Hard work pays off … Spring 2024 “Prospective” Graduate List (ceremony video and program PDF file included)
Article by DMC College Relations
Hard work, long days or nights and juggling coursework with employment schedules or family obligations to reach their goal is paid off Friday, May 17,when nearly 700 Del Mar College “prospective” graduates who signed up to participate during Spring 2024 Commencement “walked the stage” in the American Bank Center Arena to receive their certificate or associate’s degree or both.
DSC07084
Before DMC’s newest graduates made that time-honored walk, keynote speaker Roderick “Rod” Benson, Deputy and Chief Operations Officer with the Corpus Christi Army Depot, shared his own words of wisdom and advice.
The full ceremony is available to watch below (scroll down to the bottom of the page). The Commencement program is provided as a downloadable PDF file in the upper right-hand corner above “Contacts.”
Overall, the Del Mar College Class of Spring 2024 includes 926 “prospective” graduates who have earned 1,137 associate’s degrees and certificates combined. Those Vikings include:
Valdar with Two Spring 2024 Prospective Graduates
LIBERAL ARTS
Associate in Arts
Mary F. Adams, Linzee J. Alaniz, Amelia C. Anderson, Jesus M. Anzures, Christian I. Arredondo, Zachary J. Austin, Raizel B. Auza, Aydin Z. Avalos, Gabriela E. Avila, Ezequiel Baltierra, Arianna A. Barron, Sebastian A. Bautista, Juaquin Benavides, Aurora F. Cano, Sydney J. Cantu, Rubianna Casares, Emily M. Castillo, Aria I. Cavazos, Sophia I. Chapa, Jorge Colchado, Jordan J. Cox, Ezequiel Delucio Jr., Makenzi E. Driggers, Elizabeth D. Elizondo, Brianna Y. Flores, Emilee M. Flores, Deborah J. Garcia, Mercedes M. Garcia, Liana M. Garza, Andrea N. Gonzalez, Ariana G. Gonzalez, Melanie A. Granado, Andrea Guevara, Maika S. Hammaker, Lynda S. Haynes-Gonzalez, Sofia A. Hernandez, Alexia A. Ibarra, Laura A. Janney, Texas A. Jones, Jayda T. King, Jenny Lam, Christian A. Laurel, Landon R. Laurel, Alvin L. Lawson, Molly A. Lazo, Claudia Leon, Citlali S. Lopez, Isac Lopez Uribe, Sarah G. Lucio, Heather R. Lynch Guerrero, Gabriel P. Maldonado, Juan I. Marquez Jr., Nicole L. Martin, Maddison Y. Martinez, Michael T. Mende, Christian R. Molina, Miguel A. Munguia Jr., Jazmin E. Narvaez, Zachary S. Nava, Phoebe M. Norales de la Rosa, Kaelub L. Olivares, Claudia Y. Ortiz, Caitlin R. Paz, Ailoni N. Pena, Erik D. Perez Lara, Damian J. Quiroga, Bethany L. Ramon, Brandon J. Rangel, Luis G. Reyna, Ashley L. Rivers, Lily M. Rodriguez, Brenda E. Saavedra, Alexis J. Saldana, Aracely A. Salinas, Michelle M. Sanchez, Noah E. Sanchez, Clarissa A. Schuermann, Justin Schwerdtfeger, Edward R. Sircy, Emma Z. Torres, Sarah B. Urbanovsky, Chloe E. Valdez, Irene T. Vargas, Jesse N. Vasquez, Charles C. Vela, Janessa A. Vela, Apolinario G. Villarreal, Veronica Y. Villarreal, Noah A. Villegas, Jesse M. Yabut and Taylor J. Young
Grads Listening to Keynote Address_Spring 2024 Commencement
DIVISION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, AND KINESIOLOGY AND EDUCATION
COMPUTER SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Associate in Science
Robin R. Bessonett, Fernando A. Flores, Richard L. Gidrey III, Samuel J. Gutierrez, Tran V. Le, Jorge R. Mateo Zenon, Brittany A. Mounce, John J. Olguin, Aurora N. Raygoza, Dillinger G. Siadak and Joshua D. Summerford
Associate in Applied Science
Justin D. Avalos, Jazmine C. Benitez, Ernesto J. Constante Jr., Damon M. Gutierrez, Harold O. Igwe, Jahmil N. Reyes, Gregorio C. Rodriguez Jr., Ricardo J. Sandoval and Blaine T. Trim
Certificate
Justin D. Avalos, Jazmine C. Benitez, Ernesto J. Constante Jr., Theodore P. Donna, Damon M. Gutierrez, Jonah C. Hamilton, Harold O. Igwe, Jahmil N. Reyes, Gregorio C. Rodriguez Jr., Ricardo J. Sandoval and Blaine T. Trim
Occupational Skills Award
Robin R. Bessonett, Noah C. Cantu, Carlos C. Carmona, Theodore P. Donna and Jonah C. Hamilton
Latest DMC News
- DMC Board of Regents holding tour workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop, which encompasses a capital improvement projects tour for Board members and the news media, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting at the Memorial Building on Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (corner of Ayers St. and Baldwin Blvd.). The tour includes three facilities: the Memorial Building, Viking Hall and the William F. White, Jr. Library. The regular monthly meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Online directions and maps for Heritage Campus and the Center for Economic Development are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. The regular monthly meeting will be livestreamed. Community members may access the livestream by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of both Agenda Notices and the regular meeting Board Packet are available online as follows: • 9:30 a.m. Workshop: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/bor-workshop-agenda-10-8-2024.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-10-8-24.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. Additionally, the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Del Mar College’s Live Sound class to run board, manage stage for House of Rock’s Outside Stage during Oct. 4 Music WalkArticle by Richard Guerrero Jr. When the long-running Austin psychedelic rock band The Bright Light Social Hour hits the outdoor stage at Music Walk Friday night, Oct. 4, the band’s densely atmospheric sound will be managed by the capable students of Del Mar College’s (DMC) Live Sound (MUSC 1405) class. They’re taught by Alejandro Hernandez, a graduate of the College’s Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program and a professional engineer who tours with local country singer-songwriter Roger Creager. With five studio albums to their credit, The Bright Light Social Hour has toured consistently over the years, providing support for headliners like the incredibly prolific California garage-psych act Osees as well as high-profile, no-introduction-needed acts like The Flaming Lips and Aerosmith. The Bright Light Social Hour has also performed at huge-stage events like Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits Festival, which reportedly draws nearly half a million music fans annually. The band has a history of drawing near-capacity crowds at the House of Rock during previous appearances. During Music Walk, The Bright Light Social Hour’s set on the Live Sound stage on Starr Street just outside the House of Rock is sure to draw a sizable audience looking to enjoy a sublime performance anchored in a richly nuanced concert sound. No pressure, right? Pressure is precisely the point according to Dr. Paul Bissell, DMC Professor of Sound Recording Technology and Program Coordinator. He says that mixing live music in an unpredictable environment filled with many variables is challenging to say the least, and while technical knowledge and stage management best practices are well-suited to classroom delivery, experience is mandatory. MUSC 1405 student Richard Landeros says he has experienced some of these challenges firsthand. As a freelance audio engineer, Landeros has served as a sound designer and engineer for several marching bands as well as Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, which is based in Austin. Landeros says that running the Music Walk stage is a great opportunity for the students in the Live Sound class to gain real experience running sound for a large event. “Being put into real-life challenges and pressure of a live gig isn’t something that can be replicated in the classroom,” Landeros notes. Casey Lain, House of Rock co-owner, adds that running live sound is one of the most challenging jobs at a live event because everyone from the performer to the fan in the crowd is counting on a sound engineer to provide a concert-level sound that is equal parts sonic clarity and effective yet controlled volume. “Great sound is expected at every event and will leave a lasting impression,” Lain says. “The Live Sound class at Del Mar is a great way to get into the business. This class helps teach the science behind audio engineering and preps students on the basics of running sound.” Bissell adds that certain concepts tend to resonate more deeply in an experiential setting. “Students can understand the notion that groups are going to be different, but it doesn’t feel tangible,” he says. “Sometimes, it’s knowing when and where the battles are that you need to fight and which ones you’re going to have to push down the road because it’s not going to happen the way you thought. A lot of times in live music, you are responsible but not really in charge.” At Music Walk, the nine Live Sound students will rotate through various assignments during the evening. The entertainment lineup includes locals Funk Rock Stereo, Emma James and Animal Mood, along with the headliner. Each student will take turns running the mixing console as well as manage stage times, assist with equipment change-outs and trouble-shoot on-stage issues. Bissell notes that while the Oct. 4 event is the second year that Live Sound students have run a stage at Music Walk, the history of the Live Sound class’s involvement with downtown events dates back to 2000 when his students ran sound for a stage during the Day of the Dead event. In recent years, Live Sound students have run the board in-house at the House of Rock. For Music Walk’s inaugural kickoff last year, Bissell offered to have Live Sound students run a stage. “We had everything from rock bands to a singer and keyboardist duo to a full mariachi group – it was all over the place,” Bissell says. “This year, it’s mostly rock bands, so focusing on a single style will make it easier for our students.” For his part, Landeros says the SRT program has provided networking opportunities that have helped him move forward in the industry. “I think that along with my work and drive, it is certain to help make my goals happen in the near future,” says Landeros. Lain says that he’s grateful when he hires the College’s Live Sound students whenever the opportunity arises. “I can’t be more thankful for what DMC is doing with the Live Sound class – we have a partnership that has lasted well over a decade,” he says, noting that the venue’s current engineer is a former student of the class and that all the Live Sound students hired by the House of Rock have brought solid technical knowledge to the table. He adds, “Nothing will replace on-the-job training, but the Live Sound class preps students in a way that prepares them for the challenges they will face behind the console.” Bissell says SRT graduates often find work as live sound engineers in other area venues like the Exchange as well as churches. Other graduates own live sound companies like Melon Sound or operate a recording studio like Harbor City Sound Lab. Additional opportunities also exist in the radio and television broadcast industries as well as city government offices. For additional information about the SRT program at Del Mar College, visit https://www.delmar.edu/offices/srt/index.html
- “Greater Tuna” hitting Finley Theatre stage in October with Del Mar Drama professors performing hilarious two-man comedy (UPDATED: VIDEO)Article by Del Mar Drama and Melinda Eddleman October marks a bittersweet production as Del Mar College (DMC) faculty member Kim Frederick and his colleague Carl Yowell perform the hilarious two-man off-Broadway hit comedy, “Greater Tuna,” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre Oct. 4-5 and 10-12. Frederick is retiring at the end of the fall semester after 36 years with the College, and “Greater Tuna” will be his last performance as part of Del Mar Drama. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, “Greater Tuna” originated in Austin, Tx., and toured nationally for over 26 years. The lovingly satirical play about small-town Texas life and attitudes features Frederick and Yowell performing all 22 characters and their antics during this not-to-be-missed production. Frederick, who is currently serves as the Art & Drama Department’s Chairman, has taught at the College since 1988 while Yowell began his DMC teaching career in 1995. Both Professors of Drama have performed together in many theatrical fundraising productions over the years, including “The Mystery of Irma Vep” and the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” “Greater Tuna” will be their final fundraiser together for the Drama Program. Rated PG-13 due to mature content, “Greater Tuna” performances begin at 7:30 p.m. all evenings (Oct. 4-5 and 10-12) in the Finley Theatre, which is located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID. The Drama Box Office opens one hour before each performance with in-person, day-of-show tickets available. Advance tickets also are available online at delmardrama.ludus.com. An exclusive pre-show fundraising reception called “Tuna Town Social” will be held Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery also located in the Fine Arts Center. Guests will be served complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres as well as have the chance to meet “Greater Tuna” co-creator Jaston Williams. Tickets for this fundraising reception are $100 with only 75 tickets being sold. A cash bar will be available all production nights with after-show receptions featuring complimentary catering scheduled on Opening Night (Oct. 4), DMC Faculty and Staff Night (Oct. 5), Student Night (Oct. 10 with everyone welcome) and on Oct. 11. Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. You can also visit Del Mar Drama’s theatre page at delmar.edu/theatre. This production has generously been sponsored by Garcia & Richmond, AEP, Snyder & Associates, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, Inc., The Blanco Agency and Amorette V. Garza-Morales & Manuela Gonzalez. One-hundred percent (100%) of ticket sales and donations will go toward the Drama Program, student enrichment activities and future productions. Of his last production with Del Mar Drama, Frederick notes, “I was fortunate to meet Jaston Williams when I performed ‘Greater Tuna’ at Corpus Christi State University in 1986. The show had such a huge impact on me that I promised I would perform it again before I retire.” If you attend, you’ll not only have a lasting impression by watching the acting talent of two DMC Drama faculty but also be one of the last few to see Frederick onstage during “Greater Tuna.” Get your tickets now! They won’t last!
- DMC Art Program hosting Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, this fall’s exhibit in Cain Art GalleryArticle by Melinda Eddleman Each photographer sees the world differently, and the shots they capture through their lens can reflect their own unique perspective. For this fall’s exhibit in the Del Mar College (DMC) Cain Art Gallery, the Art Program will host the show, Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, beginning this Friday, Sept. 20, with an opening reception that features 49 photographs selected by juror María Beatriz H. Carrión, Assistant Curator of Photographs at the Amon Carter Museum of Art. In Fort Worth. The opening reception runs 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery, which located in the Fine Arts Center on the College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus ma0. Besides presenting great photography, the event includes a cash bar and complimentary catered food. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the opening reception and exhibit, contact the DMC Art Program at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu. In addition to curating the exhibit, Carrión chose first-, second- and third-place award winners as well as five honorable mentions from the photographs selected for the final show. Regarding her selection process, Carrión says, “My goal was to highlight as many approaches and subject matter as possible. This year’s winning images embody photography’s ability to capture a moment in time, tell stories and transport us to new places.” Participating photographers, including the winners, are Nina Weinberg Doran (first place), Michael Potts (second place), Patty Robertson (third place), Kipp Baker, Becky Bales, Brandin Barón, Dan Burkholder, Beth Callahan, George Craig, Greg Davis, Rajan Dosaj, Cecelia Feld, Vincent Ferrari, Cynthia Fleury, Justin Fondrie, Ariana Gomez, Dmitriy Gushchin, Travis Hallmark, Michael Hart, Nancy Hines, Roger Hord, Marie Ketring, Steve Knight, Cindy Konits, Donald Kratt, Alison Lake, Jane Lindsay, Erin Mahoney, Ed Malcik, Michael Mallory, Michael McFadden, Alan Mevis, ChengLun Na, Sharon Navage, Martha Peters, Allison Plass, Byron Rogers, Edward L. Rubin, Ricky Sanders, Lance Shields, Denis Sivack, John Skees, Sharon Socol, Beckwith Thompson, Bill Walterman and Carolina Yáñez. Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition runs through Nov. 22. And is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. Note: The photo featured in the banner is “Her Evening Walk” by photographer Ariana Gomez. Titles and photographers of the other photos are available by clicking on the graphic for a pop-up box.
- From cooking to art to politics to crafts … Del Mar College hosting full range of public activities during Hispanic Heritage Month (UPDATED)Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. The arrival of the fall semester means it’s time for Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) at Del Mar College (DMC). Chock full of cultural explorations and lively activities, HHM at the College includes timely lectures on related topics as well as a film screening and a cooking demonstration to name a few offerings during the four-week observation. The national celebration’s origins date back to the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration, which launched Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, according to The Library of Congress. President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a 30-day period after it was enacted into law in 1988. FREE public events taking place in the Coles Classroom Building on the DMC Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd.) between Sept. 16 and Oct. 15 have been organized by the College’s Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program and the DMC chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Full details about each event are available on the Viking News “Events” page at vikingnews.delmar.edu/event-calendar/. HMM events at DMC include: • Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration: Monday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC will officially kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively event filled with music, traditional Mexican refreshments and a display of historical posters from the Del Mar College chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, along with DMC Libraries showcasing a special display y highlighting relevant cultural resource materials. • Political Science Lecture on Border Security: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1 to 2 p.m., Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC Professor of Political Science Dr. Adrian Clark will explain key developments in border politics and policy at both federal and state levels so that attendees can gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics of border security and immigration policies in the United States as they relate to Texas. • Photo Exhibit and Lecture on Migrant Field Workers: Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. Rosa Linda Reynoso, retired DMC College Relations Office Staff Writer/Editor, will present a compelling exploration of the lives and contributions of migrant field workers, including a powerful photo demonstration paired with her insightful lecture designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for these vital members of our agricultural community. • LatinX Film Screening of “East Side Sushi”: Monday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Languages Lab. This inspiring film takes place in the bustling multicultural backdrop of Los Angeles and follows the journey of a Mexican American woman who defies expectations in the traditionally male-dominated world of sushi-making. As an immigrant striving to carve out her place in this unique industry, she navigates cultural challenges and personal aspirations. • Poetry Reading: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m., Room 113. “Family, Culture, Nature … and more,” enjoy a live video poetry reading with photos by Elizabeth N. Flores, retired Del Mar College Professor Emeritus of Political Science. • “De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of South Texas Chicano/a Artists,” an Art Panel Discussion: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. The panel discussion features guest speakers Dr. Carey Rote with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Liz Kim with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Gina Palacios with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. • Cooking Demonstration by Chef Maria Mata: Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 319 (new room due to anticipated audience size). Chef Mata and her assistant will cover the history and teach the techniques and secrets behind creating tortillas, an essential staple of Mexican cuisine. • Mexican Flower Making Workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m., Room 319, (new room due to anticipated audience size). DMC staff will demonstrate the art of creating papel picado, the brightly colored decorative paper craft that involves cutting intricate designs into sheets of tissue paper. Questions? Contact the DMC Department of Social Sciences at 361-698-1228 or email Dr. Isabel Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar Drama Alum Returns to DMC for One-Night, One-Man Performance in Finley Theatre Sept. 21Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar Drama alumnus Alex Garza has fond memories of his time working on stage productions under the direction of the late Sue Sellors Finley and current Art & Drama Department Chairman Kim Frederick. Both Del Mar College (DMC) faculty members influenced many students’ pursuits in the theatre arts, and Garza was no exception. As a theatre student in the early 1990s, Garza played the role of love interest Yang Sun in Bertolt Brecht’s dramatic parable, “The Good Woman of Setzuan,” which was directed by Finley. He then played the pivotal character Lord Macduff in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Macbeth,” a Del Mar Drama production directed by Frederick. Garza says Yang Sun was one of his favorite roles. “Performing in that show was such a memorable and wonderful experience. The play had a great cast that worked incredibly well as an ensemble,” Garza recalled. “The use of platforms surrounding all sides of the theatre space with an interactive audience worked tremendously to create an environmental feel to the show.” This month, Garza returns to his alma mater to lead a two-day student workshop on how to develop content for a solo performance. He’s also performing two one-man sketches in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre the second day of his visit that’s open to the public. “An Evening of Solo Theatre” is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Admission is free, and the event is generously sponsored by Del Mar College’s Cultural Programs Committee. For more information, contact the Art & Drama Department Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Garza’s first sketch, “Medea,” is based on the Greek tragedy by Euripides and tells the story of a woman fighting to be heard in a society where she feels betrayed by men and those in power. The second is “Mystery of the Super-Sparkly Diamond,” which was written by Garza himself. In this comic solo piece, Garza will play multiple characters who become caught up in a search for a missing necklace. He says that the work is inspired by his love of movie parodies and adds that it pays tribute to various mystery and detective stories from novels and film. “I wrote this piece several years ago, and in the last few years, I have adapted the script into a solo performance,” he said. A theatre educator himself, Garza has served as a lecturer in theatre/speech at The University of Texas-Pan American as well as taught drama at Coastal Bend College and Austin Community College over the years. After his time at DMC, Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts/English from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Theater Arts with a concentration in Acting/Directing two years later. His first love remains the stage, however, and Garza is no stranger to Coastal Bend theater fans. His holiday play, “Abuelita’s Christmas Carol,” which returns to the Aurora Arts Theatre on Dec. 21, has become a sold-out annual tradition in recent years. Garza’s upcoming visit to DMC marks his first opportunity to visit in his capacity as a professional actor and workshop presenter. Garza noted working with Frederick on “Macbeth” was an amazing experience. “Kim is a wonderful director with a positive energy, and I enjoyed the challenge of creating a role that demanded rigorous stage combat training and also great emotional depth,” Garza said. “Kim was so encouraging and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his company for their efforts in the production.” Garza said he is grateful for the opportunity to return to DMC and share his work and experience with the students as well as the community. “I hope that the workshop and solo performances will be enriching and enjoyable for those participating and those viewing in the audience,” he said. “Part of why I do the type of performing and writing I do is to inspire others through my stories, and I hope I am successful in doing that.”
