News

Article by: Michael Bratten Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Coastal Bend almost two years ago, but rebuilding continues in communities throughout Aransas, San Patricio, Refugio and Nueces counties. To meet the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry, Del Mar College (DMC) is offering a free program to help area residents become qualified carpenters. Registration is underway for the next two sessions of the Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Training program, which run 10 weeks simultaneously from July 29 through October 1 and are open to anyone age 18 or older. No prior experience is required, and all tools and supplies are provided. Those interested can register at the DMC Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St., or by calling (361) 698-1328. Seating is limited. Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and participants can choose to attend at one of three locations: Del Mar College West Campus            4101 Old Brownsville Road            Corpus Christi, TX 78405 Rockport-Fulton High School            1801 Omohundro St.            Rockport, TX 78382 Ingleside High School            2789 Avenue G            Ingleside, TX 78362 The program is made possible by a nearly $880,000 grant from the Rebuild Texas Fund, Rivera said. During the program, participants will construct a tiny home incorporating all the essential skills they’ve learned. Courses include: OSHA 30-HR Construction Certification Construction Math and Measurement Introduction to Power Tools Introduction to Blueprint Reading Communication and Workplace Skills Tools and Techniques for Carpentry Framing and General Construction Participants may be referred to contractors and builders for hiring consideration upon completing the program, Rivera said. Subsequent sessions are scheduled to run from October 7 through December 17. The first session began in May at Rockport-Fulton High School and concludes July 24. The media will be invited to the July 24 completion ceremony.  

Article by: Melinda Eddleman The applications for flying an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) or drone are innumerable beyond being a hobbyist. Using an UAS can range from inspecting real estate and farmland to taking those memorable videos during weddings and other special events that call for a bird’s eye view rather than taking shots at ground-level. Beginning June 24, Del Mar College (DMC) will offer Fundamentals of UAS (GUAS 2071), an eight-week self-paced online course designed to prepare individuals to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Exam to become a FAA-certified drone pilot. Ambitious students can even complete the course in as little as four weeks. The course runs though Aug. 12 and costs $99. Register through the College’s Center for Economic Development by calling 361-698-1328 or stopping by in-person at 3209 S. Staples. (Registration will be taken through the end of the month since the course is self-paced with two modules released every week for the first four weeks.) Course details are available at https://delmar.edu/continuing-education/corporate-services/corporate-college.html or by emailling jnelson1@delmar.edu. As an accredited college course through Del Mar's distinguished Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program, individuals passing the course with a B or greater can petition to have their hours converted to three (3) credit hours toward a certificate or associate’s degree. (Note:This class does not guarantee students will pass the FAA Part 107 Exam, and individuals must test at a FAA-approved Test Site. Cost for the exam is $150 and is not part of the fee for taking the online preparation course.) Taught by Del Mar College faculty member, John Nelson, who was recently named 2019 National Educator of the Year by the National Science Foundation for his significant contributions to the education and training of today’s UAS–GIS technology workforce (http://www.highimpact-tec.org/hitec2019_award.php), the curriculum covers: • Airport Operations: Reading a Chart Supplement; Runways and Traffic Patterns; Right of Way and Towered versus Nontowered Airports • Weather and Micrometeorology: Standard Conditions and Density Altitude; Wind and Currents; Moisture, Fog and Frost; Reading a METAR Report; Operating in Extreme Weather; Clouds, Ceilings and Visibility and Stable versus Unstable Air (Understanding Air Masses) • Drone Flight Operations: Hazardous Flight Operations; Emergency Operations; Lost Link Procedures; Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM); Crew Resource Management (CRM); PAVE, IMSAFE & DECIDE; Models; 5 Hazardous Attitudes; Radio Communications; UAS Loading and Performance; UAS Maintenance and Inspection and Pre-Flight Checklist • Drone Rules and FAA Regulations: The Basics of Part 107 Regulations; Crew Member Definitions; Registering Your Drone; Reporting an Accident or In-Flight Emergency; Operating Limitations: Height, Speed, Minimum Visibility and Cloud Clearance; FAA Compliance: Flight Logging, Inspections and Required Documents; Flying at Night; Flying Over People and Moving Vehicles; Flying Visual Line-of-Sight; Alcohol, Drugs and Physiology and Airspace Authorization and Waivers • National Airspace System (NAS): Class B Airspace; Class C Airspace; Class D Airspace; Class E Airspace; Class G Airspace; Special Use Airspace and Military Training Routes (MTRs) • Reading Sectional Charts: What’s a Sectional Chart? Latitude and Longitude; VFR Checkpoints; Notification Boxes; MSL versus AGL; Airports and Radio Frequencies and Maximum Elevation Figures Please be advised that a person applying for a remote pilot certificate with a “sUAS” rating must meet and maintain the following eligibility requirement per FAA 107-2 Section 107.61 Eligibility, as applicable: Be at least 16 years of age. Individuals can take the class before they are 16 years of age, but they need to be 16 years of age for eligibility to take the FAA exam to pass and earn the 107 license certification.  

Article by: Melinda Eddleman With the Coastal Bend experiencing an economic boom, construction is a “hot” industry needing workers who have the credentials desired among the local workforce. Del Mar College (DMC) has the solution. Beginning Saturday, June 15, DMC Corporate Services is offering a 70-hour National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) core course, Introductory to Craft Skills, that includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour General Industry Training course, with the total program serving as a pre-requisite for all NCCER craft credentials.   Sponsored by grant funds awarded to the College’s Safety Institute by Texas Mutual Insurance Company, tuition is $25 per student for training that would normally run $300. Classes will be held on the West Campus every Saturday June 15 through Aug. 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register, call the College’s Center for Economic Development at 698-1328 or register in-person at 3209 S. Staples. Questions? Email dbetz@delmar.edu or call 698-1093. Modules will cover topics such as Safety, Rigging, Construction Math and Drawings, along with hands-on training. Completing the curriculum gives participants the credentials needed to continue their education in any craft area they choose, including but not limited to rigging, welding, pipefitting, field safety, heavy equipment operations and project management. The course is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, a not-for-profit, industry-recognized education foundation established to standardize the training, assessment, certification and career development of construction and maintenance craftsmen in more than 70 different crafts. NCCER credentials belong to participants once they finish the core course, and these qualifications will follow them wherever they go. Additionally, credentialing records are maintained with the NCCER National Registry where industries can track and verify qualifications and credentials of current and prospective employees.

Article by: Michael Bratten Just back from attending the 2^nd World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Oldenburg, Germany, Del Mar College (DMC) biotechnology major Danial Nasr Azadani said interacting with other student researchers from all over the world was the experience of a lifetime. “It was just incredible to network and discuss my work with like-minded individuals,” said Azadani, 26, who plans to graduate from DMC in December. “Many of them asked me about the procedures and assays I’ve done. By the end of the conference, I had exchanged contact information with many other students in hopes of keeping in touch and maybe collaborating in the future.” Approximately 240 students were selected to share their scientific research at the Congress, held May 23-25 at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, located in northwest Germany. Azadani presented his research on a virus, or bacteriophage, that attacks the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, which causes infections in humans and can be difficult to treat because it’s antibiotic resistant. The title of his study is “Characterization and Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Bacteriophage Infecting a Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Strain of Enterococcus Faecalis.”   Discoveries like Azadani’s are significant in the world of science and medicine because they can lead to the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis and other harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Vibrio and flesh-eating bacteria, said John “Rob” Hatherill, PhD, DMC professor of biology, who accompanied Azadani to the Congress.   Students from community colleges are a rarity at the Congress because they usually don’t have advanced laboratory research experience, Hatherill added. In 2016, he accompanied DMC biotechnology student John Ramirez to the 1^st World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Doha, Qatar. “Most attendees are students from large universities,” Hatherill said. Azadani conducted his research on Enterococcus faecalis at DMC under Hatherill and Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, PhD, associate professor of biotechnology, and at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) under Jeffrey Turner, PhD, assistant professor of marine biology. To date, students in DMC’s biotechnology program have discovered 137 previously unknown bacteriophages and documented them on a website, phagesdb.org, along with scientists and researchers throughout the world. Another memorable experience for Azadani in Germany, he said, was meeting up with a childhood friend from Iran, whom he hadn’t seen in 12 years. Azadani, who also plans to graduate with his bachelor’s degree from TAMU-CC in December, has his eyes on a career in the biotechnology field after he completes his educational goals.  

Article by: Melinda Eddleman The maritime industry in Corpus Christi is expected to continue growing as more than a million barrels of oil leaves the Port of Corpus Christi daily and impending deepening and widening of the port approaches according to Dan Korus, dean of Del Mar College (DMC) Workforce Programs and Corporate Services. To meet the demand for entry-level employees among different maritime companies, the division is initiating a five-day course, Maritime Basic Safety Training, beginning Monday, June 17. The Maritime Basic Safety Training course is U.S. Coast Guard approved and is required by all mariners. The deadline to register for the course is Friday, June 7, and the cost is $1,200 with scholarship opportunities potentially becoming available. Questions or ready to register? Contact Jalyn Stineman, DMC Corporate Services Maritime Program coordinator, at 361-698-2181 or jstineman@delmar.edu. Maritime Basic Safety Training is comprised of four disciplines, and students must demonstrate proficiency in each, including: • Basic Fire Fighting (16 hours): students will gain the knowledge and skills to correctly handle a shipboard fire, take appropriate measures for the safety of ship personnel and use fire appliances correctly. • Personal Survival Techniques (12 hours): swimming is required for this class with trainees learning how to respond to emergency situations, take measures appropriate for their own survival and of others and use survival equipment correctly. • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (4 hours): due to the vastly different environment on a ship as compared to ashore, this course prepares new mariners for a life at sea. • First Aid /CPR (8 hours): students will learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. A certificate from the American Red Cross will be awarded upon completion.With high demand in Corpus Christi and all along the Texas Gulf Coast for maritime employees, individuals completing the course can expect entry-level employment by a barge or tow company, a line-handling operation or a longshoreman/stevedore company. The expected pay range is $165 to $175 per day. Korus noted that his division, in conjunction with San Jacinto College’s Maritime Technology and Training Center and the Southeast Maritime and Transportation Center, is working to establish a full training program that addresses multiple skills levels that local maritime employers seek. Currently, DMC Workforce Programs and Corporate Services also receives support from Coastal Bend companies and organizations, including the Port of Corpus Christi, the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots, Signet Maritime Corporation, G&H Towing, Kirby Inland Marine, Port Industries of Corpus Christi and Valero, to expand the initiative.

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Award-winning author Oscar Cásares will return to Del Mar College Thursday, May 30, to read from his new book, Where We Come From, a stunning and timely novel about a Mexican-American family in Brownsville, Texas, who reluctantly become involved in smuggling immigrants into the United States. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House, New York, Cásares’ book will be available for purchase and signing after the reading. The reading begins at 6 p.m. in Room 106 of the Center for Economic Development (3209 S. Staples St.). Sponsored by the Del Mar College Mexican American Studies Program and the Department of English and Philosophy, the event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Erica Bertero, assistant professor of English and Mexican American Studies Program coordinatorat 698-1433 or ebertero@delmar.edu. Tackling the crisis of U.S. immigration policy from a deeply human angle, Where We Come From explores through an intimate lens the ways that family history shapes us, how secrets can burden us and how finding compassion and understanding for others can ultimately set us free. The story reflects everyday occurrences in spaces between the Rio Grande and the inland Border Patrol checkpoints. The characters, Daniel, Nina and Orly are the bulk of the narrative with other vignettes of immigrants scattered throughout the novel. Cásares is the author of two other noted books that earned him fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts (2006), the Copernicus Society of America (2002) and the Texas Institute of Letters (2002). The American Library Association selected his collection, Brownsville: Stories, as a Notable Book of 2004 and is now included in the curriculum at several universities throughout the country. Cásares’ novel, Amigoland, received a “starred review” from Publisher’s Weekly, which called the work “a winning novel” and was selected for the 2010 Austin Mayor’s Book Club, a citywide reading initiative by Austin Public Library. Cásares earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Currently, he teaches creative writing and is director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about the author by visiting www.oscarcasares.com.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Del Mar College held its Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 10, with prospective graduates walking across the stage in the American Bank Center.  The College awarded approximately 1,201 certificates, associates degrees and occupational skills awards combined to about 983 prospective May graduates, which included 79 students from the Collegiate High School and the Harold T. Branch Academy, which are partnerships between the College and the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly M. Quintanilla, Ph.D., provided the keynote address. Among Del Mar College’s May 2019 “prospective” graduates are: AGUA DULCE Certificate Level I Felipe A. Uribe ALICE Associate in Arts Courtney Ann Schmidt (Cum Laude) and Madison M. Schulz-Cox Associate in Applied Science Azarriah J. Castillo (Magna Cum Laude), Courtney Ann Schmidt (Cum Laude), Canuto Ray Solis IV (Magna Cum Laude), Rolando Torres Jr. (Summa Cum Laude), Jose Elfego Trevino, Sara Jean Turner (Magna Cum Laude), Linda Jo Vargas and Raul A. Villalpando Certificate Level I Ricardo R. Hinojosa II and Homero J. Mendoza (Cum Laude) ARANSAS PASS Associate in Science Pedro Elizondo Associate in Applied Science Tessa M. Conley, Anastasiia Garza, Ariana Kate Jimenez, Kellie R. Lopez and Monica D. Rodriguez Certificate Level II Ray I. Mares Certificate Level I Braedon M. McGraw AUSTIN Associate in Applied Science Chelsea N. McClusky BANQUETE Associate in Applied Science Ashley N. Garcia BAY CITY Associate in Applied Science Marcus A. Drake BEEVILLE Associate in Applied Science Stephanie A. Benson (Summa Cum Laude), Jennifer N. Bowen, Ronald D. Fisher (Magna Cum Laude), Seth Domingo Garcia and Gordon M. Stuart Certificate Level II Seth Domingo Garcia Certificate Level I Jon M. Brown, J. T. W. Edmiston, Seth Domingo Garcia, Amber M. Puente and Cole J. Terry BEN BOLT Certificate Level I Juan J. Arizpe III BISHOP Associate in Arts Michael E. Gonzalez Associate in Applied Science Erik A. Guevara and Elizabeth Eileen Meier (Summa Cum Laude) Certificate Level II Gary A. Munoz BRACKETTVILLE Associate in Science Brandi Morgan Leininger CORPUS CHRISTI Associate in Arts Sharon M. Acosta (Collegiate High School), Leticia Adame, Lynette J. Adame, Martha E. Alaniz, Nicolas Martin Alaniz, Marissa L. Aleman, Jose L. Alonzo III, Julia Andrea Alvarado (Summa Cum Laude), Dylan M. Alvarez (Collegiate High School), Ian P. Appling, Jacob D. Arispe (Collegiate High School), Casey A. Ayala-Cruz, Romalda G. Azua, Karrie M. Barrett, Sarah J. Bartlett (Harold T. Branch Academy), James Bay, Nekay M. Bay, Victor Manuel Betancourt II, Joshua M. Bethel, Deion A. Black, Kristine C. Blackmon, Daniel R. Broussard (Magna Cum Laude), Genevieve P. Bryant, Ben O. Bueno (Harold T. Branch Academy), Morgan A. Burke, Rebecca A. Bustamante, Tyra Veronique Campbell, Noah C. Cantu (Collegiate High School), Azucena Cardenas, Sara A. Castillo (Collegiate High School), Marisa A. Chamberlain, Yedhartha S. Chinnasani (Collegiate High School), Kimberly A. Choda, Dulce A. Cipres, Emiliee B. Clark (Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Julius J. Cortez, Rosaura Cristan, Rolando Joshua Cruz, Sara Ann Cruz, Briana A. Curiel (Cum Laude), Johana Sagrero Damas, John Michael Davila, Sara M. Davila, Irving R. De la Cruz, Dorothy De la Garza Cummings, Paola Abigail De la Rosa, Joshua B. De Leon (Magna Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Alyssa De Los Santos, Jasmin De Paz Marquez, Christian I. Dominguez (Summa Cum Laude), Deborah D. Dubuque, Angelica M. Duke (Collegiate High School), Gabriella Marie Ebertowski, Cecily R. Ensley, Divina Liane Escobar, Karianna Y. Escobar (Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Na’lajah T. Evans, Roberto Falcon III, Markela Flores, Natalie Marie Flores, Teresa M. Flores, Martha P. Fonseca, Victoria Lynn Franco, Victoria R. Friesenhahn, Victoria K. Fuentes (Summa Cum Laude), Bianca I. Galvan (Collegiate High School), Alexandra C. Garcia, Jaylyn Dominique Garcia, Lisette A. Garcia (Collegiate High School), Lorena A. Garcia, Crystal Lee Garza, Elijah T. Garza, Tommi A. Garza (Collegiate High School), Ginger S. Gerland (Collegiate High School), Savannah Gomez, Rene Gomez III, Timothy Jordan Gonzales, Jessina L. Gonzalez (Cum Laude), Judy A. Gonzalez, Laney M. Gonzalez (Magna Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Kayla Jean Grant, James T. Grayden, Ana M. Guerrero (Collegiate High School), Tonya C. Guy, Solheia P. Hall, Kimberly R. Hamling (Summa Cum Laude), Eric Satoshi Heatherley, Taze Heavin (Magna Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Daniel S. Hernandez (Collegiate High School), Edward A. Hernandez, Mariann Hernandez, Marilyn Hernandez, Miguel Angel Hernandez (Cum Laude), Catherine V. Herndon, Briana L. Herrera, Christopher Allen Herrera, Darius J. Heslip, Brooke Haley Hesseltine, Kayla Gabrielle Higgins (Cum Laude), Felicia K. Horn, James W. Jackson, Emily L. Jasso, Charlie A. Jones III, Ralph Juarez, Maryann T. Kalka, Marissa P. Kellaway (Collegiate High School), Kathryn Michelle Knapp, Jalissa V. Kuykendall (Cum Laude), Vanessa B. Kuykendall, Andrea O. Labrador, Jacqueline A. Lara, Matthew P. Larson, Vincent Le (Magna Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Chloe E. Leal, Denae A. Leal, Gina Ann Longoria, Alexis Lopez (Magna Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Pedro A. Lopez (Summa Cum Laude), Dylan J. Lozano (Collegiate High School), John E. Lucio, Sara K. Lyden, Carter J. MacKenzie-Wiggins, Allison A. Martin (Collegiate High School), Alexandria E. Martinez (Collegiate High School), Amanda S. Martinez, Devinee L. Martinez, Keyla Giselle Martinez (Summa Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Rosa L. Martinez, Brittany Maxey, Warren J. Maxwell, Joseph C. Medina, Jennyfer Mejia (Collegiate High School), Holly C. Melde, Destiny G. Melendez (Magna Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Jenna Renee Meurer, Ashley Nichole Miller, Chelsea L. Miller, Noah Satery Miranda (Magna Cum Laude), Lissette Y. Monroy, Azrael I. Montoya, Cassandra Mora, Samantha Muilenburg (Collegiate High School), Katrina Michelle Mullinix, Maritza Muñoz, Katie Nguyen (Summa Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Justin S. Norman (Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Erika L. Novosad, Jaqueline Nuncio (Collegiate High School), Yolanda Olivares, Brittany A. Olivarez, Luis G. Ore, Sheldon Q. Palmer, Jazlynn Uriah Patlan (Summa Cum Laude), Javier Peralez, Frida Sofia Perez, Natasha M. Perez, Tiara M. Perez, Victor Ryan Perez (Cum Laude), Vivian I. Perez, Brenda Perez-Wright, Jessica J. Pittman (Summa Cum Laude), Jacob D. Poland (Magna Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Gabrielle Rae Radcliffe, Bryan Ramirez (Cum Laude), Liliana Ramirez (Collegiate High School), Valentin Ramirez, Victoria A. Ramirez, Yzabel M. Ramirez, Alexandria E. Ramsdell, Muriel Christine Ray, Anthony T. Redding, Nicole Rehtmeyer, Lauren A. Reiley, David M. Reyes, Sarah Victoria Reynolds (Summa Cum Laude), Brooke Elena Richardson, Lilia M. Ritz, Gina A. Rivas, Ferman G. Rivera, William V. Roberge, Micah D. Roberts, Pearl Roman, Alyssa Marie Ruiz, Tracy L. Ruiz, Irma V. Saavedra, Kassandra Salazar (Harold T. Branch Academy), Melissa M. Salazar, Brenda R. Salinas, Eden Salinas Jr., Emilia Inez Sanchez, Tessa N. Sanchez, Yasmin Sanchez, Danielle H. Sharpe, Charlie A. Simek, Destiny D. Solis (Summa Cum Laude), Melissa Kay Sorrows, Angelo A. Soto, Xochitl Arredondo Stamatakis, Jonathon R. Sturgeon (Harold T. Branch Academy), Roslyn Camille Swonke (Summa Cum Laude), Nadeska K. Tipton, Shealyn K. Tomlinson (Cum Laude), Benito J. Torres (Collegiate High School), Marielena Torres (Collegiate High School), Tamara Michelle Towery, Herbert A. Towne II (Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Sesha B. Valadez, Margarita Valladolid, Dulce Karina Vallejo, Isaac R. Vasquez (Collegiate High School), Virginia Anne Vaughn, Krystal Villalobos (Summa Cum Laude, Collegiate High School), Amanda G. Villarreal, Juan David Villarreal, Chad S. Volkoffkoester, Casey M. Wautier, Elizabeth A. Whitmire, Kristina Michelle Wood, Gabriella Marie Ybarra (Magna Cum Laude) and Joseph J. Zamora Associate in Science David Barajas, Eleazar Cantu, Elizabeth Reyna Chavez, Breanna N. Edinger (Summa Cum Laude), Tyler L. Galbreath (Cum Laude), Joshua Gallegos (Cum Laude), Jose A. Garcia, D’Annual L. Hastey, Sarah S. McKeever-Ramos (Magna Cum Laude), Skylar M. Meehan, Miguel A. Molina Jr., Chelsea N. Morris, Rebecca Lee Ann Nava (Magna Cum Laude), Tiara M. Perez, Daniel E. Ramirez, Nicole Rehtmeyer, Christopher Jay Salazar, Abdur Rafay R. Shaikh (Cum Laude), Andrea L. Taylor, Joel G. Winthrope and Jesus Yanes Associate of Arts in Teaching Tatum J. Arzola, Brandon L. Benavidez, Martin Cavazos, Hannah Catherine Cerda, Linda Dixon, Lucero Palomo Escutia, Kimberly R. Hamling (Summa Cum Laude), Melanie J. Paul, Matthew P. Perez, Jordana M. Shaheen, Robin E. Silvas (Magna Cum Laude), Amber Annette Solis, Stephanie R. Southard, Eva Tinajero, Amelia M. Villarreal (Magna Cum Laude) and Sierra Bianca Villarreal Associate in Applied Science Ryan C. Adair, Ashely A. Aguinaga, Adriana Aguirre (Magna Cum Laude), Stacey Aguirre, Aaron M. Alaniz, Jennifer A. Alaniz, Martha E. Alaniz, Jamiela M. Allen, Mellisa L. Ang (Magna Cum Laude), Oshabell N. Anguiano, Inez R. Arevalo, Troy L. Authement, Allesyn L. Ayala, Raquel N. Ayala, Julie K. Baker, Eric A. Barrera, Donna Jean Benavides (Cum Laude), Loraine A. Bernal, Anmol Kaushik Bhakta (Cum Laude), Axita K. Bhakta, Riddhi Manish Bhakta (Summa Cum Laude), Matthew A. Boston, Catherine A. Bozzuto, Grace A. Buchanan (Cum Laude), Chelsea R. Bueno, Norma J. Bullard, Sierra G. Burkes, Paulino Venegas Camacho (Magna Cum Laude), Debbie P. Camarillo, Savanah M. Canales, Christine Cantu, Deborah A. Carrillo, Kassondra R. Casanova, Keisha Cephus, Jonathan R. Chapa, Kassandra Renee Chapa, Regina L. Chapa, Samantha A. Chapa, Kimberly A. Choda, Dulce A. Cipres, Brian I. Clyde, Christina Theresa Olalde Coker, Julian Cortez (Summa Cum Laude), Marco A. Cortina, Taryn P. De Anda, Anastasio A. De Leon, Mariana Hahn De Paula, Hannah N. Degaish, Jessica A. Del Bosque, Sergio Diaz Jr., Rachel T. Dimas, Kimberly Kathleen Dolan (Magna Cum Laude), Michael J. Doster Jr. (Summa Cum Laude), Sheila E. Eatmon, Tayla M. Egan (Magna Cum Laude), Kelsey L. Ellis, Michael V. Escalante, Roberto Falcon III, Priscilla A. Felan, William J. Fetsis, David F. Flathers, Jose A. Flores (Summa Cum Laude), Melanie M. Flores, Ambrose X. Fonseca, Shane M. Force (Magna Cum Laude), Tyler L. Galbreath (Cum Laude), Roberto D. Galvan, Alexandra C. Garcia, Bianca C. Garcia (Summa Cum Laude), Briana R. Garcia, Gabriella M. Garcia, Jacob A. Garcia, James A. Garcia, Johnny Garcia, Juan Jose Garcia, Lauren Beth Garcia, Madeline E. Garcia, Romualdo Garcia, Velma C. Garcia (Cum Laude), Breauna Marie Garza (Cum Laude), Elijah T. Garza, Elizabeth A. Garza (Magna Cum Laude), Gilbert Mario Garza, Melissa Garza, Raymond T. Garza, Fernando M. Gautier Jr., Alex L. Godsey, Jovita Jessica Gomez, Andrea Marie Gonzalez, Norma Jean Gonzalez, Elizabeth Goodwin (Magna Cum Laude), Roy J. Gordon, Zachary I. Gordon, Sonya Grijalva, Aimee G. Guajardo, Tammi M. Guevara, Ariel D. Guillen (Summa Cum Laude), Tonya C. Guy, Ricky Dean Hanson (Summa Cum Laude), Isaac T. Hatton (Summa Cum Laude), Avery S. Henderson, Alexandra R. Herrera, Briana L. Herrera, Matthew Angel Hinojosa, Troy Anthony Hinojosa (Magna Cum Laude), David M. Hoffpauir, Anthony R. Huerta, Jules B. Hurst, Leah G. Jackson, Todd A. James, Aime Jaramillo, Cecilia Monica Jauregui, Roberta Maria Knapick (Summa Cum Laude), Carol A. Koffer, Tami L. Krueger, Ciera Danae Lara, Daniel Leal, Jason Leffingwell, Rafael Leos, Colin A. Logsdon, Andy L. Lopez, Genaro Lopez Jr., Krista S. Lopez, Demi A. Loya (Cum Laude), Michaella R. Luder, Ashley M. Luna, Adriana Rea Macias, Jerry W. Maikoetter, Anthony E. Mann, Halie Ann Martin, Andrea Kristin Martinez (Summa Cum Laude), Diana Martinez, Donnie L. Martinez, Estevan Martinez Jr., Roy John Martinez, Vanessa N. Martinez, Emily Masiane (Summa Cum Laude), Eric Todd McClellan (Summa Cum Laude), Mercy A. McCusker, Lynne P. McDonald, Shane A. McKinney, Chance Alan Means, Holly C. Melde, Daisy Mendez, Emily Elizabeth Meyer (Summa Cum Laude), Angie M. Moreno, Jacob A. Moreno, Galen F. Morgan, Stephanie A. Morin, Cristina Mota-Rojas, Matthew L. Munoz (Summa Cum Laude), Niccolo Ngujo, Matthew K. Novosad, Elise C. Odom, Elizabeth Mendez Osornia (Cum Laude), Tatum J. Overley, Noe R. Paez, Carlos A. Palacios, Aman H. Patel, Michelle E. Patlan (Summa Cum Laude), Steven Tyler Pease, Vanessa R. Pelayo, Angelica Marie Perez, Gilbert Perez, Luis A. Perez, Roberto L. Perez-Medina Sr., Chloe Ann Peterson, Courtney Elisabeth Pinard, Richard Anthony Ponce, Felicia C. Ramirez, Victoria A. Ramirez, Molly B. Redman, Dina A. Reyes, Iliana A. Reyna, Dolores G. Ricardo, Stacie Marie Richline (Magna Cum Laude), Julie Kay Ridenour (Summa Cum Laude), Sadina Lynn Rider, Brianna Elizabeth Riley, Jazleen Rios, Rebecca Rose Rios, Aniceta S. Rivera (Magna Cum Laude), Ferman G. Rivera, Micah D. Roberts, Michael S. Robinson, Amanda N. Rodriguez, Christina D. Rodriguez, Christina L. Rodriguez, Isabella M. Rodriguez, Jeanette Rodriguez (Cum Laude), Patricia L. Rodriguez, Morgan M. Romero, Timothy A. Ruiz (Summa Cum Laude), Jessica M. Russell (Summa Cum Laude), Trisha Lynne A. Sabigan, Gloria Salazar, Laura Salinas (Cum Laude), Ruben C. Salinas Jr., Roger Samudio III, Karah Jae Seamands, Bridgette-Ann B. Sherman, Marc A. Silva, Christopher L. Silvas Jr. (Cum Laude), Brinley Maclaine Smith, Jessica O. Smith, Rosa E. Smith (Summa Cum Laude), Ernesto Soliz Jr., Kourtney N. Strader (Summa Cum Laude), Celine Daveka Subnaik, Kristin L. Sullivan, Frank A. Tamez (Summa Cum Laude), Kathryn Diane Tegeler, Angie D. Thomas, Aspen D. Tillman, Timothy L. Tomjack, Victoria Michelle Trevino (Magna Cum Laude), Aaron Lee Valencia, Daniel R. Valenzuela, Jon-Michael Valverde, Yemilen Vazquez, James R. Venegas, Diego C. Villarreal, Jory R. Walker (Summa Cum Laude), Tiffany M. Walters, Marisa Brandon Washington (Magna Cum Laude), Lance J. Whitley (Summa Cum Laude), Jennifer M. Wilburn, Clare M. Wolf (Summa Cum Laude), David Michael Wong, Ecaterina Woods and Denise P. Zambrano Certificate Level II Oshabell N. Anguiano, Leonardo D. Ramos Aranda (Harold T. Branch Academy), Saul A. Barrera, Eugene L. Beavers, Frank S. Benavides, Gilbert R. Benavidez, Douglas M. Brubaker Jr., Jameson A. Bucsit, Paige N. Butler, Joseph R. Champine, Yesenia Y. Dehoyos, Brandon M. Dunbar, Michael V. Escalante, Adam S. Esquivel, Kevin Figueroa, Jonathan Fuentes (Harold T. Branch Academy), Romeo C. Garcia III (Cum Laude), Elijah T. Garza, Michael T. Garza, Lonnie Z. Gatlin, Abel I. Gonzalez IV (Summa Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Juan A. Gonzalez Jr. (Harold T. Branch Academy), Gabriel A. Guerra, Brian S. Guettler (Summa Cum Laude), Charles T. Hernandez II, Joe C. Hernandez Jr., Nathaniel R. Higgins, Jules B. Hurst, Joe A. Jacinto, Todd A. James, Robert P. Kinsfather, Tami L. Krueger, Colin A. Logsdon, Andy Lopez II, Anthony E. Mann, Allen M. Martinez Jr., Madeliene J. Martinez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Abrianna A. Mauricio, Lynne P. McDonald, Matthew K. Novosad, Richard Olmeda (Magna Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Jesus Ortiz, Sheldon Q. Palmer, Luis A. Perez, Roberto L. Perez-Medina Sr., Adrianna A. Pinon (Harold T. Branch Academy), Jonathan R. Quintanilla (Harold T. Branch Academy), Daniel Ramirez, Nathaniel Ramirez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Joshua C. Reed, Aniceta S. Rivera (Magna Cum Laude), Marissa E. Rocha (Cum Laude), Noah Ryan Rodela, Jesus Romero, Jose A. Salinas Jr., Robert Salinas, Leonard K. Seals, Javier Sifuentes III (Harold T. Branch Academy), Daniel L. Subia, Timothy L. Tomjack, Benjamin M. Toren (Harold T. Branch Academy), Delaine A. Valdez, Daniel R. Valenzuela, Jon-Michael Valverde, Jarek W. Velez, Amanda C. Villarreal (Summa Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy) and Aaron C. Watts Certificate Level I Andrew J. Aguirre (Harold T. Branch Academy), Bersaida A. Aguirre (Harold T. Branch Academy), Leonardo D. Ramos Aranda (Harold T. Branch Academy), Samantha R. Arriaga (Summa Cum Laude), Mario A. Barrera Jr., Eric A. Benavides, Krupaben S. Bhakta, Edward N. Borrego, Matthew A. Boston, Douglas M. Brubaker Jr., Ben O. Bueno, Rico J. Cano, Aaron M. Carr, Paul F. Castro, Jhon D. Chacin, Jade Clemmons (Harold T. Branch Academy), Clemente Colunga Jr., Joel M. Coward (Harold T. Branch Academy), Sarah M. Davila, Nathan D. De Leon (Harold T. Branch Academy), Fernando I. De Leon Garza (Harold T. Branch Academy), Alexander Del Llano Jr., Laura A. Diaz (Magna Cum Laude), William R. Dietz, Benjamin Q. Enriquez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Polo Estrada (Harold T. Branch Academy), Raul Falcon III, Brandon R. Fox (Harold T. Branch Academy), Deja L. Fuentes (Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Jonathan Fuentes (Harold T. Branch Academy), Marcos Gallegos (Harold T. Branch Academy), Angela M. Garcia, Elisa I. Garcia (Cum Laude), Jacob A. Garcia, Jonathan Garcia, Romeo C. Garcia III (Cum Laude), Danielle Reene Garza (Magna Cum Laude), Anyssa E. Gomez (Cum Laude), Dylan L. Gomez, Juan A. Gonzalez Jr. (Harold T. Branch Academy), Zachary I. Gordon, Garrett M. Grasser, Ben R. Guerra (Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Tabitha E. Guerra, Brian S. Guettler (Summa Cum Laude), Augusta Starr Herrera (Cum Laude), Margot Y. Herrera, David M. Hoffpauir, Todd A. James, Mick C. Juarez, Ricardo E. Juarez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Andrew Q. Le, Daniel Leal, Colin A. Logsdon, Araceli K. Lopez (Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Jesse R. Lopez, Jessie A. Lopez, Anthony E. Mann, Esteban Martinez Jr., Vanessa N. Martinez, Ernest J. Mendoza (Summa Cum Laude), Justin S. Molina (Magna Cum Laude), Miguel A. Molina Jr., Hector Daniel Vazquez Morales, Rueben U. Morales II, Gabriel E. Munoz, Isaac A. Nandin-Sanchez, Yvette Negrete, Colin P. Nemec (Cum Laude), Matthew K. Novosad, Isaiah S. Olivas (Harold T. Branch Academy), Jarrett Padron (Summa Cum Laude), Jose R. Palacios, Aman H. Patel, Israel D. Pena, Joe D. Pena, Jose G. Perea, Cristopher Perez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Elizabeth L. Perez (Magna Cum Laude), Rodrigo R. Perez III, Blake A. Porras, Daniel Ramirez, Nathaniel Ramirez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Ramiro O. Ramos, Seriyah R. Rios, Aniceta S. Rivera (Magna Cum Laude), Brooke A. Robles, Alberto Rodriguez Jr., Isaiah R. Rodriguez, Izaiah N. Rodriguez (Summa Cum Laude), Robert Rodriguez Jr., Rodrigo Rodriguez III, Seth A. Rodriguez, Billy F. Roth (Magna Cum Laude), Aric A. Ruiz (Harold T. Branch Academy), Eric Anthony Ruiz, Kristopher R. Ruiz (Harold T. Branch Academy), Joshua A. Saenz (Summa Cum Laude), Clarisa Salas, Sylvia K. Saldivar, Henry Z. Sanchez, Jacob J. Sanchez Jr., Michael A. Sanchez, Clayton D. Sells, Javier Sifuentes III (Harold T. Branch Academy), Trista A. Silva (Summa Cum Laude), Eric I. Silvas (Summa Cum Laude), Christina M. Skwarczynski, Alyssa M. Soto, Lauren M. Stringer (Magna Cum Laude), Cayden P. Swartz, Anthony D. Taylor, Cody D. Tedesco, Markie S. Templeton (Cum Laude), Sydney S. Titre (Magna Cum Laude), Timothy L. Tomjack, Maria L. Torres, Martha P. Trevino (Summa Cum Laude), Xavier A. Truckey (Harold T. Branch Academy), Dustin Tullos (Summa Cum Laude), Daniel R. Valenzuela, Jon-Michael Valverde, Mario Vasquez III, Michael A. Vasquez, Andres N. Vega III, Nathan M. Velez Jr., Nannette Villalobos, Amanda C. Villarreal (Summa Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Kelly J. Walden, Jory R. Walker (Summa Cum Laude), Matthew R. Whitaker, Jennifer M. Wilburn, Sarah E. Wilburn, Guadalupe J. Zamarripa (Harold T. Branch Academy) and Alonso Zamorano Occupational Skills Achievement Marissa M. Acuña, Brianna Y. Colson (Harold T. Branch Academy), Jacob A. Garcia, Abel I. Gonzalez IV (Summa Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Ben R. Guerra (Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), David M. Hoffpauir, Elsa Hughes, Josiah J. Jimenez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Daniel Leal, Madeliene J. Martinez (Harold T. Branch Academy), Richard Olmeda (Magna Cum Laude, Harold T. Branch Academy), Jonathan R. Quintanilla (Harold T. Branch Academy), Lauren A. Reiley, Aniceta S. Rivera (Magna Cum Laude), Bobbie D. Rocha (Harold T. Branch Academy), Javier Sifuentes III (Harold T. Branch Academy) and Austin C. Slate (Harold T. Branch Academy) Enhanced Skills Certificate Melani C. Ash (Cum Laude) Advanced Technical Certificate Roy J. Gordon EDINBURG Certificate Level I Gabriela N. Prado Occupational Skills Achievement Gabriela N. Prado FLORESVILLE Certificate Level II Paula S. Love (Cum Laude) Advanced Technical Certificate Paula S. Love (Cum Laude) FREER Associate in Arts Feliciano Colecio Jr. Associate in Applied Science Hannah R. Stewart FULTON Associate in Applied Science Paulina D. Irish, Chelcie L. Loosemore and Jaycie T. Whitstine GREGORY Associate in Applied Science Roberto R. Hinojosa and Katrina A. Rossel Certificate Level II Katrina A. Rossel Certificate Level I Justino D. Alvarado, Felix A. Cantu and Raynaldo N. Mendez III HALLETTSVILLE Associate in Applied Science Brynna Rae Hardt (Summa Cum Laude) INGLESIDE Associate in Arts Crystal Castillo, Omar Jasso (Magna Cum Laude) and Alex C. Luzadas Associate in Science Shelby Danielle Martinez Associate in Applied Science Leticia M. Alvarado, Angel M. Gutierrez, Antonio Jasso Jr., Joel A. Kelly, Joseph L. Perez, Victoria L. Rodriguez, Daniella K. Toscano and Stephanie Michelle Turner Certificate Level I Jessica L. Dougherty, Japheth S. Martinez and Stephanie M. Turner Occupational Skills Achievement Stephanie M. Turner KINGSVILLE Associate in Arts  Cynthia A. Garcia Associate in Applied Science Stacey L. Hinojosa, Mary T. Jones (Summa Cum Laude) and Mark A. Vela Certificate Level II Ruben Alvarez, David M. Cirilo III, Zachary A. Jean and Mark A. Vela Certificate Level I Ruben Alvarez, Nicolas Guerrero (Cum Laude), Zachary A. Jean, Tyler Martin Kirk and Mark A. Vela KYLE Certificate Level II Mario A. Reyes LAKE CITY Associate in Arts Jose J. Rodriguez LAREDO Associate in Arts Desiree N. Ramos MATHIS Associate in Arts Bryce W. Hanshaw Associate in Science Marissa A. Herrera Associate in Applied Science Julia Kansas Barrientes (Magna Cum Laude) and Melinda Olivarez Certificate Level II Austin S. Salazar MCALLEN Associate in Arts Dana L. Day MCKINNEY Certificate Level II Joshua L. Hudson (Summa Cum Laude) MIDLAND Associate in Applied Science  Courtney Dawn Sullivan MISSION Associate in Applied Science  Erica A. Davila NEDERLAND Associate in Applied Science Stephanie Thu Huong Nguyen (Magna Cum Laude) ODEM Associate in Arts Roberto Rodriguez Jr. Associate in Science  Colton K. Cunningham Associate in Applied Science  Alyssa R. Gomez, Krystle J. Tovar, Cory Lorenzo-Lee Valdez and Enrique H. Vasquez IV ORANGE GROVE Associate in Applied Science  Lisa Michelle Rodriguez PALACIOS Associate in Applied Science  Eliseo J. Zamora Jr. PLANO Associate in Arts Renee E. Shapiro PORT ARANSAS Associate in Applied Science Chandni Patel PORT LAVACA Associate in Arts Britni J. Hicks Associate in Applied Science Britni J. Hicks and Jackson Dees Mitchell (Cum Laude) PORTLAND Associate in Arts Kris A. Becka, Mickhailah Z. Engelking, Sabrina N Hutton (Summa Cum Laude), Dylan S. Lyons, Norma Ortiz-Mariscal, Diego R. Rodriguez, Daniel A. Veliz and Kristina L. Wills Associate in Science Ivy Khevali (Magna Cum Laude) Associate of Art in Teaching James B. Kidd and Norma Ortiz-Mariscal Associate in Applied Science Autumn Dawn Aguirre (Summa Cum Laude), Christopher J. Burton, Samantha Elizabeth Carden (Cum Laude), Valerie Nicole Chavez, John J. DeLaGarza (Magna Cum Laude), Jonathan E. Earley, Hillary L. Farmer, Carlos E. Flores, Christopher A. Flores, Anthony B. Gagliano Jr., Michelle Christi Ganem, James L. Haer (Cum Laude), Rachael A. Haer, Christian D. Herring, Steve W. Hudson Jr., Steven P. Kelm (Summa Cum Laude), Lane Dalton-Gutierrez Kilbourn, Alexsandria Miranda, Roxanne N. Nunez, Dallas L. Presley, Elizabeth B. Stevens, Angelica Marie Tolento, Marina C. Velazquez and Jubilation L. Waite Certificate Level II Tyler D. Flores, Noe Gomez, Steve W. Hudson Jr. and Steven P. Kelm (Summa Cum Laude) Certificate I Juan Barboza III, Christopher J. Burton, Johnny P. Carston, Gage M. Chandler, Jordon L. Clements, Ronald D. Cruz Jr., Jonathan E. Earley, Carlton J. Ellis, Carlos E. Flores, Adan D. Fuentez III, Anthony B. Gagliano Jr., Esai O. Gonzales, Benjamin R. Hernandez, Steven P. Kelm (Summa Cum Laude), Eduardo Mancias II, Caitlin R. McKamey and Omar Zambrano POTH Associate in Applied Science Justine N. Quintanilla (Summa Cum Laude) RICHMOND Associate in Arts Jacob A. Behnken (Summa Cum Laude) and Minh Quan Pham ROBSTOWN Associate in Arts Selena M. Martinets, Alyssa L. Olivarez, Andrea Cristina Perez and Alexandra Ramon Associate in Applied Science Venessa Avila, Daniel Javier Caballero, Zachary Omar Cantu, Nicole Marie Elizondo, Marissa Victoria Enriquez, Jacob Z. Flores, Keila J. Flores, Meagan M. Kopec, Sabrina Lea Lamb, Marcus C. Medrano, Alexander A. Pena, Mikealina M. Ramon, Connie M. Rivera and Kassandra Villarreal Certificate Level II Richard Gutierrez Jr., Santos Herrera (Cum Laude) and Sandie L. Kelso Certificate Level I Jacob Z. Flores, Christoval J. Guerra Jr., Santos Herrera (Cum Laude), Sandie L. Kelso, Adelyssa J. Olguin and Joe G. Tamez IV Enhanced Skills Certificate Daniel J. Caballero Occupational Skills Award Adelyssa J. Olguin ROCKPORT Associate in Arts Valente Miguel Acosta, Matthew Gray Sudduth (Magna Cum Laude) and Wallace W. Tinnin II Associate in Science Conner J. Guidry Associate in Applied Science Charlie Camacho and Chase E. Silchenstedt Certificate Level I Joshua T. Jones and Joshua N. Penland ROSENBERG Associate in Applied Science Saniya Jivani and Sofiya Karedia ROUND ROCK Associate in Applied Science Jacob Allen Zumwalt SAN ANTONIO Associate in Applied Science Victoria Alvarado SAN DIEGO Associate in Applied Science Roselyn M. Lazo (Cum Laude) SAN JUAN Associate in Applied Science Byanca Lorena Avalos SANDIA Associate in Arts Cassi M. Barajas and Vincent Jacob Ortiz Certificate Level I Michael A. Shipp SINTON Associate in Arts Lazaro Benito Rocha and Skylar R. Villa Associate of Arts in Teaching Naomi M. Lopez Associate in Applied Science Brandy Garza, Holly A. Rodriguez (Cum Laude) and Dave W. Sprague (Magna Cum Laude) SKIDMORE Certificate Level I Clarissa M. Chavarria, Enrique Colmenero Jr., Ryan M. Garcia and Julian L. Jimenez STEPHENVILLE Associate in Applied Science Brandi Nicole Grogg (Cum Laude) TAFT Associate in Arts Aaron V. Cantu, Jo Ellen Suzette Perez and Ruby A. Rodriguez Associate in Applied Science Miranda R. Bustamante, Taelor R. Campbell (Magna Cum Laude) and Derek James Silvas TILDEN Associate in Applied Science Hilario Ramon Jr. (Cum Laude) Certificate Level II Hilario Ramon Jr. (Cum Laude) Certificate Level I Hilario Ramon Jr. (Cum Laude) VICTORIA Associate in Applied Science Kelly L. Janak (Cum Laude) CHULA VISTA, CA Associate in Science Charlie Ngov Certificate Level I Charlie Ngov OAKLEY, CA Associate in Arts Savanah Marie Borrego MARS HILL, ME Associate in Applied Science Angela C. Ford (Cum Laude) PRIOR LAKE, MN Associate in Arts Nathaniel Parker Brundrett SILVERTON, OR Associate in Applied Science Anthony P. Fennimore  

Article by: Michael Bratten John J. “JJ” Nelson, lead instructor for the geographic information systems (GIS) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs at Del Mar College (DMC), has received the HI-TEC Educator of the Year Recognition Award for 2019 from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program. The award recognizes Nelson’s exemplary service to students at DMC and throughout the United States in the areas of GIS and UAS.   Nelson is also project director for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Education Consortium (UASTEC), which includes Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation. He is a subject matter expert on grants, and he has helped obtain millions of dollars in grants through organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the National Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence, the National Information, Security & Geospatial Technology Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, the GIS-TECH project and the UASTEC. Along with grants, Nelson is instrumental in leveraging life-changing internships for DMC students with institutions including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Collaborating with grant partners, Nelson has helped develop curriculum for GIS and UAS courses that is provided not only at DMC but also at other colleges and high schools throughout South Texas and the United States, said Shannon Ydoyaga, Ph.D., former DMC dean of Health Sciences and Professional Education.   Ydoyaga added that the GIS and UAS courses are also disseminated through national clearinghouses such as the Skills Commons website (www.skillscommons.org). Additionally, Nelson is DMC’s lead organizer and promoter of Coastal Bend GIS Day, an event that is held annually in November and is now in its 21st year. The event attracts between 600 and 1,000 attendees each year, including GIS professionals and students from kindergarten through 12th grade.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Del Mar College Continuing Education and the Kinesiology and Music Departments have alternative programs available to keep kids active this summer. You can register your youth for Vikings Kids Camp, youth aquatics, summer music camps or the Technology Camp. Youth can have fun while also expanding their minds and skills. And, new this year … the Northwest Center in Calallen will also offer summer programs for youth living in the western part of Nueces County. Summer 2019 programming includes: • June 3-13: Del Mar College Youth Aquatics Session 1 Swimming Lessons for Elementary and Middle School Students Two lesson times are available, including 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for eight 45-minute lessons in the Kinesiology Complex Aquatic Center on Del Mar College’s East Campus off Baldwin Blvd. Tuition is $50 and must be paid at time of registration. Registration must be made in person at the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 Staples. Youth must be six years of age by Aug. 1, 2019, and/or 12 years of age or younger to qualify for the program (no exceptions). Organizers recommend that students be at least 48 inches in height. Students will be assigned to an instructor according to skill level––beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmer. Parents or guardians are required to present a birth certificate and Social Security card at time of registration. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. • June 3-July 12: Del Mar College Vikings Kids Camp  This annual summer program provides a fun opportunity for students to explore new academic areas, upgrade basic skills, create special interests, meet new friends and participate in a structured, informative, non-pressured academic environment. Classes are offered during one-week sessions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon or 1 to 4 p.m. for students entering grades third through fifth and for those entering grades sixth through eighth. Youth can choose from a variety of courses related to science, math, art, music, reading, social science and foreign language. All students have the opportunity to participate in numerous hands-on activities and projects to help sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Tuition is $75 for each one-week session with youth able to sign up for several classes. Registration is at the DMC Center for Economic Development, located at 3209 S. Staples. Students’ Social Security numbers are required for registration, along with this year’s report card. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. • June 3-July 12: Del Mar College Technology Camp  Students have a fun opportunity to explore various areas of computers in a structured, non-pressured academic environment. Classes are offered during one-week sessions Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. for those entering third through eighth grades. All sessions will be taught at the Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples. Youth will gain advanced knowledge working with high-tech programs that allow them to build, create and design their own computer programs, apps and animations. They’ll also improve social, critical thinking and problem–solving skills by working in pairs or teams to develop their own masterpieces in Drone Adventures, Make Your First Fortnite Style Video Game, Minecraft Modders, Roblox Makers-Coders-Entrepreneurs, Python Programmers and Code Breakers. Tuition is $150 for each one-week session. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. • June 6, 13, 20 and 27-28: Summer Orchestra Program for High School String Players to Participate with the Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College High school-aged string players––including violin, viola, cello and bass––are invited to play during the DMC Chamber Orchestra’s annual summer concert scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, in Wolfe Recital Hall located in the Fine Arts Center Music Building on Del Mar College’s East Campus at Ayers Street. Rehearsals are scheduled 7-9 p.m. Thursday evenings June 6-27. Registration is $45. For more information, contact Music faculty member Todd Ehle at 698-1223 or tehle@delmar.edu. • June 10-14: Del Mar College’s 47th Annual Viking Band Camp Seventh through twelfth grade musicians interested in continuing their musical pursuits during the summer can have fun and meet new friends while attending the DMC Music Department’s Viking Band Camp. Activities provide students opportunities to enjoy music making with encouragement from leading music educators from South Texas. This year’s camp includes honor and concert bands, a percussion ensemble, a brass ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, a jazz band and various chamber music ensembles. Auditions for ensemble and chair placement are scheduled the first day of camp. Final concert is Friday, June 14, in Richardson Performance Hall. Lunch will be provided to all participants as part of the registration fee. The five-day camp runs 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday June 10-14 in Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance Hall and Fine Arts Center Music Building on the East Campus. Early registration is $150 through the first day of camp. Participants will receive a Viking Band Camp tee shirt. Go to www.delmar.edu/offices/music/band-camp.html for information and to access a registration form or contact the DMC Music Office at 698-1211. • June 17-27: Del Mar College Youth Aquatics Session 2 Swimming Lessons for Elementary and Middle School Students Two lesson times are available, including 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for eight 45-minute lessons in the Kinesiology Complex Aquatic Center on Del Mar College’s East Campus off Baldwin Blvd. Tuition is $50 and must be paid at time of registration. Registration must be made in person at the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 Staples. Youth must be six years of age by Aug. 1, 2019, and/or 12 years of age or younger to qualify for the program (no exceptions). Organizers recommend that students be at least 48 inches in height. Students will be assigned to an instructor according to skill level––beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmer. Parents or guardians are required to present a birth certificate and Social Security card at time of registration. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. • June 18-20: NEW Viking Classical Guitar Summer Camp Del Mar College has a new Viking Classical Guitar Summer Camp with three days of guitar fun and playing for those with the ability to read music and familiarity with basic classical guitar techniques. The class meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration fee for the camp is $65 and can be made at the College’s Music Office in the Wolfe Recital Hall, Fine Arts Center Music Building on the College’s East Campus on Ayers St. During the morning sessions, participants will learn how to develop speed and accuracy with technique building and sight-reading. Professor Philip Hii will share a cheat sheet of guitar tricks and techniques to play better and start “shredding.” Afternoons will include playing with friends in small and large ensembles and developing strategies to improve sight reading as well as prepare for UIL competition. Students will play on a classical nylon string guitar and participate in informal “open-mike” performances for family and friends! The final day features a grand finale with a final concert showcasing camp ensembles and the Viking Classical Guitar Camp Orchestra. Registration fee is $65 and includes a camp tee shirt and lunch each day. For more information, call Yvonne Rodriguez at 698-1211 yrodrig@delmar.edu. • June 24-July 12: Del Mar College Northwest Center Vikings Kids Camp and Technology Camp The Del Mar College Viking Kids Camp and Technology Camp at the Northwest Center are summer enrichment programs for students entering third through fifth grades. Students participate in a fun, non-pressured academic environment and explore new interests and academic areas. Classes are offered during one-week sessions Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. All sessions will be taught at the Northwest Center in Calallen at 13725 Northwest Blvd. Youth can choose from arts and crafts, creative arts or reading enrichment from the Viking Kids Camp with tuition at $75 for each one-week session. Technology Camp classes include Make Your First Fortnite Style Video Game, Python Programmers and Drone Adventures. Tuition is $150 for each one-week session. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. • June 24-27: All-State Choir Camp at Del Mar College  Students entering grades 9 through 12 will receive instruction from outstanding experienced staff made up of music educators. This year’s camp promises to be exciting, instructive and fun as participants prepare to perform Texas Music Educators Association audition music. Participants can expect sectional and full choral rehearsals, sight-reading sessions and specific instruction on diction and vocal techniques. Camp highlights include a movie night, talent show, movies, pool party, yoga and more. Formal choir camp activities, including rehearsals and classes, are scheduled in the Fine Arts Center Music Building located on Del Mar College’s East Campus at Ayers Street. Tuition is $190 for all participants on or before June 10 ($40 late fee after June 10 deadline), $150 overnight hotel cost (includes breakfast and shuttle fees) if camper is staying at designated, chaperoned hotel. Large School music packets are $25 and Small School music packets are $12 (if student’s school doesn’t provide music). Students who have performed as Texas All-State Choir members qualify for a $50 discount on tuition. A $50 deposit holds all registrants’ places for the camp, which will be applied toward the registration fee. Out-of-town campers will be housed at the TRU Hotel (361-852-0200) with all meals and shuttle transportation provided. Commuter campers will be provided all meals. Adults will provide supervision throughout the entire Del Mar College Choir Camp experience. Students will receive a commemorative camp tee shirt and music binder. For more camp information and a registration form, visit www.delmar.edu/offices/music/choir-camp.html. Inquiries also can be directed to the DMC Music Office at 698-1214 or camp director Dr. Greg Graf at 698-1352, 573-915-2109 or ggraf2@delmar.edu. • July 1-11: Del Mar College Youth Aquatics Session 3 Swimming Lessons for Elementary and Middle School Students  Two lesson times are available, including 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for eight 45-minute lessons in the Kinesiology Complex Aquatic Center on Del Mar College’s East Campus off Baldwin Blvd. (No class July 4; class will be held at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 5.) Tuition is $50 and must be paid at time of registration. Registration must be made in person at the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 Staples. Youth must be six years of age by Aug. 1, 2019, and/or 12 years of age or younger to qualify for the program (no exceptions). Organizers recommend that students be at least 48 inches in height. Students will be assigned to an instructor according to skill level––beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmer. Parents/guardians are required to present a birth certificate and Social Security card at time of registration. For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu.