Another milestone…DMC presents special stole, recognizes first 14 graduates of new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree during July 10 ceremony
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July
2025
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19:43 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Online program launched in fall 2024 with over 250 students starting journeys toward finishing college’s second bachelor’s degree
Article by Melinda Eddleman
They walked one-by-one to the front to receive a special stole that recognized their hard work after spending nearly a year completing Del Mar College’s (DMC) newest bachelor’s degree. The July 10 ceremony was in part a celebration of their accomplishment and as recognition of another “first” for the college.
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After 90 years, we still have firsts. Lots of them, so we’re celebrating some trailblazers at Del Mar College today––the first cohort to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. In one year, they’ve built upon their associate’s degrees and will soon receive bachelor’s degrees.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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Those students include 13 who previously completed an associate’s degree––some more than one––from Del Mar College, along with one who earned her degree from Austin Community College (ACC). The college’s first BAS OML degree graduates include Justin Autry, Elizabeth Barron, Michael Castillo, Maria Elizondo, Loretta Garcia (ACC grad), Julia Lail, Nelly Lopez, Monica Martinez, Diana Mireles, Alfred Olivarez, Roxette Ramos, Ryan Rios, Christa Yda and Marisol Ynfante.
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This group of graduates exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and career advancement, and Del Mar College proudly congratulates them on completing our newest baccalaureate degree program. Their diverse academic and professional backgrounds––ranging from healthcare to public service to technology to culinary arts––highlight the flexibility and real-world relevance of this innovative degree.
Dr. Jennifer Sramek, DMC Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences
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BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_071025_Group Photo
Del Mar College held a stole presentation ceremony to recognize the first 14 students to complete the college\s mew Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. Among the students, administrators and DMC Board of Regents who participated are (back row from left) Christa Yde, Alfred Olivarez, Maria Elizondo, Elizabeth Barron, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla and At-large Regent Dr. Anantha Babbili. The front row line-up from left includes District 4 Regent Dr. Laurie Turner, Marisol Ynfante, Roxette Ramos, Diana Mireles, Monica Martinez, Julia Lail, Loretta Garcia and Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_Graduate Elizabeth Barron_First Cohort 071025
Barron, who currently works in the Nursing Success Center with the college’s Nurse Education Department, earned her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Management and Leadership from DMC last fall and chose to continue her studies to earn the new bachelor’s degree.
The 1992 King High School graduate noted that “returning to school can feel intimidating; but with determination and a clear goal in mind, anything is possible.”
She credits her husband, family, friends and Nurse Education Department faculty and students she works with for encouraging her to push forward and earn the BAS OML degree and says that “the support you’ll find […] along the way is what makes this program truly special.”
How did Barron accomplish her goal to earn the new degree in such a short time?
“I completed my prerequisites before entering the BAS program and set a personal goal to finish them early so I could fully focus on my [bachelor-level] courses,” she said. “However, the program is so well designed that students can balance prerequisite courses alongside their BAS classes if needed. This program offers incredible flexibility for working adults and busy families, and it’s built to help you succeed.”
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My goal in earning this degree is to grow into a leadership role within higher education and continue supporting student success initiatives at Del Mar College. For others who are thinking about enrolling in the BAS OML degree program, don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful.
Elizabeth Barron, Summer 2025 Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership Graduate
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BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol Scott
Del Mar College celebrated its first 14 students to complete the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree with a stole presentation ceremony on July 10, 2025. Among speakers was DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott. The Board approved the new degree program in spring 2024 with DMC launching the program in the fall. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_DMC Business Administration and Entrepreneurshiip Department Faculty and Dean_071025
On July 10, 2025, Del Mar College recognized its first 14 students to complete the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree, which launched in fall 2024. Anong faculty with the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship who taught classes during the 2024-2025 academic year and attending a stole presentation ceremony for the graduates were (from Left) Dr. Charles “Chip” Campbell, Gregory Sanchez, Dawn Liguez, Dr. Jennifer Sramek, Bradley Norquist, Jerry Henry and Newman Wong. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_Interim Department Chair Bradley Norquist
Bradley Norquist, Interim Chair of Del Mar College’s Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, addresses individuals attending the college’s July 10, 2025, celebration for the first 14 graduates of the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. As the first cohort to complete the program, the graduates received a special stole recognizing their accomplishment. Credit: DMC College Relations)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
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