News

Article by: Michael Bratten Impressed with architects' renderings and a video virtual tour, Del Mar College’s (DMC) Board of Regents today gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to the phase 1 schematic design and phased development plan for the College’s future southside campus. Following a presentation by the team of Gensler and Turner Ramirez Architects at DMC’s Center for Economic Development, the Board unanimously voted to accept the design at their monthly meeting.   Today’s presentation, the first of four design phases, illustrated the configuration of buildings, exterior features and locations of academic programs at the southside campus. To be built on a 96-acre tract at Rodd Field Road and Yorktown Boulevard, the campus will enable the College to expand signature programs such as architecture, engineering, biotechnology and culinary arts with state-of-the-art facilities. Also included in the design are facilities to teach basic core courses needed by transfer students, as well as developmental education, dual credit, workforce and continuing education programs. The architectural team – internationally recognized firm Gensler and local firm Turner Ramirez Architects – went to great lengths to incorporate natural elements into the design, such as measuring wind direction and velocity and situating buildings to maximize breezes for students’ comfort.   Other notable design features are: A second-floor community room that will be ideal for large meetings and presentations and available to the public; the room also will overlook a center courtyard. The campus’s main entrance facing Yorktown Boulevard will feature a welcoming courtyard with pleasant views from the road, rather than a view of parking lots. Classrooms will feature SageGlass windows with electrochromic glass that tints automatically to optimize daylight, reduce glare and manage heat. A security facility in the center of the campus. A library enclosed by windows with a fourth-floor terrace on the rooftop offering inspiring views of Oso and Corpus Christi bays. DMC expects to begin construction of the southside campus in October 2019, with substantial completion by May 2021. Full occupancy is anticipated by August 2021. Projected first-year student enrollment is 3,500 students, with 40 percent of those students shifting from DMC’s existing campuses and 60 percent composed of new students. “Right-sizing” enrollment on all three campuses – South, East and West – will ease parking issues on the East and West campuses. After all four phases of construction are complete, the campus will accommodate up to 15,000 students. Voters approved a $139 million bond proposal in 2016 proposed by the Board to address the population explosion on Corpus Christi’s Southside. In 2015, 42 percent of DMC students lived south of South Padre Island Drive, and a 2016 study by EMSI Inc. shows that the population in Southside zip codes is predicted to grow at an average rate of 3.61 percent per year through 2020.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Join Del Mar College’s Music Department on Friday, Oct. 19, for an evening of classical music featuring Russian pianist Yury Martynov, a master keyboardist who is internationally renowned for his versatile repertoire. The free concert performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Wolfe Recital Hall, located in the Fine Arts Center Music Building on the East Campus, Ayers at Kosar. For more information, call 698-1605 or email wlipman@delmar.edu. The program will include Fantasiain d minor by Mozart, Rondeau Op.1 and Four Mazurkas Op. 30 by Chopin, Tchaikovsky The Seasons (April, November, December), Prelude and Fugue in d minor by Shostakovich and Symphonic Etudes Op.13 and Op. posth by Schumann. Martynov performed the Russian premier of Bach’s entire “Well-Tempered Clavier” on clavichord and was the first to perform solo and chamber works of the Renaissance, Baroque and early Classicism eras to 20th century pieces on period instruments, including modern piano, harpsichord, clavichord and pianoforte, which is an 18th century predecessor to the modern piano. His artistry and technical excellence has earned Martynov numerous first-place prizes in some of the most prestigious piano competitions in Europe. Among the first-place awards were those at the 1991 Maria Canals International Music Competition in Spain, the 1993 Ennio Porrino International Piano Competition in Italy and the 1999 International W.A. Mozart Competition in Salzburg, Austria. Martynov’s discography includes several CDs recorded and released on famous Russian and foreign record labels. He is the first, and only musician as of March 2017, who recorded Beethoven’s complete symphonies in Liszt’s transcription for piano solo on the instruments of that time—Erard circa 1837 and Blutnher circa 1867. Most prestigious magazines, including Diapason d’Or, BBC Monthly choice, 5 stars, The Guardian, Choc de la musique and Classica Magazine mention his CDs released by OUTHERE music label. The Guardianincluded Martynov’s recording of Beethoven-Liszt’s Ninth Symphony in the official Top Ten CDs of 2016. For more information about Martynov, visit www.yurymartynov.com.

Article by: Michael Bratten Del Mar College (DMC) officials and industry partners gathered Oct. 5 at the College’s West Campus welding yard to recognize the the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for over $1.1 million in Skills Development Fund grants that are helping fuel economic growth in the Coastal Bend. With the grants, DMC is providing customized, credentialed training for employees at local industries including MMR Constructors, Inc., Brand Energy Solutions, LLC and TPCO America Corp., Inc.   A $1 million grant was awarded to DMC and the construction consortium of MMR Constructors, Inc. and Brand Energy Solutions, LLC. DMC is training 556 employees of the two companies in courses such as scaffolding systems, electrical circuits and code, safety, instrumentation troubleshooting, fireproofing and rigging. Also included are industry-recognized NCCER courses sanctioned by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Upon completion of training, the employees will earn an average wage of $18.96 per hour, according to the TWC. A second grant for $161,997 was awarded to DMC and TPCO America Corp., Inc. to train 90 employees in pipe fabrication and finishing, as well as training for roller assembly operators, pipe loaders and rotary hearth furnace operators. After training, the employees will earn an average wage of $22.41 per hour, according to the TWC. A subsidiary of the Tianjin Pipe Corp., TPCO America operates a $1 billion, 253-acre pipe-making plant near Gregory. “These Skills Development Fund grants enable Del Mar College to upscale employees in technical skills and contribute to the growth in the region,” said Mary Afuso, DMC director of Corporate Services. “In turn, the partnerships with industry help us develop new, cutting-edge programs for students because it’s what industry needs. It’s not just theory.”  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College (DMC) Professor of Art Amorette Garza will share images of her artwork from past to present during “… something about a piñata: The visual process as evolution of enlightenment of cultural heritage” on Wednesday, Oct. 10.   The lecture begins at 1 p.m. in Room 514 of the William F. White, Jr. Library, located on the DMC East Campus at Naples off Kosar at Staples. Sponsored by the Art and Drama Department and Mexican American Studies Program, this event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Garza at 698-1217 or agarza@delmar.edu. The artist will share her perspective, influences and references as they reflect her personal history and cultural heritage, especially as a Mexican American from South Texas. Garza says that through the development of her own personal visual language, she became more aware and discovered the important influence of her cultural heritage, as it seemed to be naturally informing what she was creating very early on in her artwork. Additionally, Garza will also discuss the recent inclusion of her artwork in the Cheech Marin collection and exhibitions in which she has curated and participated.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso In addition to oppression and inequality, opposition to the status quo, slavery and child labor, United States history also includes the protest movements that have been the driving force of American democracy, from the expansion of voting rights and the end of segregation laws, to minimum wage standards and marriage equality. In his second published book, The Defiant: Protest Movements in Post-Liberal America,Del Mar College (DMC) Assistant Professor of History Dr. Dawson Barrett calls attention to the post-1960s period, in which the United States’ economic, cultural and political elites turned the tide against the protest movement gains of the previous 40 years and reshaped the ability of activists to influence the political process. On Thursday, Oct. 4, Dr. Barrett will discuss his new book at 7 p.m. in Room 514 of the William F. White, Jr. Library, located on the DMC East Campus at Naples off Kosar at Staples. In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and sponsored by the Social Sciences Department and Mexican American Studies Program, this event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Barrett at 698-1630 or dbarrett2@delmar.edu. Recently published by the New York University Press, The Defiantexplores the major policy shifts of the new Gilded Age through the lens of dissent—through the picket lines, protest marches and sit-ins that greeted them at every turn. Dr. Barrett documents these clashes at neoliberalism’s many points of impact, moving from the Arizona wilderness, to Florida tomato fields, to punk rock clubs in New York and California—and beyond. He takes readers right up to the present day with an epilogue tracing the Trump administration’s strategies and policy proposals and the myriad protests they have sparked.Capturing a wide range of protest movements in action—from environmentalists’ tree-sits to Iraq War peace marches to Occupy Wall Street, #BlackLivesMatter and more—The Defiant is a gripping analysis of the profound struggles of our times. The Defiant: Protest Movements in Post-Liberal Americais available through numerous online book retailers, including Brazosbookstore.com, Powells.com, Amazon.com or at https://nyupress.org/books/9781479808656. Copies of The Defiantwill be available for purchase at $25, cash only, and Dr. Barrett will hold a book signing after his presentation.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso “Education is our freedom, and freedom should be everybody’s business.” Those famous words express the conviction of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. As part of the “Dr. Hector P. Garcia Texas State Recognition Day” observance at Del Mar College (DMC) on Sept. 20, the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation presented a $25,000 donation to support student scholarships at the College. Additionally, the American G.I. Forum awarded $500 scholarships to two DMC Nurse Education majors—Michaella Luder and Joshua Soza—to use for the fall 2018 semester. Garcia-Akers added that she initially expected to sell at least 500 copies of her book, The Inspiring Life of Texan Hector P. Garcia, but the result is well over 4,000 copies sold nationally. She noted that proceeds from sales of the book about her father go toward the Garcia Memorial Foundation. Invited guests commemorated the memory of the man who made significant contributions to the civil rights movement, veterans, education and our nation in the event hosted by DMC, H-E-B and the South Texas Chapter of the American G.I. Forum. The event was also part of the College’s Hispanic Heritage Month observances.

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso Del Mar College’s (DMC) fall semester exhibit, the Faculty Art Exhibition, provides different, richly depicted perspectives by local artists. Presented by the College’s Art Program, the exhibit features some 48 original artworks from 11 faculty artists. Included in the exhibition are photography, sculpture, drawings, prints, ceramics, paintings and mixed media works.   The opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Center on the DMC East Campus, Ayers Street. The FREE event includes light refreshments, appetizers, cash bar and music. For more information about the reception or exhibit, call the Art Office at 698-1216. Anyone visiting the gallery can expect to see a variety of works, including Kerstin Dale’s photograph entitled “Alsek Lake 3, Alaska 2014,” Day Wheeler’s “Wise Monkeys Mezcal Bottles” and Amorette Garza’s “Tchotchke” (wild boy). Among other artists are Loring Baker, Robert Brink, Jerry Cobarruvias, Kitty Dudics, Randy Flowers, Ken Rosier, Mike Stephens and Ashley Thomas. The 2018 Faculty Art Exhibit is on display through Wednesday, Dec. 5. Admission is free; the Cain Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. The Art and Drama Department’s programs are nationally accredited. The Art Program is a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, with the Drama Program holding membership with the National Association of Schools of Theatre.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, communities across the nation observe and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the diversity, innumerable contributions and influence Hispanics provided to shape this country. In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College, the DMC Mexican American Studies program and the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education present the following events: Monday, September 17 Del Mar College Observance of Constitution Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with The Battle over the 27th Texas U.S. Congressional District: Ethnicity, Partisanship, Gerrymandering and the Law On Sept. 17, 1787, our country’s forefathers signed the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, ending the Constitutional Convention. In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring all educational institutions receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day, scheduled on Sept. 17 each year. In observance of Constitution Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College’s Political Science program in the Social Sciences Department and the Mexican American Studies program are co-sponsoring Associate Professor Dr. Adrian Clark’s lecture, The Battle over the 27th Texas U.S. Congressional District: Ethnicity, Partisanship, Gerrymandering and the Law. Dr. Clark will examine redistricting in the context of our nation’s evolving search on how to effectively balance majority rule with the protection of minority rights in an era of increased racial and political polarization. This event is free and open to the public. Monday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m., Room 514, White Library, Del Mar College, East Campus, Naples at Kosar off Staples, free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Adrian Clark at 698-1639 or aclark14@delmar.edu. Tuesday, September 25 Del Mar College Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month with Querer es Poder: Lieutenant Colonel Olga Custodio’s Quest to Democratize the Sky In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College’s Social Sciences Department and the Mexican American Studies program present Querer es Poder: Lieutenant Colonel Olga Custodio’s Quest to Democratize the Sky. Dr. Erinn McComb, assistant professor of history, will discuss how Olga Custodio became the first Latina American woman to graduate from the United States Air Force, the first female pilot instructor of the supersonic T-38, one of the world’s most difficult jets to fly, and the first Latina commercial airline captain for American Airlines. The presentation outlines Custodio’s story as one that not only broke down barriers for women, but also one that gave visibility to Latina women in control of technology, specifically flight technology. This event is free and open to the public. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m., Room 514, White Library, Del Mar College, East Campus, Naples at Kosar off Staples, free. For more information, contact Dr. Erinn McComb at 698-1368 or emccomb1@delmar.edu. Thursday, October 4 Book Discussion of The Defiant: Protest Movements in Post-Liberal America at DMC as part of Hispanic Heritage Month In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College’s Social Sciences Department and the Mexican American Studies program present The Defiant: Protest Movements in Post-Liberal America. Assistant professor Dr. Dawson Barrett will discuss his new book and call our attention to the post-1960s period, in which the United States’ economic, cultural, and political elites turned the tide against the protest movement gains of the previous 40 years and reshaped the ability of activists to influence the political process. The Defiant explores the major policy shifts of this new Gilded Age through the lens of dissent—through the picket lines, protest marches, and sit-ins that greeted them at every turn. This event is free and open to the public. Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Room 514, White Library, Del Mar College, East Campus, Naples at Kosar off Staples, free. For more information, contact Dr. Dawson Barrett at 698-1630 or dbarrett2@delmar.edu. Wednesday, October 10 “…something about a piñata” at DMC as Part of Hispanic Heritage Month As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Amorette Garza, professor of art at Del Mar College, will provide a short lecture with images of her artwork from past to present as part of “…something about a piñata: The visual process as evolution of enlightenment of cultural heritage.” Garza will share her perspective, influences and references as they reflect her personal history and cultural heritage, most specifically as a Mexican American from South Texas. She will also discuss the recent inclusion of her artwork in the Cheech Marin collection and exhibitions in which she has curated and participated. Sponsored by the DMC Art and Drama Department and the Mexican American Studies program, this event is free and open to the public. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m., Room 514, White Library, Del Mar College, East Campus, Naples at Kosar off Staples, free. For more information, contact Amorette Garza at 698-1217 or agarza@delmar.edu. Friday, October 12 Screening of “Clínica de Migrantes: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” as Part of DMC Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College’s Student Leadership and Campus Life, the Nurse Education Department and the Mexican American Studies program are cosponsoring the award-winning documentary, “Clínica de Migrantes: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The documentary features the story of a volunteer-run medical health clinic serving uninsured and America’s untouchable class—undocumented immigrants. The screening will be followed with a talk by guest speaker Dr. Steve Larson, cofounder and executive director of the Puentes de Salud medical clinic. Friday, Oct. 12, 9 to 12:30 a.m., Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College East Campus, Kosar at Ayers Street, free. For more information, call Dr. Evangeline Deleon at 698-2861 or vdeleon@delmar.edu.

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso On Sept. 17, 1787, our country’s forefathers signed the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, ending the Constitutional Convention. In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring all educational institutions receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day on Sept. 17 each year. In observance of Constitution Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College (DMC) Associate Professor Dr. Adrian Clark will present The Battle over the 27th Texas U.S. Congressional District: Ethnicity, Partisanship, Gerrymandering and the Law. The lecture is scheduled at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, in Room 514 of the William F. White, Jr. Library, located on the DMC East Campus at Naples off Kosar at Staples. Sponsored by the Political Science program in the Social Sciences Department and the Mexican American Studies program, this event is free and open to the public. Dr. Clark will examine redistricting in the context of our nation’s evolving search on how to effectively balance majority rule with the protection of minority rights in an era of increased racial and political polarization. He will also review key arguments made by parties to the redistricting court case and analyze how the Supreme Court’s decision impacts upon the overall legal status of the 27th District from the perspective of ethnicity and voting rights.