Article by Rosa Linda Reynoso While there was still “Pomp and Circumstance,” Winter Commencement wasn’t your traditional event. On Dec. 17, Del Mar College (DMC) continued to hold its celebratory event virtually for the Class of Summer/Fall 2021 due to the pandemic. The online presentation featured 180 out of 601 “prospective” graduates, along with messages from DMC administrators and a keynote address by KRIS 6 News anchor Katia Uriarte. To view the commencement video, including pre-show and ceremony, scroll to the bottom of the page. Overall, the College awarded 745 certificates and associate’s degrees combined to the total Class of Summer/Fall 2021, which includes:  ALAMO Associate in Applied Science  Jorge Hernandez (Magna Cum Laude) ALICE  Associate in Arts  Gabriella A. Jasso Associate in Science  Sawan H. Patel (Summa Cum Laude) Certificate Level II  Dawnee R. Garcia Certificate Level I  Tyler B. Battice and Daniel L. Chapa ALLEN Associate in Applied Science  Zinat B. Sulaiman (Magna Cum Laude) ARANSAS PASS  Associate in Arts  Korryn S. Aguila Associate in Applied Science  Korryn S. Aguila, Monica Arriaga, Elsa A. Cortez, Chelsie D. Hale, Jacob A. Jimenez and Christopher J. Lee BANQUETE  Associate in Applied Science  Adriana M. Ramirez Certificate Level I  Jarren A. Hernandez BAYTOWN Associate in Arts  Zachary T. Cox BEAUMONT  Associate in Applied Science  Mayra S. Alcaraz BEEVILLE Associate in Applied Science  Haley N. Garza BISHOP  Associate in Arts  Rebecca R. Cantu (Magna Cum Laude) Associate in Applied Science  Brian E. Gorman Certificate Level I  Ruth G. Marroquin CORPUS CHRISTI  Associate in Arts  Stephanie A. Aguilar (Cum Laude), Jonathan Aleman, Cathleen J. Angeles, Mykaela Y. Arce, Brittany G. Baio, Nadia A. Barnes, Elijah B. Bernal, Jennifer E. Bernardini, Jennifer M. Bostick, Caley Brown, Vanessa L. Buenrostro (Magna Cum Laude), Amanda M. Burns, Blanca S. Canales (Summa Cum Laude), Dominique L. Cantu, Mathew J. Carr, Isabel M. Carranco, Qadira K. Carter, Thomas A. Castellanos, Brittany V. Castillo, Janell L. Castro, Katlyn Castro, Ricardo M. Castro, Hannah J. Cayford, Lauren E. Chandler, Candace B. Chapa, Paloma N. Chapa, Gloria J. Cisneros, Chelsea M. Clement, Giselle A. Colon, Dajia N. Contreras, Mario L. Contreras (Cum Laude), Isaac M. Cordova, Rebbecca N. Corpus, Analisa Cortinez, Manuel A. Cuellar, Tamara L. Daniel, Nathan A. Deboard, Stuart C. Diegel II, Victoria Dominguez, Raven R. Downie, Brandyn M. Eaves, Savannah D. Escalante, Austin B. Estanislao (Cum Laude), Iris E. Galvez (Magna Cum Laude), Adrianna A. Garcia, Alyssa N. Garcia, Audrey M. Garcia, Brisa D. Garcia, Denise O. Garcia, Gabriella S. Aguas Garcia, Nadya J. Garcia, Rick J. Garcia, Stephanie A. Garcia, Teresa Maria A. Garcia, Teresita Garcia, Hannah E. Garza, Margarita Garza, Mary J. Garza, Symphony R. Garza, Emanuel U. Garza-Maldonado, Kara N. Gibson, Geneva A. Gil, Marissa C. Gomez, Mikayla M. Gomez, Fabian Gonzalez, Christina M. Gordon-McMurray, Meghann Groves, Cherie T. Gutierrez, Christina M. Havelka, Jasmine S. Henderson, Amber N. Hernandez, Anthony C. Hernandez, Jezebelle S. Hernandez, Stephany Y. Hernandez, Alessandra C. Herrera, Jessica M. Herrera, Nicole D. Herrera, Leana B. Hinojosa, Quaylon S. Hughes, Khiera Johnson, Kathryn M. Knapp, Jasmine A. Lacy, Andrea J. Landa, Jacqueline A. Lara, Thi Truc P. Le (Magna Cum Laude), Armando R. Leach Flores, Dominic C. Lee (Summa Cum Laude), Antonio M. Leos, Ezra N. Longoria, Esteban A. Lopez, Elisabeth D. Lucas, Courtney N. Manning, Abigail Martinez, Aubrey M. Martinez, Dallas D. Martinez (Magna Cum Laude), Janice R. Martinez (Cum Laude), Justine V. Martinez, Kayla I. Martinez, Toni A. Martinez, Daniel Martinez III, James T. Mawer, Tammy L. McChester, Darrel S. McCusker, Adelina Mears, Gabriel Medina, Nicole C. Meier (Magna Cum Laude), Sarah K. Meier, Jordan M. Meza (Magna Cum Laude), Chelsea M. Miller, Cleve L. Miller III, Stephanie M. Monjaraz, Pedro A. Moreno, Amanda M. Morgan, Justin E. Morris II, Diem M. Nguyen, Brandy R. Palacios, Monique A. Pena, Brennan N. Perez, Philip J. Perez, Anthony Perkins (Summa Cum Laude), Vy T. Phan, Jasmin E. Pineda, Diana C. Polanco (Magna Cum Laude), Larry Pon III, Aija C. Prime, Kimberly R. Quitania, Eduardo Ramirez, Jose A. Ramirez, Matthew I. Ramos, Robert F. Reynolds, Kaitlyn E. Ridenour-Lascano, Antionette Rodriguez, Isaac Rodriguez, Marissa N. Rodriguez, Sabrina C. Rodriguez, Genevieve N. Rodriquez, Misty G. Romo, Anthony R. Rosales, Ilianna Salazar-Garza, Ruben Saldana, Cora J. Salinas, Amberlynn G. Sanchez, Gabriella Sanchez, Jasmin R. Sanchez, Alfredo Sandoval III, Tammy L. Schanen, Anabel A. Silva, Velma T. Silvas, Zoe L. Smart, Tykera M. Smith, Karen E. Solis, Maria D. Soliz, Aaron A. Suarez, Denise E. Sudell (Summa Cum Laude), Dylan J. Sutton, Dulce C. Tello, Christina A. Torre, Eric A. Trevino Jr., Jeannette G. Viera, Desiree Villarreal, Zariah N. Villela, Jordan B. Westerkom, Sariah N. Winterbauer (Summa Cum Laude), Angelina Wolfe and Carla I. Zapata Associate in Science  Rozita S. Farahnakian, Christopher B. Garcia (Summa Cum Laude), Noah D. Garcia, Jacob A. Heflin (Cum Laude), Jacob R. Hinojosa (Summa Cum Laude), Alannah J. Mendoza, Christian C. Muana (Summa Cum Laude), Dang X. Nguyen (Summa Cum Laude) and Julie A. Romano (Summa Cum Laude) Associate of Arts in Teaching  Jallyssa A. Brooks, Jessica E. Cantu, Donecia A. Darnley, Arturo A. Vega Flores, Alejandro L. Guerrero, Serina R. Meza, Madison S. Moreno, Tiffany K. Patton, Ashley R. Rivas and Brittany L. Vega Associate in Applied Science  Corina A. Bazan Abalos, Linda Acevedo, Dain Aguilar, Jacob Alaniz (Magna Cum Laude), Aron T. Alexander, Naomi D. Alexander, Nathan D. Alexander, Jair M. Alvarez, Richard Andrade III, Joseph N. Arriola, Felicia K. Avalos, Brittany G. Baio, Morgan D. Banda-Gomez (Cum Laude), Ian D. Barrera, Ruben Basaldu, Lacee L. Beal-Hinojosa, Ashley N. Beasley, Jennifer E. Bernardini, Viktoria L. Birr, Caley Brown, Jose Cabrera Jr., Eric A. Caceres, Francisco M. Cadondon, Robert E. Canales, Brandi N. Candelaria, Samantha A. Carreon, Thomas A. Castellanos, Janell L. Castro, Marla A. Caudillo, Javier Ceballos Jr., Jessica Cervantes, Candace B. Chapa, Kathleen A. Chupe, Chelsea M. Clement, Michael S. Compton, Stephanie C. Conley, Brittany L. Contreras, John R. Conwill II, Isaac M. Cordova, Lindsey P. Cormier (Summa Cum Laude), Jonathan Cortinas (Cum Laude), Landon S. Cruz, Jessalynn O. De la Garza, Jennifer L. Deleon, Savannah L. Diaz, Victoria Dominguez, Lisa A. Donohoo, Benjamin E. Dovalina IV (Magna Cum Laude), Candie F. Dunn, Erica D. Durham, George J. Elizondo, Savannah D. Escalante, Carolyn Fernandez, Christian J. Flores (Cum Laude), Jesus Flores III, Allison N. Frago, Emma L. Franco (Magna Cum Laude), Ernesto Galindo Jr., Breannah J. Galvan (Magna Cum Laude), Alysson A. Garcia, Bianca J. Garcia, Ileen D. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude), Rick J. Garcia, Rylan T. Garcia Sr., Raul Garza III, Christine M. Geisler, Kara N. Gibson, Katelin M. Gil, Stewart G. Goce, Linda A. Gonzales, Matthew A. Granados, Meghann Groves, Lillian K. Guerra-Soto, Elijah J. Gutierrez, Demetrious K. Guzman, Ashley R. Harryman, Nicole D. Herrera, Lukas T. Hill (Cum Laude), Sergio P. Hinojosa Sr., Malina A. Hok, Casey R. Hoover (Cum Laude), Mickey J. Hutchinson, Marqusie L. Kelley, Hannah L. Kile (Cum Laude), Angela M. Killian, Jacqueline A. Killian, Kathryn M. Knapp, Mercedes M. La Cour, Sabrina L. Lamb, Jacqueline A. Lara, Jenna R. Lawrence (Magna Cum Laude), Chloe E. Leal, Rosa E. Leal (Summa Cum Laude), Desiree Lerma (Magna Cum Laude), Justin D. Licon, Ezra N. Longoria, Cornelio M. Lopez, Elisabeth D. Lucas, Alyssa M. Luis, Gabriela Macias, Monica Macias (Cum Laude), Abigail Martinez, Dallas D. Martinez (Magna Cum Laude), Janice R. Martinez (Cum Laude), Kayla I. Martinez, Lauren A. Martinez, Reynaldo A. Martinez, Jose R. Martinez Jr., James T. Mawer, Virginia M. McAllister, Rebekah J. McInroy (Summa Cum Laude), Ian H. Miller, Elijah L. Mitchell, Gloria E. Morales, Justin E. Morris II, Davina A. Murphy, Audrey E. Nunez, Joe R. Ortiz Jr., Christopher J. Perez (Magna Cum Laude), Michelle B. Perez (Cum Laude), Eulalia Rivas, Reyna V. Rizo, Antionette Rodriguez, Mark A. Rodriguez (Summa Cum Laude), Pedro Rodriguez, Stalin D. Rodriguez, Carlos A. Rodriguez-Alanis, Anthony R. Rosales, Marcos M. Rubio, Jonathan J. Ruiz, Alejandro Salazar, Joseph M. Salazar, Lauren R. Salinas, Amberlynn G. Sanchez, Jasmin R. Sanchez, Ruben Sanchez Jr., Jaelon J. Sanders, Jose O. Sandoval, Salvador P. Segura, Irina V. Seitz, Hilda G. Serna, Austin M. Sheehan, Cassandra L. Shouse, Tykera M. Smith, Joshua M. Solis, Megan K. Speer (Summa Cum Laude), Aaron A. Suarez, Brenden M. Teague, Dulce C. Tello, Kathryn A. Teltschik, Estevan R. Trevino, Kayleigh M. Tyler, Isaac H. Van Nice, Jake W. Vasquez, Jose A. Vasquez III (Summa Cum Laude), Julian R. Vela, Hannah J. Vera (Cum Laude), Pedro A. Villa, Pablo Villafranco, Madelyn M. Villanueva, Ashley Y. Villegas (Magna Cum Laude), Melissa N. Villegas-Lopez, Michael C. Warren, Chance A. Weaver, Jordan B. Westerkom, Wilbert T. Wilson, Angelina Wolfe, Brittany R. Ybarra, Manuel Yzquierdo (Summa Cum Laude) and Nikoli I. Zakharchuk (Magna Cum Laude) Certificate Level II  Brittany G. Baio, Ian D. Barrera, Rickey W. Bennett (Cum Laude), Mark F. Blackmar, Amanda M. Burns, Paige N. Butler, Adriana R. Cano, Katlyn Castro, Lindsey P. Cormier (Summa Cum Laude), Austin B. Crenshaw, Rafael Diaz Jr., Rebecca E. Downen, Jorge A. Fernandez Jr. (Magna Cum Laude), Jesus Flores III, Leo Garza III, Katelin M. Gil, Ashlynn A. Gomez, Alicia G. Gonzalez (Summa Cum Laude), Anyssa M. Gonzalez, Eloy Gonzalez Jr. (Summa Cum Laude), Matthew A. Granados, Elijah J. Gutierrez, Jordon S. Hall (Cum Laude), Jacob L. Barron Harris, Jericho N. Harris (Cum Laude), Bryan G. Hartnett, Joshua K. Hernandez, Trevelle J. Hill, Manette M. Jamison, Tyler B. Jester (Summa Cum Laude), Sandie L. Kelso, Zachary H. Lail (Summa Cum Laude), Christian K. Laridis, Dallas D. Martinez (Magna Cum Laude), Reynaldo A. Martinez, Scott Parrett (Summa Cum Laude), Tiffany A. Parrett (Magna Cum Laude), Jose M. Pepi, Christopher J. Perez (Magna Cum Laude), Krista N. Ramirez, Jonathan J. Ruiz, Elizabeth Sanchez (Cum Laude), Samantha J. Sanchez (Cum Laude), Jaelon J. Sanders, Joshua J. Smith, Bradlee J. Soliz, Michael J. Torres, Lucas A. Trevino, Jose A. Vasquez III (Summa Cum Laude), Julian R. Vela, Pablo Villafranco, Abel E. Villarreal, Christopher J. Viola and Adrian B. Zabka (Summa Cum Laude) Certificate Level I  Corina A. Bazan Abalos, Jacob Alaniz (Magna Cum Laude), Eric A. Caceres, Tarah O. Cain, Robert E. Canales, Desiray M. Carrillo, John R. Conwill II, Lindsey P. Cormier (Summa Cum Laude), Austin B. Crenshaw, Nicole R. Davis, Rafael Diaz Jr., Jesus Flores III, Linda A. Gonzales, Alicia G. Gonzalez (Summa Cum Laude), Amber D. Gonzalez, Eloy Gonzalez Jr. (Summa Cum Laude), Matthew A. Granados, Lillian K. Guerra-Soto, Elijah J. Gutierrez, Karey D. Hargrove, Jericho N. Harris (Cum Laude), Ferol P. Hogwood, Sandie L. Kelso, Gwendolyn M. Kennard, Jacqueline A. Killian, Juliana Konning, Rosa E. Leal (Summa Cum Laude), Desiree Lerma (Magna Cum Laude), Carlos A. Lopez, Pedro Maldonado Jr., Reynaldo A. Martinez, Rueben U. Morales II, Brandon J. Navarro, Jasmine A. Peery, Jose M. Pepi, Simon O. Perez, Brandon R. Rodriguez, Jaslynn N. Rodriguez, Stalin D. Rodriguez, Carlos A. Rodriguez-Alanis, Jonathan J. Ruiz, John R. Saenz, Eileen Salazar, Jaelon J. Sanders, Jasmine A. Saucedo, Kristian L. Valdez, Pablo Villafranco, Madelyn M. Villanueva, Gwen E. Villarreal, Ashley Y. Villegas (Magna Cum Laude), Christopher J. Viola and Chance A. Weaver Occupational Skills Achievement  Linda Acevedo, Shamim Budhwani (Magna Cum Laude), John R. Conwill II, Linda A. Gonzales, Lillian K. Guerra-Soto, Rosa E. Leal (Summa Cum Laude), Desiree Lerma (Magna Cum Laude), Gloria E. Morales, Reyna V. Rizo and Ashley Y. Villegas (Magna Cum Laude) Advanced Technical Certificate Gabriel Mensah (Magna Cum Laude) Field of Study Tamara L. Daniel and Teresita Garcia EAGLE PASS Associate in Applied Science  Abraham S. Espinoza FALLS CITY Associate in Applied Science  Corey S. Dziuk FRANKSTON Certificate Level II Noah M. Marble FULTON Associate in Arts  Jessica R. Hernandez HEBRONVILLE Certificate Level I Anthony J. Ramos (Magna Cum Laude) HOUSTON  Associate in Arts  Ashley A. Fortoh INGLESIDE  Associate in Arts  Jose A. Alvarado, Illiana R. Moreno and Christa M. Rasor Associate of Arts in Teaching  Veronica M. Hernandez and Leslie Y. Moreno Mora Associate in Applied Science  Raquel Buncie, Ramiro G. Castillo, Edgar Cortez Jr., Isabella R. Fernandez (Magna Cum Laude) and Erin A. Russell (Summa Cum Laude) Certificate Level II  Edgar Cortez Jr. Certificate Level I  Lindsey Castro (Summa Cum Laude), Edgar Cortez Jr. and McKenzie A. Floyd KINGSVILLE  Associate in Arts  Hope D. Clark, Diamond R. Olguin and Chloe Stonitsch Associate in Applied Science  Chelsea N. Maldonado and Oscar R. Mendiola Certificate Level II  Rebecca R. Johnson (Magna Cum Laude) LA VERNIA Associate in Applied Science   Logan C. Recker (Summa Cum Laude) LEXINGTON Associate in Applied Science   Chelsea P. Nadeau MATHIS  Associate in Arts  Christian G. Machado (Cum Laude) Associate in Applied Science   Elena M. Robles (Cum Laude), Richard S. Salinas and Mark A. Zamora McALLEN Certificate Level II  Una M. Gonzalez-Breithaupt NATALIA  Associate in Applied Science   Darin N. Frazier ODEM  Associate in Arts  Monica M. Garza and Lauren A. Guevara Associate in Applied Science   Samson J. Garibay and Symon F. Vargas ORANGE GROVE  Associate in Applied Science   Christie L. Alanis  PORT ARANSAS  Associate in Applied Science  Brittney L. Walker PORTLAND  Associate in Arts  Melissa A. Cappadonna, Zachary R. Flores (Cum Laude), Glenda H. Garcia, Jennifer R. Mahan, Rolando J. Morales and Cristal K. Wallace Associate in Science  Christian W. Moore and Charmi D. Patel Associate in Applied Science  Christian A. Alvarado, Sierrah L. Carrasquillo, Esteban C. Corpus Jr., Alberto Duran, Zachary R. Flores (Cum Laude), Glenda H. Garcia, Brandi L. Garza, Lucas R. Gonzales, Kylie R. Greenamyer, Herbert G. Groessel (Summa Cum Laude), Savannah E. Gwynn, Joshua A. Jimenez, Joel Martinez, Cassidy J. Romo, Nicole L. Schultz, Christorpher P. Valdez Jr., Lucas X. Veliz, Hang L. Vu and Cristal K. Wallace Certificate Level II  Nicole L. Schultz Certificate I  Savannah E. Gwynn, Joshua A. Jimenez, Demi L. McBride (Summa Cum Laude) and Patrick T. Zambrano Occupational Skills Achievement  Savannah E. Gwynn RAYMONDVILLE Associate in Arts  Briana F. Soria REFUGIO Certificate Level I Rosa L. Paez RIO HONDO Associate in Arts  Valeria Martinez Associate in Applied Science  Valeria Martinez RIVIERA Associate in Applied Science  J. B. Griffith ROBSTOWN  Associate in Arts  Victoria R. Alejandro, Marcos A. Alvarado, Kayla A. Amador, Stephanie Baltierra, Sherman A. Easley-Robb, Zamira C. Luna, Maegan F. Morales (Summa Cum Laude), Ryan A. Ocanas and Ricardo Ramon Jr. Associate in Science  Caleb R. Morales and Danielle C. Platz Associate in Applied Science  Victoria R. Alejandro, Stephanie Baltierra, Daniel L. Beltran Jr., Dakota E. Encinia, Stacey N. Garza, Horacio Gonzalez, Justin L. Mc Peak, Daniel A. Rubio and Cody L. Schroeder Certificate Level II  Roy Salazar (Cum Laude) Certificate Level I  Faith D. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude), Sandie L. Kelso, Helen M. McClary, Roy Salazar (Cum Laude) ROCKPORT  Associate in Arts  Jacob E. Krupa (Magna Cum Laude) Associate in Applied Science  Kayla E. Guerrero and Sheila S. Pena Certificate Level II  Brittany N. Ramsey ROSENBERG Associate in Arts  Jasiha J. Gonzalez SAN ANTONIO  Associate in Arts  Heidi E. Bland and Nathan I. Smithwick Associate in Applied Science  Ruben A. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude) and Aaron L. Villanueva SANDIA  Associate in Arts  Gabriela T. Willingham SINTON  Associate in Arts  Madeline R. Costilla, Paulette C. Deleon, Anissa G. Garcia (Magna Cum Laude) and Allison M. Lemos  Associate in Science  Abigale R. Russell (Magna Cum Laude) Associate in Applied Science  Lucinda L. Garcia Certificate Level II  Conner A. Zimmerman (Cum Laude) SPRING Associate in Arts  Joshua J. Stewart  TAFT  Associate in Applied Science  Zachary C. Lee, Elisa L. Martinez (Magna Cum Laude) and Jessica Rivas VICTORIA  Associate in Arts  Priscilla M. Flores WOODSBORO Associate in Applied Science  Roel Flores and Kalob E. Jochetz LAWRENCEVILLE, GA Associate in Arts  Morgan E. Bacon PLAQUEMINE, LA Certificate Level I  Brennan Hebert GOLDSBORO, NC Associate in Arts  Alexis A. Aldridge GRANITE FALLS, NC Associate in Arts  Alexis S. Guzman   To view graduates who participated with the "virtual" Viking Experience, click on the video below:  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Time is running out if you’re thinking about taking Spring 2022 credit courses at Del Mar College (DMC) and need assistance with early registration or advising before the College closes for the two-week Winter Break. You can do both between now and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21. The College will be closed—including its Heritage and Windward Campuses, the Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen—for the holiday break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4. Offices will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5. However, students with complete admissions files and no holds may register online during the break. Registration and other pertinent details are available at www.delmar.edu/registration. The deadline for paying tuition and fees is Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m. for all registrants during the current and Winter Break registration periods. Spring 2022 credit courses begin Tuesday, Jan. 18. Several credit course scheduling options are available, including 8-, 12-, 15- and 16-week sessions and the Maymester session with delivery provided in online, hybrid or face-to-face formats depending on evolving pandemic conditions and the phase of the College’s Return-to-Campus Plan under implementation. Both current and prospective students can access WebDMC at www.delmar.edu to view course offerings, which are frequently updated throughout the registration process. Students can also check their financial aid status, review their degree plan and find other pertinent information using the WebDMC portal. Registration questions? Before the Winter Break, contact Del Mar College’s Student Enrollment Center at enroll@delmar.edu or 361-698-1290 (Heritage Campus), 361-698-1741 (Windward Campus) or 1-800-652-3357.  

Article by Jessie Chrobocinski (CRO Digital Services Coordinator) Editor's Note: News media may contact the Media Relations team for contact information for the students or their mother. Click on images to enlarge and download photos and get cutlines. December marks a remarkable feat for Robstown High School twins Caleb and Maegan Morales. As freshman, they began taking classes from Del Mar College’s Dual Credit Program. On Friday, Dec. 17, the Morales twins will graduate from the College with their associate’s degrees before completing their high school senior year.  Driven to bringing her grandfather’s dream of starting a family-owned tax service business to life, Maegan chose to take business classes at age 15. “My grandfather’s dream has always been to have a tax service business. Someday, I hope to manage my own business—a tax service,” Maegan shares. Caleb’s love for the medical field motivated him to earn an associate’s degree in pre-medical technology.  “I’ve always wanted to go into health care. I started my associate’s degree in pre-medical technology at Del Mar College and hope to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology,” says Caleb. The two 18-year-olds say that both took advantage of Del Mar’s eight-week and summer courses and attribute the fast-track pace that now allows them to graduate sooner than expected.  “We both took plenty of summer courses, and it just took a big load off our shoulders. We weren’t even expecting to graduate in December, but rather, we were expecting to graduate in the spring. The program allowed us to take a lot of extra curriculum in high school and enjoy high school at the same time,” Caleb continues.  “I never expected to graduate with my associate’s degree. But now that I am going to graduate, I’m glad it takes off two years and saves a lot of money for my parents,” says Maegan. Caleb adds, “It's surreal. We never thought that by going through an early college program we’d graduate with our associate’s degrees early. Actually, we thought we’d graduate with just a couple of college credits.” You can see slides of Caleb and Maegan during Del Mar College’s virtual “Viking Commencement” for the Summer/Fall Class of 2021 on Friday, Dec. 17, beginning with a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more details and to access links to the Viking experience.      

Article by DMC College Relations Office The Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 9 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development, which is located at 3209 S. Staples. Community members may also access the workshop and regular meeting by going to the online video link at https://www.delmar.edu/webcast/  by 8:55 a.m. and 12:55 p.m., respectively. A copy of the Dec. 14 Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available as follows: • Workshop: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-12-14-21.pdf • Regular Meeting: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular_agenda-packet_12-14-21.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at https://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. In compliance with Texas Gov. Abbott’s executive order, the College no longer requires but encourages wearing masks or other face coverings, along with following other DMC safety protocols such as social distancing and hand washing, during in-person participation of campus activities. The College is currently in Phase 3 of the Return-to-Campus Plan.    

Article by Melinda Eddleman It’s become the new tradition until the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end. Del Mar College will hold its Winter Commencement Ceremony virtually with participating “prospective” graduates receiving recognition next Friday, Dec. 17, for their hard work and reaching their goals of earning certificates, associate’s degrees or both. The College will hold the Class of Summer/Fall 2021 ceremony online beginning with a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the formal ceremony at 7 p.m. The December Commencement Ceremony also will include a keynote address presented by KRIS 6 News anchor Katia Uriarte. One-hundred-eighty (180) members of the Class of Summer/Fall 2021, which includes 601 “prospective” graduates overall, will participate during the DMC virtual commencement on Friday. Del Mar College is awarding 745 associate’s degrees and certificates combined to the total Class of Summer/Fall 2021. “Prospective” graduates, family, friends and the Coastal Bend community can watch the event using the following links: YouTube: https://youtu.be/mD--_fwX_tE Facebook: www.facebook.com/delmarcollege/live  Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/view/fall-virtual-commencement-2021-656658  Questions about commencement? Contact the DMC Registrar’s Office at reginfo@delmar.edu. She’s been the face Coastal Bend viewers have seen reporting news since 2004, first with a competitor station and now as an evening anchor for KRIS 6 News. And, on Dec. 17, Katia Uriarte will provide special remarks for DMC’s Class of Fall 2021 as they move forward with their own careers or continue their studies elsewhere. Of her own career path, she wrote, “I remember the moment I wanted to be a journalist. It was my senior year at Loyola University in New Orleans. I was about to take the LSAT for law school when I took a communications class and… I was bitten. That was it!!! I KNEW right then and there I had found my passion.” “It was the rush of putting together a newscast. The responsibility of telling a fair story. And let’s be honest, the lights and cameras were fun, too,” Uriarte noted. Uriarte also wrote that she’s been in the news business for 18 years, and her passion for the field has grown stronger. Corpus Christi has been her home longer than anywhere else she’s lived, and the Coastal Bend is where she and her husband have chosen to raise their son. “We are blessed to have the beach a short drive away,” she wrote. “The wind makes our city memorable, and the people make our city great.” Prior to airing her remarks next Friday, Uriarte has a preliminary message for Del Mar College’s Class of Summer/Fall 2021, “Congratulations on receiving your diploma. You’ve worked hard to earn it. Now go out there and be the leader you were born to be. Go out and put your stamp on the world. Create your legacy and inspire others.” She added, “Para adelante, mi gente!” Or, “Forward, my people!”      

Article by Melinda Eddleman The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is mobilizing the state’s public community, technical and junior colleges to help fast-track residents into the workforce. Through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Institutional Capacity Grant, 46 of the state’s two-year colleges are sharing $26 million to assist students impacted by COVID-19 by providing short-term postsecondary workforce credentials and training programs that target high-demand fields to fortify Texas’ economy. Del Mar College (DMC) “officially received notice” before Thanksgiving from the Coordinating Board that its Continuing Education (CE) Division has been awarded a $500,000TRUE Grant, which the College will use to purchase equipment and provide retro-fitted training on the College’s Windward Campus and to residents in Aransas County and surrounding communities when renovations are completed on the new Aransas County Workforce Development Center announced in early October in Rockport. The TRUE Grant runs through Sept. 30, 2022. THECB funding for the TRUE Grant comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which originates from the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Stabilization Fund in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.   The College’s CE programs selected for short-term training in Corpus Christi and Aransas County align with Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend’s Targeted Occupations List for 2019-2021 and trends outlined by the Texas Workforce Commission for both Texas and the Coastal Bend. These programs correlate with high demand for employment, including: Healthcare: Certified Nurse Aid, Electrocardiography, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Secretary, Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy   Professional Skills: Accounting Clerk (Bookkeeper), Geographic Information Systems, Legal Secretary, Management Development (Supervision) and Supply Chain Management   Trade Industry: Automotive, Building Maintenance, Carpentry (Basic), Electrical Wiring, HVAC, Millwright, Plumbing (Basic) and Welding These short-term programs range from four to 16 weeks to complete, and programmatic sequencing allows students to on-board into specific study fields without prior knowledge or skills development. Additionally, these CE programs, whether they provide certification or WSAs (Workforce Skills Awards), allow students to gain immediate employment during or upon completion. The College offers various modalities of course delivery, including face-to-face, remote or E-learning and hybrid formats. Mode of delivery is dictated by industry certification or licensing requirements that mandate hands-on training as well as curriculum, laboratories, tools/equipment utilization, simulators and software associated with each program. Already part of a TRUE pilot program initiated earlier this year by the Texas Association of Community College’s Texas Success Center, Del Mar College received an “Award of Excellence” on Nov. 4 for its participation in the precursory effort to streamline CE programming to put Texas residents on the fast-track into the workforce. With the funds the TRUE Grant provides and the pilot program now completed, the infrastructure for that track is now laid at Del Mar College. “This grant’s impact is enormous for the Coastal Bend as we continue to recover from the pandemic’s effect on our workforce and as we work toward further economic development in our region,” noted Dr. Rivera. “By preparing individuals with training that aligns with in-demand jobs available now and those we anticipate in the future, we can address the needs of employers representing healthcare, construction and manufacturing and the challenges they experience identifying skilled workers, especially as patient workloads increase in area healthcare facilities; home, apartment and retail developments continue expanding; and increased demands stretch availability of petro-chemical and other supplies among our regional manufacturing plants.” He added, “The TRUE Grant will increase our pipeline of skilled workers produced for the industries identified with the most current needs. But, we always have our eyes on the future, and we’ll adjust to train the Coastal Bend’s workforce as those demands shift.” To learn more about CE Fast Track Career Training Programs in general and those covered by the TRUE Grant, visit www.delmar.edu/ce or directly contact DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu.   VISUAL ASSETS: DMC Continuing Education's Construction Program and the skills training it provides is among the fields in high demand across the Coastal Bend. Below are visual assets from the Home Wiring course among electrical training that individuals can take at no cost due to funds provided by the TRUE Grant. Students completed assignments in class at the College's Center for Ecopnomic  Development on Nov. 30. All photos were taken by the College Relations Office Digital Services team. (Click on each photo to enlarge, read cutlines and to download.)

Article by Melinda Eddleman Their passion is opera. One is a singer, and the other is a pianist and conductor. On Monday, Dec. 6, both Metropolitan Opera Tenor David Portillo and Grammy-nominated Pianist and International Conductor Kristin Roach will collaborate on two engagements at Del Mar College (DMC)––an afternoon Q&A session and an evening performance. Presented by the College’s Music Department and the DMC Cultural Programs Series, the Q&A session begins at 4 p.m., and the collaborative music performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Both activities are FREE and scheduled in Wolfe Recital Hall, located in the Fine Arts Center Music Building on Heritage Campus at Ayers and Kosar. (campus map) Seating is very limited and requires reservations using a separate form for each engagement: 4 p.m. Q&A Session: https://forms.office.com/r/37grZbn0wG 7:30 p.m. Performance: https://forms.office.com/r/yb4F40a7nB Walk-ins will not be permitted, but the afternoon session and the evening performance will be livestreamed: Q&A Session YouTube: https://youtu.be/EU1HN1Zwwxg Facebook: www.facebook.com/delmarcollege/live Evening Performance YouTube: https://youtu.be/iVlOfF1pj20 Facebook: www.facebook.com/delmarcollege/live Don’t miss this exciting collaboration between Portillo and Roach as these guest artists present an evening of wonderful music performed together! For more information, contact DMC Music Professor and Interim Department Chair Cynthia Longoria at clongoria@delmar.edu or contact the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1211. The performance program is available as a PDF file in the upper right-hand corner of this page and can be downloaded. Portillo debuted with the Metropolitan Opera in 2015 as Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville. Currently a resident of Minneapolis, MN, his roles have included operatic performances across the United States, including his hometown of San Antonio, along with many other American cities as well as international debuts in Canada, Germany and Holland. The tenor is an alumnus of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera in Chicago, Merola Opera Program at San Francisco Opera and Wolf Trap Opera in Vienna, VA. His full biography is available at https://davidportillotenor.com/biography/. Visit Portillo's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/davidportillotenor. A champion of contemporary opera, Roach is a 2019 Grammy nominee for two Latin Grammy Awards and has 37 new operas and 21 world premieres under her baton. She serves as Assistant Professor of Opera at Lawrence University and Conductor at Vocal Academy of Orvieto as well as maintains a busy private practice as vocal coach and award-winning pianist with extensive collaborations across the nation. The San Antonio native was the founding Music Director of Alamo City Opera (2012-2019), where the city experienced its first full-length opera in Spanish, La hija de Rappaccini, by Mexican composer Daniel Catan. She has prepared productions for cities across the nation from the East to the West Coast as well as performed across Texas and other states. She is an alumna of the Eastman School of Music and currently resides in Appleton, WI. Her full biography is available at https://kristinroach.com/about. You can visit Roach's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kristin.roach.12.   While not required, Del Mar College encourages patrons to wear masks or other face coverings as well as follow other safety protocols already in place, including social distancing. DMC is currently in Phase 3 of its Return-to-Campus Plan.      

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso They have keen eye for photography, and on Thursday, Dec. 2, that talent will be on display. Ten students who took the Del Mar College Continuing Education digital photography class will showcase their talent as part of “Digital Moments,” a special exhibit featuring over 45 of their best photographs. An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the DMC Center for Economic Development, located at 3209 S. Staples. The reception and exhibit are FREE with light refreshments available during the opening event. The exhibit will remain on display through Thursday, Dec. 16; and viewing are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays. For more information about the exhibit, call the DMC Continuing Education Office at 361-698-2122. “Digital Moments” includes over 45 photographs taken by Sylvia Alaniz, Taylor Baklik, Richard Cruz, Antonia Garza, Anyssa Martinez, Diego Martinez, Jesse Valle, Tiffany Villanueva, Javier Villarreal and Lety Berlanga Villarreal. The subject matter ranges from landscapes and portraits to nature in digital format. “The wonderful thing about a show of this type is that it will reveal that photography is a personal way of looking at the world,” says Jeff Janko, an instructor of photography for DMC Continuing Education. “Everyone has a different vision and a unique way of looking at things. I believe for those who see this show, they will see the world through the eyes of ten gifted and talented photographers.” To learn about personal enrichment courses and other programs offered by DMC Continuing Education, visit www.delmar.edu/ce or email ce@delmar.edu.  

Article by Rosa Linda Reynoso On Wednesday, Nov. 17, it was time for the BIG test! Dressed in full firefighting gear and using appropriate equipment, 10 cadets with Del Mar College’s Regional Fire Academy demonstrated the skills they’ve learned to extinguish flames overtaking various practice props.  Cadets extinguished LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) live burns by suppressing flames of a burning car and dumpster. During the exercises, they wore full personal protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus. Faculty with the College’s Department of Public Service scrutinized procedures the cadets demonstrated to determine if these future firefighters extinguished the fires correctly or violated any safety issues. Michael Schmidt, DMC Fire Science Program Director and Instructor, says that the exercises are a requirement for students to fulfill all aspects of firefighting operations for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). “The commission oversees firefighting training statewide and mandates the different types of scenarios the College performs during the live fire burning evolutions,” he noted.  DMC’s program also uses a two-story burn tower for search patterns, fire extinguisher training and for live fire evolutions and rescue simulations. Cadets receive instruction about fire behavior, rappelling and the utilization of a self-contained breathing apparatus.  To meet the growing emergency medical services responsibilities of the modern firefighter, the Academy also includes Basic– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses, including basic first aid, the mechanics of saving a life using Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, and administering oxygen, among other skills. Cadets will take the TCFP examination for certification upon completing the College’s program. The Academy’s current state certification pass rate is 92% for DMC cadets taking the exam for the first time compared to the average first-time pass rate in Texas of 50%. The DMC Regional Fire Academy offers a Level II Basic Firefighter Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Science/Basic Firefighting Option. The Academy is one of eight programs in the College’s Public Service Department located on the Windward Campus (Old Brownsville and Airport Roads). Currently, application packets are available for the Spring/Summer Regional Fire Academy. The deadline for submission is Friday, Dec. 10. All applicants must complete the College’s admissions process prior to applying to the Academy. Information about the College’s Fire Science Program is available at www.delmar.edu/degrees/fire-science/index.html. Individuals can also contact the Public Service Department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.