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DMC News
Meeting a high benchmark…Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program receives ASE Training Program Accreditation
Article by Melinda Eddleman On July 24, De Mar College (DMC) Automotive Applied Technology majors demonstrated why the college recently received the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation’s Training Program Accreditation. The accreditation runs through May 1, 2030. Enrolled in the Engine Repair and Automotive Engine Performance Analysis class this summer, the 10 students showed off their hands-on skills using Consulab trainers to practice diagnostics system testing in a controlled lab setting as well as applied other skills on actual fleet vehicles for assessment to ensure they can perform real-world automotive service and repair tasks that meet ASE standards. The need for skilled automotive technicians and mechanics continues to grow and will exceed 60,000 nationally by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Locally, the Coastal Bend region shows high demand among employers to fill these positions in part due to a growing population generating increased vehicle registrations, along with a growing number of experienced technicians retiring from the field, according to Paul Creacy, Del Mar College (DMC) Interim Chair of the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department. ASE accreditation acknowledges that a training program meets industry-recognized standards for quality and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive service field. The accreditation ensures students’ training aligns with the skills needed for ASE certification testing. In a letter from the ASE Education Foundation, President Mike Coley stated, “We compliment you for attaining the level of excellence recognized by the ASE Education Foundation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to [offering a] quality automotive training program.” The foundation also sent a plaque. “Employers recognize ASE accreditation as a mark of quality and consistency, increasing the employability and earning potential of our graduates,” said Creacy. “It confirms that our students are trained on up-to-date vehicles, technologies and diagnostics and have been taught by instructors with real-world expertise.” Creacy also noted, “Our students are employed across a wide range of dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet services and government agencies.” Examples include AutoNation, General Motors, Hicks Automotive and Mike Shaw dealerships; the City of Corpus Christi’s Fleet Services; the Nueces County Maintenance Department and the Corpus Christi Independent School District’s Transportation Department, among others. To become ASE certified, individuals must meet certain qualifications and pass a series of online tests, including those covering brakes, steering/suspension, engine repair, electrical systems, heating/air conditioning and automatic transmissions. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE for short, conducts testing at Prometric Testing Centers across the country in a controlled environment with a certified proctor, and ASE certification is directly awarded to applicants who successfully complete each test. The Corpus Christi Prometric Testing Center is located at 6001 S. Staples. DMC Automotive Instructor Duane Beadle said, “We encourage our students to take exams at the appropriate time as they complete relevant courses.” On average, the DMC Automotive Applied Technology Program serves 20 to 30 students per semester with approximately 5 to 10 graduating annually, earning either Level 1 or 2 Certificates or their Associate of Applied Science degree. Creacy says these numbers are steadily increasing as the program continues to expand its dual credit offerings to high school students and engages in outreach and recruiting events at their schools. In the Corpus Christi area, the typical starting pay for entry-level automotive technicians is between $16 and $20 per hour. Experienced ASE certified technicians earn $25 to $35-plus per hour depending on their specialization. To become an ASE accredited program, the process is rigorous and comprehensive. Over several months, DMC faculty and staff compiled and submitted documentation covering the following: Curriculum alignment with ASE standards, Instructor credentials and ASE certifications, Advisory committee feedback and industry input, Facility, tool and equipment inventory, Student learning outcomes and job placement rates, and Classroom safety procedures and lab practices. Additionally, an on-site evaluation was conducted by a team of industry professionals who verified that the program met national benchmarks in all required areas. To learn more about DMC’s Automotive Applied Technology Program, learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/degrees/automotive-applied-technology/index.html or contacting the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department at 361-698-1725 or pcreacy@delmar.edu. Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
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
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. He noted that the first 14 graduates are what success looks like, saying “They now have in their arsenal the expertise in organizational management and leadership that can propel them to new horizons in their careers, whether they’re skilled technicians, seasoned professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs.” The college launched its newest bachelor’s degree program last fall; but the 14 honorees who began their studies 11 months ago completed the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS OML) degree in less than a year. 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. The BAS OML degree is the second bachelor’s degree that the college now offers. In fall 2021, DMC launched its first through the Nurse Education Department––the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree––that provides for RNs holding associate’s degrees to complete their baccalaureate-level training. Of note, DMC administrators’ original expectation was to enroll 30 students in the new degree program last fall. However, more than 775 individuals requested information about the BAS OML degree during spring and summer 2024 with 256 beginning online studies last fall. Among those who start3d the program last fall was Elizabeth Barron, who received her stole July 10. 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.” Approved by the DMC Board of Regents in spring 2024 and offered completely online through the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, the BAS OML degree program targets individuals in the workforce who already hold an associate’s degree and are ready to expand their expertise in organizational management and leadership, including those working as skilled technicians, seasoned professionals, employees aiming for higher leadership positions or individuals considering becoming an entrepreneur. The BAS OML degree also targets new DMC students who are beginning their studies in any of the college’s 55 programs that can transition into the new bachelor’s degree after students complete their AAS degree in their selected major. The BAS OML degree is stackable, meaning it builds upon the foundation acquired by earning one of the applicable associate’s degrees currently available and offers a comprehensive skill set necessary in today’s competitive market. Of the first 14 students completing their BAS OML degree this summer and receiving their stole on July 10, Dr. Sramek said, “These graduates are already making an impact across industries, and their success sets a strong foundation for future generations For anyone interested in starting DMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program this fall, information about program requirements, the admissions process and an online form to get started are available at www.delmar.edu/basoml. Interested individuals can also inquire about the program at basoml@delmar.edu or 361-698-1372. Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
Del Mar College’s TexPREP Summer Camp Participants Showcased Robotics and Engineering Skills on Media Day
Symbolic logic, problem solving, physics and linear coding ... those are subjects you don’t normally think sixth and seventh graders would spend time covering during the first part of their summer break. In fact, those subjects sound more like what upper-level high school or college students would take during summer semester courses. But for nearly 50 area middle school youth, that’s exactly how they’ve spent the past six weeks as participants with Del Mar College’s Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program or TexPREP. The annual summer camp is free and offered through an application process to students demonstrating strong academic aptitude, especially in mathematics. “Our goal is to prepare these students to excel while attending college, not to just get into college,” said James Shollenberger, DMC Professor of Mathematics and TexPREP Co-director. “We believe students who complete the college’s TexPREP program are going to progress forward and finish their bachelor’s degree and any further academic work that they would choose to pursue.” TexPREP is a statewide initiative that began in 1979 at The University of Texas at San Antonio to encourage middle school- through early high school-age students to pursue studies and careers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Del Mar College introduced TexPREP to its summer youth programming in 2000. The program’s longevity has been made possible by the 13-year lead sponsorship from Flint Hills Resources with overall donations reaching nearly $300,000. “Our 13-year partnership with Del Mar College through the TexPREP program reflects our mutual commitment to preparing students for success in STEM fields,” said Kara Rivas, Public Affairs Manager at Flint Hills Resources. “We look forward to continuing this shared vision and nurturing the next generation of leaders.” The college’s rigorous TexPREP is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Students who complete each program year can earn one elective credit for every camp they attend. The coursework and projects become more advanced each progressive year that students complete. Shollenberger noted campers can start high school with almost a half semester of credits by completing all three program years and even use those credits to graduate early. The college’s TexPREP utilizes project-based learning that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Bridge building introduces campers to civil engineering, robotics to mechanical engineering and computer programming and vehicle model building to electrical engineering and aerodynamics. Members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects also teach and mentor second-year students as they build models while learning the principles behind designing such wonders. Students also learn more about STEM-based career opportunities with guest speakers sharing their experiences and the skills and knowledge needed to enter their fields. This year those speakers included representatives from the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Corpus Christi City Council, Del Mar College, Flint Hills Resources, Hansoni Inc., MEG Corp, Steel Dynamics, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Valero and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, among other guests. Additionally, the program focuses on serving underrepresented populations, including youth who will be first-generation college-going students in their families and those nontraditionally represented in the STEM fields. Demographic data for 2014-2024 show that DMC TexPREP participation has been nearly 50% female, including one-third Hispanic female and three-quarters Hispanic and African American among students attending the summer program. Half of the participants were prospective first-generation college students with over 25% being female. Additionally, historical data for all PREP students shows on average: approximately 44% completing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline compared to 15% nationally, three-quarters completing a bachelor’s degree are from underrepresented and/or minority groups compared to less than one-third nationally, and nearly 70% who complete a bachelor’s degree do so in a STEM discipline and are from an underrepresented and/or minority group compared to 31% nationally. To learn more about the college’s TexPREP, visit www.delmar.edu/ccprep.
11th annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar offering panels on art, dance and music on Saturday, July 26
Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Murals, mariachis and traditional Mexican dance are among the highlights of this year’s Summer Seminar, which is presented annually by the Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program at Del Mar College (DMC), which offers an Associate in Arts degree. The 11th annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar, “Community, Culture y Más” is scheduled from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, on the first floor of the Solomon Coles Building, which is located on DMC’s Heritage Campus. The event is free and open to the public. However, attendees are encouraged to register to help organizers plan for breakfast and lunch activities. Visit the online Summer Seminar event page to register at www.delmar.edu/degrees/mexican-american-studies/summer/index.html. For further questions, contact MAS Coordinator and Social Sciences faculty member Dr. Isabel Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu. The day promises to offer a substantive immersion into topics and issues related to Mexican Americans, culture and experience. Panels will address a wide variety of topics, including art, identity, language, mariachi music and the importance of Mexican American Studies programs. “The seminar will begin with a ceremonial Mexica danza conducted by the group Kapulli Ollin Papalotl,” says Dr. Isabel Araiza, DMC Assistant Professor of Sociology and MAS Coordinator. “During the afternoon, they have graciously volunteered to participate on a panel to discus traditional Mexica danza, the artifacts they use and how they became a part of this group.” Araiza also adds that organizers are excited to share that this year’s keynote speaker is artist and DMC alumnus Tony Armadillo, who designed the Connections Mural, which was painted on the side of the K Space Building in Downtown Corpus Christi by muralist Sandra Gonzalez and 45 teen artists in 2019. The 2025 MAS Summer Seminar is the first for Armadillo to serve as a speaker. “If people are familiar with the murals in the Downtown District, they’ve probably appreciated and been awed by Mr. Armadillo’s work,” Araiza notes. “He is a renowned local artist whose work has been shown and won awards across Texas and the nation, so he will discuss his work and creative process when he speaks during the seminar.” Another item of interest, Araiza notes, is a morning panel featuring scholars and artists who recently published “Somos Tejanas: Chicana Identity and Culture in Texas.” Panelists will share details about the book, which explores the complexity of identity by weaving together poetry, art, history, and personal experiences. Given music’s importance to the cultural traditions of the Mexican American community, Araiza says she’s excited to have Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Amanda Marquez, a faculty member who is also a co-founder of the university’s Mariachi Festival, as a presenter. She will cover the history of mariachi music. While organizers have held previous seminars in other college locations, this year’s full-day event will take place in the Coles Building which also houses the Center for Mexican American Studies. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit the center, which is a community space, and to learn about projects the center has planned for the near future. The college’s Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar dates to 2014. “This annual event is a gift to the community from former English Professor Mike Anzaldúa, who was deeply involved at Del Mar College from 1969 until his death in 2012,” Araiza says, adding, “The summer seminar is a unique opportunity for the community to learn about itself and our experiences.”
Del Mar College Choir Camps offer early opportunity for high school singers to work on 2026 TMEA All-State Audition repertoire
Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For young Coastal Bend singers, the long road to potentially earn a spot with one of four All-State choirs begins at Del Mar College (DMC). The honor includes performing during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Convention at the Henry B. González Center in San Antonio early next year. This week (June 30-July 3), the college’s Music Department is hosting the TMEA All-State Choir Camp for small schools, which consists of 40 students from smaller high schools in the area––including A.C. Jones (Beeville), La Feria Early College (La Feria), Sinton and Tuloso-Midway high schools. The Small School Choir Camp will wrap up with a free concert in Richardson Performance Hall this Thursday, July 3, at 4 p.m. The performance is open to the public. For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1211 or music@delmar.edu. Last week, the department held its Large School Choir Camp for 90 students who attend King, Ray, Carroll, Moody, Miller, Veterans Memorial, Gregory-Portland, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Shoemaker (Killeen), United (Laredo) and Donna North high schools. Home-schooled students from Bridgeway Academy also attended the camp. The camps are designed to prepare students for the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir audition process according to Dr. Mirae Lee, DMC Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. In addition to serving as camp director, Lee also conducts the full choir each week for the camp concert finale. In addition to the Music faculty member, nine current and retired high school choir directors as well as DMC Music students help run the camps. During the Large School camp, students participated during an online session with guest clinicians Dr. Shekela Wanyama and Dr. Marcela Molina, both from the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir. Campers were provided a sneak peek at the All-State Choir repertoire, which was released in May. Early preparation during the college’s camps will serve students well as they prepare for the audition process, which consists of four stages: District, Region, Pre-Area and Area. The camps also offer sight-reading sessions, which are required for the TMEA audition, as well as diction classes, vocal health instruction and vocalization practice. Dr. Lee notes that Del Mar College is the only institution in South Texas offering this unique opportunity to small school students. “These activities are designed to help students better understand the vocal system and improve their singing skills,” she says. However, the camps are not all work. Campers participate in fun team-building activities throughout the week. Dr. Carla Gamez-Vela, DMC Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Intermural Sports Director, leads a line-dancing session, and campers can take part during other activities such as karaoke, a talent show and a mini-Olympics event, along with a pool party with pizza and an ice cream social. “Our camps allow students to stay musically engaged over the summer, strengthening their skills and preparing for the All-State audition process. It’s a unique blend of focused training and fun, led by local passionate educators,” Dr. Lee says. “I’m proud that Del Mar College is an institution that supports the dreams of local students, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission by helping camp participants grow, achieve and stay inspired.”