Article by Melinda Eddleman “Education, dedication and commitment will open doors from dreams and aspirations to once-thought-unreachable destinations despite life’s obstacles.”  Those are the words of George Salazar, a Corpus Christi native who as a little boy grew up in an impoverished neighborhood, known as a barrio, and who dreamed of reaching the stars. And, in a way he did. Salazar’s career spans over 40 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, working on projects, such as the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle and the Artemis Human Lander. Now retired since January 2024, the engineer has written a memoir covering his life’s journey from that little boy with big dreams to reaching unexpected heights working on the world’s most advanced space exploration projects among NASA professionals. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Del Mar College Continuing Education will host an inspiring morning seminar with Salazar sharing a motivating account of his journey told in his memoir, “From the Barrio to NASA: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges.” The FREE three-hour event is scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Tres Grace Community Room in the Culinary Arts Building on the Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd., 78414 (get directions and map). During the seminar, participants who have “From the Barrio to NASA” can have Salazar sign their copy (get the book on Amazon).  Questions? Contact Continuing Education staff member Christina Campos at 361-698-2156 or ccampos47@delmar.edu.   During his career, Salazar received numerous awards, including the NASA Silver Achievement Medal, John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award and the NASA-Johnson Space Center Engineering Directorate Legacy Award for his contributions to human spaceflight. Other credits include co-authoring several technical papers on spacecraft design, systems engineering and Human Systems Integration. Having attended courses at Del Mar College but graduating from North Harris County College, Salazar received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Southern Methodist University.  Engineer turned author, Salazar’s passion is now sharing knowledge with students—reaching out to well over 19,000 students through speaking engagements, tutoring and mentoring––and his speaking engagement on Nov. 5 brings that passion to Del Mar College.  As noted on Amazon’s book review, “Salazar’s story proves that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish.    

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr.  You might say the original production of “Ken Ludwign’s Leading Ladies” was a pre-cursor to movies like “Tootsie” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” and even the television sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” Featuring a large cast of nine actors, the production is a fast-paced farcical comedy about two down-on-their luck actors who disguise themselves as long-lost nieces of a dying woman to inherit a fortune only to find themselves in over their heads. Del Mar Drama with Del Mar College’s Art & Drama Department will pull out all the stops in November with their production of “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404, directions and campus map). The two-weekend run will provide no less than six opportunities to see program’s fall production. Written by award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo”), ‘Leading Ladies’ is a riotous comedy that blends Shakespearean farce with screwball charm via a series of outrageous disguises, romantic mix-ups and laugh-out-loud situations. “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Audiences are advised the production contains mature content. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, including Nov. 7-8 (Friday-Saturday) and Nov. 13-15 (Thursday-Saturday) with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 13. The Nov. 7 opening includes a post-show reception with cash bar and catering by Citrus with a cash bar only Nov. 14 and 15. “Student Night” is scheduled Nov. 13 with free admission for all area students with valid school I.D. The Drama Program will host an inaugural Drama Alumni Reunion on Nov. 8, inviting former students to attend and reconnect during a special VIP pre-show reception. “This is our first alumni event, although former students frequently attend shows,” Yowell noted. “We’ve sent out emails and have published posts on social media, and we’re asking former students to spread the word.” Cost to attend “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is $15 general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for students, and tickets are now available online at delmardrama.ludus.com/200497747. Tickets are also available at the Box Office, which opens at 6:30 p.m. prior to each performance. Proceeds benefit future Del Mar Drama activities and student events.  Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Del Mar Drama majors will perform the principal roles and include Natalie Palacios (Meg), Grant Sykora (Duncan), Giovanni Rodriguez (Doc), Brennen Bellows (Leo), Miguel Cerda (Jack), Logan Barraza (Moose Frank), Aryanna Flores (Audrey), Aiden Berglund (Butch) and Grayson Norval (Florence). Additionally, behind the scenes, 30 students are contributing to set and costume construction, along with another 18 students serving as the backstage running crew during performances. If you’re looking for a few laughs before the holiday season truly starts, Del Mar Drama has the solution. Get your tickets now for “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” and expect to have a side-splitting good time!

Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. What began as a friendly game of flag football between the Del Mar College (DMC) English and Math Departments in 2008 soon became the annual Viking Bowl until 2015––the last time the event was held. The game returned for a new era on Oct. 24 and with a new name … the “Turkey Bowl.” But this gridiron battle for bragging rights and claiming the customized Turkey Bowl trophy was more than just a game. It was a 90th Anniversary celebration with a Birthday Tailgate Party and fun activities for both the campus and general community to enjoy while watching DMC employees from all three campuses inaugurate the new Astroturf field that the Kinesiology and Education Department will use for intramural sports and future Turkey Bowl games. The event began with the tailgate party, along with fundraising and other activities, at the running track next to the Kinesiology Complex and Gymnasium on the Heritage Campus.  DMC students kicked things off with a Victory Lap around the running track surrounding the playing field to celebrate mid-term success. Additionally, before game play started, the National Anthem and Del Mar College’s Alma Mater (spirit song) were sung prior to the coin toss to determine which team held the ball first. Besides the game, half-time was just as entertaining. Students took part in various competitions, including Tug-of-War  with the winning team including Fabian Gonzales, Lawson Jones, Lauren Laurel, Troy Salinas and Victoria Vela. Winners of the Football Passing Contest were First Place winner Aaron Deleon, Second Place winner Kayla Alexander and Alexus Broome taking Third Place. Spectators were also treated to performances by the Collegiate High School Dance Team and a DMC cheerleading squad made up of employees. For the pigskin competition between Valdar’s Warriors and the Helm Holders, Dr. Carlos Garanzuay, DMC Assistant Professor of Speech, provided play-by-play calls during the game.   Each team featured a mix of faculty and staff from the Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek Campuses to ensure a competitive but fair contest. Coaches received a list of player registrants and conducted a “draft” to select players for each team. La Vockea Wallace, Spirit Coach with the college’s Student Leadership and Campus Life Office, oversaw the selection of referees who officiated the game. More than 120 participants served in various roles, including coaches, team players, referees, water crew, cheerleaders, spirit team, sideline coordinators and Viking volunteers. Omar Villarreal, Director of the Students Success Center and Testing; Eric Moller, Professor of Mathematics; and Lisa Olmos,  Counselor in the Counseling Center, served as coaches for Valdar’s Warriors while the Helm Holders were coached by Dr. Kristy Urbick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and Welding Instructor Ryan Gutierrezor.   Organizer and Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Rita Hernandez says that various student organizations sold food and other items in the concessions area, and the DMC Foundation was on-hand to provide spirit while sharing information about how to support students and their education. When the dust settled, Valdar’s Warriors proved victorious over the Helm Holders with a final score of 28-14. Albert Hernandez was the MVP for the Warriors while Sydney Saumby was the MVP for the Holders.   The college’s bowl game has an extensive history. The first iteration was a flag football game organized between the English and Math Departments and held annually from 2008 through 2010. Two years later, the Viking Bowl was launched as an annual contest pitting then known East Campus against West Campus with the last game held in 2015. Hernandez said the idea to revive the flag football game resurfaced during employee focus groups held as part of the college’s latest strategic plan development. Fellow Turkey Bowl organizer Margot Sorrell, Assistant Instructor in the Stone Writing Center, said that the event was all about building camaraderie. “It’s fun to connect with colleagues and students in a relaxed setting, but this game was high-energy!” Hernandez added that Turkey Bowl 2025 was about Viking pride, teamwork, and celebration where faculty, staff and students came together to honor 90 years of Del Mar excellence. So … get ready for Turkey Bowl 2026! 

Article by DMC College Relations They’re at it, again, with some hit tunes from the 1980s, including Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey,” George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Del Mar College’s Sound Recording Technology Program with the Music Department and the volunteer group, Coalition of the Willing, made up of students, faculty  and other friends of music perform these favorites in one of the SRT teaching studios on the Heritage Campus. Del Mar College’s Music Department offers a Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sound Recording. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/degrees/sound-recording-technology/index.html or contacting the Music Office at 361-698-1211 or music@delmar.edu. Whether you wore Cowboy boots and a hat, highly teased hair and leather pants or androgenous fashion style and lipstick, there’s something for everyone with this trio of songs covered by the SRT@DMC. Enjoy!

Article by Melinda Eddleman They served our country, and now Del Mar College (DMC) is honored to serve them. Acknowledgement of DMC and its Veterans Services staff’s commitment to veteran students and family members who attend the college came as a 2025 “Gold” Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) in early September and announced by Gov. Greg Abbott (online release). The college is one of 33 two- and four-year public higher education institutions to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award based on criteria set forth by the TVC and outlined in the Governor’s release. This year’s award is the second for DMC, receiving a Bronze Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award in 2022. During the DMC Board of Regents regular meeting held on Oct. 14, the college recognized Veterans Services staff and the award they earned. Additionally, District Director Scott Bauer and Field Representative Carrie Moore from U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud’s district office presented a Congressional Recognition acknowledging the dedication and assistance the college’s veteran students receive from Veterans Services. The Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award was established by the Texas Legislature and is given after thorough review of college and university applicants that demonstrate educational excellence and support services that “significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.” The deadline for nomination applications was April 1, 2025, and the TVC requested data from the 2023-2024 academic year for its 2025 award. For Del Mar College, a total of 683 veteran students were enrolled during the end of that academic year. Additionally, 381 received Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits while 302 received Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions. Financial support also comes from the American G.I. Forum of South Texas and the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation in the form of scholarships. Currently, 812 total  veteran students and family members are enrolled in fall 2025 courses with 510  receiving Veterans Affairs benefits and 302 Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions. DMC Veterans Services offers assistance and resources, including offices and lounges (Veterans Resource Centers), on all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek––to exclusively serve veteran students and their families. Reserved for these students, the lounges offer places to use upgraded computers and printers, grab quick snacks or use kitchenette appliances, relax in a family room-type setting and collaborate academically or socially with other student veterans.     Office staff include veterans and veteran dependents who maintain certification through the Veterans Administration Education Department to assist with navigating through the benefits due to anyone who has served as well as their beneficiaries. Veterans Services also employs veteran students through the Veterans Administration (VA) Work Study Program, and they assist staff in campus offices and Veterans Resource Centers. “Our VA Work Study students are our greatest asset because they vocalize across campuses and in classrooms the support offered to this segment of the college’s student population,” noted Dr. Armentrout, adding: “They not only help our staff but also assist other student veterans using our facilities, and they contribute during recruitment activities and special events calling for support and participation, including Paws and Relax during finals, the Toys for Tots toy drive during the holidays and the annual Fall Festival. Outside the college, Veterans Services staff interact with the Nueces and San Patricio Veterans Services Offices and other local veterans’ organizations, even holding memberships, along with attending the weekly Nueces County Veterans Roundtable, to promote higher education after separation from the military. Additionally, DMC Veterans Services partners with the region’s Military Entrance Processing Station in San Antonio for weekly administering of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a free test for military enlistment that assesses candidates’ strengths. Additionally, DMC Veterans Services offers to faculty and staff unaffiliated with military service orientations and workshops that familiarize them with the challenges and adjustment veteran students and dependents experience after re-entering the civilian world. Employees learn to identify characteristics among the veteran student population to best serve them in and outside the classroom when on campus. View the recognition presentation below. A PDF file of the Congressional Recognition is available in the upper righ- hand corner.  

Article by  DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Oct. 14, 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 facility 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 as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/final-board-packet-10-14-25.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 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.