- College's APEX Accelerator and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers holding CCAD Industry Day April 4 for business owners looking for DoD contract workArticle by Melinda Eddleman Contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD) can mean BIG business for the small business owner. And, for those owners in the Coastal Bend wanting to conduct business with the DoD, Del Mar College’s APEX Accelerator and the U.S. Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District have scheduled Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) Industry Day on Thursday, April 4, to provide attendees the opportunity to learn how. CCAD and Corps reps will present information about the requirements for conducting business with the federal government and their specific contracting needs, including forecasted Depot project opportunities––both large and small. Additionally, representatives with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi’s Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) will brief attendees about current and upcoming contracting needs. For the busy business owner, two sessions––9 a.m. and 1 p.m.––are scheduled at the College’s Oso Creek Campus in Rooms 209/210 (Tres Grace Community Room) in the Culinary Arts Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414). Get online directions and campus map. There is no fee, but registration is required to attend either session: 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. While not necessary, individuals may attend both sessions but must register for both. These sessions are also offered as a hybrid format. By attending in-person, business owners can network with these agencies, resource partners and other owners, so attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and updated capability statements to either the morning or afternoon session. Businesses that do not have a capabilities statement should contact the College’s APEX Accelerator Office to request assistance to acquire one before April 4. Targeted trades include but are not limited to abatement (for hex chrome), asphalt/parking lot repair, concrete, electrical/mechanical, fire protection/fire suppression, HVAC/plumbing, paint booths/ventilation, post-construction cleanup and renovations. For more information about the sessions, how to acquire a capabilities statement or how to access the sessions online, contact APEX Accelerator Plan Room staffer Susie Hargress at 361-698-1020 or shargress@delmar.edu or Program Coordinator Veronica Renaud at 361-698-1034 or vrenaud@delmar.edu. To learn more about APEX Accelerator services at Del Mar College, visit their web page at https://delmarptac.ecenterdirect.com/.
- Del Mar College recognized among top 10 U.S. community colleges selected as finalists for Bellwether Award for Workforce DevelopmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman The initiative is gaining attention. Del Mar College (DMC) and its innovative Continuing Education (CE) to Credit stackable process that matriculates students’ Workforce Skills Awards earned through CE programs into aligned academic credit programs earned the College selection last fall as a finalist by the Bellwether College Consortium to compete for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The competition was held last week in San Antonio during the Community College Futures Assembly scheduled Feb. 25-27. The Bellwether College Consortium embodies award-winning colleges charged with addressing critical issues facing community colleges through applicable research, promotion and replication of best practices concentrating on 1) workforce development, 2) instructional programs and services and 3) planning governance and finance. These three categories make up the Bellwether Award competition, which is nationally recognized for focusing on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication across the country. DMC was one of 30 community colleges representing 18 states chosen to compete and one of two from Texas out of the 10 selected to vie for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The College’s CE to Credit initiative is noted for providing all students, regardless of educational level, a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that prepare them for high-demand careers in the Coastal Bend. DMC representatives from Continuing Education and the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department presented “Building Our Nation’s Workforce One Stackable Credential at a Time” on Feb. 26 as part of competition against nine other colleges representing Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina (2), Texas (San Antonio College) and Virginia. St. Louis Community College in Missouri won the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development, and the other nine competitors received a Finalist Award. The 10 colleges were assessed on their showcase table, formal presentation and a Q&A session with judges. Dr. Escamilla noted the accomplishment when the award was recognized during the regular regular DMC Board of Regents meeting on March 5. Authors who submitted last summer the College’s nomination to the Bellwether College Consortium noted that 49% of the Coastal Bend’s population possess a high school diploma or less, and over 22% have completed some college but have not earned a degree. Additionally, 62% of Texas jobs will require at least a post-secondary education or specific workforce credentials by 2030 according to Commit Partnership (Aug. 12, 2022). They also addressed the need to develop the CE to Credit initiative based on the comparatively high unemployment rate in the Coastal Bend in 2020. That rate was 9.3% regionally in relation to 7.2% for the state and 6.7% nationally, mostly due to the pandemic. While strategies to prepare more students for the local workforce through short-term CE occupational training had already been developed as early as 2018, the guiding question was how to move CE students toward completing a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that could lead to earning Level I and Level II certificates or an associate’s degree? Even a bachelor’s degree is possible. The goal was to prepare ALL students for the workforce … even those who need to earn their high school equivalency. The solution was creating Workforce Skills Awards or WSAs earned through CE programs aligned with pathways developed for academic programs that address high-demand needs among Coastal Bend employers. WSAs can be earned in less than six months through CE programs and enable students to gain entry-level positions with business and industry. WSAs are also “stackable” or convertible credentials that count toward DMC credit programs, including current high-demand fields such as automotive, building maintenance, heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC), instrumentation, millwright, process technology and welding. Since starting the CE to Credit initiative, the College has seen success and recognized over 320 WSA graduates who each completed 144 CE units or nine credit hours between 2021 and 2023 with a ceremony as well as held pinnings for those who finished health industry-related training. He added, “Continuing Education and our collaboration with the College’s credit programs will ensure students reach their goals one stackable credential at a time toward a degree that will take them even further during their careers.”
- College's APEX Accelerator and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers holding CCAD Industry Day April 4 for business owners looking for DoD contract workArticle by Melinda Eddleman Contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD) can mean BIG business for the small business owner. And, for those owners in the Coastal Bend wanting to conduct business with the DoD, Del Mar College’s APEX Accelerator and the U.S. Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District have scheduled Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) Industry Day on Thursday, April 4, to provide attendees the opportunity to learn how. CCAD and Corps reps will present information about the requirements for conducting business with the federal government and their specific contracting needs, including forecasted Depot project opportunities––both large and small. Additionally, representatives with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi’s Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) will brief attendees about current and upcoming contracting needs. For the busy business owner, two sessions––9 a.m. and 1 p.m.––are scheduled at the College’s Oso Creek Campus in Rooms 209/210 (Tres Grace Community Room) in the Culinary Arts Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414). Get online directions and campus map. There is no fee, but registration is required to attend either session: 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. While not necessary, individuals may attend both sessions but must register for both. These sessions are also offered as a hybrid format. By attending in-person, business owners can network with these agencies, resource partners and other owners, so attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and updated capability statements to either the morning or afternoon session. Businesses that do not have a capabilities statement should contact the College’s APEX Accelerator Office to request assistance to acquire one before April 4. Targeted trades include but are not limited to abatement (for hex chrome), asphalt/parking lot repair, concrete, electrical/mechanical, fire protection/fire suppression, HVAC/plumbing, paint booths/ventilation, post-construction cleanup and renovations. For more information about the sessions, how to acquire a capabilities statement or how to access the sessions online, contact APEX Accelerator Plan Room staffer Susie Hargress at 361-698-1020 or shargress@delmar.edu or Program Coordinator Veronica Renaud at 361-698-1034 or vrenaud@delmar.edu. To learn more about APEX Accelerator services at Del Mar College, visit their web page at https://delmarptac.ecenterdirect.com/.
- Del Mar College recognized among top 10 U.S. community colleges selected as finalists for Bellwether Award for Workforce DevelopmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman The initiative is gaining attention. Del Mar College (DMC) and its innovative Continuing Education (CE) to Credit stackable process that matriculates students’ Workforce Skills Awards earned through CE programs into aligned academic credit programs earned the College selection last fall as a finalist by the Bellwether College Consortium to compete for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The competition was held last week in San Antonio during the Community College Futures Assembly scheduled Feb. 25-27. The Bellwether College Consortium embodies award-winning colleges charged with addressing critical issues facing community colleges through applicable research, promotion and replication of best practices concentrating on 1) workforce development, 2) instructional programs and services and 3) planning governance and finance. These three categories make up the Bellwether Award competition, which is nationally recognized for focusing on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication across the country. DMC was one of 30 community colleges representing 18 states chosen to compete and one of two from Texas out of the 10 selected to vie for the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development. The College’s CE to Credit initiative is noted for providing all students, regardless of educational level, a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that prepare them for high-demand careers in the Coastal Bend. DMC representatives from Continuing Education and the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department presented “Building Our Nation’s Workforce One Stackable Credential at a Time” on Feb. 26 as part of competition against nine other colleges representing Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina (2), Texas (San Antonio College) and Virginia. St. Louis Community College in Missouri won the Bellwether Award for Workforce Development, and the other nine competitors received a Finalist Award. The 10 colleges were assessed on their showcase table, formal presentation and a Q&A session with judges. Dr. Escamilla noted the accomplishment when the award was recognized during the regular regular DMC Board of Regents meeting on March 5. Authors who submitted last summer the College’s nomination to the Bellwether College Consortium noted that 49% of the Coastal Bend’s population possess a high school diploma or less, and over 22% have completed some college but have not earned a degree. Additionally, 62% of Texas jobs will require at least a post-secondary education or specific workforce credentials by 2030 according to Commit Partnership (Aug. 12, 2022). They also addressed the need to develop the CE to Credit initiative based on the comparatively high unemployment rate in the Coastal Bend in 2020. That rate was 9.3% regionally in relation to 7.2% for the state and 6.7% nationally, mostly due to the pandemic. While strategies to prepare more students for the local workforce through short-term CE occupational training had already been developed as early as 2018, the guiding question was how to move CE students toward completing a post-secondary education and workforce credentials that could lead to earning Level I and Level II certificates or an associate’s degree? Even a bachelor’s degree is possible. The goal was to prepare ALL students for the workforce … even those who need to earn their high school equivalency. The solution was creating Workforce Skills Awards or WSAs earned through CE programs aligned with pathways developed for academic programs that address high-demand needs among Coastal Bend employers. WSAs can be earned in less than six months through CE programs and enable students to gain entry-level positions with business and industry. WSAs are also “stackable” or convertible credentials that count toward DMC credit programs, including current high-demand fields such as automotive, building maintenance, heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC), instrumentation, millwright, process technology and welding. Since starting the CE to Credit initiative, the College has seen success and recognized over 320 WSA graduates who each completed 144 CE units or nine credit hours between 2021 and 2023 with a ceremony as well as held pinnings for those who finished health industry-related training. He added, “Continuing Education and our collaboration with the College’s credit programs will ensure students reach their goals one stackable credential at a time toward a degree that will take them even further during their careers.”
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 5Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, March 5, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/agenda_packet-3-5-24.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Spring cleaning time … Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program offering clinical services “at no cost” this semesterArticle by Melinda Eddleman Just like that annual routine around this time of year, Coastal Bend residents may want to consider a “dental spring cleaning” by Del Mar College (DMC) Dental Hygiene majors preparing for careers in the field. The program is offering ways to help accepted patients smile a little brighter while keeping a little more “green” in their wallets by offering clinical hours and services now through May 1 at no charge at the Windward Campus’ Dental Hygiene Clinic. However, the clinic will be closed during DMC’s Spring Break scheduled March 11-16. In addition to cleanings and scaling procedures, the DMC Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a variety of services that include medical history reviews, blood pressure screenings, intra-oral examinations, dental preliminary assessments, periodontal assessments, dental hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, radiographs (x-rays), advanced periodontal therapy, dental hygiene therapy and dental sealants. The clinic gives Dental Hygiene students the hands-on experience and required hours needed to complete the program. Students performing procedures are under the supervision of program faculty, and patients’ care usually requires more than one visit. Patient selection is based on the educational and clinical requirements of Dental Hygiene students. DMC faculty will determine acceptance of patients after they first complete a “qualifying appointment.” For full details about patient selection, appointments and other pertinent information, visit the clinic web page at www.delmar.edu/offices/dental-clinic/index.html. The facility is located in Room 125 of Health Sciences Building 1 on Del Mar College’s Windward Campus at 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405). Access online directions and campus map. Operational hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. as well as Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon with appointments required. To schedule a “qualifying appointment,” contact Amanda Canales, Patient Care Assistant, at 361-698-2854 or dentalclinic@delmar.edu.
- Get on the fast track … registration underway for Del Mar College’s second 8-week Session, classes start March 18Article by Melinda Eddleman If you thought you couldn’t take Del Mar College (DMC) credit courses at this point in the semester, think again! Spring 2024 8-week Session II classes start Monday, March 18, and are designed for students who want to complete coursework at a faster pace than those scheduled for longer sessions. And, if you need a class format that works with your busy schedule, the College offers online, hybrid and face-to-face courses. During normal operational hours, in-person advising, registration and assistance are underway with DMC Student Services, such as applying for financial aid, accessing the Registrar’s Office or visiting the Student Enrollment Center on each of the College’s three campuses. Online Registration is also available before and during Spring Break for those who qualify by meeting ALL admissions requirements. Visit www.delmar.edu/registration to access registration information, the course schedule and other pertinent details to get on the fast-track to completing an 8-week Session II course this spring. Tuition and fees are due by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. Del Mar College will be closed for Spring Break March 11-16, including all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. Normal operations will resume on Monday, March 18, at 7:30 a.m. Have questions, issues or need help registering? During regular office hours, individuals can visit one of the Student Enrollment Centers for personal assistance in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404), the Coleman Center on the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) or the Main Central Building on the Oso Creek Cam[us (7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78414). Directions to all three campuses and online campus maps are available at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. Still have more questions? Contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
- DMC-hosted “Merit Badge College” recently brought 150 Scouts to Windward CampusArticle by Melinda Eddleman While the weather wasn’t exactly cooperative, you could hear the excitement among the 150 Scouts, both boys and girls, on the Del Mar College (DMC) Windward Campus recently. The Scouts were attending the 2024 Merit Badge College co-hosted by DMC and the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on Feb. 17. “The 2024 South Texas Council Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge College was a great success, attracting Scouts from our local council as well as from four additional councils,” said Michael H. Jones, DMC Professor of Speech and Troop 345G Scoutmaster with the South Texas Council and who helped organize the event. “Del Mar College faculty and staff came together to provide this opportunity for youths to explore a number of interest areas and work toward their rank advancements, including course options that are not often available at other merit badge events such as architecture, aviation, crime prevention, drafting, electricity, welding and many other offerings.” The “learn and earn” one-day camp was revitalized in 2023 after a five-year absence. This year’s Merit Badge College attracted troops from not just the South Texas Council but also units from the Alamo, Capital, Rio Grande and Sam Houston Councils. In all, 33 troops participated, some coming from as far away as Harlingen, Houston, Laredo, Sea Drift, Shiner, Spring Branch, Victoria and other locations. Scouts had the opportunity to earn one to two badges with selection from 23 areas taught by 54 volunteer DMC faculty and staff while also learning about various programs Del Mar College offers. Those who chose a full-day activity pursued badges in welding, cooking or first aid. Other Scouts chose to earn two badges from a selection of 20 other sessions ranging from architecture, aviation, communication and public speaking, crime prevention and finger printing, dentistry, digital technology, law and electricity to geology, entrepreneurship, moviemaking, home repairs, traffic safety and truck transportation, health care professions and woodworking, among others. Overall, the BSA offers 138 different merit badges that Scouts can earn. During this year’s Merit Badge College, participants could choose from areas that not only touch on life lessons but also potential career paths that the Scouts may pursue later on … even at Del Mar College. The South Texas Council operates Boy Scouts of America programs in 17 counties in this part of the state that include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing Scouts, Sea Scouts and Exploring Scouts. The Merit Badge College is available to Scouts and Leaders of the Scouts BSA program, which is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 18. The Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. To learn more about the South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, visit https://southtexasbsa.org/. (Editor's Note: Click on photos to enlarge, download and get cutlines.)
- ArcelorMittal Texas HBI reaches $500,000 milestone supporting Del Mar College students’ dreams through investment in scholarshipsArticle by Melinda Eddleman The venue was a full house with representatives from Del Mar College, the DMC Foundation, ArcelorMittal Texas HBI and invited guests celebrating the company’s cumulative “half million dollar mark” in scholarship donations and other support over the past four years. On Feb. 15, officials recognized the company for investing in students’ dreams through the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship, which to date has touched the lives of 93 DMC students majoring in Welding Technology, Process Technology, Industrial Instrumentation or Millwright, all career training fields stipulated in the criteria to receive the scholarship and needed as part of the company’s workforce. “We understand and respect the responsibility to our community. The degrees the scholarship supports gives Del Mar College students the power to transform their lives,” he noted during the celebration. The company established the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship in mid-May 2020 with an initial $75,000 gift to the DMC Foundation. Since then, continued donations have led to a total of $255,000 in scholarship awards. And, those scholarships do make a difference. Just ask 18-year-old DMC student Samira “Sam” Marin, who received the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year to continue pursuing her passion––welding. The Welding Technology major, who completed DMC Dual Credit courses while attending Richard King High School, is now a full-time Del Mar student and will graduate in May. “Coming out of high school, I was extremely stressed about how I was going to continue my education,” she wrote in response to receiving her ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship award. “But, this scholarship is giving me the opportunity to attend college without the worry of a huge financial burden placed on myself and my family. If I could say anything to my donor, it would be ‘Thank you!’” And, she did. During the celebration, Marin addressed her benefactors directly and noted, “I have a professor who constantly asked me at the end of each semester if I was able to continue my training, and I would respond, ‘We’ll see.’ The answer now is my scholarship is allowing me to complete my associate’s degree, and I can’t thank you enough for the help that I and other students have received through our ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship.” To receive the scholarship, additional selection criteria include students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and enrolled either full- or part-time (minimum of six credit hours per semester). ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship awards provide selected students with $3,000 per academic year, which can include the fall, spring and summer semesters. Because of the company’s generous investment in Del Mar College students, U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud’s office presented Leopold with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and an American Flag, which flew over the nation’s Capitol on July 4, 2023, to acknowledge the financial assistance the scholarship provides students who meet its criteria, specifically those from San Patricio County. Located in Portland, Tx., ArcelorMittal Texas HBI is part of a global company and produces over 2 million tons annually of high quality hot briquetted iron (HBI) as a sophisticated pre-material for the production of steel. The scholarship the DMC Foundation administers supports students majoring in targeted fields who meet the career training requirements the company needs for a sustainable and modernized workforce. Currently, the DMC Foundation is taking online applications for all scholarships, including the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship, through midnight April 30 for the 2024-2025 academic year. For more information and to apply for available scholarships with one application, go online at www.delmar.edu/scholarships. Scholarship questions? Contact the DMC Foundation at foundation@delmar.edu or 361-698-1317. And, as for Marin, not only her dream but also her passion are being fulfilled through ArcelorMittal Texas HBI and their generous investment in her and other students through the company’s namesake scholarship at Del Mar College. Editor's Note: click on images to enlarge, download and get cut;lines.
- Music Genius in the Making … Local 13-year-old prodigy’s rescheduled performance with Del Mar College’s Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra set for this Sunday, Feb. 18Article by Melinda Eddleman She started her musical journey with a portable keyboard in mid-summer 2020 during the pandemic lockdown, advancing quickly with the ability to play anything she wanted. In May 2021, she had her first piano lesson at age 10 and by summer 2022 composed her first Piano Sonata. Now 13-years-old and hoping to compose scores for film and television one day, Haleigh Arden O’Neill performed last month during an invitational music festival in Kaufbeuren, Germany. This Sunday, Feb. 18, the young composer and pianist will play with the Del Mar College (DMC) Music Department’s Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra during a rescheduled concert and will premiere her new piece, Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor. The free performance begins at 4 p.m. in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. The Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College, which includes the talent of both music students and community members, will also perform a program featuring W.A. Mozart’s Symphony #41, K.551 “Jupiter” as well as the Poet and Peasant Overture by Franz Von Suppe in addition to O’Neill’s piece. For more information, contact DMC Music faculty member R. Todd Ehle at 361-698-1223 or tehle@delmar.edu. Regarding the young prodigy … after a few lessons with Dr. Will Bailey at The Piano Gallery on South Padre Island Drive, O’Neill was recommended to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Professor of Piano Dr. Joachim Reinhuber, who agreed to see her once a month while she took lessons from one of his students. She was only 10-years-old at that time. And since fall 2022, O’Neill now studies piano exclusively with Dr. Reinhuber as well as composition with Dr. James Wilding, a Professor of Theory and Composition at The University of Akron in Ohio. O’Neill has performed several times, including recitals at TAMUK, a recital for the Corpus Christi Music Teachers Association and during the College Student Recital held as part of Piano Celebration Week 2023 at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Performing Arts Center. She is a member of the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra and has composed multiple symphonies, piano concertos, pieces for smaller ensembles and solo piano works. This Sunday, you can hear her postponed premiere piece at Del Mar College.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 11 a.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 10:55 a.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-2-13-24.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Apply now! Scholarship online application process now open for Del Mar College’s 2024-2025 academic yearArticle by Melinda Eddleman It’s not too early to think about attending Del Mar College (DMC) during the 2024-2025 academic year. And, covering associated costs to attend college can be as simple as applying for a scholarship. Currently, the DMC Foundation is taking online scholarship applications through midnight on April 30, so don’t wait. Go online and apply now! The Foundation awarded over $2 million to about 1,000 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students attending DMC with a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester and with a minimum 2.0 grade point average or a GED equivalency are eligible to apply. Essays are not required. For more information and to apply for many available scholarships with one application, go online now to www.delmar.edu/scholarships. Questions? Contact the DMC Foundation at foundation@delmar.edu or 361-698-1317. The DMC Foundation administers donor-funded scholarships, both direct and endowed. Funds help students pay for tuition, fees, technology, books or whatever is needed to start and successfully complete their education at Del Mar College. The Foundation’s scholarship program gives awards to students for both part-time course loads (six to 11-hours) and full-time (12 hours or more). Eligible students may receive scholarships through the program without regard to financial aid eligibility. “Think of applying for scholarships as an investment,” she said, adding: “So, tell your friends and apply today!” (Download a printable poster located in the upper right-hand corner.)
- 58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show opens Feb. 16 with free reception in Cain GalleryArticle by Melinda Eddleman Now celebrating 58 years of bringing to Corpus Christi two- and three-dimensional artwork from across the United States as part of a juried exhibition, the Del Mar College (DMC) Art Program will open this year’s annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show with a reception on Friday, Feb. 16. The 2024 show attracted a record number of entries of two-dimensional mixed media and small sculptures for a combined 792 pieces with 53, or less than seven percent, selected for the highly-regarded exhibit. Sculptor and educator Mark H. Cowardin served as juror for the 2024 show, choosing an exhibit that represents the work of 50 artists from 18 states, including 22 artists from Texas (four from Corpus Christi) and 28 from other states even as far away as Hawaii. The show includes 25 sculptures and 28 mixed media pieces. The FREE Feb. 16 opening reception for the 58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show is 6 to 8 p.m. in the Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery, which is located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. The reception includes food catered by Citrus Bistro, along with a cash bar. Note: Click on the photos to expand, read cutlines and download. The event also features the announcement of the three Purchase Awards Cowardin selected from among a strong and diverse lineup of work for inclusion in the Del Mar College Permanent Collection. In addition to the opening reception, Cowardin will present an Art Talk on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to noon in Richardson Performance Hall, which is also located on the College’s Heritage Campus. He will cover his own artwork, perspectives and insights as an artist. Every year, a distinguished artist in his or her own right is asked to select the pieces that will make up the juried exhibition; and for the 2024 national show, Cowardin, an Associate Professor of Art with Johnson County Community College in Kansas, has filled that role. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona as well as his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas. As a native Midwesterner, Cowardin’s sculptural work centers on the complex relationship to natural resources that the country’s Midwest embodies. His work resides in many private and public collections, including the John Michael Kohler Art Center, Kohler Corporation, tNerman Museum of Contemporary Art and Rockhurst University. His selections for Del Mar College’s 58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show will remain on display through May 1. Cain Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. (The gallery will be closed during Spring Break March 11-15.) The College’s National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show began in 1966 with the vision of founder Joseph A. Cain, who was an artist, writer, educator and former U.S. Marine. He served as the DMC Art Department’s chair until his death in 1980. (Access a past release to learn more about Cain.) Questions about the Feb. 15 Art Talk, Feb. 16 opening reception or the national show may be directed to the DMC Art Office at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu. Individuals can also visit the Cain Gallery web page at delmar.edu/gallery. (Shown on the main page rotator and at the top of this page is a portion of “Love Birds,” a 16” by 13.5” collagraph, color treta pak two-dimensional piece by artist Kevin Gonzalez.)
- DMC “Community 2 College Connection” Career Expo giving prospective students and community opportunity to explore diverse educational opportunities and job possibilities, meet area employers on Feb. 2Article by Melinda Eddleman For anyone contemplating about college and the job prospects that any discipline can bring or looking for their next job, Del Mar College (DMC) has scheduled an event to provide Coastal Bend residents with the opportunity to explore these possibilities––a “Community 2 College Connection” Career Expo––scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 21. Prospective students and community members can learn about the diverse range of programs the College offers at all three campuses (Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek) and two centers (Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen), hear about job opportunities available in the area and visit with employers representing various sectors looking for their next hires. The “Community 2 College Connection” Career Expo runs from 5 to 8 p.m. in Ballroom B at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds located at 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd., Robstown, TX (78380). Get directions. The event is free and open to the public, and job seekers are encouraged to dress for success and bring their resumes. Questions? Contact Del Mar College at 361-698-1290 or recruit@delmar.edu. During the “Community 2 College Connection” Career Expo, participants can meet with staff from DMC Student Services (Admissions, Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office), Career Development, Early College/Dual Credit, Student Engagement and Retention Services, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, Veterans Services and other service-based areas of the College. Staff can assist individuals with completing various applications on-the-spot, including admissions, financial aid scholarships. And, participants can even complete a career assessment. The College offers a wide range of certificate and associate degree programs covering many disciplines within eight pathways: 1) Architecture, Aviation and Automotive, 2) Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, 3) Communication, Fine Arts & Social Sciences, 4) Health Sciences, 5) Industrial Technology, 6) Kinesiology & Education, 7) Public Service and 8) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). During the event, participants can learn more from faculty with the following departments and programs: Aviation Maintenance, Art & Drama, Building Trades (Air Conditioning, Electrical and Building Maintenance), Business Administration, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Industrial Instrumentation, Industrial Technology, Kinesiology, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Social Sciences, Surgical Technology and Welding Technology. Additionally, DMC Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs will have representatives available to discuss several of their programs, including Adult Education, Building Construction Trades, Career & Industry Training and more. Many Continuing Education career training programs allow students to earn credentials and stackable credits that can count toward some of the College’s academic programs, allowing individuals to work while pursuing their associate’s degree in the same field. For participants looking for their next job, current employers signed up for the event include AccessRULES, LLC; ArcelorMittal Texas HBI; Community Action Corporation of South Texas; Compassus; Corpus Christi Fire Department; Corpus Christi Police; Department; Corpus Christi Police MetroCom; Department of Family and Protective Services; Diocese of Corpus Christi; DFPS; DXP Enterprise; Goodwill Industries of South Texas; Kiewit Offshore Services; LEAD Industrial Staffing; Lively Beach Resort; MIKE SHAW TOYOTA; Nueces County Community Action Agency; Nivo; Nondestructive Visual Inspection (NDT); NVINDT; Tejas Management Systems, Inc.; Texas Army National Guard; Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division; Texas Veterans Commission; Textron Aviation; Toastmasters; Turner Industries; Vector Marketing; WaterStreet, LTD; and YWCA Corpus Christi. So, take one step closer to becoming a DMC Viking or finding that next employment opportunity by attending Del Mar College’s “Community 2 College Connection” Career Expo on Feb. 21! You can also visit www.delmar.edu to explore the possibilities.
- DMC Continuing Education offering new and “free” Emergency Medical Responder and Health Care Program using $250,000 TRUE Grant from THECBArticle by Melinda Eddleman For Coastal Bend residents who have considered entering the healthcare industry or want to be part of a patient emergency response team, Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education has a new career training opportunity that can get you there. And, it’s free. Starting later in February, the College will begin a new six-month Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Health Care Program, which is designed as a pathway to becoming an in-demand Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The program requires online application and acceptance, which is now underway. The EMR and Health Care Program is made possible from a $250,000 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education (TRUE) Grant awarded to the College by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in mid-December. The grant runs through the end of this year. The EMR and Health Care Program is designed for short-term completion and certification and stacks Continuing Education credentials upon the Public Service Department’s requirements for an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technician degree. The EMT pathway is listed as a high-demand occupation on both the THECB’s 2024 high demand occupational field list as well as the local Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend’s Targeted Occupation list for 2022-2023. TRUE Grant funding for the new program allows DMC Continuing Education to cover accepted applicants’ tuition, textbooks and other training materials, uniforms and testing and certification fees. Students are required to follow the course progression and certification exam schedule to successfully complete the program (available on information and application page). Questions may be directed to DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-1769 or cegrants@delmar.edu or the Public Service Department at mstuive@delmar.edu. The first accepted cohort will begin with three courses, including CPR for Healthcare Workers on Feb. 19, Medical Terminology on Feb. 20 and Electrocardiography on March 5. All three courses will meet at the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples, but the program also includes course scheduling on the Windward Campus. Students will have access to all DMC support services, including professional resume writing services, counseling services, food pantry assistance and participation during industry job fairs. Additionally, program participants who choose to continue their pathway to the College’s EMT degree program will have access to student advisors to explore their financial aid options through DMC Financial Aid Services or Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend for funding. For individuals interested in applying for the program, eligibility requirements are as follows: · must be 18 years of age or older, · must be a U.S. citizen or certified to work in the United States, · must have a high school diploma/GED or higher education, · pass a background check, · pass a drug screen, and · must be available for an in-person follow-up to provide required documents. The Coordinating Board’s TRUE Grant Program supports the goals of the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas, through the creation, expansion or redesign of workforce education and training credential programs in high-demand occupations. The College’s current TRUE Grant award is the fourth that DMC Continuing Education has received to meet the state’s goals and the in-demand workforce needs across the Coastal Bend. “This TRUE Grant will have a tremendous impact among our healthcare partners as we meet their skilled workforce needs, along with Coastal Bend communities where residents can benefit from either participating in the EMR and Health Care Program or being served by the professionals Del Mar College produces over this next year,” Dr. Rivera noted.
- It’s Income Tax Time, Again! Free VITA Program services at DMC underway now through April 11 on Heritage CampusArticle by Melinda Eddleman It’s time to file income taxes, again. And, while the main deadline may be less than three months away, many individuals are already getting down to business. For many Coastal Bend filers, trying to make sense of the different forms or changes in tax credits can be a struggle. Furthermore, paying for an accountant to prepare returns may not be part of the budget. However, as part of a program supported by the United Way of the Coastal Bend, Del Mar College students trained in tax and accounting software hope to make the tax season a little less stressful for area filers as they provide FREE services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which starts today, Jan. 30. Palacios, a Certified Public Accountant, oversees the VITA Program at Del Mar College. As a nationwide program established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA Program involves volunteers who prepare tax returns free for individuals who make $60,000 per year or less. The free income tax preparation with the College’s IRS-trained tax volunteers is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. through April 11 in Room 206 in the Venters Business Building located on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Appointments are not necessary, so walk-ins are welcome. VITA Program services will not be available during DMC’s Spring Break, which is March 11-16. Questions? Call the United Way of the Coastal Bend at 361-882-2529 or visit www.uwcb.org/vita. Filers need to bring tax information, including their W-2 form, other documentation of earned income, Social Security cards for everyone being claimed on the return and a form of identification, such as a drivers license or other photo I.D. A full checklist is located on the United Way's VITA Program web page. For nearly 25 years, Del Mar College has been one of several local organizations involved with the VITA Program to provide tax return preparation services to lower income households. At the end of the tax season, the IRS recognizes volunteers––including Del Mar College students–– with a certificate for their involvement and hard work.
- “CCAD Campus Interview Day” for Del Mar College students and alumni scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Windward CampusArticle by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College’s Career Development Center and the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) are joining forces to hold interview opportunities for current DMC students and alumni (there are a lot of them out there) who have wanted to become a part of the Army Depot’s mission and workforce. To find those workers, the two organizations have scheduled a “CCAD Campus Interview Day” from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the College’s Windward Campus. If you have the skills and experience, the Army Depot is looking to fill machinist and painter positions. Bring your resume and dress for success to impress those conducting the interviews. You just might get hired on the spot! Interviews will be conducted in Room 120 in the Workforce Development Center on the Windward Campus, located at 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405). Get online directions and campus map. Organizers ask that participants pre-register by filling out an online form by end-of-day tomorrow, Jan. 30. (This interview event is not open to the public.) Questions? Contact DMC Career Development Director Jennifer Gonzales at jgonzales124@delmar.edu or 361-698-2467 or Career Counselor Mari Villarreal at mvillarr28@delmar.edu or 361-698-2687. The College’s Career Development Center provides comprehensive career planning and employment services to DMC students and alumni of all majors and classifications. Staff expedite recruiting efforts among area companies and organizations using a single-point-of-contact strategy to connect students and alumni with their future employers. Learn more about the Center and services offered by contacting DMC Career Development at 361-698-2692 or visiting www.delmar.edu/offices/career/index.html.
- Del Mar College and Coastal Bend Blood Center Launch Collegiate Hero Program Today to Save Lives, Observe National Blood Donor MonthArticle by Melinda Eddleman Give blood. Save lives. Be a hero! Those words could very well become the personal mantra for many student Vikings at Del Mar College (DMC) who have already or will sign up for the Coastal Bend Blood Center’s (CBBC) Collegiate Hero Program. The College and Blood Center partnered today with a launch event to encourage students to donate blood to ensure a much-needed supply is available in the region. According to American Blood Centers statistics, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood or platelets, yet, approximately only three percent of age-eligible individuals donate blood each year. Sanders shared those statistics with event participants and then noted, “I think our students, even our faculty and staff here at Del Mar College, can do better. I think we can encourage more than three percent of our campus community to get involved and donate blood.” She then challenged both student Vikings and DMC employees to donate blood while the CBBC Blood Mobile was on campus this afternoon as part of the launch and in recognition of National Blood Donors Month. Organized by the College’s Student Leadership and Campus Life Office, the event gave DMC students the opportunity to learn about the Collegiate Hero Program from CBBC staff, sign up at the Blood Center’s table and enjoy food and games before heading to the Blood Mobile later in the afternoon. DMC Psychology major and Student Government Association President Sofia Jimenez, who emceed the announcement, encouraged her fellow Vikings that “being active at your college allows you to make connections” and “learn leadership and communication skills, along with many other valuable skills, so I encourage all students to play an active role, especially with making this new program a success.” The Collegiate Hero Program requires that students make two donations within the academic year prior to graduation to earn the “Medal of Merit,” which they can wear during their commencement ceremony as a designation of being a “hero.” For DMC students graduating this May, there’s time during the spring semester to make those two donations according to CBBC officials since full blood donations require only 56 days between donations. The College’s Spring 2024 Commencement is May 17. During her remarks, Jimenez held up a Medal of Merit and shared her personal feelings. “So, for those of you who earn one of the Medals of Merit, know that when you walk across the stage on graduation day, you’ll be recognized as an active college student but also as a ‘hero’ because you gave blood and saved lives,” she added. Jimenez also announced that for the student club that signs up the most members to participate in the program, the Student Leadership and Campus Life Office will add $100 to their fundraising account supporting the winning club’s community service projects. The Collegiate Hero Program allows students to make their blood donations during campus drives or anywhere the CBBC Blood Mobile is located. For DMC students who couldn’t make the program launch, they can register using the Coastal Bend Blood Center’s online form. More information about the program is also available online at www.coastalbendbloodcenter.org/collegiate-red-cord-program/. Basic qualifications for anyone wishing to donate during area blood drives include: · Eat a well-balanced meal. · Drink plenty of water. · Bring a picture I.D. · Must be feeling well. · Must be age 17 or older. Ramirez added, “Our ultimate goal is that students become lifelong blood donors. And, we can’t wait to view DMC graduates wearing our Medal of Merit and reminding family and friends during commencement about donating blood. Del Mar Vikings who participate in the program are truly our heroes.” Del Mar College has participated with blood drives for many years. From 2013 to 2015, DMC even earned the CBBC’s Top Performer Award in the Education Category for blood collections on what is now called the Heritage Campus. By partnering with the Coastal Bend Blood Center and launching their Collegiate Hero Program, the College aims to be a “Top Performer,” again, while saving lives.
- Del Mar Drama Alum and Actor Nathan Ray Clark Returns to DMC for Week-long Student Improv Workshop, Free “Improv Show” on Jan. 27Article by Melinda Eddleman He attended high school “across the pond” … Corpus Christi Bay, that is … as well as Del Mar College (DMC). Now his resume includes national commercial spots and hit television shows. This week, alum and actor Nathan Ray Clark returns to the Coastal Bend to teach DMC students the art of improv during a 5-day evening workshop before the troupe hits the stage this Saturday night, Jan. 27, for a free “Improv Show” that’s open to the public. You may remember comedian Drew Carey hosting the hilarious show called “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Actors used improvisational techniques to create rib-tickling scenes from audience suggestions. Attendees can expect the same during Del Mar Drama’s own version that includes audience engagement throughout the “Improv Show” featuring Clark and 16 DMC students who signed-up for his workshop to prepare for an evening of sidesplitting antics that will keep you rolling with laughter. The “Improv Show” begins at 7 p.m. in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre located in the Fine Arts Center on the College’s Heritage Campus at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. Seating is open with no reserved tickets required, and theatre doors open at 6:30 p.m. Del Mar Drama’s “Improv Show” has been generously funded with support from the Del Mar College Cultural Programs Committee. Questions? Contact the DMC Art & Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. When asked, “Why improv and comedy?” Clark responded, “Making others laugh and money. Kidding...money then laughter.” Bit, with kidding aside, he said, “No, with comedy it’s a number of things, and I’ve found that you can make people laugh not just with jokes but by sharing personal experiences and unconceived ideas about everyday life. [They] give us an opportunity to laugh at ourselves and difficult or taboo subjects.” Clark noted that he had dabbled with stand-up comedy but that improv has been a big part of his career and life. “I love it because it forces you to work with others, who could be complete strangers, to create something funny on-the-spot.” That’s the experience he hopes to teach DMC students during this week’s workshop before they take what they’ve learned into the spotlight Saturday night. A Gregory-Portland High School graduate, Clark attended Del Mar College between January 1999 and May 2002. He moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in classes in April 2023 at The Second City Hollywood, graduating from the California branch of the world’s premiere comedy theatre and largest school of improv and sketch comedy. He has appeared in several national commercials (watch the reel), including spots for Lowes, Subaru and CarFax, but said that his favorite is one for Pretty Litter, which only ran online for a brief period. “I had a blast and played an old-timey magician, improvising some and totally hamming it up for the camera,” Clark said. Clark’s appearances on hit television shows include NCIS: Hawai’i, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls and Glee. And, even though it’s not a comedy, he said his favorite television role was on the Paramount+ drama Criminal Minds: Evolution, which was a great opportunity to showcase his dramatic skills. “I played a serial killer’s victim who gets eaten by a dog,” he said, adding humorously: “I know, typecasting, but it was a really intense scene––half naked and crying. But hey, if you can do comedy then you can definitely do drama. Trust me.” We won’t show that reel! Clark says that the most fulfillment during his career he’s had was working on his web series, Born Losers. “I acted, wrote and produced it with my writing partner; so, having full control over a project is something I greatly appreciate.” Visit Clark’s online resume page and his IMDB page to learn more about his career. While he credits current DMC Drama Professors Carl Yowell and Michael “Kim” Frederick for influencing his path toward acting and improv, Clark said, “Theater, acting and film were my passion before I even got into high school, but the great thing about Carl and Kim is they cultivated a space where not only are they educating young actors but also giving them the freedom to explore the craft and apply their own personal creativity.” He added, “If it wasn't for their encouragement to teach improv, I don't know if I would be doing it at all.” You can see Clark’s own influence on the next generation of comedic improvisors Saturday night during Del Mar Drama’s free “Improv Show.”
- UPDATE: Del Mar College campuses and centers opening tomorrow, Jan. 17Article by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College officials are announcing the opening tomorrow, Jan. 17, of its campuses and centers, including the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek Campuses, the Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen. Campus and center offices will open at 7:30 a.m., and classes will begin as scheduled for the Spring 2024 semester. WELCOME BACK, Vikings!
- WEATHER ALERT (UPDATE): Del Mar College officials announce campus and facilities closure for tomorrow, Jan. 16Article by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College officials are announcing the closure of its campuses––including Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek––Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen for tomorrow, Jan. 16, due to the inclement weather. Campus and facilities offices will be closed and classes are canceled. Below freezing temperatures and precipitation have created hazardous conditions for travel. The College currently plans to open and resume classes on Wednesday, Jan. 17. DMC officials ask that students and employees stay safe and continue to monitor College email, website (www.delmar.edu/offices/cro/weather.html) and social media for further updates.
- Del Mar College officials monitoring impending weather conditions (WEATHER UPDATE 1)Article by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College officials are monitoring the weather forecast and aware of the below-freezing temperatures expected early this next week. Currently, DMC plans to be open for normal operations and hold classes as scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 16-17. However, any outdoors events for those days will be cancelled or moved inside. Students and employees should follow all weather-related advisories and exercise caution when traveling during the freeze. Employees who live in outlying areas should use their own judgement and consult with their supervisors about modified schedules. The College asks that both students and employees to continue monitoring DMC email, website and social media platforms for further updates. As a reminder, DMC campuses––including Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek––the Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
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