Career Development Department hosting “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar at Windward Campus on March 8
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March
2023
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18:31 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Rosie the Riveter_DMC Women in Nontraditional Careers Seminar
March is Women’s History Month and a time to reflect on those who have broken barriers and opened opportunities over the past century so that women can take nontraditional career paths today. And, it’s a time to admire and learn from women who continue to set benchmarks in nontraditional careers in our community.
Join Del Mar College’s Career Development Department on Wednesday, March 8, for their “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar to hear first-hand from local women about their journeys in the careers they chose.
The free seminar is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Emergency Training Building (FEMA Dome) on the Windward Campus, located at 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405). Get online directions and campus map. Both the campus and general community are invited to attend.
For more information, contact Maria Villarreal, DMC Career Counselor with the Career Development Department, at 361-698-2687 or mvillarr28@dellmar.edu.
Jerry Lynn Pippin_Fire Fighter II and EMS_Women in Nontraditional Careers
Del Mar College’s Career Development Department will hold a “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar on March 8, 2023, in the Emergency Training Building on the Windward Campus. Among the five-woman panel speaking about her experience in a “nontraditional” career is Jerry Lynn Pippin, Fire Fighter II – EMS with the Corpus Christi Fire Department. For more info, call 361-698-2687 or email mvillarr28@dellmar.edu. (Credit: contributed photo)
Lisa Kingsbury_Windstorm Inspector_Women in Nontraditional Careers
Del Mar College’s Career Development Department will hold a “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar on March 8, 2023, in the Emergency Training Building on the Windward Campus. Among the five-woman panel speaking about her experience in a “nontraditional” career is Lisa Kingsbury, a Windstorm Inspector with Lynn Engineering. For more info, call 361-698-2687 or email mvillarr28@dellmar.edu. (Credit: contributed photo)
Stephanie Hajducek_Project Engineer and Design Lead_Women in Nontraditional Careers
Del Mar College’s Career Development Department will hold a “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar on March 8, 2023, in the Emergency Training Building on the Windward Campus. Among the five-woman panel speaking about her experience in a “nontraditional” career is Stephanie Hajducek, a Project Engineer and Design Lead for Chemours. For more info, call 361-698-2687 or email mvillarr28@dellmar.edu. (Credit: contributed photo)
Janet Blanke_Management Developer_Civil Engineering_Women in Nontraditional Careers
Del Mar College’s Career Development Department will hold a “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar on March 8, 2023, in the Emergency Training Building on the Windward Campus. Among the five-woman panel speaking about her experience in a “nontraditional” career is Janet Blanke, who is in Management Development (Civil Engineering) with the IBM Corporation. For more info, call 361-698-2687 or email mvillarr28@dellmar.edu. (Credit: contributed photo)
Imelda Rjasko_Senior Police Officer_Women in Nontraditional Careers
Del Mar College’s Career Development Department will hold a “Women in Nontraditional Careers” Seminar on March 8, 2023, in the Emergency Training Building on the Windward Campus. Among the five-woman panel speaking about her experience in a “nontraditional” career is Imelda Rjasko, a Senior Officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department. For more info, call 361-698-2687 or email mvillarr28@dellmar.edu. (Credit: contributed photo)
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
- Update: July 8: Del Mar College Reopening Tuesday, July 9, After Precautionary Closure Due to Hurricane BerylArticle by DMC College Relations (Updated July 8, 2024) Del Mar College will resume operations at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, after its precautionary closure today, July 8, due to Hurricane Beryl. Campuses—including Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek—and the Center for Economic Development and their offices will reopen. Parents who have children in DMC summer camps should contact camp administrators with any questions regarding camp schedules. The tuition payment deadline for Summer Session II has been extended to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10. Students living in an area that experiences flooding and is currently unsafe to travel to campus or the Center for Economic Development to report to class, contact your instructors for class assignment arrangements. Additionally, employees living in an area that experiences flooding that makes it unsafe to report to work, contact your immediate supervisor for work arrangements. The health and safety of DMC students, employees and guests is our foremost concern. -DMC- Posted July 5, 2024 DEL MAR COLLEGE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JULY 8, IN ANTICIPATION OF IMPACTS FROM HURRICANE BERYL DMC EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS SHOULD MONITOR COLLEGE ALERT SYSTEM, WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL AS MEDIA OUTLETS FOR UPDATED NOTICES Del Mar College officials have decided to close the College on Monday, July 8, due to anticipated weather conditions from Hurricane Beryl. The closure includes the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek campuses and the DMC Center for Economic Development. If essential personnel are needed during this closure, supervisors will contact those individuals. The DMC Incident Management Team will continue to monitor conditions and if College operations are affected beyond Monday, July 8, officials will provide updated information. Both DMC employees and students should continue to monitor the College’s website (www.delmar.edu), email and social media channels for weather-related updates as information on the storm develops. When a tropical system threatens the Coastal Bend area, the College will use DMCAlert as appropriate to share critical updates with the campus community. DMC operational information will be sent out by College email and posted on our website and social media. Employees and students should be sure to monitor their DMC email, texting devices and the College website and social media to stay informed about DMC operations. Employees and students are asked to sign up for DMCAlert and check to ensure their contact information is current and includes the ability to receive texts. Hurricane Beryl is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday as a tropical storm, but it will likely strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in South Texas or northern Mexico early Monday morning. The health and safety of Del Mar College’s students, employees and guests are DMC officials’ foremost concern, and they will continue to assess weather developments and change College operations as needed. DMC officials also advise everyone to exercise appropriate caution through this and all weather events. Please avoid flooded areas and roads – Turn around, don’t drown – and observe beach conditions, including riptides.
- (Repost) DMC Continuing Education offering new and “free” Emergency Medical Responder and Health Care Program using $250,000 TRUE Grant from THECBArticle by Melinda Eddleman (Originally posted on Feb. 1, 2024 with repost for upcoming cohort) For Coastal Bend residents who have considered entering the healthcare industry or want to be part of a patient emergency response team, Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education has a new career training opportunity that can get you there. And, it’s free. Starting later in February, the College will begin a new six-month Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Health Care Program, which is designed as a pathway to becoming an in-demand Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The program requires online application and acceptance, which is now underway. The EMR and Health Care Program is made possible from a $250,000 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education (TRUE) Grant awarded to the College by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in mid-December. The grant runs through the end of this year. The EMR and Health Care Program is designed for short-term completion and certification and stacks Continuing Education credentials upon the Public Service Department’s requirements for an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technician degree. The EMT pathway is listed as a high-demand occupation on both the THECB’s 2024 high demand occupational field list as well as the local Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend’s Targeted Occupation list for 2022-2023. TRUE Grant funding for the new program allows DMC Continuing Education to cover accepted applicants’ tuition, textbooks and other training materials, uniforms and testing and certification fees. Students are required to follow the course progression and certification exam schedule to successfully complete the program (available on information and application page). Questions may be directed to DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-1769 or cegrants@delmar.edu or the Public Service Department at mstuive@delmar.edu. The first accepted cohort will begin with three courses, including CPR for Healthcare Workers on Feb. 19, Medical Terminology on Feb. 20 and Electrocardiography on March 5. All three courses will meet at the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples, but the program also includes course scheduling on the Windward Campus. Students will have access to all DMC support services, including professional resume writing services, counseling services, food pantry assistance and participation during industry job fairs. Additionally, program participants who choose to continue their pathway to the College’s EMT degree program will have access to student advisors to explore their financial aid options through DMC Financial Aid Services or Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend for funding. For individuals interested in applying for the program, eligibility requirements are as follows: · must be 18 years of age or older, · must be a U.S. citizen or certified to work in the United States, · must have a high school diploma/GED or higher education, · pass a background check, · pass a drug screen, and · must be available for an in-person follow-up to provide required documents. The Coordinating Board’s TRUE Grant Program supports the goals of the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas, through the creation, expansion or redesign of workforce education and training credential programs in high-demand occupations. The College’s current TRUE Grant award is the fourth that DMC Continuing Education has received to meet the state’s goals and the in-demand workforce needs across the Coastal Bend. “This TRUE Grant will have a tremendous impact among our healthcare partners as we meet their skilled workforce needs, along with Coastal Bend communities where residents can benefit from either participating in the EMR and Health Care Program or being served by the professionals Del Mar College produces over this next year,” Dr. Rivera noted.
- #Code_IT Campers learn to build and program robots with focus on Artificial IntelligenceArticle by Melinda Eddleman The #Code_IT Camp at Del Mar College (DMC) has become a popular summer activity for middle schoolers with the West Oso Independent School District (ISD), along with other youth from around Corpus Christi. In fact, all 18 seats for the second week of the highly sought-after camp, or 36 seats if you count both weeks of camp, filled up early with a waiting list already set for summer 2025. This year marked the sixth time the College has offered the camp for sixth through eighth graders, who have the opportunity to spend some summertime learning the principles of computer science, programming and coding. Scheduled consecutively June 17-28, DMC offered the two 2024 camps free to participants thanks to a $23,100 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) grant as part of the commission’s Camp Code Program. The TWC’s program was developed as part of the overall goal of keeping the state and its workforce globally competitive in what is now a high-tech world. Grant funds support coding camps across Texas that address the state’s initiative to show young minds the possibilities that await them by encouraging students to pursue high-tech STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Second-week campers had the opportunity to show off their skills to news media on June 26 by taking over the Venters Building Atrium on the Heritage Campus and demonstrated the advanced coding they learned to program robots. Developed and conducted by DMC Computer Science faculty as a team-building experience, the #Code_IT Camp offers several levels of coding curriculum focused on spatial reasoning, computer programming, logic and design and text-based coding. Campers are exposed to computational thinking and programming languages such as JavaScript and Python. During the first week, campers learned programming and how to build robots––including Sphero Bolt Robots and GoPiGo with Raspberry Pi. The second camp, which is more advanced, engaged students in Artificial Intelligence or AI-focused curriculum using online applications like Trinket and Google’s Scratch for CS First. Campers were also introduced to opportunities to join organizations like FIRST Robotics at their perspective ISDs, which connects them with a local FIRST Robotics team. Additionally, the highly-successful competitive Collegiate High School Robotics Team taught, demonstrated and conducted fun robotics exercises with the second camp students. By the time the #Code_IT Camp ended June 28, all participants had engaged in eight hours of classroom instruction each week and performed 70 hours of hands-on activities combined using four types of robots with advanced programming. “Our hope is that camp participants are inspired and their passion ignited to pursue STEM studies, especially computer science,” noted Betz. Attending this year’s #Code_IT Camp at Del Mar College is one step in the right direction.
- Del Mar College Closed Tomorrow, June 20, Due to Weather ConditionsArticle by DMC College Relations Due to anticipated inclement weather from Tropical Storm Alberto, Del Mar College officials have chosen to close the college tomorrow (Thursday), June 20, including the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek Campuses and the DMC Center for Economic Development. All classes and summer camps are canceled. If needed during the closure, essential employees will be contacted by their supervisors. Normal operations and classes are expected to resume at 7:30 a.m. Friday, June 21. DMC and students are encouraged to continue monitoring the DMC website (www.delmar.edu), email, social media channels and news media outlets for weather-related updates. The health and safety of students, employees and guests are Del Mar College’s foremost concern. College officials will continue to assess weather developments and change plans if needed. Everyone is advised to exercise appropriate caution through this and all weather events. Please avoid flooded areas and roads – Turn around, don’t drown – and observe beach conditions, including riptides.
- TWC awards two grants totaling nearly $1.3 million to DMC Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs’ Adult Education Initiatives DivisionArticle by Melinda Eddleman The end game is to prepare Coastal Bend residents for well-paying, in-demand jobs among the local workforce. But for some adults, finding that employment may be difficult because they either don’t have a high school diploma, don’t speak English proficiently enough or may be dealing with both situations. The Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs Department and their Adult Education Initiatives Division are about to change those odds. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded to the division two grants totaling $1,289,923 through the Commission’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program. Both are two-year grants that begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2026 , with the possibility of three one-year extensions for each grant. The first AEL grant for $894,251 covers instruction and resources for residents living in Aransas, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces and San Patricio Counties who need to earn their high school equivalency certificates. The second, a $395,672 AEL grant, targets residents who speak English as a second language who need to improve their communication skills to successfully pursue other coursework that builds toward their employability, including completing their high school equivalency if need be. The second grant includes residents living in 10 counties, including those already mentioned, along with Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells and Refugio Counties. “Statistics show that approximately 17 percent of those over age 25 do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent in the Coastal Bend region; and in Nueces County alone, more than 26 percent of residents speak another primary language other than English,” added Rachel M. Benavides, Senior Director of Continuing & Community Education, who oversees the College’s Adult Education Initiatives Division and applied for the two grants. “We want to lower those figures and provide residents living in communities the College serves the resources to improve their way of life through education and career training that will last a lifetime.” The goal is to serve about 635 residents each year who need to complete their high school credentials, including over 50 individuals who are incarcerated, paroled or on probation. The DMC Adult Education Initiatives Division has also set a benchmark to reach each year about 300 individuals whose primary language is not English. Overall, the two grants will serve over 930 students each year. Grant funds will cover the cost of faculty, equipment and software. Funds also are available for students wanting to participate in dual-enrollment that includes pursuing a career training pathway among Continuing Education’s workforce training programs while earning their high school equivalency certificate. This route provides tuition-free training and support services offered by the College. For students identified as ready to take the high school equivalency test, TWC grant funds will cover the cost through a voucher, or the DMC Foundation will cover the fee. The Adult Education Initiatives Division provides basic and Continuing Education pathways for students who need to complete their high school equivalency diploma through one of the following pathways: · Adult Basic Education: helps prepare individuals to take the high school equivalency certification test. · English as a Second Language: assists individuals with improving their basic English communication skills. · Adult & Career Education (Career Pathway): individuals can co-enroll to prepare for the high school equivalency certification test while attending one of Continuing Education’s fast-track workforce training programs, including those targeting healthcare and construction trades fields. Dr. Rivera noted, “Once individuals reach necessary competency levels and complete their pathway through our Adult Education Initiatives Program, they can pursue additional opportunities that will build on their accomplishment and provide additional skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce.” Dr. Rivera noted, “Once individuals reach necessary competency levels and complete their pathway through our Adult Education Initiatives Program, they can pursue additional opportunities that will build on their accomplishment and provide additional skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce.” DMC Continuing Education fast-track programs can be completed within four to 16 weeks through the Career and Industry Training and Health Care Training Programs. Or, individuals can pursue Workforce Skills Awards that transfer toward DMC academic programs focused on automotive, building maintenance, computer, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), instrumentation, millwright and welding training leading to certificates and associate degrees. “And, even after these individuals complete an associate degree, they can set their goals higher and earn the College’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree,” added Dr. Rivera. “The potential is within reach for them to do so.” Overall, outcomes supported by the two AEL grants are Del Mar College and the TWC’s main goal … preparing Coastal Bend residents for in-demand fields through life-changing opportunities leading to completing their high school equivalency education to then acquire the skills and knowledge through higher education that support the local and Texas economy. Residents living in the 10-county area served by these grants can access information about Adult Education at www.delmar.edu/ce/index.html. They can also contact the DMC Adult Education Initiatives Division at 361-698-2101, 1-800-652-3357 (Option #5) or ael@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College Recognizes Distinguished Service and Contributions of Retired Music Professor Philip Hii, Board of Regents Approves “Professor Emeritus” Status TodayArticle by Melinda Eddleman The Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents unanimously approved the distinguished designation of “Professor Emeritus” to retired Professor of Music Philip Hii during today’s regular monthly meeting. Hii began his exceptional career with the College in September 1988 as a full-time, tenure-track Instructor and retired as a tenured Professor in July 2023, leaving a legacy of artistic and scholarly contributions as part of his time with the DMC Music Department. College officials commended Hii for the 35 years he demonstrated commitment to innumerable students, his colleagues, the College, the community, the Coastal Bend and most notably the music field. Originally from the largest state in Malaysia, Hii found his way to the United States in 1983; and five years later, he joined the DMC Music faculty. His own education includes earning a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, completing further studies in England and Germany, earning a jazz-arranging diploma from Berklee College of Music in Boston and then acquiring a Master of Music degree from the renowned program at the University of North Texas. Hii had planned to become a lawyer before winning a national competition in his home country, changing his own path from studying law to studying music. And, that journey has changed the lives of many Del Mar College guitar students. While with Del Mar College, Hii dedicated countless hours recruiting prospective students for classical guitar training and preparing current students for general performances and those for DMC and community fundraising events. He also contributed several musical arrangements for guitar ensemble that were created to fit the musical and pedagogical needs of his students. Hii also provided pedagogical training to high school students during summer guitar camps, expanding the foundation these young musicians had already built and preparing them for advanced training at the College level. As an advisor and educational leader, the professor mentored students during their own journeys to become accomplished musicians and educators. Colleagues and former guitar students alike recognized Hii for generously sharing his experiences and expertise, specifically to students-turned-teachers who now instruct flourishing guitar programs at area high schools. Additionally, Hii contributed to the music world not only with performances across the United States and around the globe but also by authoring articles for professional journals such as Soundboard, Guitar International, Gitarre and Laute, and American String Teacher. As a recording artist, Hii’s career has included releasing critically-acclaimed Compact Discs, or CDs, featuring his transcriptions for guitar of works by classical composers Bach and Chopin as well as his own compositions. Prior to today’s Board of Regents meeting, Hii returned to campus earlier this year on April 18 as part of a celebratory concert, “Fiesta! Philip Hii,” honoring his 35-year career at Del Mar College. (read more about his story and accomplishments) June 11, 2024, marks a different celebration. Philip Hii’s title is now “Professor Emeritus.”
