Article by Melinda Eddleman Del Mar College’s (DMC) new Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is a “game changer” for in-district residents who qualify and are accepted to begin courses this fall. And much like athletes who sign contracts to play at the collegiate or professional level, applicants selected for the program don’t have to worry about paying for their courses, but they do have to “sign on the dotted line” and commit to completing their associate’s degrees within three years as full-time students. Today, May 21, nine new Vikings participated during a “signing ceremony” symbolizing their new journey in higher education this fall semester and a path to completing their associate’s degrees over the next three years as part of the first cohort to participate in the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program. The pilot program is a first for Del Mar College, and Dr. Escamilla noted, “For the first time in our 90-year history, we are waiving the cost of tuition and most fees for incoming freshmen who qualify for the program like these students.” He added, “We want our students to have the freedom to fully focus on what’s most important – completing their education and owning their dreams.” Roy Miller High School senior Jonathan Anguiano couldn’t agree more. The 18-year-old dual enrollment student who has focused on occupational courses to improve his welding skills said, “Even as a student coming straight out of high school into college, I work and have bills, so this program is a relief that my education is covered. It’s truly a blessing and a once-in-a-lifetime chance that Del Mar College is giving me this opportunity to not worry about tuition.” He plans to complete his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Applied Technology and was among the nine individuals signing the Freedom to Dream contract during the ceremony. In early March, the DMC Board of Regents approved the pilot program. Aas of May 16, current count shows that 2,138 individuals have requested information about the program or applied. Approximately 1,145 individuals have met eligibility requirements and have been selected, and 532 individuals have signed their agreements. In-district residents can learn more and apply for the program through Aug. 1 at www.delmar.edu/freedom/. Durin the May 21 event, Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott said, “I want to add an adjective to this ceremony and call it ‘groundbreaking.’” She added, “The program truly increases access to higher education for more Coastal Bend residents – like these students. By removing financial barriers, the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver creates a more level playing field for higher education.” The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program covers tuition and some fees using “first-in funding,” which comes from two sources: 1) DMC Foundation funds previously donated for the Viking Promise Program and approved for use to support the pilot program by its Board of Trustees and 2) the revenue generated from the state’s outcomes-based funding model for community colleges established by House Bill 8 in 2023. The first-in funding model allows students to draw from their financial aid or scholarships as resources to pay for living expenses and other collegiate-related costs––such as books, gear or program-specific uniforms––so they can attend DMC full-time. “The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is making my dreams possible now that I don’t have to worry about paying for classes,” says Marysabel Lopez, who will graduate from high school among West Oso ISD’s Class of 2025 on May 30. “Instead, I can perform my heart out as a Music Education major because my dream is to teach the experience of being a part of music to younger generations.”  Lopez signed her contract May 21, too. Qualifications for the first cohort include: All Qualifying Applicants: • Live in the Del Mar College District (taxing district), which includes the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Indepe3ndent School Districts. • Enroll full-time (12 Semester Credit Hours or more). • Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA). • Enroll in a for-credit program or certificate. • Commit to a formal agreement or “contract” to complete their studies withing a three-year period. High School Students: • Graduating among the Class of 2025 or equivalent. • Dual Credit students are eligible regardless of the number of Semester Credit Hours they have earned. Adult Learner: • First-time-in-college student with12 Semester Credit Hours or lLess.  As an adult learner, 39-year-old Joseph Collin, who previously completed his high school equivalency or General Educational Development (GED) certificate at Del Mar College and earned three Semester Credit Hours toward Liberal Arts studies, plans to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree. Currently a reception group leader and phlebotomist at CSI Plasma, Collin says, “My dream is to become a Surgical First Assistant with specialties in Neurology, but more specifically, I want to focus on the brain and what causes Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.”   Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program can propel Collin and others to do just that…“own their dreams.”

Article by Melinda Eddleman For some parts of the country, chasing the ‘American Dream’ may seem impossible because of consistent economic disadvantages. Here in South Texas’ Coastal Bend region, access to workforce training, higher education and other resources––specifically at Del Mar College (DMC)––is greater than ever and helping the region’s residents move their standard of living upward. On May 13, the Board of Regents heard a report by DMC administrators that correlated the college’s initiatives and successful outcomes with research data presented by internationally recognized Dr. John N. Friedman, Briger Family Distinguished Professor of Economics and International and Public Affairs at Brown University, that included Del Mar College during his presentation, “Community Colleges and Upward Mobility,” during the Bellwether College Consortium’s Community College Futures Assembly held in San Antonio in February. College presenters covered findings presented by Dr. Friedman related to Americans’ inability to escape poverty and how Del Mar College is addressing that issue successfully here in the Coastal Bend. Scroll down to the end of this release to watch the full presentation. According to the New York Times’ College Mobility study (2017) used by Dr. Friedman during his February presentation, Del Mar College ranks in the top 10% among all colleges nationwide or 217th out of 2,137 with moving students from lower income levels to a better way of life. Additionally, the college ranks in the top 8% among two-year colleges nationwide and 34th out of 123 Texas colleges ranked in the Mobility Index study with DMC listed third below Laredo College (ranked 6th) and Central Texas College (ranked 23rd) among the nine institutions listed in the “Large College” category for the state. The Mobility Index measure reflects both access and outcomes representing the likelihood that a student who attended DMC moved up two or more income quintiles [RG1] in comparison to their parents’ income level. Known for its occupational and technical programs that meet industry partners’ workforce needs, the following table shows key career fields in the Coastal Bend region, the number of graduates completing DMC programs in these areas, median wage for local and peer graduates and the difference between the two median wages for years 2015-2022: Additionally, passage of House Bill 8 (HB 8) nearly two years ago restructured the state’s community college funding model, allowing DMC to develop and implement multi-faceted strategic initiatives that expand Coastal Bend residents’ access to higher education and workforce training while the college continues to optimize workforce development opportunities through community and industry partnerships. Among strategic initiatives to further propel students’ upward economic mobility are: • Dual Credit Financial Aid Swift Transfer (FAST) Program: Expanding Access and Equity          - Expanded eligibility to all Coastal Bend high school students, covering tuition, fees and             associated costs (Books and supplies) • Workforce-Focused Academic Pathways           - Industrial Technology: (Process Technology/Welders)          - Health Sciences: (Nurses, Dental Technicians, Allied Health Professionals)           - STEM & Emerging Tech: $1.9 million City of Corpus Christi grant (AI, Robotics, Industrial              Instrumentation) • Economic Impact and Community Partnerships           - Del Mar College has a total annual impact of $716.7 million (EMSI Economic Study)          - Valdar’s Market: Food Pantry – Support & Academic persistence            - Health Services: Free dental hygiene clinics, free mobile medical services through             the South Texas Family Planning & Health Corporation • Affordability and Accessibility Initiatives          - Free Tuition Pilots: Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program          - Low-Cost Credentials: Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and             Leadership degree • Corporate Partnerships and Workforce Training          - DMC’s Corporate Services training in safety, leadership, and technical skills          - APEX Accelerator initiative assists local businesses get federal contracts • Guided Pathways to Success (GPS)           - Advising Checkpoints: At 15, 30 and 45 credit hours completed          - Transfer Pathways: Partnerships with universities  

Article by Melinda Eddleman (updated with video May 19, 2025) The tune is a familiar one during graduation ceremonies whether for elementary, high school or college graduates. We’re talking about “Pomp & Circumstance,” and for the 713[RG1]  out of the 953 prospective graduates making up the Class of May 2025, this Friday night will mark a new chapter in their lives when they march into and out of the arena at the American Bank Center during Del Mar College’s (DMC) Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Overall, the college is awarding 1,214 certificates and associate’s degrees combined to the total graduating class this spring. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Due to limited tickets that graduates may provide to family and friends to attend the ceremony in-person, DMC will livestream the event. Individuals can go online to watch beginning at 6:30 p.m. using the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlH4sJtrpgg. Before participating prospective graduates walk the stage, DMC alumnus Dr. Wayne Morris, D.D.S./F.A.G.D., will provide the keynote address.   Originally from Goldthwaite, Texas, Dr. Morris lived in Hebbronville for six years before moving with his family to Corpus Christi at age 11. An angler from a young age, he caught a nearly 7-foot-long tarpon off the old Bob Hall Pier at age 12, a fish longer than he was tall. The W.B. Ray High School graduate attended Del Mar College before graduating from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He then completed his studies at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Dr. Morris retired from his local practice after 50 years of providing dental care to his patients. As a young athlete, Dr. Morris played football on the Ray High School team and was a senior when “The Fighting Texans” won the state championship in 1959. He then played on Del Mar College’s football team in 1960 when the Vikings won the Pioneer Conference Championship for a second year in a row. That year was also the last that the college fielded a football team. The DMC freshman also served as president of his class during the 1960-1961 academic year. Dr. Morris is a member of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and has served in every board position, including the presidency. He is a longtime member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. He earned a fellowship in 1992 from the Academy of General Dentistry after completing 1,500 hours of continuing dental education and passing a comprehensive exam covering the field. Father of three sons and grandfather to five children, Dr. Morris has coached Youth Football and Little League Baseball for 30 years. Two Little League teams even made their way to the state championship tournament, and one player coached by Dr. Morris moved through the ranks all the way to Major League Baseball. For over 55 years, Dr. Morris has attended the First Christian Church of Corpus Christi where he has served as a Congregational Elder for more than 40 years. He has been married to his Ray High School sweetheart, Janet, since 2018. UPDATE (5/19/25): To watch Dr. Morris' keynote address given on May 16, click on the video below:  

Article by College Relations Office Tuesday, May 13, 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 as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-5-13-25.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.     

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For nearly three-quarters of a century, the Reception Ceremony is what a small but resourceful group of Del Mar College (DMC) students and instructors eagerly await when that special––Recognition Day––comes around, and the campus community acknowledges their accomplishments and willingness to go above and beyond to make an impact.   The College held its 73rd annual Recognition Day Ceremony today, May 8, in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus. The College honored 134 students who were selected to receive “Outstanding Achievement” Awards in programs of study in the institution’s academic divisions––Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences; Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Kinesiology and Education; Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences; and Industry and Public Service––along with this year’s newest members of the prestigious “Hall of Fame,” which was first launched in 1949. (Click on photos to enlarge in pop-up box, read identifications and download.)   During the ceremony, the college also recognized its Instructors of the Year with one faculty member representing each of DMC’s three campuses. Selected by the student body, this year’s honorees include Forrest Jerome Dorsey, Adjunct Instructor in Paralegal Studies, who represents the Heritage Campus; Windward Campus representative and Instructor of Dental Hygiene Josie Marie Wilson; and Dr. Robert Louis Parrillo, Assistant Instructor of Political Science, who represents the Oso Creek Campus. Student Government Association officers presented the honors to this year’s recipients.  Joining the ranks of the 424 members in the Hall of Fame, this year’s inductees included four students representing four different corners of the college. The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are Sarah Chloe Castillo, a Paralegal Studies major; Christopher Tichacek, a Hospitality Management major; Brandice Sayen, an Education major specializing in Early Childhood to sixth grade; and Sergio Trejo, a Welding Applied Technology major. These individuals join a steadily growing list of DMC graduates who met the benchmark for 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. (Click on photos to enlarge in pop-up box, read identifications and download.) Castillo was a long-serving member of the Vocal Vikings forensics team, first joining the speech and debate club in Fall 2023 and serving as Captain this past semester. She served as a presenter during the Vocal Vikings Showcase in Spring 2024 and participated in all competitions held each semester, including the Phi Rho Pi Regional and National competition and annual gatherings, such as Battle at the Alamo, Texas Shuffle and the DMC’s own Speech on the Beach competition. As a member of the Legal Professions Association, Castillo volunteered during the Fall Carnival in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, she was a member of the Texas Rising Del Mar College Club and Geoscience Club, participated in various Girl Scouts activities in 2023 and was named to the Dean’s List in Fall 2023 and Spring 20204.    Sayen currently serves as Secretary for the Education Society and is a member of the Viking Vanguard, a relatively new leadership program that is overseen by the College Relations Office. During this academic year, she has participated during several activities for senior citizens, performed science experiments for students during Creekside Elementary Science Night and read to students during Reading Across America at Club Estates Elementary School. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Sally Graf Rascoe Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.      Tichacek is also among the first DMC students to participate with the Viking Vanguard program and volunteered during the DMC Foundation’s 2024 Scholarship Dinner and during the college’s Fall Commencement Ceremony. Additionally, he served as Treasurer for the Hospitality and Chefs Student Association this spring. Last fall, Tichacek volunteered during the annual Greek Fest and KEDT Classic Brew fundraiser events and during the college’s Viking Fest. As a Viking Vanguard member, he also volunteered his assistance during the William F. White, Jr. Library grand reopening this April as well as during SkillsUSA competitions held at the Oso Creek Campus. His awards include Outstanding Academic Student Award (Spring 2024) as well as the Small Business Internship Program Intern of the Month Award (September 2024) and Intern of the Year Award (Spring 2025). Treasurer plans to pursue DMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. Trejo was a member of the Welding Club in Fall 2024. Among his awards, he won second place during the DMC Welding Applied technology Program’s Día De Los Muertos 2023 competition and first place last fall. He has earned first place honors during district level SkillsUSA competition, including Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, second place during the State 2024 competition and first place during State competition earlier this semester. He has also won first place during the 2024 Craft Training Center and South Texas Vocational Tech competitions. The College also recognized the hard work of fellow graduates who have earned the “Outstanding Student” Award from one of the College’s four divisions: Division of Communications, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Art: Ariana Capo, Erika Liera Huchim, Samantha Nieves, Clara Rebke, Nemo Reveron, Mia Vasquez Drama: Samuel Howarth, Grant Sykora Journalism: David Carroll Speech: Hannah Gatchel, Teresa Gonzalez Foreign Language:  Gabriella Salinas History: Joel Byerley, Diego Cano, Leilani Crown, Carleigh Curran, Abrm Dabbs, Elijah De Luna, Elizabeth Olson, Marissa Pena, Kayla Prater, Peyton Yaws Division Of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Math, Kinesiology and Education Chemistry: Parris Russel EC-6, 4-8, EC-12 Special Education:  Ashleigh Alanis, Isabella Bustamante, Michelle Cruz, Rachel Flores, Angelita Flores Sauceda, Gabrielle Garza, Shailynn Johnson, Brooke Jones, Melanie Martinez, Aliyah Medina, Yvonne Perez, Leeza Rodriguez, Brandice Sayen, Samantha Simpson, Ashlyn Sosa, McKenna Sullivan, Allie Tabler Grades 8-12 History/Social Studies: Mia Beltran, Fabian Gonzales, Garrison Weber Grades 8-12 with Emphasis in English: Analisa Chavez Grades 8-12; EC-12 Other than SE - Life Sciences: Emelie Chapa Physics: Thomas Brewer, Mahdi Shafiei NTS-Network Admin and Info Security Systems: Angela Meyer Division Of Industry and Public Service Occupational Safety & Health: Adrian Arriola, Janette Szepessy Process Tech-Industrial Instrumentation: Levy Herrera Welding Applied Technology: Marley Bryant, Melanie Gonzalez, Sergio Mellado, David Plata Basic Firefighting II: Logan Young Division Of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences Cosmetology: Rylee Ray, Julissa Rodriguez Dental Assisting: Caitlyn Alaniz, Kaylie Barrera, Richard Cabrialez, Kaitlyn Carlucci, Ellianna Chapa, Jenica Charles, Daisy Flores, Jacelyn Hohensee, Heather Mendoza, Alina Sanchez Dental Hygiene: Simran Amit Patel, Ashlyn Butcher, Rayna Byler, Efren Mesa Carmona, Alysa Countryman, Ana Cynthia Chavez, Autumn Diaz, Emma Durbin, Natalie Garcia, Celeste Gonzalez, Claudia Gould, Madison Hernandez, Jeremiah Keever, Claudette Lara, Timothy Laughbaum, Nailah Leal, Lyza Leal, Alejandra Morales, Jacklyn Mrayyan, Kimberly Nguyen, Kalee Nuanes, Brianna Polk, Natalie Price, Amanda Ramirez, Jasmine Ramsey, Anissa Rodriguez, DeAnna Ross, Jade Saenz, Gladys Sanchez, Karla Soto, Vanessa Squyres, Helen Escobar Villar, Kaylie Westmoreland, Jaelyn Zambrano Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Katelynn Flores, Daniel Linares Echocardiography: Tristan George Hospitality Management: Kayla Foster, Tina McPherson Medical Assisting: Liliana Andablo, Alexandria Bush, Naomi Ludan Medical Laboratory Technology: Jennifer Argo, Alyssa Carrasco, Taylor Clark, Kaitlyn Coleman, Danielle Garcia, Kaylee Griffin, Jensen Higy, Lucinda Jaramillo, Carlo Pacimeo, Tracie Pyle Paralegal Studies: Alejandro Benavides Radiologic Technology: Devan Leal Respiratory Therapy: Kayla Lopez, John Medado, Daniela Sandoval-Estudiante Surgical Technology: Carmen Almeida, Jenny Echavarrie, Leah Elliott, Monique Gutierrez, Stephanie Lopez, Danielle Smith, Natalie Solis, Fernando Zavala Bachelor of Applied Science in Organization Management and Leadership: Michael Castillo   Download the PDF file below of the Recognition Day program, which incudes all recognitions awarded on May 8 in Richardson Performance Hall.

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.  Although there have been intermittent observances in previous years, Denim Day at Del Mar College has continually occurred since 2017 as an opportunity to connect the global movement for sexual assault awareness with the college’s local campus community. That same year, the #MeToo movement gained worldwide momentum, and in partnership between the DMC Counseling Center and the DMC Title IX Committee, DMC faculty and staff joined in by holding signs reading “30DaysOfSAAM” and “#MeTooDMC,” while sharing survivor love letters filled with words of encouragement and support. What began as a small initiative among faculty and staff soon expanded into a full campuswide event by 2018. Denim Day at Del Mar College continues to grow and thrive, now marking eight years of solidarity and support following the pivotal Italian Supreme Court ruling that sparked the original movement. Learn more at denimday.org. Every April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the DMC Counseling Center together with The Purple Door and DMC student organizations such as the American Association of University Women and Active Minds Mental Health Club come together to provide resources, raise awareness, and remind students they are not alone with DMC  Counseling offering free and confidential support services to all students who need it. Event coordinator and DMC Counselor Shakira Barnes says that organizers invited everyone to wear jeans with a purpose and take part during the event, which included free goodies, water and red ribbons and an opportunity to write messages of encouragement for survivors. “We are proud to stand with and support all Vikings in creating a culture of awareness, empowerment and compassion,” Barnes says. “Denim Day is important to the Del Mar College community because it breaks the stigma around sexual violence, challenges victim-blaming myths and shows solidarity with survivors.” Click on images to enlarge in pop-up box, read cutlines and download.