A time to celebrate the end of a journey! Del Mar College awards more than 1,200 associate degrees and certificates during Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony
Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr.
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DIVISION OF BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND HEALTH SCIENCES
ALLIED HEALTH
Associate in Science
Maria C. Herrera, Anya C. Sivak
Associate in Applied Science
Carmen Almeida, Jennifer M. Argo, Amanda L. Benavides, Linda M. Best, Destiny-Rae Cantu, Jennifer I. Cantu, Jessica N. Caro, Alejandra E. Castaneda, Alanis D. Castro, Jaci M. Choat, Paola A. De La Rosa, Jeralyn M. Deleon, Jenny R. Echavarrie, Leah N. Elliott, Gerald C. Espejo, Vivian E. Flores, Ashley R. Garcia, Cylest A. Garcia, Danielle M. Garcia, Tori J. Garcia, Jayzel Anne N. Garrett, Britney R. Garza, Colt W. Gillis *, Angela Granados, Cindy R. Guevara, Adriana I. Hawkins, Noe R. Jimenez Jr., Kristina M. Kueber, Jacqueline Lemos, Isabella Lira, Kayla N. Lopez, Stephanie N. Lopez, Jeanette Madero, Chelsea L. Marroquin, Lina M. Martinez, Rene M. Martinez II *, Kimberlin Mathews, Diane D. Matthews, John M. Medado, Monique M. Morin, Randee J. Murphy, Maribelle L. Napoles, Isaac A. Page, Amber J. Pena, Tim D. Pham, Zoila E. Pineda, Celso G. Rendon-Fonseca, Isabella M. Reyes, Crystal R. Rivas, Kristan M. Rodriguez, Miranda A. Ruiz, Nataly Saenz SAP, Andrea A. San Miguel, Daniela Sandoval-Estudiante, Natalie C. Solis, Jacob R. Soliz, Madisyn A. Stancik, Alexander D. Sy, Tiffany V. Turincio, Bonnie A. Valchar, K L. Weber, Ashley Woodall, Jason Woodard *, Marina E. Zapata and Fernando D. Zavala
Certificate
Ana M. Carranza Godinez, Catherine M. Silva, Nicole R. Villa
Advanced Technical Certificate
Jennifer A. Swantek
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DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS, FINE ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ART AND DRAMA
Associate in Arts
Samuel C. Howarth IV, Erika Liera Huchim, Nayeli Lopez, Chasity S. Morales, Chloe S. Spencer, Maria G. Trejo-Diaz, Deedra E. Van Winkle and Emily L. Vodicka
COMMUNICATIONS, LANGUAGES AND READING
Associate in Arts
Mikaela B. Carbajal, Faith A. Flores, Brendan X. Garza, Hannah F. Gatchel, Teresa M. Gonzalez, Jordan R. Harris, Peyton E. Henderson, Nygel R. Hudson Williams, Joseph K. Kuhn, Cheyenne J. Michels, Marie D. Ponce, Bella E. Resendez, Gabriella L. Salinas, and Carlye I. Villarreal
Associate in Applied Science
Katherine M. Hampton
Certificate
Katherine M. Hampton, Deborah A. Weddle
ENGLISH AND PHILOSOPHY
Associate in Arts
Tiara A. Sison, Brigid E. Sorrell
LIBERAL ARTS
Associate in Arts
Reyanna A. Aguirre, Taylor Alaniz, Tiffany A. Aleman, Adriana Y. Ayala Pascasio, Luis F. Beltran, Ailenis T. Blanco, Natalie R. Bravo, Monica L. Cantu, Jennifer Carr, Jessica Carr, Henry X. Charba, Sai Varshini Chinnasani, Allyson Collado, Jack A. Collier, Angela M. Collins, Alyssa N. Delagarza, Nayeli Diaz, Dorothy A. Dimas, Taryn R. Donovan, Jolie S. Edwards, Benjamin D. Escamilla, Yadiel E. Escamilla, Eugene J. Firo, Elizabeth Franco, Danielle Gabiano Pagayonan, Julia L. Garcia, Mersade J. Garcia, Serena E. Garcia *, Teresa L. Garcia, Kaitlyn C. Garey, Tatiana T. Gonzalez, Katarina F. Herrera, Leeara K.0 Herrera, Addison G. Hilker, Jocelyn G. Jaramillo, Kyler G. Keffer, Isaac A. Lara, Jaley P. Larivey, Caitlin A. Lawhon, Catherine A. Lindsey, Michaela N. Lirio, Angelina N. Lopez, Erick Lopez, Mayumi L. Lopez, Jillian G. Maharaj, Christian Margia, Dallas C. Mario, Valery M. Marquez, Andrea L. Martinez, Ben L. Martinez, Isaiah M. Melena, Lauren M. Mixon, Maya B. Mollick, Johnathan J. Mondragon, Mercedes B. Montalbo, Austin M. Moore, Luis S. Morales, Olivia C. Morales, Emanuel A. Moreno, Aava M. Mostaghasi, Jennifer R. Nanez, Hans B. Nguyen, Reagan B. Norquist, Cecilia Ocanas, Christina M. Perez, Ethan N. Perez, Sara S. Perez, Robert L. Plumbley, Isaac A. Ramirez, Brandon J. Rangel, Keith A. Reposar, Makayla A. Rivas, Vincent S. Rivera, Adrianna R. Rodriguez, Keisy M. Rodriguez, Isabella G. Rojas, Kristin N. Ross, Carlos A. Ruiz, Jose E. Saenz III, Ximena Sanchez, Joshua W. Schwerdtfeger, Brianna N. Sciuto, Lilyana Secorsky, Amber R. Sifuentes, Anna S. Silva, Savina D. Sotello, Zeke Thongsavanh, Isabella O. Vargas and Linda M. Villarreal
MUSIC
Associate in Arts
Edmundo Leal, Juan C. Molina and Samuel A. Parga-Guerrero
Certificate
Benjamin T. Aldana, Jose A. Garza
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Associate in Arts
Gabriella P. Alvarado, Rosa M. Bailey, Ashley E. Bates, Daniella M. Cardona, Johnathan S. Cremar, Christopher E. Diaz, Cara C. Dorman, Ian B. Escarzaga, Alexis F. Garcia, Carolyn R. Hatcher, Deven L. Mican, Serena Rios, Rey Rivera, Dulce E. Sanchez, Hailey J. Siegford, Will G. Stiles V and Yetta R. Williams
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DIVISION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, AND KINESIOLOGY AND EDUCATION
COMPUTER SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Associate in Science
Landon C. Abalos, Sarah G. Crumpler, Aron A. Esquivel, Julia L. Garcia, Alicia M. Guerrero, Jakub Lee, Mathew A. Tapia and Jordan A. Tarnowski
Associate in Applied Science
Roderick D. Benson Jr., Daniel E. Camorlinga Gutierrez, Sarah A. Castellanos, Jairus P. Cayabyab, Joe Cruz *, Jared A. De Los Santos, John A. Delaney II, Daniel J. Gutierrez, Jonah C. Hamilton, Gabriel Hinojosa, Marco A. Lara, Jose A. Sanchez Jr., Eric P. Simonsen, Michael R. Trevino and Nicholas J. Vargas
Certificate
Roderick D. Benson Jr., Daniel E. Camorlinga Gutierrez, Carlos C. Carmona, Sarah A. Castellanos, Jairus P. Cayabyab, Joe Cruz *, Jared A. De Los Santos, John A. Delaney II, Daniel J. Gutierrez, Jonah C. Hamilton, Gabriel Hinojosa, Jose A. Sanchez Jr., Eric P. Simonsen, Zachary S. Tarske, Michael R. Trevino and Nicholas J. Vargas
Occupational Skills Award
Carlos C. Carmona, Katin G. Duff, Jonah C. Hamilton, Gary Leary, Joy E. Ramirez, Luis O. Ramirez, Robert K. Ross Jr., Jameel F. Tannous, Carissa R. Ybarra
KINESIOLOGY AND EDUCATION
Associate in Arts
Lauren M. Donovan, Danella A. Rodriguez and Ben Torres
Associate of Arts in Teaching
Richard R. Galvan, Mercedes K. Gonzales *, Kaylynne M. Leal,
Aliyah M. Medina, Sarina S. Rodriguez, Stephanie M. Torres and
Melenie S. Zamora
Associate in Applied Science
Megan D. Delgado, Debrah L. Garcia and Ruby A. Robles
Certificate
Cecelia A. Gonzales, Keri L. Hollowell and Aurora A. Lopez
NATURAL SCIENCES
Associate in Science
Deeandra Acevedo, Ariana Adame-Gonzalez, Mikayla S. Callis, Rubena R. Casas, Gabriella E. Chavarria, Manuel C. Garcia, Jeanette J. Gonzalez, Teresa M. Gonzalez, Maria A. Hernandez, Lestiny M. Herrera, Madelyn M. Moore, Jacob S. Quintanilla, Olivia E. Ramirez and Kathryn G. Williams
Associate in Applied Science
Rubena R. Casas, Maria A. Hernandez, Linzee D. Pacheco and Jacob S. Quintanilla
Latest DMC News
- Del Mar College Choir Camps offer early opportunity for high school singers to work on 2026 TMEA All-State Audition repertoireArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For young Coastal Bend singers, the long road to potentially earn a spot with one of four All-State choirs begins at Del Mar College (DMC). The honor includes performing during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Convention at the Henry B. González Center in San Antonio early next year. This week (June 30-July 3), the college’s Music Department is hosting the TMEA All-State Choir Camp for small schools, which consists of 40 students from smaller high schools in the area––including A.C. Jones (Beeville), La Feria Early College (La Feria), Sinton and Tuloso-Midway high schools. The Small School Choir Camp will wrap up with a free concert in Richardson Performance Hall this Thursday, July 3, at 4 p.m. The performance is open to the public. For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1211 or music@delmar.edu. Last week, the department held its Large School Choir Camp for 90 students who attend King, Ray, Carroll, Moody, Miller, Veterans Memorial, Gregory-Portland, Calallen, Shoemaker (Killeen), United (Laredo) and Donna North high schools. Home-schooled students from Bridgeway Academy also attended the camp. The camps are designed to prepare students for the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir audition process according to Dr. Mirae Lee, DMC Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. In addition to serving as camp director, Lee also conducts the full choir each week for the camp concert finale. In addition to the Music faculty member, nine current and retired high school choir directors as well as DMC Music students help run the camps. During the Large School camp, students participated during an online session with guest clinicians Dr. Shekela Wanyama and Dr. Marcela Molina, both from the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir. Campers were provided a sneak peek at the All-State Choir repertoire, which was released in May. Early preparation during the college’s camps will serve students well as they prepare for the audition process, which consists of four stages: District, Region, Pre-Area and Area. The camps also offer sight-reading sessions, which are required for the TMEA audition, as well as diction classes, vocal health instruction and vocalization practice. Dr. Lee notes that Del Mar College is the only institution in South Texas offering this unique opportunity to small school students. “These activities are designed to help students better understand the vocal system and improve their singing skills,” she says. However, the camps are not all work. Campers participate in fun team-building activities throughout the week. Dr. Carla Gamez-Vela, DMC Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Intermural Sports Director, leads a line-dancing session, and campers can take part during other activities such as karaoke, a talent show and a mini-Olympics event, along with a pool party with pizza and an ice cream social. “Our camps allow students to stay musically engaged over the summer, strengthening their skills and preparing for the All-State audition process. It’s a unique blend of focused training and fun, led by local passionate educators,” Dr. Lee says. “I’m proud that Del Mar College is an institution that supports the dreams of local students, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission by helping camp participants grow, achieve and stay inspired.”
- Del Mar College holding job fair at Heritage Campus on Wednesday, June 25Article by Melinda Eddleman Working in higher education can be rewarding no matter the position while serving students and the community. And, an opportunity to explore employment at Del Mar College (DMC) is just around the corner. The college’s Human Resources Office will hold a job fair on Wednesday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Retama Room (second floor) at the Harvin Student Center on DMC’s Heritage Campus, which is located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and view a campus map using the following link: www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. Ranging from college-level teaching positions to support staff jobs, DMC currently has over 300 employment opportunities available now and beginning with the fall semester. Individuals can explore job openings by visiting dmcjobs.delmar.edu/postings/search before attending or during the event. Additionally, participants can: Meet with HR staff and hiring managers to answer your questions, Receive personalized guidance on how to apply and stand out as a potential employee, Learn about benefits, growth opportunities and workplace culture, and Access on-site application assistance with computer availability. Questions? Inquiries can be directed to the DMC Human Resources Office at 361-698-2178 or dmcjobs@delmar.edu. Individuals can also explore Del Mar College, its campus culture, program offerings and more at www.delmar.edu. Whether you’re a student or employee, you can “own your dreams” at DMC! ### Download a printable flyer below:
- Registration for DMC Summer II and Fall 2025 credit courses is ongoingArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Whether you’re seeking a full course correction in life and would like to start working toward a new career path or you’re already working on an associate degree but have taken a break and are ready to get back on track, online and on-campus registration and advising are currently underway for Del Mar College Summer II and Fall 2025 credit courses. Summer Session II includes five- and six-week courses to fit in with your busy summertime schedule while fall courses include eight-, 12-, 15- and 16-week sessions that also give you options. Registration and tuition/fees deadlines vary for summer and fall sessions, so go online to the college’s Registration page for specific dates. In-person admissions/registration assistance is available on all three campuses (online directions and campus maps): • Heritage Campus – Harvin Student Center, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404) • Windward Campus – Coleman Center, 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405) • Oso Creek Campus – Main Center Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414) Both current and prospective students can view course offerings, which are frequently updated throughout the registration process. Additionally, students can use WebDMC to check their financial aid status, review their degree plan and find other information. Current students also need to contact the department of their declared major for specific instructions (access the Academic Advisor Directory). Prospective students needing to complete their admissions file can get more information about the process on the Admissions web page or contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu. Summer Session II classes begin Monday, July 7. Currently, Fall 2025 registration is underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. To learn more about registration opportunities, payment deadlines and other pertinent information, visit https://www.delmar.edu/registration. Individuals can also contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroill@delmar.edu about fall registration. The college will host two more One Stop Saturday events, July 12 and Aug. 2, in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist individuals with their admissions files, registration and other processes in preparation for the fall semester. During the July 12 One Stop Saturday, DMC in-district residents can also learn more about Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program, which launches this fall and has an Aug. 1 application deadline. For details about other steps, you can take to get a head start before attending a One Stop Saturday event, visit www.delmar.edu/1stop/index.html. Already hold an associate degree from one of the many programs offered at DMC? Take the next step to earn a bachelor’s degree––either the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree for those already working as registered nurses or the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS-OML) degree that applies to well-over 50 associate degree programs among the college’s curricula. The college offers the BAS-OML degree completely online through the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Both individuals who already hold an associate degree and those students just beginning their studies among the 55 programs applicable to the bachelor’s degree when completed are encouraged to pursue the BAS-OML. Information about program requirements, the admissions process and an online form to get started are available at www.delmar.edu/basoml. Interested individuals can also inquire about the BAS-OML degree program at basoml@delmar.edu or 361-698-1372. The next student group for the RN to BSN degree begins in spring 2026, but the application process runs July 1 through Oct. 1. Applicants must hold a valid RN state license and have completed 90 semester credit hours (SCH) that include required general education credit courses. Additionally, interested individuals must also have completed associate degree-level RN coursework from an accredited nursing program. Prospective applicants can learn more about the program at delmar.edu/bsn/index.html or by contacting the college’s Department of Nurse Education at RNtoBSN@delmar.edu or 361-698-2809. What are you waiting for? Apply or get registered to “own your dreams” at Del Mar College!
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, June 10, 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: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-6-10-25.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regularboard-meeting-packet-6-10-25.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 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Del Mar College recognized nearly 530 students from Adult Education & Literacy, Continuing Education and Corporate Services at June 3 ceremony at Richardson Performance HallArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For the first time in college history, Del Mar College recognized students from the Adult Education & Literacy, Continuing Education and Corporate Services Departments in a single ceremony that took place on June 3, 2025, in Richardson Performance Hall, located on the Heritage Campus of the College. The Summer 2025 Continuing Education Recognition Ceremony featured 526 students who were recognized for their accomplishments – it was the Continuing Education Department’s largest recognition group to date. The ceremony also represented the first time all three programs honored their respective graduates during a single event. Following opening remarks by Dr. Leonard Rivera, Del Mar College (DMC) Vice President of Dual Enrollment & Continuing Education, Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend CEO Gloria Taylor delivered a moving keynote address that served to inspire everyone in the room. Taylor has led the organization for the past 15 years and brings nearly four decades of dedicated service to the nonprofit sector. Taylor was honored with a Y Women in Careers award in 2022 and was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024. Adult Education recognized 11 individuals during its portion of the ceremony. The Career Training Program recognized 74 individuals in four areas: 28 students in Administrative Assistant 5 in Child Development Associate 11 in Legal Secretary 30 in Real Estate Corporate Services recognized 201 individuals in five areas: 169 students in Commercial Driver’s License 10 students in Commercial Driver’s License, Real Grant 6 students in Maritime Advanced Firefighting 9 students in Maritime Basic Safety Training 7 students in Structural Ironwork Continuing Education’s Healthcare Program recognized 197 individuals in 5 areas: 53 students in Certified Nurse Aide 22 students in Billing and Coding 23 students in Medical Secretary 54 in Electrocardiography 45 in Phlebotomy And, Continuing Education’s Industrial Program recognized 43 individuals in 3 areas: 30 students will receive the Electrical Helper Workforce Skills Award 2 students will receive the Plumbing Helper Workforce Skills Award 11 students will receive the Welding Helper Workforce Skills Award
- Catching up with Foghorn alumnus Raul AlonzoArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Raul Alonzo was an award-winning Foghorn staffer while he was a student at Del Mar College. His time working on student newspapers both at DMC and at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have served him well. He moved on to work for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Gatehouse Media while wrapping up work on a bachelor’s degree in media arts at TAMU-CC. Today, he’s a Digital Producer for the Texas Standard weekday radio news magazine, which airs on National Public Radio stations across the Lone Star State. College Relations staff caught up with Alonzo when he was invited to return to campus in March 2025 to give a talk about a project that began during his days as a Foghorn reporter. He was genuinely excited to share details about his work and how his time at DMC helped him build the skill set he needed to excel in his current role.
