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- MUSIC: Buccaneer Days Music FestivalMay 10, 2024 7:30 AM | Buccaneer Days Music Festival in Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance HallAmerican Classic Tours & Music Festivals offers exemplary music festivals for elementary, middle and high school music groups across the state. And, as part of Buccaneer Days or Buc Days 2024, the company is holding their Buccaneer Classic Festival at Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance Hall, a venue is known for its outstanding acoustics and reputation for hosting live music performance events on the Heritage Campus. Festival performances are scheduled Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. The company began producing music festivals in 1989 and continues to offer the highest quality of music festivals featuring quality adjudication and beautiful awards. This year’s Buccaneer Days Festival features middle through high school concert band, string orchestra and jazz band participants from Texas and Oklahoma. Performances are free and open to the public.• Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Buccaneer Days Music Festival.• Location: Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at music@delmar.edu or 361-698-1214.
- MUSIC: Buccaneer Days Music FestivalMay 11, 2024 7:30 AM | Buccaneer Days Music Festival in Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance HallAmerican Classic Tours & Music Festivals offers exemplary music festivals for elementary, middle and high school music groups across the state. And, as part of Buccaneer Days or Buc Days 2024, the company is holding their Buccaneer Classic Festival at Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance Hall, a venue is known for its outstanding acoustics and reputation for hosting live music performance events on the Heritage Campus. Festival performances are scheduled Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. The company began producing music festivals in 1989 and continues to offer the highest quality of music festivals featuring quality adjudication and beautiful awards. This year’s Buccaneer Days Festival features middle through high school concert band, string orchestra and jazz band participants from Texas and Oklahoma. Performances are free and open to the public.• Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Buccaneer Days Music Festival.• Location: Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at music@delmar.edu or 361-698-1214.
- DMC History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone Designated Today as a Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor”Article by Melinda Eddleman Colleagues with the Del Mar College (DMC) Social Sciences Department and administrators filed into History Professor Dr. Bryan Stone’s classroom one by one this morning. Students in the faculty member’s class, HIST 1302 U.S. History 1865 to Present, looked a little perplexed. But, the purpose became clear when College officials presented Dr. Stone with a certificate designating him a 2024 “Piper Professor,” along with a $5,000 honorarium check and commemorative gold pin. The recognition comes from the San Antonio-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with nominations for the pinnacle of Texas higher education awards submitted by invitation only. Each year, the Piper Foundation honors only 10 professors from public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities from across the state, and the honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific and scholarly achievements. As a 2024 Piper Professor, Dr. Stone joins 10 other honorees named before him from Del Mar College since 1960. He’s also the first nominee since 2005 to receive the distinction. Fellow History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins, who nominated Dr. Stone for the award, noted, “Bryan is a model scholar-teacher who excels at every aspect of being a professor at a community-minded institution. He is a prolific author of three books and many articles, a supportive colleague who brings out the best in those he works with and a dedicated member of the local community who is eager to share his time and expertise beyond the College, so it’s a great honor to have Bryan as a colleague and a pleasure to see him receive this well-deserved award.” With over 27 years of teaching experience from previous teaching positions and his role at DMC, Dr. Stone joined the College’s faculty in August 2004 as an Assistant Professor and moved up the ranks to become Professor in 2015. He is the 2019 recipient of Del Mar College’s own award that recognizes exceptional teaching, the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, and a 2021 Teacher of the Year Award recipient for which the College’s student body selects. Dr. Stone has now added the Piper Professor Award and humbly noted, “When I received notification that I was one of only 10 recipients in the state, I was thrilled and grateful but also more than a little surprised. After a quarter of a century teaching in community college classrooms, trying to support my students and colleagues as well as I can, trying to keep up with a profession that keeps changing and always unsure if I was succeeding, it’s extremely meaningful to receive this confirmation that it’s working.” His colleague Dr. Robbins added, “Bryan imparts on his students a style of learning history that is simultaneously exciting, complex, thought-provoking and deeply relevant. Hhis students come away from his classes ready to engage pressing issues in their national and local communities and with the skill sets to not only excel in further history coursework but also to succeed outside the classroom.” In fact, outside the classroom, Dr. Stone has served on 24 College committees during his tenure, ranging from academic, peer and program reviews and hiring to institutional rebranding, strategic planning, professional development and student support, among others. He has also provided insight and expertise while serving in different roles with outside organizations such as the City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission, Congregation Beth Israel Corpus Christi, the Austin Jewish Film Festival and Southern Jewish History (managing editor) as well as served as an expert witness regarding the history of antisemitism in Dallas as part of a death row inmate’s application for a new trial. Dr. Stone has authored three books, including The Chosen Folks, Jews on the Frontiers of Texas (University of Texas Press, 2014), Memories of Two Generations: A Jewish Life in Russia and Texas, the Memoir of Alexander Z. Gurwitz (University of Alabama Press. 2016) and Neither Fish Nor Fowl: A Jewish Family on the Rio Grande, the Memoir of Morris S. Riskind (Texas Tech University Press, forthcoming 2024/2025). Additionally, he has penned numerous articles and given presentations locally as well as during conferences across the country. The practicing historian has even been interviewed for video documentaries and by National Public Radio. Prior to joining the College’s Social Sciences Department faculty, Dr. Stone taught at The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) and Dawson Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English (summa cum laude) and his doctoral degree in American Studies and Civilization from UT-Austin and a master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia. FYI: Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation “Piper Professor of the Year” Awards The Texas-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation currently honors 10 professors from colleges and universities from across the state each academic year. The honor recognizes educators’ dedication to the teaching profession and their outstanding academic, scientific, and scholarly achievements. Each honoree receives certificates naming them a “Piper Professor,” a gold commemorative pin, and a $5,000 cash honorarium. Each year, eligibility for nominations is by invitation only from the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation with the name of only one nominee allowed from the Texas institutions asked to participate. Eleven Del Mar College faculty members have received the distinction of “Piper Professor” since 1960 with the most recent honor awarded May 1, 2024. Those honorees include: 2024 – Dr. Bryan Stone, History 2005 – Jackie Ganshow, Speech Communication 2002 – Dr. Ken Weatherbie, History 1996 _ Dr. Norman Delaney, History 1993 _ Mary Thorpe, Geology 1984 – Dr. Ronald Williams, Engineering Technology 1974 – Frances Dushek, Mathematics 1971 – Dr. Aileen Creighton, English 1966 – Dr. P.E. Smith, Chemistry 1963 – B.E. Schulze, Physics 1960 – Katherine Evans, English EDITOR'S NOTE: Click photos to enlarge, read cutlines and download high resolution JPEGs.
- “Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography” Opens May 2 with Free Reception at DMC’s Center for Economic DevelopmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman They’re fully focused … on photography, that is. And, their talent and ability to show their own perspectives of the world through a camera lens will be highlighted during the Del Mar College (DMC) Continuing Education Department’s opening reception for “Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography” on Thursday, May 2. Showcasing 12 Digital Photography students’ creative views, the opening reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The free event includes light refreshments while participants view over 60 photographs, some even available for purchase. Questions about the opening reception, exhibit or Continuing Education courses and programs? Contact DMC Continuing Education at 61-698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu. You can also go online at www.delmar.edu/ce. The Spring 2024 Digital Photography class includes Dora Alaniz, Matthew Benavides, Patricia Bradshaw, Leticia De la Garza, Ronald George, Blanca Gutierrez, Philip Johnson, Rosa M. Lazaro, Jordan Mandujano, Rainey Porter, Mary Sherwood and Shirley Sorsby. And, their subject matter ranges from landscapes to still life to nature with all captured as digital photographs. The free exhibit will remain open until Thursday, May 23. Center hours are 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays.
- DMC Hosts Denim Day 2024 to Observe Sexual Assault Awareness MonthArticle by Melinda Eddleman Since 1998, denim jeans have been the symbol of injustice stemming from the ruling by an Italian Supreme Court that overturned a rape conviction that year. The justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the assailant who raped her remove those jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity against that decision. Now, wearing jeans or other denim clothing on “Denim Day” signifies solidarity against rape as part of internationally-recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month because of that case. All around the world, the last Wednesday in April is recognized as Denim Day with 2024 marking 25 years since the observance and the Peace Over Violence campaign began. Del Mar College (DMC) participated on April 24 with its own Denim Day event on the Heritage Campus, which was organized by the DMC Counseling Center in conjunction with representatives from The Purple Door and the College’s Student Leadership & Campus Life Office, along with a Registered Student Organization. “Denim Day highlights breaking the stigma related to victim blaming and destructive myths surrounding sexual violence, and Del Mar College’s Counseling Center hosts this event every year to show support for survivors, bring awareness to the campus community, provide resources and let people know that they are not alone,” said Lisa Olmos, LPC, a Counselor with the center about the event. “And, the College’s Counseling Center offers a free confidential place our students can access to receive support and mental health counseling services.” She also noted that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American is assaulted every 68 seconds, and studies show over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. During DMC Denim Day 2024, the Counseling Center, The Purple Door and the RSO called the American Association of University Women set up tables with information about available local resources for students and anyone attending the event who need help. Students, faculty and staff wore their own denim but also decorated denim jeans by writing encouraging messages to share with survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, organizers handed out giveaways and snacks while also providing a selfie venue set up with the College’s oversized “DMC” letters in front of posters and pre-decorated jeans to acknowledge Denim Day 2024. Of the day’s event, Olmos added, “We want to build awareness while encouraging individuals to seek available resources if they have experienced sexual violence or know of someone else who needs help.” Note: click on photos to enlarge in pop-up box, download and get cultines.
- Table Tennis anyone? Del Mar College Kinesiology Program hosting two-day tournament play April 26-27Article by Melinda Eddleman Repost: April 24, 2024 Original Post: March 29, 2024 You might know the game as ping pong. But, for serious tournament-worthy players familiar with game rules, “table tennis” is the appropriate term, and Del Mar College’s (DMC) Kinesiology Program is hosting two days of non-sanctioned USA Table Tennis tournament play April 26-27 in the Heritage Campus Gymnasium at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Spectators are welcome to watch the competition each day. 2024 Vikings Table Tennis Tournament organizers note that the competition is in honor of the late Doug Wade (June 9, 1942 – Oct. 9, 2014), a landscape architect who not only left his mark around Corpus Christi through various landscaping projects but also co-founded the Corpus Christi Table Tennis Club in the early 1990s. Three-hour practice sessions were the norm and held on the third floor of the YMCA, ending with Wade telling everyone “Happy Trails” and flashing a contagious smile. Tournament play includes Friday, April 26, as the DMC Open for the College’s students and employees and Saturday, April 27, as the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin for anyone from the public wanting to compete and show-off their table tennis savvy. DMC community members interested in playing Saturday, too, may do so but must register separately for both Tennis Tournament Opens. Cost for the DMC Open is $10 with in-person registration starting at 5 p.m. and tournament play running 6 to 10 p.m. The fee for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin is $15, which includes a Continental breakfast, with in-person registration beginning at 8 a.m. and tournament play running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Payment for both days of play will be collected in cash and in-person each day. Online registration is now underway for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin. Scroll down to “Texas” and click on the “Register” button next to “Vikings SP 2024 Table Tennis Tournament - in honor of Doug Wade” (get the flyer). The Omni-Pong website requires fast, easy and free registration with the site before individuals can register for the tournament. DMC students and employees can register in advance for the April 26 tournament by contacting Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu. Play includes A, B, C and D Divisions with cash prizes for the A and B Divisions and trophies for the C and D Divisions. Prize money will be dependent upon the number of entries. Additionally, proceeds after prizes are awarded will benefit the DMC Viking Food Pantry. April 26 matches will be “best three” out of five games to 11 during the DMC Open. On April 27 during the Corpus Christi Open, the 9 a.m. Round 1 will include players seeded into Round Robin groups of four to five players based on rating. Round 2 at 1 p.m. includes players being seeded into the A through D Divisions depending on group placing in Round 1. If more than 30 entrants participate, Round 3 will include the top two players from each group in each division advancing to a single-elimination bracket. Questions? Contact the DMC Kinesiology Program’s Intramural Director Dr. Carla Vela at 361-698-1337 or cgamez@delmar.edu or Recreation Supervisor Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College Names Matthew Busby as Vice President of Development and Donor AdvisingArticle by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College (DMC) officials recently announced that Matthew Busby has been appointed as Vice President of Development and Donor Advising. He will lead the DMC Foundation team, focusing on building philanthropic support and meaningful engagement among donors, alumni and supporters of the College. Busby joined the College in January 2019, serving most recently as Associate Vice President of Development and providing leadership and strategic vision to fundraising efforts. More than $18 million has been donated to the College with multiple record fundraising years after Busby became a member of the DMC Development Office. Additionally, nearly $11 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 8,400 students; and, more than $540,000 has been awarded to students facing emergency situations, allowing them to stay on-track with their education. He added, “I look forward to increasing our listening and support of students, faculty, staff and supporters. Together with our community partners, we will take philanthropy to greater heights in striving for excellence and innovation.” Busby has 16 years of experience with Texas community colleges. He previously served in a fundraising position at College of the Mainland in Texas City and in fundraising, academic advising and financial aid positions at Hill College. He is a Past President of the Texas Association of Community College Foundations and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. He holds an Associate in Arts degree from Temple College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University in Waco and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Busby also holds the professional credential of Certified Fund Raising Executive. About the Del Mar College Foundation Established in 1983, the Del Mar College Foundation is people helping people. The Foundation provides scholarships, supports educational programs and works with other organizations to help remove barriers for students. We identify and develop resources that help solve problems in our community. Ninety percent (90%) of Del Mar College students come from the local area and remain in the community. As students join the local workforce, the credentials they earn at Del Mar College increase their earning potential, empowering them to become productive, contributing citizens. Their lives and the lives of their families are forever changed by the newfound prospect of financial stability. The Foundation’s goal is to provide the resources needed for all students to have the ability to achieve their educational goals. Learn more about the DMC Foundation at www.delmar.edu/foundation. (Editor's note: click on photo to enlarge and download.)