Del Mar College inducting single newest “Hall of Fame” member, Ethan Gene Sullivan, during tonight’s 72nd Annual Recognition Ceremony
DMC also recognizing 125 “outstanding students” and faculty during ceremony in Richardson Performance Hall beginning at 6 p.m.
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The Del Mar College (DMC) event started in 1949 and has been a time-honored tradition ever since––the annual Recognition Ceremony. The College holds the celebratory ceremony to induct new “Hall of Fame” members, recognize students’ academic dedication and honor faculty deemed “Instructors of the Year” by the student body. And tonight, the College will hold its 72nd Annual Recognition Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. in Richardson Performance Hall located on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404, directions and campus map).
Student Government Association leadership will first recognize the three “Instructors of the Year” who were selected by the student body with each representing one of the College’s three campuses. The 2024 honorees include Dr. Dawson Barrett, Associate Professor of History with the Social Sciences Department, representing the Heritage Campus; Mary Guerra, Assistant Instructor of Dental Hygiene with the Dental and Imaging Technology Department, representing the Windward Campus; and Lisa Pollakis, Professor of Hospitality Management and Program Director with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, representing the Oso Creek Campus.
College administrators and faculty will also recognize 125 DMC students’ academic achievement with “Outstanding Student” Awards among the programs in the College’s four divisions: 1) Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences; 2) Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Kinesiology and Education; 3) Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences; and 4) Industry and Public Service.
Ethan Gene Sullivan_Drama Major_2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
And with much anticipated celebration toward the end of the ceremony, the College’s single newest “Hall of Fame” inductee––Ethan Gene Sullivan––will be recognized and honored for his accomplishments. He will join the ranks among the 423 inductees who met the benchmark for over more than seven decades. The prestigious honor is reserved for the select few who have demonstrated scholarly dedication, leadership and participation in student organizations and community service.
The Drama major will not only be recognized as the only “Hall of Famer” but also as an “Outstanding Student” just as he was in spring 2023. Sullivan is also a recipient of the Sue Sellors Finley Drama Endowed Scholarship for 2023-2024. Among his campus achievements he is a member of three student organizations, including serving as current Treasurer of DMC’s Gamma Sigma Chapter of the international college honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a member of the country’s largest leadership honor society the National Society of Leadership & Success and as current President of the Safe Space Club at DMC. He has also served on the All-Texas Academic Team.
Sullivan has volunteered on and off campus, providing sound mix and technical support for both Del Mar Drama productions and at the Church of Grace, volunteering with the Corpus Christi Diversity Council and participating during National Humanitarian Day.
His campus activities specifically include volunteering with Groceries to Go by providing mobile food distribution, attending regional and national PTK conferences, assisting with the College’s “Discover Del Mar” event to recruit and inform high school students as potential Vikings, participating during Adopt-A-Beach cleanup events and going beyond his roles with Del Mar Drama productions to volunteer additional assistance to support his fellow actors and classmates.
Sullivan graduates next Friday, May 17, as part of Del Mar College’s Class of Spring 2024.
Latest DMC News
- Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow … Del Mar College unveils $1.7 million investment in emergency response training props and equipmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman Emergency response training (ERT) isn’t just for Del Mar College (DMC) Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services and Occupational Safety and Health students who are working toward careers in the public service sector as first responders. Many Coastal Bend employers in industry need localized training for their safety personnel to stay ahead of the curve in ERT. Through customized training by the College’s Workforce Programs & Corporate Services Division in collaboration with the DMC Department of Public Service, emergency response training is provided to industry partners across the region to upskill or reskill safety personnel, and the College unveiled its $1.7 million investment in new ERT props and equipment during an open house held May 15 on the Windward Campus to showcase how this expansion will impact future first responders and regional employers’ personnel. Having completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training at DMC and passing the national certification examination, Process Technician Severo Medellin with Gulf Coast Growth Ventures said that his experience allowed him to reach his goals both personally and professionally. He noted, “Since becoming an EMT, I’ve extended my duties on the ERT team at GCGV to include EMT, rescue and firefighter.” “A lot of our initial training at Flint Hills Resources starts right here at Del Mar,” added Senior Operator Mark Benavides. “Safety is a key issue, especially up and down the ship channels, and it’s crucial that we have the skills , tools and knowledge to go out day-by-day to proactively do our jobs safely.” Both Medellin and Benavides served as guest speakers to share their training experiences during the event. “This complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices; and as we move forward with this project, we not only celebrate the first phase of a remarkable facility, but we also see the critical role firefighting and safety training plays in safeguarding lives, protecting assets and preserving our environment” said Dean of Industry and Public Service Davis Merrell about the unveiling for what will be called the Emergency Response Training Complex. During the open house, Public Service Department faculty demonstrated and discussed the new emergency response training props and equipment, including: • Concrete Trench Prop: utilizes Paratech® equipment and tripod props that allow for different scenarios during trench rescue training and can also be used for confined space training. • Confined Space Prop (tower): provides training for confined space rescue, confined space entry and rope rescues. • HAZMAT Decontamination Prop: utilized to prepare for emergencies dealing with hazardous materials. • Two-story Structural Simulation Facility: provides realistic training scenarios, such as forced entry, victim extractions and more in a multi-level structure. • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones): used to assess response needs during emergencies and rescues. Over the past few years, Corporate Services has provided training to nearly 2,000 industry employees with more than 21,000 contact hours of instruction and skills training completed. Among industry partners utilizing this customized safety and rescue training are ArcelorMittal, Chemours, Citgo, Flint Hills Resources and Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. With the College providing emergency response training that addresses building the Coastal Bend’s first responder workforce while also focusing on customized training for employers’ safety personnel, the motto around the new complex has become “Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow.” “Our new complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices,” noted Merrell. “Cutting-edge technology is converging with comprehensive training modules to equip our firefighters and safety personnel with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to confront any crisis with confidence.” ERT Resources To learn more about emergency response training through DMC Corporate Services, visit www.delmar.edu/corporate-services/courses/emergency-response.html or contact Program Manager Christine Benavides at 361-698-1966 or cbenavides18@delmar.edu. Interested in one of the Public Service Department’s programs, visit www.delmar.edu/degrees/index.html or contact the department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
- DMC’s 45th Fire Academy Marks Outstanding Milestone with Cadets’ 100% Pass Rate on State ExaminationArticle by Melinda Eddleman “The success of these cadets serves as a shining example of the exceptional quality of instruction provided by Del Mar College’s Fire Academy; and through rigorous training, mentorship and hands-on experience, these cadets are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles as first responders,” said Melissa Stuive, Chair of the College’s Public Service Department. Her remarks were in response to the 100% pass rate that 29 cadets with the College’s 45th Fire Academy accomplished on their “first attempt” when taking the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structure Fire Examination. The cadets represent two fire departments––27 from the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) and two from the Kingsville Fire Department (KFD). The cadets began their training as the College’s 45th Fire Academy on the Windward Campus in January and took the examination on May 2. The academy encompassed 680 hours of didactic and hands-on skills training that covered fire safety, use of firefighting personal protective equipment, fire dynamics, laddering, hose and nozzle operations, search and rescue techniques and hazardous material response and mitigation. Fire Science Program Director and Instructor Michael Schmidt noted that the DMC Fire Academy has works with several Coastal Bend fire departments to provide training in addition to the CCFD and KFD, including the Corpus Christi International Airport and those in Alice, Annaville, Aransas Pass, Flour Bluff, Ingleside and Portland. Stuive added, “These cadets’ pass rate is a testament to their dedication and hard work, and their accomplishment underscores not only the individual commitment of each cadet but also the strength of the partnerships forged between the Coastal Bend’s fire departments and Del Mar College.” The DMC 45th Fire Academy includes Gilberto B. Elicea and Jennifer L. Montgomery from the Kingsville Fire Department and Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets David Acosta, Raul A. Adame, Hailee N. Fisher, Michael J. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Rose M. Hale, Jacob J. Hernandez, Dathen D. Leyva, Cullen D. Marek, Joseph D. McQuary, Julian Mora, Matthew D. Moreau, Octavio R. Neave, Justin G. Parker, Daniel A. Perez, Francisco J. Perez, Eric Ramirez, Kevin A. Saenz, Joshua N. Salazar, Donovan E. Salcedo, Shawn P. Silva, Corey Stacy, Dandre A. Stingley, Albert E. Villarreal, Christopher J. Wilson and Daniel Zaragoza. Learn more about Del Mar College’s Fire Science Program online at www.delmar.edu/degrees/fire-science/index.html or contact the DMC Public Service Department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
- CCAD Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Roderick Benson Serving as DMC’s Commencement Speaker at American Bank Center This Friday, May 17Article by DMC College Relations Office Hard work, long days or nights and juggling coursework with employment schedules or family to reach their goal will pay off with graduation this Friday, May 17. The Del Mar College (DMC) “prospective” graduates making up the Class of Spring 2024 have reached a milestone as they prepare for their next endeavor after taking the spotlight at the American Bank Center (ABC) during Commencement, an occasion that not only they but also family and friends have anticipated. Overall, 926 DMC Vikings have earned 1,137 associate’s degrees and certificates combined with 695 individuals participating during Friday’s ceremony. The procession into the ABC arena begins at 7 p.m. Family and friends who would like to watch the ceremony from home can do so on YouTube using the following link: youtube.com/live/2umaT5HiHno. But, before the College’s newest graduates “walk the stage,” Commencement speaker Roderick “Rod” Benson, Deputy and Chief Operations Officer with the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), will share his own words of wisdom prior to the College’s newest graduating class embarking on their next journey. In his role, Benson brings over 30 years of leadership experience to CCAD. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography, he also possesses a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. Throughout his distinguished military career, Benson served in various leadership positions that included campaigns and deployments to Haiti, Operation Southern Watch, Northern Edge and Iraqi Freedom. Benson then leveraged this expertise in the private sector and led key initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies. He joined the Corpus Christi Army Depot in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become the Senior Civilian Leader of this billion-dollar organization and one of the economic engines of the Coastal Bend. His experience in the private sector––including companies such as Abbott Laboratories, where he served as Director of Engineering Operations for Global Engineering and then Site Director in Puerto Rico––has since been instrumental in driving operational efficiency at CCAD and its contribution to the National Defense Strategy. Benson’s dedication and leadership are evident in his accomplishments and awards, including the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He and his wife Rachel have three children––son Roderick Benson, Jr. and daughters Arianna Benson and Danielle Carnes––and two grandchildren, Janelle and Jake Carnes. His hobbies include barbequing, ranching, hunting and fishing.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, May 14, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold 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. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-mtg-agenda-packet_51424.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 COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Del Mar College closing Northwest Center in Calallen on May 14Article by DMC College Relations For the past 15 years, Del Mar College (DMC) has offered dual enrollment, noncredit and credit courses at the Northwest Center in Calallen. The Center was established to provide convenient educational opportunities to residents in that area of Corpus Christi and surrounding communities in northwestern Nueces County and adjacent counties. As a former orthopedic and sports medicine center, the facility was provided to the College by HCA Healthcare through a lease agreement. The lease has now concluded, and the healthcare provider will resume operational control of the building. HCA Healthcare has other plans for the facility. On May 14, the College will close the Northwest Center when classes currently offered at the facility end. Even though the College will no longer operate the Northwest Center, DMC dual enrollment classes will continue at students’ respective high schools. Other students are encouraged to enroll in courses offered at one of the College’s three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. Many courses taught at the Northwest Center prior to closure are also offered at the DMC Center for Economic Development. Registration is currently underway for Summer I and II and Fall 2024 courses. Summer I classes begin Tuesday, May 28. Continuation of students’ educational journey is the College’s paramount concern. DMC officials have communicated with affected students by email and through their advisors about this change. The College is very appreciative of HCA Healthcare and their generous almost cost-free lease that has allowed DMC to provide educational opportunities to residents living in Calallen and the surrounding area. While the Northwest Center is closing, the College maintains strong relationships with HCA Healthcare, the City of Corpus Christi and area high schools, and future partnerships are possible. Del Mar College is committed to prioritizing access to education to everyone living in the communities the institution serves. It’s one of the College’s core values.
- DMC History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone Designated Today as a Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor” (Video)Article by Melinda Eddleman (Updated with video clip May 16, 2024) Colleagues with the Del Mar College (DMC) Social Sciences Department and administrators filed into History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone’s classroom one by one this morning. Students in the faculty member’s class, HIST 1302 U.S. History 1865 to Present, looked a little perplexed. But, the purpose became clear when College officials presented Dr. Stone with a certificate designating him a 2024 “Piper Professor,” along with a $5,000 honorarium check and commemorative gold pin. The recognition comes from the San Antonio-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with nominations for the pinnacle of Texas higher education awards submitted by invitation only. Each year, the Piper Foundation honors only 10 professors from public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities from across the state, and the honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific and scholarly achievements. As a 2024 Piper Professor, Dr. Stone joins 10 other honorees named before him from Del Mar College since 1960. He’s also the first nominee since 2005 to receive the distinction. Fellow History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins, who nominated Dr. Stone for the award, noted, “Bryan is a model scholar-teacher who excels at every aspect of being a professor at a community-minded institution. He is a prolific author of three books and many articles, a supportive colleague who brings out the best in those he works with and a dedicated member of the local community who is eager to share his time and expertise beyond the College, so it’s a great honor to have Bryan as a colleague and a pleasure to see him receive this well-deserved award.” With over 27 years of teaching experience from previous teaching positions and his role at DMC, Dr. Stone joined the College’s faculty in August 2004 as an Assistant Professor and moved up the ranks to become Professor in 2015. He is the 2019 recipient of Del Mar College’s own award that recognizes exceptional teaching, the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, and a 2021 Teacher of the Year Award recipient for which the College’s student body selects. Dr. Stone has now added the Piper Professor Award and humbly noted, “When I received notification that I was one of only 10 recipients in the state, I was thrilled and grateful but also more than a little surprised. After a quarter of a century teaching in community college classrooms, trying to support my students and colleagues as well as I can, trying to keep up with a profession that keeps changing and always unsure if I was succeeding, it’s extremely meaningful to receive this confirmation that it’s working.” His colleague Dr. Robbins added, “Bryan imparts on his students a style of learning history that is simultaneously exciting, complex, thought-provoking and deeply relevant. Hhis students come away from his classes ready to engage pressing issues in their national and local communities and with the skill sets to not only excel in further history coursework but also to succeed outside the classroom.” In fact, outside the classroom, Dr. Stone has served on 24 College committees during his tenure, ranging from academic, peer and program reviews and hiring to institutional rebranding, strategic planning, professional development and student support, among others. He has also provided insight and expertise while serving in different roles with outside organizations such as the City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission, Congregation Beth Israel Corpus Christi, the Austin Jewish Film Festival and Southern Jewish History (managing editor) as well as served as an expert witness regarding the history of antisemitism in Dallas as part of a death row inmate’s application for a new trial. Dr. Stone has authored three books, including The Chosen Folks, Jews on the Frontiers of Texas (University of Texas Press, 2014), Memories of Two Generations: A Jewish Life in Russia and Texas, the Memoir of Alexander Z. Gurwitz (University of Alabama Press. 2016) and Neither Fish Nor Fowl: A Jewish Family on the Rio Grande, the Memoir of Morris S. Riskind (Texas Tech University Press, forthcoming 2024/2025). Additionally, he has penned numerous articles and given presentations locally as well as during conferences across the country. The practicing historian has even been interviewed for video documentaries and by National Public Radio. Prior to joining the College’s Social Sciences Department faculty, Dr. Stone taught at The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) and Dawson Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English (summa cum laude) and his doctoral degree in American Studies and Civilization from UT-Austin and a master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia. FYI: Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor of the Year” Awards The Texas-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation currently honors 10 professors from colleges and universities from across the state each academic year. The honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific, and scholarly achievements. Each honoree receives certificates naming them a “Piper Professor,” a gold commemorative pin, and a $5,000 cash honorarium. Each year, eligibility for nominations is by invitation only from the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with the name of only one nominee allowed from the Texas institutions asked to participate. Eleven Del Mar College faculty members have received the distinction of “Piper Professor” since 1960 with the most recent honor awarded May 1, 2024. Those honorees include: 2024 – Dr. Bryan Stone, History 2005 – Jackie Ganshow, Speech Communication 2002 – Dr. Ken Weatherbie, History 1996 _ Dr. Norman Delaney, History 1993 _ Mary Thorpe, Geology 1984 – Dr. Ronald Williams, Engineering Technology 1974 – Frances Dushek, Mathematics 1971 – Dr. Aileen Creighton, English 1966 – Dr. P.E. Smith, Chemistry 1963 – B.E. Schulze, Physics 1960 – Katherine Evans, English EDITOR'S NOTE: Click photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download high resolution JPEGs.
