history of the Live Sound class’s involvement with downtown events dates back to 2000 when his students ran sound for a stage during the Day of the Dead event. In recent years, Live Sound students have run the board in-house at the House of Rock. For Music Walk’s inaugural kickoff last year, Bissell offered to have Live Sound students run a stage. “We had everything from rock bands to a singer and keyboardist duo to a full mariachi group – it was all over the place,” Bissell says. “This year, it’s mostly rock bands, so focusing on a single style will make it easier for our students.” For his part, Landeros says the SRT program has provided networking opportunities that have helped him move forward in the industry. “I think that along with my work and drive, it is certain to help make my goals happen in the near future,” says Landeros. Lain says that he’s grateful when he hires the College’s Live Sound students whenever the opportunity arises. “I can’t be more thankful for what DMC is doing with the Live Sound class – we have a partnership that has lasted well over a decade,” he says, noting that the venue’s current engineer is a former student of the class and that all the Live Sound students hired by the House of Rock have brought solid technical knowledge to the table. He adds, “Nothing will replace on-the-job training, but the Live Sound class preps students in a way that prepares them for the challenges they will face behind the console.” Bissell says SRT graduates often find work as live sound engineers in other area venues like the Exchange as well as churches. Other graduates own live sound companies like Melon Sound or operate a recording studio like Harbor City Sound Lab. Additional opportunities also exist in the radio and television broadcast industries as well as city government offices. For additional information about the SRT program at Del Mar College, visit https://www.delmar.edu/offices/srt/index.html
